Satoshi Nakamoto – While not a person one can “follow” in the traditional sense due to their anonymity, Nakamoto’s impact is undeniable. They are credited with designing Bitcoin and implementing the first blockchain database. Nakamoto’s original whitepaper on Bitcoin provides a deep understanding of the decentralized concept.
Vitalik Buterin – As the co-founder of Ethereum, Buterin is a pivotal figure in the blockchain world. Ethereum’s smart contract functionality has led to the development of hundreds of applications. Buterin frequently shares his thoughts on Ethereum’s evolution, blockchain scalability, and the broader crypto ecosystem.
Andreas M. Antonopoulos – A leading figure in the Bitcoin community, Antonopoulos is a technology entrepreneur and an eloquent advocate for blockchain and cryptocurrencies. His book, “Mastering Bitcoin,” is considered essential reading for understanding Bitcoin’s technical foundation.
Dr. Gavin Wood – Another co-founder of Ethereum, Wood is also the founder of Parity Technologies and Polkadot. His work primarily revolves around creating next-generation blockchain platforms.
Brian Behlendorf – As the Executive Director of the Hyperledger project within the Linux Foundation, Behlendorf champions the development of enterprise-grade, open-source distributed ledger frameworks and code bases.
Joseph Lubin – Co-founder of Ethereum and founder of ConsenSys, a blockchain tech company, Lubin is a significant voice in the enterprise blockchain solutions space.
Laura Shin – An independent journalist covering crypto assets and host of the “Unchained” podcast, Shin interviews big names in the blockchain world and breaks down complex topics, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Marc Andreessen – Co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, a private venture capital firm, Andreessen is a significant investor in blockchain ventures. He’s been a robust supporter of blockchain’s transformative potential, both in terms of financial applications and broader uses.
Nick Szabo – Often rumored (though he denies it) to be Satoshi Nakamoto, Szabo developed a virtual currency called “Bit Gold” in the late ’90s, which many consider to be a precursor to Bitcoin. He’s also the mind behind “smart contracts,” a term he coined.
Dr. Melanie Swan – Founder of the Institute for Blockchain Studies, Swan’s research delves into the philosophical and societal implications of blockchain. Her book, “Blockchain: Blueprint for a New Economy,” examines blockchain’s broader potential beyond just financial transactions.
