Early Life and Education
Smokey the Bera, whose real identity remains undisclosed, pursued engineering studies at the University of Waterloo. This academic background provided a foundation for his subsequent ventures in technology and entrepreneurship. Blockworks
Professional Background
Prior to his involvement in the blockchain sector, Smokey founded a healthcare startup, demonstrating his entrepreneurial capabilities in the tech industry. He later transitioned into venture capital, focusing on seed and growth-stage investments. His investment portfolio includes active angel investments in infrastructure, decentralized finance (DeFi), and user experience tooling startups. Additionally, Smokey holds the position of venture partner at Hack VC, where he contributes to the firm’s strategic initiatives. Blockworks
Involvement in Cryptocurrency
Smokey has been an active cryptocurrency investor since 2015, engaging with the digital asset space during its formative years. His early involvement provided him with insights into the industry’s dynamics and emerging technologies. Blockworks
Founding of Berachain
In 2021, Smokey co-founded Berachain, an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible Layer 1 blockchain built on the Cosmos SDK. Berachain introduces a unique ‘Proof of Liquidity’ consensus mechanism, which aligns network security with liquidity provision. This approach incentivizes users to contribute liquidity, thereby enhancing the blockchain’s overall security and functionality. At Berachain, Smokey oversees ecosystem development, growth strategies, and operational management. Beacon
Community Engagement and Public Persona
Operating under the pseudonym ‘Smokey the Bera,’ he maintains an active presence in the blockchain community. This persona reflects Berachain’s origins, which trace back to an NFT project featuring bear-themed artwork. Smokey participates in various industry discussions, sharing insights on blockchain innovation and community building. Flywheel DeFi
