Key Takeaways
- Jon Karas is the co-founder of Akoin and has expertise in law, business, and technology. He studied at Oxford, the University of Miami, and NYU Law.
- He started Infinity Management International in 1990 and worked in corporate and entertainment law, advising businesses and raising investments.
- He partnered with Akon to launch Akon Legacy Ventures, focusing on renewable energy, technology, and global development.
Who Is Jon Karas?
Jon Karas co-founded Akoin, a blockchain platform created with Akon and Lynn Liss. With a background in law, business, and technology, Karas has developed solutions to support communities and global economic growth. He studied Theatre at Vassar College, then earned degrees in International Law and Finance from Oxford and a law degree from the University of Miami. He also holds a Master’s in Corporate Finance from NYU Law School.
Early Career
Entrepreneurial Beginnings
In 1990, Karas started Infinity Management International, a company that provided business advice and management services to different industries. This was the start of his career as an entrepreneur, which would later include many areas. His legal knowledge and business skills helped him succeed in the corporate world.
Corporate and Entertainment Law
After finishing his studies, Karas began his legal career at well-known New York law firms. He worked at Dreyer & Traub (1984-1986) and Robinson, Silverman (1986-1987), focusing on raising money, investment banking, and financial deals. This experience helped him later in his business ventures by giving him the skills to handle difficult financial and business tasks.
Media and Investment Ventures
Karas’ background in law and business led him to the media and entertainment fields. In 2010, he co-founded Institutional Media Investments with Caspar von Winterfeldt. The company raised money for tech firms, media companies, and film funds while offering advice to help them grow. His deep understanding of media and finance enabled him further into entertainment.
Akon Legacy Ventures
Karas worked with music star Akon to start Akon Legacy Ventures. This business focuses on renewable energy, technology, farming, mining, film, and smart cities. Their main goal is to bring positive change, especially to places that need support, by solving essential problems and supporting long-term growth in different industries.
Co-Founding Akoin
Akoin is a blockchain platform Jon Karas, Akon, and Lynn Liss co-founded to help underserved communities with decentralized finance. It offers financial tools, digital currencies, and resources to boost economic growth, especially in developing areas. With his background in technology and business, Karas has played a key role in shaping Akoin’s goal of promoting financial inclusion and lasting growth.
Blockchain’s Impact on Africa
In an interview with The Voice of Africa TV, Jon Karas, President and Co-Founder of Akoin, talks about how blockchain can improve money transfers. He explains how blockchain lowers the cost of sending money and solves problems found in traditional methods. Karas also highlights the security of blockchain, thanks to traceable transactions. As the economy becomes more digital, blockchain will help businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in Africa.
Akoin’s Vision
Akoin is a digital currency designed to help communities with limited access to financial services. It uses blockchain technology to provide tools like saving money, borrowing, and exchanging currencies. The goal is to make it easier for people to join the economy and create better opportunities.
Plans for the Future and Growth
Jon Karas and the Akoin team are focused on growing the platform in developing areas. They plan to work with governments, charities, and businesses to integrate Akoin into local economies. Their goal is to create a system that helps with education, business, and access to global markets.
Akoin is also exploring ways to use renewable energy and smart city projects. This fits with Akon Legacy Ventures’ goal of solving global problems and supporting long-term growth that is good for the environment and society.
Final Thoughts
Jon Karas is an entrepreneur with an excellent law, business, and technology background. He has worked in many areas, from starting his own company to co-founding Akoin, a blockchain platform that helps communities with limited financial access. His work with Akon in Akon Legacy Ventures focuses on improving global renewable energy, technology, and development. With Akoin, Karas aims to create more opportunities, especially in developing regions, and to bring positive change through blockchain.
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