The Visionary Behind Messari’s Rise and His Next Moves

• Ryan Selkis resigned as Messari CEO in 2024 after controversial tweets, shifting to a Senior Advisor role to protect the company.
• Despite his resignation, Selkis remains influential, focusing on political advocacy and addressing systemic societal issues.

Ryan Selkis, a name connected with the cryptocurrency industry, has always been more than just an entrepreneur. He is a visionary who recognized promise in the chaotic, unregulated crypto industry long before it became popular.

Selkis was already making headlines in 2013, while Bitcoin was still in its early stages, immersing himself in the crypto field and providing groundbreaking ideas.

His desire for transparency and data-driven decision-making led him to establish Messari in 2018, a company that would quickly become a cornerstone of cryptocurrency research and data gathering.

Messari was more than simply a business for Selkis; it was his attempt to bring order to the sometimes perplexing and opaque world of blockchain technology. Under his guidance, Messari swiftly established itself as the go-to platform for accurate, comprehensive crypto data.

The company’s thorough examination of numerous blockchain initiatives, as well as its commitment to transparency, earned it the trust of investors, developers, and enthusiasts.

A Maverick’s Unfiltered Voice: The Double-Edged Sword of Ryan Selkis Leadership

Selkis leadership style was defined by his dogged search for the truth and readiness to confront the status quo. He was not afraid to speak out against what he perceived as injustices or failings in the cryptocurrency sector, whether it was exposing fraudulent projects or criticizing regulatory overreach.

His audacity gained him the reputation of a maverick, someone who was willing to ruffle feathers in order to advance the industry’s integrity.

Selkis’ bravery, however, would later prove to be a double-edged sword for him. Selkis’ public presence rose in tandem with Messari’s increasing influence.

He rose to prominence on social media, primarily on X (previously Twitter), where he frequently expressed his uncensored views on topics ranging from cryptocurrency legislation to US politics. While his supporters enjoyed his candor, his adversaries regarded his posts as becoming more offensive and divisive.

From Crypto to Politics: Selkis Shift Toward Cultural and Political Advocacy

In recent years, Selkis has shifted his focus away from crypto-related topics and toward broader cultural and political issues. This transition was most noticeable when he became involved in political fundraising, forming the Fairshake political action committee (PAC).

Selkis hoped that Fairshake would swing US elections in favor of crypto-friendly candidates by utilizing his industry ties and influence. The PAC quickly received millions of dollars, and Selkis’ vision of a more favorable political landscape for cryptocurrency appeared to be within reach.

However, Selkis entry into politics brought him under additional scrutiny. His tweets, which were previously focused on cryptocurrency and business, became more aggressive and, at times, incendiary.

In July 2024, following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Selkis wrote a series of posts that many people found very alarming. His demand for civil war and disparaging remarks about immigration prompted controversy both within and outside the crypto community.

The reaction to these posts was quick. Selkis, who had always identified as a supporter of free speech and an opponent of censorship, found himself at the center of a firestorm of criticism.

The criticism did not stop online; it spread to Messari’s offices, where employees and partners began to question the influence Selkis’ statements had on the company’s brand.

Recognizing the potential damage to Messari, Selkis made the painful decision to resign as CEO in July 2024. In his resignation announcement, he admitted that his political rhetoric had jeopardized the team and that it was time for a change.

Eric Turner, Messari’s Chief Revenue Officer and one of Selkis’ closest colleagues, has been named the next CEO. Selkis moved on to a Senior Advisor position, allowing him to stay active with the company he founded while stepping aside from day-to-day operations.

Lasting Legacy and Future Ambitions Beyond Cryptocurrency 

Despite the turmoil surrounding his resignation, Selkis contributions to the cryptocurrency industry must not be disregarded. Messari is a premier forum for crypto research, and Selkis’ vision and leadership have contributed significantly to its success.

Even as he steps down as CEO, his impact on the business remains strong through his work with Fairshake and his continuous advocacy for a more transparent and equitable financial system.

Looking ahead, Selkis has hinted at a greater role in tackling what he perceives to be systemic societal problems. His departure statement indicated his wish to focus on addressing these concerns, implying that Selkis’ future may include more than just crypto. It is unclear whether he will continue to play a part in politics or seek new opportunities to make an impact.