Key Takeaways
- Josh Fraser began coding at age 10 and earned a Computer Science degree from Clemson University, giving him a strong start in technology and business.
- Fraser co-founded several successful companies, including PriceSlash, Torbit, and Din, before co-founding Origin Protocol in 2017.
- Fraser is best known for Origin Protocol, which focuses on decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs and offers products like Origin Dollar (OUSD) and Origin Story.
Who Is Josh Fraser?
Josh Fraser co-founded Origin Protocol, a company focused on decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Throughout his career, he has helped start several tech companies and worked on improving web performance, blockchain technology, and software development.
Fraser got a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Clemson University between 2002 and 2006. He started programming at 10, which gave him a good start in technology and business.
Early Career
Before his success with Origin Protocol, Fraser co-founded PriceSlash in 2016—the platform aimed to help people cut household costs by offering ways to save money. PriceSlash became profitable soon after it started and was later bought by Billshark, a company that helps customers lower their bills.
Co-Founding Torbit
Earlier in his career, Fraser co-founded Torbit in 2010, a company that improved website performance. Torbit’s goal was to help big companies like Microsoft and Amazon make their websites faster and more efficient. By focusing on performance, Torbit became a key partner for large businesses. In 2013, Walmart Labs bought Torbit, improving Fraser’s reputation as a successful entrepreneur.
CTO of Din
From 2013 to 2015, Fraser was Din’s co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) (formerly known as Forage). Din was a meal-kit delivery service that made home cooking easier by providing pre-prepared ingredients so customers could make fresh meals with less effort. The company quickly became popular for its focus on convenience and quality.
Co-Founding Origin Protocol
Fraser is best known as the co-founder of Origin Protocol, which builds blockchain-based tools for decentralized finance (DeFi) and commerce. Founded in 2017, Origin Protocol focuses on creating products that make the blockchain experience easier and better for users.
One of its key products is the Origin Dollar (OUSD), a stablecoin that helps users earn returns. Fraser also helped launch Origin Story, a platform that allows creators and businesses to start their non-fungible token (NFT) collections. Under Fraser’s leadership, Origin Protocol has become well-known for its work in decentralized apps and financial tools.
Angel Investing and Advising
Along with his work at Origin Protocol, Fraser invests in and advises startups. This helps him support new projects in tech and blockchain. His investments include fast-growing projects like Solana, Biconomy, and XMTP, which are changing industries like blockchain, communications, and decentralized networks. Fraser’s experience as an investor and advisor has helped many startups in fields like robotics and aerospace. He has also worked with several venture funds, boosting his impact on new businesses.
Tech Journey and DeFi Vision
In a May 31, 2024, interview on the “Cryptonews Spotlight” YouTube channel, Josh Fraser, co-founder of Origin Protocol, talked about his journey in technology and decentralized finance (DeFi). He explained that learning to code at 10 was an important step that helped him understand technology and led to his interest in entrepreneurship.
Fraser also shared how his love for innovation led him to work in the blockchain space, where he co-founded Origin Protocol to create tools for decentralized finance. His story shows how starting early with technology can greatly impact a career in new fields like DeFi.
Mentoring and Community Involvement
Fraser helps young tech entrepreneurs by sharing his knowledge through speaking events, online discussions, and industry gatherings. He offers guidance on starting businesses, from fundraising to building teams. His focus on helping the community has made him known as a tech leader.
Impact on the Blockchain Ecosystem
Josh Fraser has played a big role in promoting blockchain’s potential in finance, entertainment, and supply chains. He supports open-source development, believing teamwork helps speed progress and create a fairer future. His efforts have made the blockchain space easier to access and more stable for developers and users.
Final Thoughts
Josh Fraser’s journey in tech and business shows how starting early with a passion for innovation can lead to great success. From learning to code as a child to co-founding companies like PriceSlash, Torbit, and Origin Protocol, Fraser has proven himself as a leader.
Through Origin Protocol, he has helped shape the future of decentralized finance and NFTs. Besides his business achievements, Fraser is dedicated to mentoring others and supporting open-source projects. His story shows the importance of hard work, creativity, and helping others to positively impact both industries and people.
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