Ken Nguyen
Head of Web3 & AI at Diagram Ventures
Ken Nguyen
Head of Web3 & AI at Diagram Ventures
Los Angeles, California
Overview
Work Experience
Partner, Head of Web3 & AI
2022 - Current
Web3 and AI venture building and investment. Boards: ► Conduit Financial: Stablecoin payments infrastructure in EM ► Helika: Web3 / Web2 Gaming analytics infrastructure ► Axle Automation: GenAI enabled work flow automation for compliance teams ► Katara: AI Agent powered workflow tools for DevX teams
Founder, Managing Partner
2021
Launched and manage independent investment and advisory firm focused on blockchain and digital assets ► Advise blockchain companies on capital raising, GTM strategy, strategic partnerships, token economics (e.g. Wave Financial, Cub3, Phlote, Collateral Velocity) ► Advise blockchain funds on capital raising, investment strategy, portfolio construction, deal sourcing (e.g. Dialectic, Symbolic Capital, Off the Chain Capital, Sustany Capital) ► Invest in companies (Angel, Seed, A), cryptoassets (private, public), and selectively in funds (GP, LP stakes)
General Partner
2020
Value investments in blockchain companies & digital assets
Advisor
2022 - 2022
Digital asset focused multi-family office
Advisor
2022 - 2022
Blockchain VC fund Cofounded by Sandeep Nailwal (Polygon) and Kenzi Wang (Cere Network)
Advisor
2021 - 2022
Tokenized medical receivables
Advisor
2021 - 2022
Digital asset management firm with $1.5B+ AUM
Advisor
2021 - 2021
Blockchain VC Fund
Managing Director, Investments
2015 - 2020
► Led investment team and served as senior strategist at multi-B family office; entrepreneurial focus at tech intersection of sports, media, entertainment, financial services, and real estate ► Led thematic research, sourcing, execution, and management of control and strategic minority investments ► Led investment underwriting, strategy, business planning, and token modeling for incubated blockchain ventures ► Served as senior strategist for $1B global portfolio of companies, funds, JVs, and special projects ► Built network of over 200 high AUM family offices to source unique deal flow and capital Blockchain Incubations / Investments: Project Liberty (full stack Web3 social project including the Frequency parachain on Polkadot and decentralized social network protocol); Amplica Labs (Dapps and tooling); Undisclosed cryptoasset analytics and trading company; NAX (New Asset Exchange) Group; blockchain ticketing for sports (discontinued) Sports Tech / Real Estate Tech: Overwatch League - Paris Eternal; Dugout; Full Stack Modular Infrastructure: Incubated Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies in LA (https://www.laart.la/) to connect Union Station to Dodger Stadium. JVs / Funds: Seed investment for MGG Investment Group (special situations direct lending fund); McCourt Partners - Launched $1B investment JV Sports: Olympique de Marseille Football Club; Global Champions; Conqur Endurance Group Commercial Real Estate: Portfolio with 5M developable sq. ft. in LA, Hudson Yards, Miami, London, St. Tropez
Vice President, Restructuring and Special Situations
2007 - 2015
►Joined at inception of global financial crisis after developing a convicted thesis on looming credit market issues at Wharton ►Specialized in deal structuring, negotiation, and analysis in complex special situations as advisor to companies and investors ►Led execution of 16 transactions ($47B in deal value); $38B debt restructured at 14 companies, $4.6B in M&A (4 distressed sales; 2 buy side), and $4B in capital raised across 5 debt financings ►Expertise in providing strategic recommendations to C-suites, Boards, and investors involving business / strategic plans, valuation, investment strategy, capital structure, and liquidity Deals Representing Companies: ► $2.3B record sale and restructuring of the Los Angeles Dodgers; $10B cross-border restructuring of pulp and paper manufacturer AbitibiBowater (IFR Restructuring of Year, 2011); $1.6B exchange offer / refinancing and strategic review for Toys "R" Us; restructuring of General Motors Acceptance Corporation re: Residential Capital ($9B in liabilities); Hawkeye Renewables; Natural Products Group; Pacific Lumber; Global Champions. Deals Representing Private Equity Sponsors, Hedge Funds, Banks, Pensions: ► Sears; Kaupthing; (largest bank in Iceland); Foxwoods Resort Casino; A123 Systems; Indiana Downs; Vitro America; Asian Art Museum