Nikolaos Kostopoulos

Nikolaos Kostopoulos is Business & Community Manager at Harmony. Researching incentive mechanisms to grow DAOs and contribute in the development of the #DEFI ecosystem. I am an early adopter and evangelist for decentralised ledger technology as a way to improve transparency and grow trust-agnostic economies. From 2016 I am working in tech enterprises building active communities around vibrant startups. Throughout this period I have consulted/ advised blockchain projects. I have supported startups to raise collectively more than 50 Million in early funding stages and grown organically communities of several thousand members. I am a qualified Trainer for EU Commission-funded projects in the domains of innovation, youth entrepreneurship, and EU common culture. Among my key tasks in my grassroots career has been writing grant applications, conducting training, lobbying for EU values, and creating a culture of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial mindset in the relevant target groups. I have supported or facilitated more than 40 EU-funded projects until today since 2012. I have studied Political Science and International Relations at Democritus University of Thrace in Greece. My master degree in EU Studies has given me the opportunity to publish my thesis, which has been among the very first academic papers to argue the need and the method for regulating cryptocurrencies in the European Union. I am a frequent speaker at events related to cryptocurrency and regulation, including: ChainXChange, World Blockchain Forum, Free Market Roadshow in multiple cities, and MoneyShow. I have been published as a guest author focusing on cryptocurrency in outlets including BankingTech, Huffington Post, MarketWatch and Buzzfeed.