When Shift Happens Podcast

E151: Polygon Founder: How I Escaped Extreme Poverty and Built a $30 Billion Crypto Company

Dec 11, 2025
Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon and advocate for decentralization, shares his incredible journey from living in a storage room to building a $30 billion blockchain company. He discusses his ambitious vision for individual sovereignty and the importance of refusing mediocrity. Sandeep reflects on tough moments, like a 70% token crash, and outlines Polygon's goal of facilitating millions of daily payments. His philanthropic efforts during COVID showcase his commitment to reducing suffering and enhancing India's scientific infrastructure.
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ANECDOTE

Humble Beginnings Fueled Ambition

  • Sandeep describes growing up in a single small room with five people and grandparents who were servants.
  • That childhood drove his hunger to escape poverty and build Polygon into a global platform.
INSIGHT

Sovereignty Beyond Money

  • Sandeep frames his mission as enabling the "sovereign individual" via decentralised money and institutions.
  • He envisions decentralized governance and policing as long-term extensions of individual sovereignty.
ADVICE

Refuse Mediocrity, Fight For Scale

  • Refuse to accept mediocrity and commit to audacious long-term goals for your product or company.
  • Fight for the platform's global potential even if it risks crashing and burning in pursuit of scale.
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