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For our latest interview on The Founder, we’re excited to welcome Shibtoshi, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SquidGrow. A notable figure in the cryptocurrency world, Shibtoshi has been a member of the bitcoin world since 2011 and is among the top Shiba Inu holders, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the space. With SquidGrow, Shibtoshi is blending the fun of meme tokens with cutting-edge utility, creating a revolutionary ecosystem that includes innovations like SilentSwap, SG Swap, Knox Locker, and Inkubate. Today, we’ll dive into the journey behind SquidGrow, explore its groundbreaking components, and gain insights into Shibtoshi’s vision for the future of crypto.
Q. You’ve been a Bitcoin investor since 2011. What initially drew you to Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency space?
What drew me to Bitcoin in 2011 was its revolutionary promise to return financial control to individuals. I first encountered it through online poker games and, after reading the Bitcoin white paper, I was captivated. It addressed the issues brought to light by the 2008 financial crash, offering a way to move money freely without the restrictions and oversight of central banking authorities.
The concept of financial sovereignty and the ease of peer-to-peer transactions felt like a breakthrough in how we handle money. It was a bold solution to a broken system, and I knew I had to be a part of it. From those early days, I immersed myself in the crypto space, learning from forums and connecting with other pioneers who shared the same belief in Bitcoin's potential to change the world.
Q. As one of the top Shiba Inu whales, what inspired you to back meme coins, and how do you view their role in the broader crypto ecosystem?
My decision to back meme coins like Shiba Inu stems from their unique ability to capture the imagination and enthusiasm of the broader community. While Bitcoin introduced me to the principles of decentralization and financial sovereignty, meme coins like Shiba Inu showcased how a movement could build something far greater than just technology—it could create culture.
I saw Shiba Inu as more than a meme; it was a proof of concept that community-driven projects could thrive in this space. It brought together a diverse group of people, many of whom were new to crypto, and gave them a sense of belonging and purpose.
Meme coins play an important role in the broader ecosystem by driving mainstream adoption and fostering innovation. They lower the barrier to entry for those intimidated by traditional finance or complex blockchain projects, acting as a gateway to the world of crypto. And when paired with real utility, like what we’re building at SquidGrow, they become powerful vehicles for growth and change.
Q. What motivated you to create SquidGrow, and how does it reflect your personal vision for the crypto industry?
SquidGrow started as a way to create a safe and meaningful space for my friends and family, born from their challenges in navigating the volatile crypto market. What began as a stealth-launched meme token quickly evolved into a utility-driven ecosystem, fueled by the vision of providing real value to the space.
For me, SquidGrow reflects what crypto should be: innovative, secure, and inclusive. It's about building solutions where there are gaps, like privacy-focused platforms such as SilentSwap. At its core, SquidGrow embodies my belief that a strong community, paired with real utility, is the foundation for long-term success in this industry.
Q. How has your journey in crypto, from early Bitcoin investments to SquidGrow, shaped your perspective on innovation and risk-taking?
My journey in crypto has taught me that innovation often requires calculated risk-taking and a willingness to embrace the unknown. From discovering Bitcoin in its infancy to holding Shiba Inu during its volatile rise, I’ve learned that transformative ideas often emerge from moments of uncertainty.
With SquidGrow, I’ve applied these lessons by balancing bold moves with careful planning. It’s about identifying gaps in the market and building solutions, all while staying true to the principles of decentralization and community. Crypto is a space where innovation thrives on taking risks—but only when paired with a clear vision and purpose.
Q. What challenges have you faced as a notable figure in crypto, and how do you balance your public presence with your personal life?
As Shibtoshi, my online persona allows me to maintain a clear boundary between my public and personal life. Wearing a mask and keeping my identity private isn’t just about security; it’s about preserving my family’s privacy and ensuring I can focus on the work I’m passionate about without those worlds overlapping.
At events, I embrace this persona fully, which lets me engage with the community while maintaining the anonymity that protects my personal life. It’s a balance that enables me to lead in the space while staying grounded in what truly matters to me
Q. SquidGrow is described as a "utility-meme token." What differentiates it from traditional meme coins like Dogecoin or Shiba Inu?
SquidGrow blends the excitement and community spirit of a meme coin with real, impactful products that address critical gaps in the crypto space. We focus on building tools that we, as investors, see a genuine need for—solutions that fill voids and help push the industry toward mass adoption.
For example, SilentSwap addresses the growing demand for privacy in financial transactions, aligning with where we see the industry heading next.
What sets us apart is our commitment to long-term sustainability. Every product we develop is aimed at creating a foundation that supports the continued growth and evolution of our ecosystem
Q. SilentSwap offers private cross-chain swaps. How does this feature address current pain points in blockchain interoperability and privacy?
SilentSwap tackles two major challenges in the blockchain space: interoperability and privacy. By enabling private cross-chain swaps, it allows users to move assets across multiple blockchains seamlessly, addressing the fragmentation that often complicates DeFi transactions.
On the privacy front, SilentSwap ensures that users can conduct transactions without exposing sensitive financial details. SilentSwap provides a trustless, non-custodial solution that gives users control over their assets while safeguarding privacy.
Q. What features set SilentSwap apart from other platforms in terms of privacy, security, and usability?
SilentSwap stands out with its unmatched speed, cost efficiency through an integrated arbitrage feature, and rigorous security audits. Despite its advanced capabilities, the platform remains highly user-friendly, making private cross-chain swaps seamless for everyone. It’s this balance of speed, affordability, security, and simplicity that sets us apart in the privacy space.
Q. What key milestones has SilentSwap achieved so far, and how do they reflect its impact on the crypto space?
SilentSwap has achieved impressive milestones in just a month since its launch. Before going live, over 18,000 people signed up for early access, highlighting the demand for its privacy-focused solutions. Since launching on December 9th, the platform has processed nearly $2 million in swap volume, reflecting strong adoption in a short time.
Additionally, SilentSwap has secured strategic partnerships to expand its influence in the Web3 space. Collaborations with Zeebu integrate advanced privacy features into telecom transactions, while our partnership with SquidRouter enhances cross-chain access. Partnering with Secret Network further emphasizes our dedication to privacy and interoperability. These achievements in such a short period underline SilentSwap’s potential to drive meaningful impact in the crypto space.
Q. Inkubate combines NFT trading and collection creation. How do you see NFTs evolving, and what unique value does Inkubate bring to creators and collectors?
NFTs are evolving into tools for ownership, access, and engagement, and Inkubate is designed to empower both creators and collectors. For creators, it stands as an all-in-one platform offering powerful tools to launch and manage collections, while prioritizing royalties to ensure artists are fairly compensated for their work. For collectors, it provides a seamless and user-friendly trading experience. Inkubate bridges the gap, fostering fairness and innovation in the NFT space.
Q. Knox Locker is positioned as a high-security Web3 interface. Can you explain its role in securing investments for DeFi and blue-chip projects?
Knox Locker is a high-security solution designed to safeguard liquidity for DeFi and blue-chip projects. It offers an intuitive interface for locking liquidity, tokens, and vesting schedules, ensuring transparency and security. With its competitive rates, Knox Locker makes securing assets both affordable and reliable, helping projects build trust and credibility with their communities.
Q. What role does community play in the success of SquidGrow, and how are you fostering engagement and trust among users?
Community is the backbone of SquidGrow’s success, and much of that comes down to the dedication and passion of our members. They’ve been instrumental in keeping us in the spotlight, championing our brand, and driving engagement across platforms regardless of the market conditions.
We foster this by listening to their feedback, amplifying their ideas, and under promising but over delivering to maintain trust. SquidGrow isn’t just a token—it’s about building an inclusive environment that supports first-time users while enhancing the experience for existing holders. Authenticity and transparency are at the core of what we do, driving our commitment to being 'the people’s crypto.’
Q. How do you envision SquidGrow scaling in a highly competitive market, and what are your strategies for achieving long-term growth?
SquidGrow’s growth strategy is centered on sustainability and innovation. We build solutions that address key gaps in the market, such as privacy-focused tools, while allocating a portion of utility-generated revenue to support the ecosystem’s development. Importantly, SquidGrow is fully funded by me personally, ensuring operations are independent of community funds.
This approach allows us to focus on scaling responsibly, fostering collaborations with established brands, hosting impactful events, and continually enhancing our offerings to adapt to the evolving needs of the crypto space
Q. As someone deeply embedded in the crypto world, what trends do you foresee dominating the industry in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see privacy and interoperability becoming major trends in the crypto industry. As users demand greater control over their data, privacy-focused solutions like SilentSwap will play a pivotal role. Interoperability will also be key, with projects working to bridge blockchain ecosystems and make cross-chain transactions seamless.
Additionally, the integration of real-world assets into blockchain, advancements in DeFi, and more robust regulatory frameworks will shape the space. The focus will shift toward creating user-friendly, scalable solutions that drive mass adoption while addressing the critical need for security and transparency.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring crypto entrepreneurs who want to make a mark in this rapidly evolving space?
My advice to aspiring crypto entrepreneurs is to focus on building value that lasts. Understand the fundamentals of the market and your business—what value are you creating, how will you sustain it, and what will it look like in three to five years? Avoid simply diverting attention and resources; instead, channel them into meaningful innovation and long-term growth.
Trust is the cornerstone of Web3, not just in marketing but across product development, community building, and brand representation. Build trust by being transparent, listening to your community, and delivering on your promises. Success comes from creating solutions that solve real problems while earning the confidence of your users
