Eric Chen’s journey from NYU student to successful blockchain entrepreneur highlights the transformative power of seizing emerging opportunities. Growing up in the Bay Area surrounded by entrepreneurs, Chen always had an interest in innovation but found traditional academic paths limiting. While studying business and computer science, he discovered a passion for blockchain technology and cryptography, which he pursued through self-education and research labs. Recognizing the nascent potential of decentralized finance, Chen took a leave of absence in 2018 to co-found Injective, a blockchain network addressing performance issues in crypto exchanges. Despite having no industry experience or degree, he believed the timing presented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make an impact.
The early years proved exceptionally challenging as Chen and his team faced significant engineering hurdles and investor skepticism. Bootstrapping with limited funds, they spent nearly two years refining their product while convincing investors of decentralized exchanges’ potential. The breakthrough came in 2020 when the crypto space gained momentum, allowing Injective to secure substantial funding. Their most notable achievement was attracting investment from Mark Cuban after a strategic pitch that highlighted their open-platform solution during the GameStop trading controversy. By maintaining honesty about their capabilities rather than overselling, they built credibility that ultimately helped them raise over $50 million in total funding.
Chen emphasizes that leaving college wasn’t about dissatisfaction with education but about recognizing a unique timing opportunity in blockchain development. He acknowledges those first years as the most challenging of his life, filled with constant pressure and overwhelming work, but maintains that dropping out was the right decision to capitalize on the emerging market. His experience demonstrates that unconventional paths can lead to success when pursued with passion and strategic timing. Chen’s story serves as an inspiration for young entrepreneurs considering alternative routes to traditional education and career pipelines, emphasizing the importance of acting on promising opportunities when they arise.
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Forrás: https://www.businessinsider.com/college-dropout-founder-injective-mark-cuban-invest-business-2025-9.