John Ng’s Zen Guide to Investing

Mindfulness in Blockchain Investing

Listening to John Ng Pangilinan, Managing Partner at Signum Capital, was like hearing a breath of fresh air in the fast-paced world of crypto investing. John’s emphasis on mindfulness and his openness about his mental health journey struck a chord with me.

"I actually do suffer from some mental stuff. For the past twenty years.
Every day. Every hour"

— John Ng Pangilinan, Managing Partner, Signum Capital

It’s this level of authenticity that sets him apart as not just an investor but a human being who genuinely cares about the impact of his work.

Intention and Purpose in Investing

What makes John's approach unique is his dedication to investing with intention. For him, it’s not solely about the returns; it’s about making a meaningful difference. His philosophy centers on using blockchain as a tool for positive change, steering away from short-term gains in favor of long-term societal benefits. This approach challenges the prevailing narratives in the crypto space and highlights the potential for blockchain to be a force for good.

Investing with Heart and Humanity

His mindfulness and focus on purpose bring hope for a more thoughtful and impactful blockchain ecosystem. It’s rare to find investors who genuinely prioritize heart and humanity, and the commitment to these values is what makes him stand out in an industry often driven by profit margins. His perspective is a reminder that blockchain's true power lies in its ability to empower and uplift communities, not just in generating returns.

Impactful VCs in the Blockchain Space

John’s approach isn't isolated; other VCs are similarly committed to championing social impact.

Take, for instance, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), which has been actively funding projects that focus on financial inclusion, healthcare, and education through blockchain. a16z’s investment in initiatives like the Celo Foundation, which aims to create a global financial system that serves everyone, echoes John's belief in the power of blockchain to democratize access to opportunities.

Another great example is Pantera Capital, one of the earliest investors in blockchain, which has consistently shown interest in projects that drive positive change. Pantera’s involvement in decentralized finance (DeFi) initiatives, particularly those that help underbanked communities gain access to financial services, mirrors John’s mission of using blockchain to unlock value for people who need it the most.

This alignment with values is what makes John, along with these other VCs, stand out in a landscape often dominated by short-term profits. It’s a reminder that investing with intention can lead to a more inclusive and impactful future for the blockchain industry.

If you'd like to explore more about John’s approach and how it parallels with other VCs championing social impact, be sure to watch the full panel discussion.

— FS