Samson Mow Exits Blockstream to Focus on Nation-State Bitcoin Adoption

With Infinite Fleet close to the beta stage, Mow said he will also divert more attention to his gaming company Pixelmatic.

AccessTimeIconMar 1, 2022 at 6:28 p.m. UTC
Updated May 11, 2023 at 5:58 p.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Blockstream Chief Strategy Officer Samson Mow said he’s departing the blockchain technology company after about a five-year run.

In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Mow praised Blockstream’s bitcoin infrastructure development along with layer 2 scaling technologies. With the company “in a very good place” after a recent funding round, he said, now is the right time to exit.

  • What Challenges Do Appchains Solve?
    00:59
    What Challenges Do Appchains Solve?
  • Appchain Protocol Tanssi Raises $6M
    18:57
    Appchain Protocol Tanssi Raises $6M
  • Breaking Down Internet Computer's 40% Rally
    00:59
    Breaking Down Internet Computer's 40% Rally
  • HSBC Brings Tokenized Gold to Hong Kong; Munchables Exploited for $62M
    02:14
    HSBC Brings Tokenized Gold to Hong Kong; Munchables Exploited for $62M
  • Mow and Blockstream have been key figures in designing El Salvador’s bitcoin-backed bonds (so-called Volcano Bonds), which are set to be issued this month on Blocksteam’s Liquid platform. “With everything happening at light speed in El Salvador, and more and more countries interested in adopting bitcoin, I found my time each day just no longer enough anymore,” Mow said.

    Mow’s departure may ramp up speculation about which country in Latin America (or another region) might follow El Salvador into bitcoin. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele has hinted that two other nations will adopt bitcoin as legal tender this year.

    Mow also took note of more time being demanded by Pixelmatic as the beta nears of its game, Infinite Fleet. (Mow is founder and CEO of Pixelmatic.) In 2019, Mow aimed to bridge the world of crypto and online gaming by launching a token that would see Pixelmatic use Blockstream’s new platform for launching security tokens on Bitcoin via its sidechain Liquid.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

    Author placeholder image

    Michael Bellusci is CoinDesk's crypto reporter focused on public companies and digital asset firms.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.


    Read more about