Ex-Google exec to bring Web3 to masses as new Aptos Labs adviser

As a crypto investor with a few years of experience under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for promising new projects and partnerships in the blockchain space. The recent announcement of Aptos Labs bringing on board David Lawee as a global adviser has piqued my interest.


Formed by ex-Facebook team members, Aptos Labs persists in expanding their mission to grant access to decentralized assets for billions of individuals through the development of a layer-1 blockchain platform.

On May 9, the Aptos Labs team announced the addition of their latest international consultants. Among them is David Lawee, a previous Vice President of Corporate Development at Google.

As a researcher studying the intersection of technology and finance, I’ll draw upon my extensive background in the consumer tech sector, having founded Alphabet’s Capital G independent growth equity fund. Leveraging this experience, I aim to champion the potential of blockchain technology to reach a broader audience.

As a crypto investor, I’m excited to share that I’ve recently joined the advisory board of Aptos, alongside esteemed industry professionals Pamela Drucker Mann and Dan Boneh. Pamela, the chief revenue officer at Condè Nast Global, brings valuable insights from the media industry. Meanwhile, Dan, a professor of computer science at Stanford University, adds his expertise in technology and academia to our team. Together, we’ll help guide Aptos towards success.

As an analyst, I would put a emphasis on enhancing the community atmosphere within Aptos Labs through Mann’s efforts. Simultaneously, Boneh’s role will involve conducting extensive research in the areas of cryptography and cybersecurity to bolster our infrastructure and security advancements.

“Aptos Labs is undeniably committed to facilitating wider access to financial independence, engaging digital interfaces, and fostering global social connections,” Lawee expressed. “I’m excited to collaborate intimately with this forward-thinking tech team to introduce Web3 to a larger audience,” he further stated.

As a researcher, I’ve come across recent developments concerning the leadership change at CapitalG. Approximately one year ago, in March 2023, I observed that Amrish Lawee, who had been with Alphabet for an impressive 17-year tenure and served as the head of CapitalG during that time, stepped down from his position. Subsequently, Laela Sturdy was appointed to succeed him as the new leader of CapitalG.

Ex-Google exec to bring Web3 to masses as new Aptos Labs adviser

At CapitalG, Lawee has been progressively focusing more on the cryptocurrency sector in recent years. In 2021, CapitalG formed a partnership with Digital Currency Group (DCG) – a prominent player in the crypto industry, led by its CEO Barry Silbert.

“According to Lawee’s blog post from November 2021, we hold the conviction that DCG is among the select crypto industry pioneers who will significantly shape the future. We are thrilled to support them financially and collaborate with them as they strive to convert cryptocurrency into a major global financial asset.”

About a year prior to the crypto industry’s lending crisis that brought down companies such as Three Arrows Capital (3AC) and caused widespread consequences for entities like Digital Currency Group (DCG), Lawee published his post.

As a researcher studying the events surrounding DCG, I can share that the contagion caused considerable financial distress for the company. Some of its affiliated entities, including Genesis Global, were compelled to file for bankruptcy as early as January 2023.

At Aptos, the next chapter in Lawee’s Web3 journey unfolds. This company, established in 2021 by Mohammad Shaikh and Avery Ching, is responsible for the native token, Aptos (APT). With a market capitalization of $3.6 billion, APT ranks as the 31st largest cryptocurrency on CoinGecko at present.

After its debut, Aptos has secured a total investment of $350 million from various investors. This includes the venture capital divisions of prominent exchanges such as Coinbase and Binance, as well as firms that have since filed for bankruptcy, like 3AC and FTX.

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2024-05-09 16:20