Mick Hagen

Mick Hagen is a tech entrepreneur, angel investor, and philanthropist who is currently the Founder and CEO of Hightop, a digital bank powered by blockchain technology.1 Here are some key details about Mick Hagen:

Career Highlights

• Hightop: Founded in February 2020, Hightop was described as a financial experience for the crypto generation, powered by web3.1 However, in late 2022, Hagen announced that development on Hightop was paused.4

• Mainframe (HiFi): Hagen is the Chairman of Mainframe, an open-source project leveraging decentralized protocols to provide greater financial access, services, and freedom globally.1

• Zinch: His first venture-backed startup, which connected students globally with higher education opportunities. Zinch grew to an international company serving 5 million students and 1000+ universities before being acquired by Chegg in 2011.1

• Cluster Capital: Founded by Hagen, this investment group backs blockchain founders at early stages. Under his leadership, they invested over $50 million in projects like Polkadot, ICON, and Zilliqa.1

Education and Recognition

• Attended Princeton University but dropped out to pursue entrepreneurship.12
• Named by Forbes as one of three "Titans of industry who are bringing crypto to mainstream".1
• Listed among the "100 Most Influential People in Crypto" by Crypto Weekly in 2019.1

Philosophy and Approach

Hagen is known for his enthusiasm and desire to help people access opportunities. He aims to make Web3 and crypto technologies more accessible, stating, "Instead of making everyone come to us (Web3) down the rabbit hole, let's come out of the rabbit hole and go to them. Let's bring it to them, on their terms, where they are."3

Mick Hagen's career demonstrates a consistent focus on leveraging technology to create opportunities and improve financial access for people worldwide.