In the fast-evolving world of digital assets and blockchain innovation, strong leadership is essential for guiding special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) toward strategic growth and successful mergers. Crypto 1 Acquisition Corp (DAOO) stands out not only for its focus on the crypto and blockchain sector but also for its exceptional board of directors and executive team—composed of seasoned professionals with deep experience in finance, technology, venture capital, and global market strategy.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key figures behind Crypto 1 Acquisition, highlighting their professional backgrounds, industry contributions, and strategic roles in shaping the future of digital asset investments.
Founding Leadership: Visionary Minds at the Helm
Najamul Kidwai – Founder, Chairman & Director
Najamul Kidwai is a pioneering force in the intersection of technology, venture capital, and blockchain innovation. As Founder, Chairman, and Director of Crypto 1 Acquisition Corp since its inception, Dr. Kidwai brings decades of leadership across early-stage tech ventures and digital asset ecosystems.
Since 2021, he has led Crypto 1 Acquisition Corp as a SPAC dedicated to identifying high-potential opportunities in the digital assets, cryptocurrency, and blockchain sectors. His vision is rooted in a long-standing commitment to technological disruption and financial innovation.
Dr. Kidwai’s influence extends far beyond this role:
- Venture Partner & Investment Committee Member at Frontier Ventures (since 2016), a fund focused on early-stage technology and blockchain startups.
- Co-Founder and Board Member of Equiam (since 2017), a leading private-markets-focused venture capital firm that has backed industry giants like Coinbase and Robinhood.
- Active investor in blockchain projects since 2016, including Fusion.org, demonstrating early recognition of decentralized infrastructure’s transformative potential.
His advisory footprint spans numerous high-growth technology companies such as ForgeGlobal and Boxed Giddy Inc.—both of which recently completed SPAC mergers. He has also held board or advisory roles at Neurable, Cleartrip (acquired by Flipkart), InMobi, Servify, Tothenew Ventures, and Asia Innovations.
Before his venture capital journey, Dr. Kidwai founded and served as CEO of Real Time Content, an adaptive media platform acquired by NASDAQ-listed Pitney Bowes. Earlier in his career, he held investment roles at Edge Venture Capital and AtomicTangerine (a division of SRI International).
He holds a B.S.c Hons. in Technology Management from Staffordshire University and an honorary doctorate from Lincoln University, underscoring his academic and practical mastery in tech-driven business transformation.
Michael Zhao – Founder, CEO & Director
Michael Zhao serves as Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Crypto 1 Acquisition Corp, bringing a unique blend of financial expertise and hands-on crypto market experience.
His journey into digital assets began in 2016, when he made early investments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and notable altcoins like Tron, positioning himself at the forefront of the crypto revolution.
Since 2017, Zhao has held dual leadership roles:
- Executive Chairman of International Digital Currency Markets (IDCM Exchange), a B2C digital exchange operator serving retail clients while providing B2B technology and infrastructure to partner exchanges.
- CEO of VGPay, a crypto payment solutions provider enabling seamless transactions for exchanges and their users across both B2B and B2C models.
A recognized leader in regional blockchain development, Zhao has served as Co-Chairman of the Hong Kong Blockchain Association since 2018, advocating for policy frameworks that support responsible innovation.
His real-world impact includes delivering digital transformation solutions for national blockchain initiatives—such as the 2020 project with Sinar Mars Group and the Indonesian government—showcasing his ability to scale blockchain applications across sovereign economies.
Prior to entering the crypto space, Zhao built a robust career in international finance:
- Held senior roles at UBS (2006–2009), State Foreign Exchange Administration of China (2010–2011), China Merchants Bank (2011–2014), and Intesa Sanpaolo (2014–2016).
He earned a Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering and Finance from the University of Florida—equipping him with the technical depth and financial acumen needed to lead a next-generation SPAC.
Board Members: A Coalition of Global Financial Leaders
David Maloy – Board Member
David Maloy brings extensive experience in financial risk management and crypto derivatives infrastructure to Crypto 1 Acquisition’s board.
Since 2019, he has served as Managing Director at Clear Markets Holdings, Inc., where he provides execution and margin services for firms engaged in over-the-counter (OTC) trading of crypto derivatives—an area critical for institutional adoption.
Before this role:
- Provided consulting services through Rutter Associates, a risk management consultancy (2016–2019).
- Served as CEO and COO of NetOTC in both the Americas and London (2013–2016).
- Led Global Collateral Functions and Client Valuations at Credit Suisse during the height of the financial crisis (2008–2013).
His earlier career includes leadership roles at UBS Securities, LLC and UBS AG (previously Swiss Bank Corporation), followed by executive positions at Delta Government Options—a proprietary SEC 17a Clearing Agency—and business development work at Citibank Investment Bank.
Maloy’s deep understanding of financial systems makes him a vital asset in navigating regulatory complexity and scaling secure crypto-native financial products.
Jeffrey Singer – Board Member
Jeffrey Singer adds global exchange expertise and cross-border market leadership to the board.
From 2019 to 2020, he served as Group CEO of YBA Kanoo, one of the Middle East’s largest family-owned conglomerates. Prior to that:
- Acted as Executive-in-Residence at the American University of Sharjah (2015–2019).
- Advised organizations across sectors from 2012 to 2019.
Notably, Singer was CEO of Nasdaq Dubai, where he oversaw the strategic merger between Nasdaq Dubai and the Dubai Financial Market—demonstrating his capability in integrating complex financial platforms.
Earlier in his career, he held multiple roles at the Nasdaq Stock Exchange in New York, including President of the International Division (2003–2012)—driving Nasdaq’s global expansion into emerging markets.
With experience at SAP and tech startups, Singer combines corporate governance excellence with innovation fluency. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.S. in International Finance from Brigham Young University, where he served as student-body president.
Alvin Eng – Board Member
Alvin Eng contributes over three decades of institutional finance leadership to the board.
He is currently Founder and Partner at Harborview Advisory Partners, LLC, advising major financial institutions since 2013.
From 1983 to 2013, Eng held key roles at Citigroup:
- Chief Investment Officer in Wealth Management Services, Global Markets & Banking.
- Chair of the Global Asset Management Investment Products Committee.
- Member of corporate task forces on restructuring, treasury, risk management, global payments strategy, and revenue optimization.
- Part of integration teams during the Salomon Smith Barney–Citigroup merger.
He also contributed to strategic initiatives including online banking, Citi Cards, analytics, and affluent client strategies.
Before Citigroup, Eng worked at Hewlett-Packard Advanced Engineering and Xerox Research Lab—highlighting his technical foundation.
Educated at top institutions, Eng holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Columbia Business School and an MS in Electrical Engineering from Columbia Engineering, with a BS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Matthew Krna – Board Member
Matthew Krna is a veteran growth-stage technology investor with more than 20 years of experience in venture capital and SPAC leadership.
Since February 2021, he has served as CEO and Director of Alpha Partners Technology Merger Corp, another SPAC vehicle. He is also:
- Venture Partner at Alpha Partners (since 2020).
- Founder and Managing Partner of Ladera Venture Partners.
From 2015 to 2020, Krna co-founded and managed Princeville Global, a San Francisco–Hong Kong fund investing in breakout-stage tech companies worldwide. Prior to that, he was a partner at SoftBank Princeville—a $250 million growth fund affiliated with SoftBank Group.
His earlier roles include:
- Vice President at Investor Growth Capital.
- Positions at Canaan Partners.
- Investment banking experience at Credit Suisse and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette.
Krna has served on boards or as observer for companies including:
- Criteo (NASDAQ: CRTO)
- Dotomi (acquired by Conversant)
- Doctor on Demand (merged with Grand Rounds)
- ID Analytics (acquired by LifeLock)
- Remitly
He graduated from Harvard University with an AB degree.
Faisal Galaria – Board Member
Faisal Galaria brings consumer tech scaling expertise to Crypto 1 Acquisition’s board.
Since 2019, he has served as CEO of Blippar, one of the UK’s first tech unicorns specializing in augmented reality. From 2016 to 2019:
- Served as Chief Strategy and Investments Officer at Gocompare (LSE: GOCO).
- Led the demerger from Esure (LSE: ESUR).
Previously:
- Senior Partner at Alvarez & Marsal (transformation/restructuring).
- Senior Vice President at Spotify (launched services in multiple countries; NYSE: SPOT).
- International Managing Director at Kayak (NYSE: KYAK).
- Early team member at Skype (NYSE: EBAY).
Galaria currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at Superdry (LSE: SDRY) and advisor to Imperial College Business School. He studied international economics at ETEA (University of Córdoba) and holds an MBA from IESE Business School (Barcelona).
Core Keywords
digital assets
cryptocurrency
blockchain
SPAC
venture capital
crypto investment
board leadership
technology innovation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crypto 1 Acquisition Corp's primary focus?
Crypto 1 Acquisition Corp focuses on identifying merger or acquisition opportunities within the digital assets, cryptocurrency, and blockchain technology sectors. It operates as a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) aiming to bring innovative crypto ventures into public markets.
Who are the key executives leading DAOO?
The company is co-led by Dr. Najamul Kidwai (Founder, Chairman & Director) and Michael Zhao (Founder, CEO & Director). The board includes prominent figures such as David Maloy, Jeffrey Singer, Alvin Eng, Matthew Krna, and Faisal Galaria—all with strong backgrounds in finance, technology, and global markets.
How experienced is the leadership team in blockchain investing?
Extremely experienced. Dr. Kidwai has invested in major players like Coinbase via Equiam since 2017. Michael Zhao has operated crypto exchanges since 2017. Several board members have direct exposure to fintech scaling, digital infrastructure, and institutional risk management in crypto environments.
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Are any board members former exchange executives?
Yes. Jeffrey Singer was CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and President of Nasdaq’s International Division. David Maloy has led crypto derivatives services through Clear Markets Holdings. Michael Zhao leads IDCM Exchange as Executive Chairman.
Has Crypto 1 Acquisition announced a target company yet?
As of now, no definitive merger target has been publicly confirmed. The company continues evaluating opportunities aligned with its mission to advance blockchain innovation through strategic acquisitions.
What makes this SPAC different from others?
Its leadership combines deep venture capital roots (Kidwai, Krna), operational crypto experience (Zhao), institutional finance expertise (Eng, Maloy), exchange governance (Singer), and consumer tech scaling (Galaria)—creating a uniquely balanced team for navigating complex digital asset deals.
With a powerhouse team driving its mission forward, Crypto 1 Acquisition Corp is well-positioned to become a catalyst for innovation in the next era of decentralized finance and blockchain-powered enterprises.