In this insightful podcast episode, we explore the fascinating journey of Mable Jiang, a notable investor and builder in the crypto space. From her academic roots in art history to her strategic investments in blockchain technology, Mable shares her experiences and philosophies on navigating the volatile world of cryptocurrencies.
Her story is not just about financial gains but about the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and maintaining a long-term vision in an industry known for its rapid changes. This discussion offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in crypto investing, personal branding, or understanding the broader Web3 ecosystem.
Mable Jiang's Background and Career Path
Mable's educational background in art history might seem unconventional for a crypto investor, but she believes it profoundly shaped her analytical thinking. Studying art history taught her to appreciate context, patterns, and the evolution of ideas over time—skills that are surprisingly relevant when analyzing blockchain white papers and market trends.
After university, she transitioned into the financial sector, joining an investment bank. This move provided her with a solid foundation in finance and investment principles. However, it was her return to China and subsequent role in an internet company's strategic investment department that truly ignited her interest in technology and innovation.
In 2017, she fully immersed herself in the crypto industry, starting from scratch by深入研究 (deeply researching) white papers and foundational documents. She describes this period as an excellent time for building knowledge, as the market was less saturated and allowed for a more thorough understanding of core concepts.
The Advantage of Language and Global Perspectives
Mable emphasizes the significant advantage that English proficiency provided in her career. It allowed her to access a wealth of global information, participate in international discussions, and identify opportunities arising from information asymmetry between Eastern and Western markets.
In 2019, she joined Multicoin Capital, where she further developed her investment thesis. She discusses how the fund's continued focus on Solana was based on a strong long-term belief in its technology and potential, rather than short-term market trends. This experience reinforced the value of having a clear investment philosophy and sticking to it, even when contrary to popular opinion.
Investment Philosophy and Long-Term Thinking
Mable's investment approach is fundamentally driven by long-term theses rather than chasing market hype. She reflects on her earlier preference for user-driven projects and how her perspective has evolved to place greater value on underlying protocols and infrastructure.
She believes that the best investment opportunities often come from having a deep understanding of technological trajectories and how they intersect across various industries. This requires continuous learning and a willingness to challenge one's own assumptions.
One of her most successful investments was purchasing SOL on secondary markets after its Binance listing, acquiring it between $1-10. She notes that many early public chain projects had valuations that seem incredibly modest by today's standards, highlighting the importance of getting in early on promising technologies.
Content Creation and Personal Branding
Mable has been an early adopter of Twitter and values the power of content creation. She has consistently produced podcast episodes and articles, seeing them as both a learning tool and a way to build a personal brand.
She discusses how writing and speaking about complex topics helps solidify her own understanding while also contributing to the broader community. This commitment to sharing knowledge demonstrates her belief in the importance of education and open discourse in the crypto space.
Building vs Investing: Choosing Your Path
After leaving venture capital, Mable transitioned to working directly with projects as a builder. She explains that this shift was driven by her preference for hands-on involvement and her love of learning through direct experience.
She compares her working style to that of Lei Jun, founder of Xiaomi, emphasizing the importance of being deeply involved in product development and understanding every aspect of a business. This hands-on approach allows her to better assess investment opportunities and contribute more meaningfully to projects she believes in.
Current Market Outlook and Future Predictions
When discussing the current state of the crypto market, Mable notes the lack of breakthrough narratives compared to previous cycles like DeFi summer or the NFT boom. She predicts that the next true bull market might arrive around 2026, driven by fundamental changes in production paradigms rather than speculative hype.
She's currently researching information retrieval and distribution systems, particularly in social applications, but is still in the thesis formation stage. She observes that founders in the space are demonstrating more long-term thinking, which she sees as a positive development for the industry's maturity.
Perspectives on Layer 1 and Layer 2 Solutions
Mable shares her thoughts on the competitive landscape among blockchain protocols. She discusses challengers to Solana, the trend toward application-specific chains, and the enduring value of Ethereum.
She offers particularly interesting insights on the Solana ecosystem from both Chinese and international perspectives, noting that the different sentiments reflect broader cultural approaches to technology and investment. She believes that some level of chaos and redundancy is actually a sign of a healthy, vibrant ecosystem with multiple experimentation fronts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What educational background is helpful for entering the crypto industry?
While technical degrees are valuable, diverse educational backgrounds can provide unique advantages. Fields like art history, philosophy, or economics develop critical thinking skills that are essential for analyzing complex systems and market behaviors. The key is continuous learning and adaptability.
How important is English proficiency in global crypto investing?
English remains the lingua franca of the crypto world, providing access to a wider range of information, communities, and investment opportunities. However, regional expertise and local language skills can also offer valuable investment insights, especially in emerging markets.
What's the difference between being an investor and a builder in crypto?
Investors primarily allocate capital to promising projects and provide strategic guidance. Builders are directly involved in creating products, protocols, or companies. Each role requires different skillsets, but understanding both perspectives can make you more effective in either capacity.
How do you develop a long-term investment thesis in such a volatile market?
Focus on fundamental technological advancements rather than short-term price movements. Study the underlying technology, team capabilities, and market needs. A strong thesis should be based on first principles that remain valid regardless of market conditions.
What makes Solana special compared to other blockchain platforms?
Solana offers high throughput and low transaction costs, making it suitable for applications requiring high performance. Its ecosystem has shown remarkable resilience and continues to attract developers building diverse applications, from DeFi to social networks.
How can someone start building their personal brand in the crypto space?
Consistently create valuable content that shares your unique perspectives and insights. Engage authentically with communities on platforms like Twitter and participate in meaningful discussions. Focus on providing value rather than self-promotion.
Key Investment Insights and Personal Reflections
Mable shares several valuable lessons from her investment journey. She emphasizes the importance of staying at the table through market cycles, noting that significant opportunities often come to those who maintain involvement during both bull and bear markets.
She discusses why "underdogs always win" in innovation cycles—new technologies often emerge from unexpected places and challenge established players. This is why she remains open to projects that might seem unconventional at first glance.
Interestingly, Mable has also invested in two consumer brands outside of crypto. She explains that these investments allow her to apply her understanding of technology adoption cycles to traditional businesses while maintaining diversification across different sectors.
City Preferences and Lifestyle Considerations
Mable shares her thoughts on various cities she's lived in or frequently visits. She particularly appreciates Hong Kong for its cultural richness and dynamic energy. She describes Beijing as a special place worth revisiting periodically, while noting that Singapore's lack of distinct seasons gives it an almost artificial quality in her perception.
These personal preferences reflect her broader approach to life and work: valuing diversity of experiences, embracing complexity, and finding inspiration in different environments.
Conclusion: The Long-Term Perspective
Mable Jiang's journey from art history to crypto investing exemplifies the value of interdisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Her success stems not from chasing short-term trends but from developing deep convictions and maintaining them through market cycles.
For anyone interested in the crypto space, her story offers important lessons about the importance of foundational knowledge, global perspectives, and the patience required for truly transformative technologies to mature. The most rewarding opportunities often come to those who stay engaged through both challenges and breakthroughs.
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Remember that all investments carry risk, and it's essential to conduct thorough research and consider your risk tolerance before making any financial decisions. The crypto market's volatility requires both courage and caution, but for those willing to learn and adapt, it continues to offer fascinating opportunities for growth and innovation.