Guided by a deep belief in teamwork and a passion for solving complex challenges, Max has built high-performance ventures that tackle industry-specific problems while creating cutting-edge digital experiences. His journey, characterized by determination and a talent for lateral thinking, serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators looking to make a difference in the world.
Through MetaMinds and Zilliqa, Max aims to redefine the future of retail e-commerce and digital innovation. By merging technology with creativity, he is paving the way for a hybrid world where physical and digital experiences seamlessly come together to captivate the next generation.
Tell us about yourself and your story.
I discovered blockchain technology in 2015 and was immediately captivated by its transformative potential. While based in Singapore, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a professor conducting groundbreaking research on blockchain scalability. This led to a venture partnership with the National University of Singapore to commercialize the research. In 2017, we launched Zilliqa, the first layer-1 blockchain to utilize sharding for scalability.
From the start, my long-term vision was to build businesses on blockchain technology to tackle major industrial challenges. Over the past seven years, I’ve realized that the luxury and entertainment sectors are ideal for combining blockchain and metaverse technologies to create hybrid physical and digital products and experiences.
In the past year, I’ve been working with MetaMinds, our metaverse venture, alongside Zilliqa and an in-house web3 gaming studio, to help luxury and entertainment brands shape a new hybrid future. Our focus is on creating immersive, innovative luxury e-commerce experiences tailored to the Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences.
However, these large sectors are just a starting point and I can foresee how our platforms can be applied across a mutitude of industries and the potential for scalability is enormous
What’s your biggest lesson learned in your journey?
Building high-performance technology businesses requires finding highly capable people who can work together as a unified team with shared values. Capability and culture are inseparable if you want to create world-class output.
What separates you from the competition or other companies?
We are among the first to combine a layer-1 blockchain with a spatial web platform, witg a clear industrial focus. Our goal is to create immersive e-commerce experiences for the growing Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences.
Our recent partnership with the Cardano ecosystem and EMURGO is also a game-changer. Interoperability between layer-1 blockchains is key for large-scale decentralized applications, and we’re at the forefront of making it happen.
Any tips or advice for young professionals or entrepreneurs?
Embrace failure as a learning opportunity, adapt to change, and stay persistent. Many early-stage ventures come close to success right before they face their toughest challenges – don’t give up.
How do you see yourself in 10 years?
I envision that the platform we’re creating for the luxury sector will grow in other industries, using the same transformative technologies. My vision is a future where people don’t need to understand how blockchain or cryptocurrencies work – they’ll just use simple apps that let them fully own and control their digital assets.
What keeps you motivated every day?
I love being a pioneer, which is why I’m passionate about building start-ups. I enjoy thinking creatively to solve big challenges using technology, then turning those ideas into action through high-performance teams. This drive to innovate and execute keeps me motivated every day – I’m not someone who can stand still for long.
What’s your favourite quote of all time?
Leonardo da Vinci’s “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” is a principle I live by.
What are the main factors that led to where you are right now?
Determination, stamina, positivity, courage, and self-confidence.
Who is your role model or inspiration in your life?
My late father inspired me to think independently and never fear going against the tide. He also nurtured my passions for music, tailoring, and racing cars.
What are the top three core values in life?
Think big, inspire others, and always strive for excellence, quality means no compromises.
What are key moments or turning points of your life?
Leaving corporate life at 24 to pursue entrepreneurship, a decision I’ve never regretted. Realizing early on, through experiences on the school rugby field, that bullies are often the greatest cowards.
What personality traits make a good leader?
Exceptional leaders avoid micromanagement. They have a knack for identifying and nurturing exceptional talent, inspiring their teams while giving them the freedom to make mistakes and grow from the experience.
What is the best and the worst part of your job?
The best part is working alongside my team to connect with potential customers and partners. The worst part is not always finishing my to-do list by the end of the day – though sometimes, sleep has to take priority!
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?
Being first to market has been one of the most challenging aspects of my career – it can feel risky and isolating. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust my instincts, even when others question them. That inner confidence has taught me to stay focused and believe in my vision, which has been key to navigating uncertain paths.
What do you look for when outsourcing or hiring?
Exceptional skills, attitude, and high-energy.
What strategies do you use to stay ahead of the curve in your industry?
Making time for innovation and strategic thinking. This involves meeting with inspiring people from different backgrounds and constantly staying informed through reading.
In what ways do you foster innovation and creativity within your organization?
We focus on building an open environment where people feel safe to innovate and challenge the comfort zone. We view failure as a learning experience, focusing on growth and improvement. Our culture prioritizes outcomes, delivering results for customers or hours worked. We also act quickly to remove any internal politics that affects teamwork and progress.
How do you balance the pursuit of wealth and success with personal fulfillment and happiness?
I believe success comes from hard work and wisely applying your energy. Wealth is simply a product of the disciplined approach. When you’re lucky enough to do what you love for a living, happiness and fulfillment naturally follow.
Please name three books that changed your life and what did you learn from them.
1. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen – An influential business book that reshaped my understanding of innovation.
2. The Tycoons by Charles R. Morris – A fascinating study of past industrial revolutions, showing how history often repeats itself in remarkable ways.
3. Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges – A haunting collection of 17 short stories that blend metaphysics with exceptional storytelling.
www.linkedin.com/in/maxkantelia
www.metaminds.group
www.zilliqa.com
By Irini Golemi
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