Kraken

Jesse Powell earned a philosophy degree from California State University, Sacramento, and earlier co-founded Lewt, a company providing virtual currencies and items for online games. He became active in the Bitcoin community in 2011 and briefly consulted for the troubled Mt. Gox exchange after its first major hack, an experience that convinced him the industry needed a more secure, professional venue. He co-founded Kraken in 2011 (the exchange launched in 2013), served as its long-time CEO, and now chairs the company; he also founded the Verge Center for the Arts nonprofit.