We had a pleasure interviewing Igor Telyatnikov Co-Founder and CEO of AlphaPoint. Igor’s mission is to help clients leverage blockchain technology to make illiquid assets liquid. Igor brings over 15 years of experience in leading companies to harness the power of technology to deliver innovative, next-generation solutions. As a recognized thought leader, he speaks frequently at industry events and conferences to share his vision for blockchain technology’s impact on the future of finance. 

• Can you tell us what inspired you to pursue this career path? What do you want others to take from your story?

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain technology have fascinated me since first learning about them in 2012. The concept of creating a global fabric of trustless value and data exchange is as captivating an idea now as it was then. Once I learned about the technology, I began exploring different avenues of involvement, which led me to invest time and capital in mining and trading businesses, and eventually to cofounding AlphaPoint. It’s important to remember that we’re still early adopters in a nascent industry, and there are countless opportunities for involvement in the space for those passionate about this revolutionary technology.

• Could you tell us about any of the interesting projects that you are working on currently?

I’m motivated daily by our work with customers and partners to expand access to digital assets globally. We have many exciting projects around the world that are launching state of the art STO platforms and growing new marketplaces for cryptocurrencies and asset backed tokens.

• Is there a particular person who you would like to credit with helping you get to where you are? Can you share an anecdote about that?

An early inspiration in the space was David Johnston, who is now an advisor to AlphaPoint and a friend. I recall meeting David at an early bitcoin conference where he coined the term, “If it can be decentralized, it will be decentralized” and voiced some forward-thinking concepts around tokenization of assets beyond currency.

• What are the 5 things that you think are most fascinating about blockchain and crypto? Why?

Blockchain and crypto make you reconsider why certain legacy systems and organizations still function as inefficiently as they do. Ultimately, my belief is that open financial networks can add tremendous value to the world in terms of efficiency and freedom and this technology enables both. There are obvious challenges that still need to be solved for, but we will reap the benefits over time.

• What are the 5 things that concern you about blockchain and crypto? Why?

Safety and security are still the biggest roadblocks to overcome. With the great power of digital currency and other digital assets comes an even greater responsibility to secure those assets, and we are still in the process of developing appropriate measures that balance fuction with security.

• How have you used your success to bring positive change to the world? Can you share a story?

We certainly like to think so. In AlphaPoint’s early days, we helped establish cryptocurrency marketplaces in dozens of countries with otherwise limited access to this emerging asset class. Now we are helping the world tokenize its assets to fundamentally change how capital is raised, with added transparency around the transfer of investments between counterparties through enhanced monitoring and tracking. 

• What are the 3 things that you would advise someone who aspires to emulate your career? Can you share an example for each idea?

Because our time is limited in this world, in an ideal situation everybody should 1) Work on something they are passionate about, 2) Strive for excellence in their work and, 3) Always continue learning. Through passion, excellence and learning, the world moves forward. If your current career doesn’t support these principles, you should modify your work situation until you’re able to contribute in a meaningful and fulfilling way. 

• What is the one “Life Lesson Quote” that you stand by? Can you tell us how that had relevance to your own life?

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle. Creating healthy habits and striving for excellence are both particularly relevant to my life. I love action sports and reaching peak experience in both leisure and work, and I believe more is achieved when you give maximum effort in both arenas.

• Who would be one person in the world that you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?

Elon Musk – I’d love to understand his approach to time management, and how he continues to plan efficiently for future challenges.

• Where can our readers find you on social media?

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/igortelyatnikov/ 
• Twitter: @itelytanikov