Crypto Hipster

Samantha Yap, Founder and CEO of YAP Global ⁠Samantha⁠ is the Founder and CEO of ⁠YAP Global⁠, an international PR and communications consultancy that works with meaningful companies and organizations in the cryptocurrency, decentralized finance (DeFi) and web3 sector. With her expertise and stewardship, she has built YAP Global to be the link between complex cryptocurrency technology and mainstream press.Since establishing YAP Global in 2018, Samantha has grown the team across continents and launched ⁠YAP Cast⁠ (a podcast series exploring the history of money, in turn allowing listeners to make sense of the world of crypto and DeFi), and⁠The Context ⁠(a newsletter that provides a grounded perspective on developments in crypto, DeFi and web3 industries).Prior to delving into PR, she worked as a broadcast journalist and producer for Channel NewsAsia Singapore. Samantha also gained extensive international journalism experience in Melbourne, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.

Samantha Yap, Founder and CEO of YAP Global Samantha is the Founder and CEO of YAP Global, an international PR and communications consultancy that works with meaningful companies and organizations in the cryptocurrency, decentralized finance (DeFi) and web3 sector. With her expertise and stewardship, she has built YAP Global to be the link between complex cryptocurrency technology and mainstream press.Since establishing YAP Global in 2018, Samantha has grown the team across continents and launched YAP Cast (a podcast series exploring the history of money, in turn allowing listeners to make sense of the world of crypto and DeFi), andThe Context (a newsletter that provides a grounded perspective on developments in crypto, DeFi and web3 industries).Prior to delving into PR, she worked as a broadcast journalist and producer for Channel NewsAsia Singapore. Samantha also gained extensive international journalism experience in Melbourne, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.

Stacy Spikes is a disruptor and visionary entrepreneur who has spent his career breaking barriers in entertainment. He founded Urbanworld Film Festival to amplify underrepresented voices in film, bringing new stories to light that Hollywood often overlooked. He later launched MoviePass to revive in-person moviegoing by making theaters and ticket prices more accessible. When he was ousted from his own company and MoviePass collapsed due to poor leadership and business decisions, Stacy bought it back and rebuilt it from the ground up.Now, with Mogul, Stacy is disrupting Hollywood again – this time, by creating a platform where fans will be able to actively engage in shaping entertainment. His mission has always remained the same: democratize accessibility, elevate new voices, and revolutionize how stories are made.

Stacy Spikes is a disruptor and visionary entrepreneur who has spent his career breaking barriers in entertainment. He founded Urbanworld Film Festival to amplify underrepresented voices in film, bringing new stories to light that Hollywood often overlooked. He later launched MoviePass to revive in-person moviegoing by making theaters and ticket prices more accessible. When he was ousted from his own company and MoviePass collapsed due to poor leadership and business decisions, Stacy bought it back and rebuilt it from the ground up.Now, with Mogul, Stacy is disrupting Hollywood again – this time, by creating a platform where fans will be able to actively engage in shaping entertainment. His mission has always remained the same: democratize accessibility, elevate new voices, and revolutionize how stories are made.

Adam Bergman is a well-known figure in the world of retirement planning, particularly for his pioneering work in the self-directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account) industry. As the founder of IRA Financial, a leading firm specializing in self-directed retirement accounts, Adam has built a reputation as a highly respected expert on alternative investments and tax-advantaged retirement strategies.Before founding IRA Financial, Adam worked as an attorney specializing in tax law, focusing on retirement and investment strategies. His extensive knowledge of tax codes, ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), and IRS regulations gave him a unique perspective on the potential benefits of self-directed retirement accounts, which at the time were relatively underutilized.In 2010, Adam Bergman launched IRA Financial with the goal of facilitating the setup of self-directed IRAs and also providing comprehensive guidance on how to structure these accounts and navigate the legal intricacies involved. A self-directed IRA allows individuals and business owners to invest in a wide range of assets, including real estate, private equity, cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and even startups, which traditional IRAs do not permit. Under Adam’s leadership, IRA Financial Group grew into one of the largest and most recognized firms in the self-directed IRA space with over 25,000 clients and over $5B in assets invested.Adam has written extensively on topics such as self-directed IRAs, the legality of alternative investments, and tax strategies. In addition to authoring 9 books, his work has been featured in over 100 prominent media outlets such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Business Insider. In addition to his writing, Adam has appeared as a speaker at numerous financial and investment conferences and podcasts, where he shares his insights on the future of retirement planning and alternative investments. His expertise and ability to simplify complex tax and legal concepts have made him a trusted resource for both individual investors and financial professionals.

Adam Bergman is a well-known figure in the world of retirement planning, particularly for his pioneering work in the self-directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account) industry. As the founder of IRA Financial, a leading firm specializing in self-directed retirement accounts, Adam has built a reputation as a highly respected expert on alternative investments and tax-advantaged retirement strategies.Before founding IRA Financial, Adam worked as an attorney specializing in tax law, focusing on retirement and investment strategies. His extensive knowledge of tax codes, ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), and IRS regulations gave him a unique perspective on the potential benefits of self-directed retirement accounts, which at the time were relatively underutilized.In 2010, Adam Bergman launched IRA Financial with the goal of facilitating the setup of self-directed IRAs and also providing comprehensive guidance on how to structure these accounts and navigate the legal intricacies involved. A self-directed IRA allows individuals and business owners to invest in a wide range of assets, including real estate, private equity, cryptocurrencies, precious metals, and even startups, which traditional IRAs do not permit. Under Adam’s leadership, IRA Financial Group grew into one of the largest and most recognized firms in the self-directed IRA space with over 25,000 clients and over $5B in assets invested.Adam has written extensively on topics such as self-directed IRAs, the legality of alternative investments, and tax strategies. In addition to authoring 9 books, his work has been featured in over 100 prominent media outlets such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and Business Insider. In addition to his writing, Adam has appeared as a speaker at numerous financial and investment conferences and podcasts, where he shares his insights on the future of retirement planning and alternative investments. His expertise and ability to simplify complex tax and legal concepts have made him a trusted resource for both individual investors and financial professionals.

Ryan Davis is a digital pioneer and award-winning strategist at the intersection of politics, technology, and culture. Born on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in 1982, he’s been online since the dial-up era—launching a teen e-zine, organizing gaming nights, and volunteering for John McCain—all before finishing high school.He moved to NYC in 2000 to study theatre and political communications, working in both off-Broadway theatre and grassroots politics. In 2003, he joined Howard Dean’s groundbreaking digital team, producing for Blog for America and organizing in 36 states.Since then, Ryan has led digital strategy for campaigns (Mark Green, Norman Siegel), advocacy groups, and startups. At Blue State Digital, he helped shape strategy for Obama 2012, Microsoft, and the marriage equality movement, co-founding the award-winning campaign The Four 2012.He co-founded Bushwick Digital in 2014, partnering with Alicia Keys on criminal justice reform, and in 2019, launched People First, the first influencer marketing firm in Democratic politics. The agency has since won top Reed and Pollie Awards and led major campaigns in the 2020 election and COVID vaccine rollout.Outside of work, Ryan co-hosts Out of Office: A Travel Podcast and the Influencer Impact podcast. He publishes The Month in Digital newsletter and splits his time between Latin America and Europe. He serves as Board Chair of MJV and advises ag-tech startup Calyx, bringing his strategic mind and love of storytelling to every project.

Ryan Davis is a digital pioneer and award-winning strategist at the intersection of politics, technology, and culture. Born on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in 1982, he’s been online since the dial-up era—launching a teen e-zine, organizing gaming nights, and volunteering for John McCain—all before finishing high school.He moved to NYC in 2000 to study theatre and political communications, working in both off-Broadway theatre and grassroots politics. In 2003, he joined Howard Dean’s groundbreaking digital team, producing for Blog for America and organizing in 36 states.Since then, Ryan has led digital strategy for campaigns (Mark Green, Norman Siegel), advocacy groups, and startups. At Blue State Digital, he helped shape strategy for Obama 2012, Microsoft, and the marriage equality movement, co-founding the award-winning campaign The Four 2012.He co-founded Bushwick Digital in 2014, partnering with Alicia Keys on criminal justice reform, and in 2019, launched People First, the first influencer marketing firm in Democratic politics. The agency has since won top Reed and Pollie Awards and led major campaigns in the 2020 election and COVID vaccine rollout.Outside of work, Ryan co-hosts Out of Office: A Travel Podcast and the Influencer Impact podcast. He publishes The Month in Digital newsletter and splits his time between Latin America and Europe. He serves as Board Chair of MJV and advises ag-tech startup Calyx, bringing his strategic mind and love of storytelling to every project.

Mukarram Mawjood, Chief Investment Officer at Blackstone Commodity GroupMukarram Mawjood is the Chief Investment Officer at Blackstone Commodity Group, where he specializes in alternative investments and commodities. With over 20 years of experience in global markets, Mukarram possesses a sharp insight into market cycles, enabling him to navigate both bullish and bearish environments with expertise.Having lived in key financial hubs across Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, Mukarram understands the evolving dynamics of the global financial landscape. He has extensive trading experience in energy markets and precious metals, particularly physical gold and silver, as well as major asset classes including futures and equities.His impressive background includes critical roles in trading and investment strategy, where he has successfully guided stakeholders through pivotal market events such as the 2008 stock market crash and the subsequent surge in gold prices from 2008 to 2011, as well as the recent upswing in 2023 and 2024. Under Mukarram’s leadership, Blackstone Commodity Group has implemented innovative investment strategies in alternative assets that empower clients to protect and grow their assets and seize new opportunities.A passionate advocate for financial literacy, Mukarram believes in the power of knowledge to empower investors. He actively educates youth aged 16 to 22 on the fundamentals of investing and the importance of financial responsibility. Through his trading competition, “The Young Trader of the Year,” he inspires young minds and fosters a lasting respect for the financial world.In addition to his role at his company, Mukarram served as a guest lecturer in commodities and alternative investments at UCLA extension, sharing his expertise with the next generation of finance professionals.  

Mukarram Mawjood, Chief Investment Officer at Blackstone Commodity GroupMukarram Mawjood is the Chief Investment Officer at Blackstone Commodity Group, where he specializes in alternative investments and commodities. With over 20 years of experience in global markets, Mukarram possesses a sharp insight into market cycles, enabling him to navigate both bullish and bearish environments with expertise.Having lived in key financial hubs across Asia, the Middle East, and the United States, Mukarram understands the evolving dynamics of the global financial landscape. He has extensive trading experience in energy markets and precious metals, particularly physical gold and silver, as well as major asset classes including futures and equities.His impressive background includes critical roles in trading and investment strategy, where he has successfully guided stakeholders through pivotal market events such as the 2008 stock market crash and the subsequent surge in gold prices from 2008 to 2011, as well as the recent upswing in 2023 and 2024. Under Mukarram’s leadership, Blackstone Commodity Group has implemented innovative investment strategies in alternative assets that empower clients to protect and grow their assets and seize new opportunities.A passionate advocate for financial literacy, Mukarram believes in the power of knowledge to empower investors. He actively educates youth aged 16 to 22 on the fundamentals of investing and the importance of financial responsibility. Through his trading competition, “The Young Trader of the Year,” he inspires young minds and fosters a lasting respect for the financial world.In addition to his role at his company, Mukarram served as a guest lecturer in commodities and alternative investments at UCLA extension, sharing his expertise with the next generation of finance professionals.