Being a founder and entrepreneur since 2017 has been an emotional journey, full of highs and lows, said Edward Woodford. “My passion stems from keeping my core belief at the front of my mind: crypto and stablecoins is a transformative technology that can disrupt the way the global financial system works.”
Woodford’s entrepreneurial journey began during his time at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where his interest in blockchain and crypto was sparked. Although a graduate student, he purchased his first Bitcoin through a crypto ATM, setting the stage for his future ventures.
After MIT, he launched SeedCX, a regulated CFTC business focused on alternative commodities, which taught him valuable lessons about regulation and the complexities of emerging technologies. These insights eventually led him to launch Zero Hash, where he recognized the potential of blockchain technology to reshape the global financial system.
Under Woodford’s leadership, Zero Hash has experienced extraordinary growth, achieving a 31,758% increase in the last three years and serving Fortune 500 companies like Stripe, Interactive Brokers and MoonPay.
“I don’t just focus on Zero Hash; I place my focus on the industry as a collective and ensuring that everyone adheres to the same high standards to ensure that the technology can realize its promise and potential to unlock value for every person and business globally,” said Woodford.
Zero Hash’s success can be attributed to Woodford’s steadfast belief that crypto is a transformative technology, not just an asset class. He decided early on to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains, a decision that paid off during the 2022 crypto crash.
In 2023, Zero Hash refined its strategy by focusing on the integration of fiat, crypto and stablecoins. By offering a unified engine for global transactions, the company enabled Fortune 500 companies like Blackrock and Franklin Templeton to accept stablecoin deposits while settling in fiat.
Beyond business growth, Woodford has always been committed to building a company that embraces remote work. Since its founding, Zero Hash has been fully remote, a decision that has fueled its global expansion. The team, now over 150 employees across 45 countries, operates in a 24/7 global economy.
Woodford has also cultivated a culture of innovation, encouraging employees to experiment with AI and invest in continuous learning, preparing them for the future of work. “I have been able to keep my team, our investors and our customers enthusiastic about being a part of my vision for the future,” he said.
Woodford’s leadership has earned him recognition as a pioneer in the crypto and blockchain space. He has been an outspoken advocate for regulation and high ethical standards, even when it meant competing against companies that prioritized short-term profits, and under his guidance, Zero Hash has secured numerous regulatory licenses across multiple countries.