In Conversation With OKX's Jeff Ren | Sui Basecamp 2025

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Jeff from OKX Ventures discusses the innovative strides made by OKX in the crypto and blockchain ecosystem, highlighting their recent licensing in Dubai, partnerships with major financial institutions, and their evolving products like OKX Wallet and OKX Pay. The dialogue explores the future of Bitcoin, its transformation from a store of value to a productive asset, and the importance of partnerships in the ecosystem. Both speakers emphasize the significance of co-creating sustainable businesses through collaboration, shared goals, and aligning resources beyond just capital investment.

Takeaways

• 😀 OKX Ventures is a corporate venture focused on promoting blockchain and crypto technology, without outside investors.
• 😀 OKX has recently launched new products, including OKX Pay and a wallet product that aims to be the gateway for self-custody crypto.
• 😀 OKX’s partnership with Franklin Templeton and Standard Chartered is a significant step in offering compliant financial products in Dubai.
• 😀 Bitcoin is seen as more than just a store of value; it can be treated as an asset on a network, offering programmability and potential for productive use.
• 😀 The idea of Bitcoin evolving from a store of value to a productive asset involves innovations like BTCi and staking mechanisms.
• 😀 OKX focuses on connecting with foundations and ecosystem partners to align on future blockchain projects and drive innovation together.
• 😀 OKX Ventures is particularly interested in working with ecosystem foundations and staying closely aligned with projects for strategic growth.
• 😀 The emphasis is on creating a symbiotic relationship with ecosystem partners, where businesses co-create and contribute to each other's success.
• 😀 The strategic focus is on long-term sustainability and fostering shared success, rather than just focusing on short-term KPIs or milestones.
• 😀 Developers are encouraged to engage early with stakeholders and share their development thesis, as this helps in achieving shared goals and success.

Q & A

What makes OKX different from other international exchanges?

OKX stands out as one of the only sizable international exchanges that has been licensed and fully launched in Dubai. It also has key partnerships with major financial institutions like Franklin Templeton and Standard Chartered to offer compliant products in the region.

What new products has OKX recently launched?

OKX has launched several new products including the OKX Pay product, which was showcased at Token 2049, and its wallet product, which is considered one of the best in the market for cryptocurrency storage and management.

How does OKX view Bitcoin beyond its role as 'digital gold'?

OKX sees Bitcoin not just as a store of value but as a productive asset. The programmability of Bitcoin, especially through technologies like Stacks, allows for more functionalities, enabling Bitcoin to be used for asset deployment and yield generation, much like a piece of land that can be cultivated.

What is the significance of Bitcoin programmability in the crypto ecosystem?

Bitcoin programmability enables developers to create more diverse applications and services within the Bitcoin network, transforming it from a simple store of value into a platform that can support complex financial activities, including yield generation.

How does OKX support the broader crypto ecosystem, beyond just providing an exchange?

OKX supports the crypto ecosystem through strategic partnerships, offering infrastructure, and fostering innovation. The company works with foundations, developers, and entrepreneurs to help drive growth, and it also invests in projects to further the development of blockchain technology.

What is the importance of co-creation in business partnerships according to the conversation?

Co-creation is considered the ultimate form of partnership where businesses work closely together to build something valuable. It's more than just capital allocation—it's about aligning resources, sharing knowledge, and collaboratively developing solutions that benefit all parties involved.

What role do foundations play in the growth of blockchain ecosystems?

Foundations play a critical role in the early stages of ecosystem growth by distributing grants and providing support to projects. As ecosystems mature, the focus shifts to investments and partnerships that align with the strategic direction of the blockchain network.

What is the key difference between the early-stage growth of blockchain ecosystems and their later-stage development?

In the early stages, ecosystems rely on grants to foster growth, while in later stages, they focus on investments and strategic partnerships. This shift is crucial for scaling projects, with an emphasis on sustainable growth and co-creation rather than just financial milestones.

Why is the OKX team so focused on strategic partnerships rather than just financial support?

OKX values strategic partnerships because they are crucial for long-term success. The company believes that aligning with foundations, developers, and other key stakeholders fosters innovation, enables better resource allocation, and strengthens the ecosystem as a whole.

How does OKX plan to leverage its resources to support ecosystem development?

OKX plans to leverage its infrastructure, resources, and strategic alignment with ecosystem partners to support developers and projects. The company provides tools, data, and feedback to help projects succeed and grow, focusing on continuous collaboration and mutual benefits.