Sisu

Bear Matthews grew up in the Roaring Fork Valley and graduated from Basalt High School. Bear has embarked on an impressive six-year journey focused on building products that resonate with 1.3 million Monthly Active Users (MAUs). His mission centers around amplifying voices, enhancing efficiency, and advancing equality in the digital landscape.

In his most recent role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at a pioneering Web3 startup, Bear spearheaded the implementation of parallel backend solutions tailored for high-volume purchasing environments. These innovative solutions paved the way for groundbreaking features such as resale royalties, fan-credit scoring systems, and post-event rewards, all catering to the needs of prominent venues and A-list musicians. Notably, Bear also extended his expertise as an Adjunct Professor for Smart Contracts at the Università della Svizzera Italiana. Here, he shared his knowledge by instructing a PhD-level FinTech course specializing in the deployment of python-based smart contracts.

Bear Matthews boasts a diverse portfolio of clients, including collaborations with U.S. elected officials, professional sports teams, and renowned international organizations like the UNHCR and ICRC. His tenure as Head of Relations at Astra Labs 501(c)3 involved the development of critical emergency infrastructure to support communities in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia.

His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as Bear has been invited to deliver speeches at prestigious events such as South by Southwest (SXSW), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Hacking Medicine, the Swiss Stock Exchange, Swiss Digital Days, and the Basel DayOne Conference, among others. His work has garnered recognition from prominent media outlets like MarketWatch, TechCrunch, InStyle Magazine, USA Today, CNN, and Evoke.

Bear Matthews holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and History from Franklin University Switzerland, where he regularly contributed to financial research on topics like Terrorist Financial Innovation and Stablecoin Insolvency Risk. His educational foundation was laid at The Browning School in New York City.

In his leisure time, Bear enjoys the pursuit of ultramarathons, spanning distances of 50 kilometers or more, as well as sharing his culinary creations with friends. He also has a passion for exploring the latest art galleries in town, adding a creative dimension to his multifaceted profile.