FOUNDING TEAM
MICAH YEACKLEY
Micah has been immersed in blockchain research for the past several years. In 2019 after helping friends and family invest in cryptographic assets he formally founded the Veteran Broker, one of the first cryptographic brokerages in North America. The business now manages over $500 million USD of custodian assets for over 100 clients all over the globe. Before his work in cryptographic investments Micah completed a career in the US military.
CHRIS TURNER
Chris has worked in the developing world for over 20 years consulting with most of the multilateral aid agencies in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Chris is committed to the integration of emerging technologies as solutions to solve some of the world's most pressing issues. Chris obtained his B.A in Anthropology from SOAS, London and M.A in Public Health from the University of London. He also has his Ph.D. in Organisational Development.
SAMUEL CHEN
Samuel is deeply involved in bringing emerging technologies into the business world. He has experience applying AI and data science in hedge funds trading both derivatives and cryptocurrencies. He is interested in using blockchain, among other emerging technologies, for the greater good. Samuel has a background in physics and economics. Samuel holds a B.S. in Physics and a B.A. in Business Economics from UCLA, as well as a M.Eng. in Applied Physics from Cornell University.
DOUG FIKE
Specialising in executive coaching and organisational development, Doug has worked in dozens of countries on five continents. He has a master’s degree in Organisational Leadership, and currently serves leaders and organisations in the non-profit, government, business, family, technology, and arts sectors.
BOARD OF ADVISORS
CHARLENE FIKE
CHAIR OF BOARD OF ADVISORS
Charlene Fike is a serial entrepreneur, networker and champion of creative projects large and small. She has launched multiple businesses over the past four decades and is passionate about releasing women globally to do just the same.
With Kula, Charlene is leveraging her international influence, experience, and contacts to ensure the development of the protocol’s governance structure is populated with world class talent.
CAROLINE YULIN
FOUNDING INVESTOR
As the visionary Founder and CEO of the Be Global Foundation, Yulin is a self-made entrepreneur, tech innovator, and property developer.
She is renowned as both a social impact and angel investor, with her passion lying in steering philanthropy projects towards meaningful change.
THE KULADAO JOURNEY
ORIGINS
The very name 'Kula' pays homage to the ancient Kula ring of the Trobriand Islands, a ceremonial exchange system that underscores the essence of community and reciprocity. This intricate network of barter, spanning 18 islands, sees the circulation of ornate shell necklaces and armbands, each a testament to the holder's prestige and the enduring bonds between tribes. The Kula ring, with its elaborate customs and deep-seated social significance, serves as a living testament to the foundational aspects of human exchange and economic interaction.
At Kula, we draw parallels between this millennia-old tradition and our modern cryptographic framework, aiming to recreate the same sense of community, trust, and mutual benefit in the digital age. By embracing the ethos of the Kula ring, we are not just building an investment platform; we are reviving a legacy of connectivity and shared prosperity that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Join us on this journey as we weave the rich tapestry of our past into the fabric of a brighter, more inclusive future with Kula.
HISTORY
The Kula ring of the Trobriand Islands
Born from decades of observation and learning, Kula's journey begins in the heart of communities across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Witnessing firsthand the pitfalls of commercial and philanthropic endeavours that often leave local tribes marginalised, Kula emerged as a beacon of change. Our mission is to realign the interests and empower those traditionally sidelined in the development narrative through the innovative use of tokenisation.
Kula's tokens are more than just assets; they symbolise a stake in the outcome, a voice in decision-making, and a share in the success of local projects. This approach dismantles the barriers of traditional investment structures, replacing opacity with transparency, and exclusion with participation. Inspired by the principles of exchange and community documented by Marcel Maus in Oceana, Kula embodies the spirit of economic discourse driven by generosity and connectivity.
MILESTONES
3
Number of Signed Contracts
5
Number of Signed MOUs
12
Number of Partnerships
$9M
Seed funding & capital raise