The transition from traditional finance to the decentralized frontier of Web3 isn’t for everyone—but for those with vision, patience, and a deep-rooted belief in technology’s power to reshape systems, it can be transformative. One such pioneer is Crow Ma𝕏, a longtime blockchain advocate whose career spans fintech product management, NFT entrepreneurship, and crypto media leadership.
In this in-depth profile, we explore how Crow evolved from a Web2 payment product manager into a key voice in the Web3 space—serving as Editor at Crypto City, Taiwan Ambassador for AvaxDAO, and creator of the insightful newsletter Soaring Crow. His journey reflects not just personal growth but a broader narrative of how early adopters are shaping the future of digital economies.
The Early Days: A Believer Before the Boom
Crow’s story begins long before “crypto” became a household term. He first encountered Bitcoin in 2012—a time when the ecosystem was sparse, technical, and driven by ideology rather than profit.
“Back then, there was no FOMO—only faith.”
At that time, Ethereum hadn’t launched (it debuted in July 2015), DeFi didn’t exist, and NFTs were still years away from mainstream attention. The dominant platform was Bitcointalk.org, where engineers, libertarians, and tech idealists debated the future of money. Exchanges like Mt. Gox controlled most trading volume—and yes, Crow later became a creditor after its infamous collapse.
Mining was transitioning from GPU-based setups to ASIC machines, marking a shift toward industrialization. And while Silk Road introduced real-world use cases, accessibility in regions like Taiwan remained limited due to technical barriers and legal ambiguity.
This era wasn’t about wealth creation—it was about challenging centralized financial control. For Crow, this ideological foundation laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
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Bridging Worlds: From Fintech PM to Web3 Innovator
After serving in the military, Crow entered traditional finance, working as a product manager at Financial Information Corporation and United Credit Card Center. His focus? Payment infrastructure—specifically, credit card clearing and cross-bank ATM systems like Taiwan Pay.
These roles gave him rare insight into the mechanics of legacy financial systems:
- How banks exchange transaction data
- The complexity of inter-institutional settlement
- Where inefficiencies and bottlenecks lie
He even proposed blockchain-based solutions within these organizations between 2016 and 2022—but they were consistently rejected. The ecosystem simply wasn’t ready.
Yet this experience proved invaluable. It allowed him to understand blockchain not just as a disruptive technology, but as a potential upgrade to real-world financial rails.
Defining Core Values: Mission Over Money
One of Crow’s strongest convictions? Team culture matters more than technical specs.
He’s cautious about collaborating with individuals solely motivated by quick profits. Instead, he seeks people driven by purpose—those who take initiative, solve problems proactively, and embrace responsibility.
“I want to work with people who act—not just react.”
He contrasts two types of team members:
- The “do-only-what’s-told” type (passive, risk-averse)
- The “principled initiator” (adaptive, action-oriented)
Crow aligns with the latter. He believes empowered teams produce better outcomes—even if mistakes happen—because momentum drives innovation.
This philosophy carried into his co-founding role at Demi-Human NFT, where community-building and creative vision took precedence over speculative gains.
Three Roles, One Mission
Today, Crow wears multiple hats—but all serve a unified goal: making complex technology meaningful and accessible.
1. Editor at Crypto City
As editor, he translates global blockchain trends into actionable insights for Chinese-speaking audiences. His coverage focuses on:
- Blockchain infrastructure
- DeFi model innovations
- Regulatory impacts on long-term industry sustainability
He prioritizes depth over hype, asking: “Will this sector still matter in five years?”
2. AvaxDAO Taiwan Ambassador
In this role, he acts as a bridge between local communities and on-chain governance. By amplifying regional voices and facilitating real-world applications, he helps decentralization move beyond theory.
3. Independent Creator (“Soaring Crow”)
Through Substack, X (formerly Twitter), and Threads, he shares critical analyses, personal reflections, and forward-looking commentary. This platform allows full creative control—something he values deeply.
“Rather than chasing the next trend, I aim to make sense of this era.”
👉 Explore how Web3 creators are redefining digital influence
How to Break Into Web3: A Practical Framework
For professionals eyeing a transition into Web3, Crow offers a clear three-step path:
Step 1: Choose Your Lane
Don’t rush into job titles. Start by identifying an area you’re passionate about:
- NFTs
- DeFi
- Layer 2 solutions
- DAO governance
- AI + crypto convergence
Dive deep. Understand the players, protocols, and pain points.
Step 2: Develop On-Chain Literacy
Move beyond theory. Use tools like:
- Etherscan – track transactions
- Dune – analyze data
- Snapshot – observe governance votes
- Zerion – monitor portfolio flows
Understanding how money moves, how proposals pass (or fail), and how smart contracts execute is crucial.
You learn Web3 not by reading—it’s by doing.
Step 3: Participate Early and Often
Web3 opportunities rarely come through job boards. They come from visibility.
Start small:
- Write analysis threads on X
- Translate whitepapers
- Design assets for DAOs
- Help organize local meetups
Contribution builds credibility—and often leads to collaboration.
Skills That Matter in Web3
Crow breaks down essential competencies into two categories:
Foundational Skills (Transferable from Web2)
- Content creation
- Marketing strategy
- UI/UX design
- Software development
These remain highly valuable—especially when combined with blockchain context.
On-Chain Understanding (The Real Differentiator)
You don’t need to code in Solidity, but you should understand:
- How wallets and private keys work
- The mechanics of token transfers
- DAO voting processes
- Why token prices move beyond speculation
This literacy separates observers from participants.
Ideal Entry Points for Newcomers
Based on background and interest, here are promising starting roles:
- Content & Community Management – ideal for writers and organizers
- Growth & Marketing Strategy – leverage product experience
- Product Management – especially in DeFi or UX-focused tools
- Developer Relations – engineers with Web3 curiosity have a fast track
Final Advice: Be Present Before You Apply
“Don’t rush to switch careers. First, become part of the ecosystem.”
Follow the natural progression:
- Observe (read news, watch discussions)
- Use (interact with wallets, swap tokens)
- Participate (contribute ideas or labor)
- Get noticed (teams recruit from within)
This organic path builds authenticity—and lasting impact.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Crow first get involved with Bitcoin?
A: He began exploring Bitcoin in 2012, during its early, ideologically driven phase—long before Ethereum or DeFi existed.
Q: What makes Crow’s fintech background valuable in Web3?
A: His experience in payment systems and interbank infrastructure gives him unique insight into how blockchain can improve real-world financial efficiency and transparency.
Q: Why does Crow emphasize mission-driven teams?
A: Because projects built purely for profit tend to collapse when markets shift. Teams with shared values and problem-solving focus are more resilient and innovative.
Q: What tools does Crow recommend for learning Web3?
A: Etherscan, Dune Analytics, Snapshot, and Zerion are essential for developing on-chain literacy and understanding protocol behavior.
Q: Is technical expertise required to enter Web3?
A: Not necessarily. While coding skills help, non-technical roles in content, community, marketing, and product management are equally vital—and often easier entry points.
Q: How can someone start contributing to Web3 without experience?
A: Begin by writing analyses, translating documents, designing graphics for DAOs, or helping organize events. Small contributions build reputation and open doors.
Core Keywords: Web3 career transition, blockchain fundamentals, DeFi innovation, on-chain literacy, DAO governance, fintech to crypto, NFT entrepreneurship, cryptocurrency education