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Suji Yan

Founder @ Mask Network

Suji Yan is the founder and CEO of Mask Network, a decentralized social network platform that aims to bridge Web2 and Web3 technologies.13 Here are some key details about Suji Yan:

Background and Education

Suji Yan dropped out of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Computer Engineering program at the age of 20 to pursue entrepreneurship.12 He also studied at the University of Tokyo.2

Career Highlights

Mask Network:: In 2017, Suji founded Mask Network, which has become one of the fastest-growing projects in the crypto space.1 Mask Network aims to bring privacy and Web3 benefits to traditional social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.3

Dimension:: Suji is also the founder of Dimension, a company focused on data privacy protection solutions.2

Bonfire Union:: In 2022, Suji established Bonfire Union, a venture capital brand that supports entrepreneurs who are often underrated by traditional VCs.1

Advocacy and Contributions

Suji Yan is a strong advocate for open internet and digital privacy.1 He has:

  • Made donations to universities and NGOs to support research on open internet
  • Been featured in major media outlets like Wired and the Wall Street Journal
  • Co-initiated the anti-996 movement (against overwork culture) with his wife, Katt Gu

Vision and Philosophy

Suji believes in creating a "digital civil square" where everyone can voice their opinions freely.1 He envisions an "Internet of the people, by the people, for the people" as the future of the internet, considering it a fundamental right for everyone.13

Suji Yan's LinkedIn username is tedkoyan, as mentioned in the query.

Highlights

Feb 26 · twitter

Oh I’m not interested in joining any fight but maybe I’m old enough to remember some relic stories??

Disclaimer: Both dragonfly and HackVc haven’t invested in any of our entities (at least for now); previous Alex (through SPV) invested in Mask after he left dragonfly.

It was around 2018, the first time I heard about dragonfly, obviously I heard of Bo for other reasons. I was told by my source from a related Ministry in Beijing that MakerDAO team might meet certain folks from PBOC, Chinese central bank thanks to Bo’s private connections. I met Rune and Alex in Beijing, just to say hi (and probably none of the audience remember).

Later on after MakerDAO helped us on Red packet in 2020 and crucial COVID market meltdown I started talk to both Bo and Alex (who just left dragonfly) on Mask’s fundraising. Ends up Alex did a few intro and did a small check through an SPV. Bo and I later met in Shanghai with some OGs - I realized I met Bo’s brother before bc of Pokemon cards and fashion toys.

Bo also love playing pokers; never gamed together though. Haseeb certainly got better poker insights as a pro player and did many amazing investment & deals.

One thing I learned in crypto is the importance of ‘playing card’, or a Chinese phrase I liked a lot “借假修真” (use fake means to pursue real goals). 2018-2022 was the time President Xi mentioned Blockchain several times and ppl were hoping China will open up in crypto (though I never agreed).

In retrospectively, the world hasn’t change that much. Now President Trump is our new guest in the crypto card game.

Feb 24 · twitter

Social as a service

Related Questions

What inspired Suji Yan to drop out of university and start Mask Network?
How does Mask Network differ from traditional social media platforms?
What is the anti-996 movement that Suji Yan is involved in?
Can you tell me more about Bonfire Union and its mission?
What are some of the notable projects backed by Bonfire Union?
Suji Yan
Suji Yan, photo 1
Suji Yan, photo 2
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Location

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan