A crypto whale is an individual or entity that holds a large amount of cryptocurrency, typically enough to influence the market through their buying or selling actions. Due to their significant holdings, whales can move the price of a particular cryptocurrency up or down by making substantial transactions. These large trades can cause sudden price fluctuations, market volatility, and changes in liquidity.
Whales can be early adopters, institutional investors, hedge funds, or even large exchanges. Tracking whale activity is common among traders as it may signal upcoming market movements.
Armstrong, Brian
Brian Armstrong is the co-founder and CEO of Coinbase (@coinbase), a major cryptocurrency exchange. He started Coinbase in 2012 to make it easier for people to buy and sell cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Before Coinbase, Armstrong worked as a software engineer at Airbnb. Under his leadership, Coinbase became a publicly traded company in 2021 with a peak valuation of over $100 billion. Armstrong is a strong advocate for cryptocurrency adoption, believing it can democratize finance globally.
Buterin, Vitalik
Vitalik Buterin is the co-founder of Ethereum (@ethereum), a leading blockchain platform known for enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications. He began developing Ethereum in 2013, with the goal of creating a versatile blockchain that could support a wide range of applications beyond just cryptocurrency. Buterin is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency and blockchain communities, known for his contributions to the development and growth of Ethereum. He has also been involved in various projects and discussions around blockchain technology and its potential societal impacts. His work has significantly influenced the evolution of decentralized technologies and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Draper, Tim
Larsen, Chris
Chris Larsen is the co-founder and former CEO of Ripple (@Ripple), a company that developed the Ripple payment protocol and XRP cryptocurrency. He has been a prominent figure in the fintech industry, advocating for the use of blockchain technology to improve cross-border payments. Larsen also co-founded several other financial technology companies, including E-LOAN, an early online mortgage lender. He is known for his significant philanthropic efforts, particularly in environmental causes and privacy rights. Larsen’s work has positioned him as a key influencer in the cryptocurrency and broader financial sectors.
McCaleb, Jed
Jed McCaleb is a prominent software developer and entrepreneur in the cryptocurrency space. He is best known for founding Mt. Gox, one of the first Bitcoin exchanges, which he sold before it famously collapsed. McCaleb later co-founded Ripple (@Ripple), where he played a key role in developing the Ripple payment protocol and XRP cryptocurrency. After leaving Ripple, he went on to co-found Stellar (@StellarOrg), a blockchain platform focused on facilitating cross-border payments and financial inclusion. McCaleb is recognized for his significant contributions to the development of blockchain technology and the cryptocurrency industry.
Musk, Elon
Elon Musk is a billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of several high-profile companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). He is known for revolutionizing the electric vehicle industry with Tesla and advancing space exploration with SpaceX, which aims to make space travel more affordable and eventually colonize Mars. Musk also co-founded companies like PayPal and Neuralink, a neurotechnology company developing brain-computer interfaces. His bold vision and outspoken personality have made him a highly influential figure in technology and business. Musk is also a vocal proponent of cryptocurrency, especially Dogecoin, and frequently impacts markets with his tweets.
Novogratz, Mike
Mike Novogratz is the founder and CEO of Galaxy Digital, a cryptocurrency investment firm and merchant bank. He is a former hedge fund manager and was a partner at Fortress Investment Group before transitioning to focus on digital assets. Novogratz is a well-known advocate for Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency space, often sharing his views on market trends and investment strategies. He has played a significant role in promoting institutional investment in cryptocurrencies. Novogratz is also involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education and economic development.
Saylor, Michael
Michael Saylor is the co-founder and executive chairman of MicroStrategy, a business intelligence company known for its software and services. He gained significant attention in the cryptocurrency world by leading MicroStrategy to invest billions of dollars in Bitcoin, becoming one of the largest corporate holders of the cryptocurrency. Saylor is a strong advocate for Bitcoin, often describing it as superior to traditional assets like gold. He has become a prominent voice in the cryptocurrency community, promoting Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a store of value. Saylor is also an author and speaker, focusing on technology, entrepreneurship, and Bitcoin.
Silbert, Barry
Barry Silbert is a prominent entrepreneur and investor in the cryptocurrency industry. He is the founder and CEO of Digital Currency Group (DCG), a company that invests in and builds businesses in the blockchain and digital currency space. Silbert is also the founder of Grayscale Investments, which manages the largest Bitcoin investment trust, and CoinDesk, a leading news source in the cryptocurrency industry. He has been a key figure in promoting the adoption and growth of digital currencies, with DCG investing in numerous crypto startups. Silbert’s influence in the industry has made him one of the most important figures in the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystems.
Sun, Justin
Justin Sun is the founder and CEO of TRON, a blockchain platform designed to support decentralized applications and smart contracts. He launched TRON in 2017 with the goal of creating a decentralized internet and ecosystem. Sun is also known for his acquisition of BitTorrent, a popular file-sharing service, and its integration with TRON’s blockchain. He is a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, often making headlines for his ambitious projects and high-profile marketing strategies. Sun’s work focuses on expanding the adoption and functionality of blockchain technology.
Winklevoss brothers (Cameron & Tyler)
The Winklevoss brothers, Cameron and Tyler, are entrepreneurs and early investors in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. They are best known for their legal battle with Mark Zuckerberg, claiming that he stole their idea to create Facebook, which resulted in a settlement. The twins later co-founded Gemini, a cryptocurrency exchange, and have been strong advocates for the regulation and adoption of digital assets. They also launched the Winklevoss Bitcoin Trust, an effort to bring a Bitcoin ETF to the market. The brothers are prominent figures in the cryptocurrency industry, promoting the potential of blockchain technology to reshape finance.
Zhao, Changpeng
Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, is the founder and CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. He launched Binance in 2017, and it quickly grew into a dominant platform in the crypto industry. CZ is a vocal advocate for cryptocurrency adoption and has been instrumental in expanding Binance’s services globally, including launching Binance Smart Chain, a blockchain platform for decentralized applications. Before Binance, Zhao worked in various roles in the tech and finance sectors, including at Blockchain.info and OKCoin. His influence in the cryptocurrency world is significant, and he is widely regarded as one of the most powerful figures in the industry.
