My Story
Kosta Kantchev has been a dynamic entrepreneur since his teenage years, founding his first startup at the age of 14. His deep interest in finance led him to complete his studies at Richmond University and Webster University, subsequently earning a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) designation.
Kosta's career is distinguished by a unique mix of technological enthusiasm, financial acumen, and foresight in fintech, leading to his pivotal role in co-founding and steering Nexo. This, coupled with his strong educational foundation and unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, has established him as a significant opinion leader in the crypto sector.
Early Days
Kosta Kantchev's foray into the entrepreneurial world with one of his first ventures, Credissimo, highlights his innovative flair. He steered the company to prominence as a top-tier online platform known for its efficient and readily accessible instant loans. While Kosta Kantchev parted ways with Credissimo in early 2020, the imprint of his visionary leadership and pioneering strategies is set to influence the online lending landscape for many years ahead.
Nexo
Nexo is the world’s leading digital assets institution on a mission to maximize the value and utility of digital assets. Founded in 2018 with a security-first approach in mind, the company provides a comprehensive lending and trading suite and has processed $130+ billion for 6,000,000+ retail and institutional clients across 200+ jurisdictions.
In 2017, Kosta Kantchev confronted a dilemma common to all crypto investors: the effective use of digital assets in a predominantly cash-based economy without undermining their future growth. This challenge led to the inception of Nexo, envisioned to foster prosperity and autonomy for crypto users.
Guided by Kosta Kantchev's innovative vision, Nexo introduced groundbreaking products that transformed the crypto industry – from the first crypto-backed credit lines, the launch of the world's most sophisticated fully automated crypto lending platform, and the pioneering of the world's first Dual More crypto card, and many more.
The launch of the first crypto credit card, in collaboration with Mastercard, realized Kosta Kantchev's vision of integrating crypto credit lines into everyday use. Building on this success, Nexo introduced its prime brokerage service, Nexo Prime, and its investment division, Nexo Ventures. Through Nexo Ventures, the company supported the 2022 crypto consolidation, aiding distressed blockchain firms and completing over 65 strategic investments in the blockchain ecosystem.
In 2022, against the backdrop of a dynamic and challenging crypto landscape, Nexo steadfastly upheld its principles of stability, security, and transparency, navigating the industry's highs and lows with exceptional foresight. Firmly opposed to the prevalent industry trend of under- and un-collateralized lending, Nexo, under Kantchev's direction, adhered to its foundational ethos of responsible lending. This commitment ensured the company emerged unscathed from market upheavals. Thanks to its strict risk management protocols and resilient business model, Nexo had $0 exposure to failed crypto companies.
Kantchev's vision continues to guide Nexo in championing innovation while staying true to its core values of security and sustainability. His leadership is rooted in the present, aiming to make a tangible impact. He champions the ideals of constant improvement, adaptability, drive, and adherence to core values mirrored by Nexo’s business and products. By setting high standards and exemplifying commitment, he inspires his team towards excellence, fostering a culture of success and achievement.
Philanthropy
The contribution of Kosta Kantchev in establishing Nexo's legacy of philanthropy and humanitarianism cannot be overstated. Nexo has remained committed to various charitable campaigns worldwide, exemplifying Kantchev's dedication to social responsibility.
Some of notable initiatives include aiding the victims of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, supporting those affected by the war in Ukraine, donating to Bitcoin developers, as well as championing causes like kids’ access to proper nutrition and awareness for autism by partnering with Save the Children and NEXT for AUTISM.
As an early crypto adopter and a fervent proponent of blockchain technology, his enthusiasm and determination have been instrumental in co-founding the Balkan Blockchain Association.