{"id":"joanna-zeng","title":"Joanna Zeng","content":"**Joanna Zeng** is the founder of Solana Optimistic Network ([SOON](https://iq.wiki/wiki/soon-network)), where she serves as CEO. She is also the founder of CryptoNYC, a New York-based developer community, and has held senior business development roles at several prominent [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) firms, including [Aleo](https://iq.wiki/wiki/aleo), [Optimism](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism), and [Coinbase](https://iq.wiki/wiki/coinbase). [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-4EICqb9Fd1) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-qaSOP7ha99)\n\n## Education\n\nZeng attended Carnegie Mellon University from 2005 to 2008, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Statistics. She later pursued graduate studies at Columbia Business School, graduating in 2013 with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with a focus on International Affairs. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-4EICqb9Fd1) [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-IdChSIOuOP) [\\[10\\]](#cite-id-nZdf5ucJAx)\n\n## Career\n\n### Traditional Finance\n\nZeng began her career in traditional finance (TradFi) following her undergraduate studies. She worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst in the Investment Banking Division at Lehman Brothers from 2008 to 2009. Following this, she joined Piper Jaffray as a Senior Analyst in the tech sector investment banking division until 2011. After completing her M.B.A., Zeng joined Citigroup in 2013, initially as an Associate in FX Prime Brokerage before being promoted to Vice President of FX Corporate Sales, a role she held until early 2020. Her final position in TradFi was at BNP Paribas, where she served as Vice President of Corporate Derivatives Trading, managing coverage for large North American enterprise clients throughout 2020, which served as a basis for working in the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) sector. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-MDKOjzzpPd) [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-4EICqb9Fd1) [\\[10\\]](#cite-id-nZdf5ucJAx) [\\[11\\]](#cite-id-cbqcC076Ot) [\\[12\\]](#cite-id-MZudV9mH0C)\n\n### Transition to Cryptocurrency\n\nZeng first became involved in the [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) industry in 2017, describing it initially as a \"career hedge.\" During this period, she attended a coding camp to learn [Solidity](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solidity), the primary programming language for the [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) blockchain. In 2017, she founded CryptoNYC, a community organization for crypto developers in New York City aimed at promoting and funding [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology ventures. She transitioned to a full-time career in the industry in 2019.\n\nHer first major role in the sector was at [Coinbase](https://iq.wiki/wiki/coinbase), which she joined in late 2020 as a Senior Account Manager for Institutional Clients. She was later promoted to Senior Manager and Lead for NFT Marketplace Partner Success. During her tenure, which ended in August 2022, she contributed to the launch of two key products: the Coinbase Institutional Prime Broker and the Coinbase NFT Marketplace. Following her time at Coinbase, Zeng joined OP Labs, the development team behind the [Optimism](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) network, as the Business Development Lead for the OP Stack, [NFTs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft), and Gaming from August 2022 to April 2023. She then served as the Vice President and Head of Business Development at [Aleo](https://iq.wiki/wiki/aleo), a privacy-focused [Layer 1](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-1) [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain), from April 2023 to June 2024, where she was responsible for building its ecosystem from an early stage. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-MDKOjzzpPd) [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-4EICqb9Fd1) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-qaSOP7ha99) [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-GgXW4b65bk)\n\n## Ventures and Affiliations\n\n### SOON (Solana Optimistic Network)\n\nIn 2024, Zeng co-founded the Solana Optimistic Network ([SOON](https://iq.wiki/wiki/soon-network)) and assumed the role of CEO. SOON is an [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) rollup designed to enhance transaction speed and performance by utilizing the [Solana](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana) Virtual Machine (SVM) as its execution environment. The project's architecture is described as a \"decoupled SVM stack\" that separates the execution and settlement layers to combine high performance with robust security.\n\nThe project launched its mainnet in early 2025 after raising $22 million through an NFT mint titled \"COMMing SOON,\" which saw participation from firms such as [Hack VC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/hack-vc), ABCDE, Hypersphere, and SNZ Capital. In a Medium post on May 19, 2025, Zeng revealed that the development process involved significant internal debate over the project's technical direction. The team chose a more complex \"Decoupled SVM\" architecture over a simpler \"[Fork](https://iq.wiki/wiki/fork) SVM\" to achieve a better balance of security and performance, despite a three-month launch delay.\n\nOn June 11, 2025, [SOON](https://iq.wiki/wiki/soon-network) announced a subsequent $5 million strategic investment round led by Jump Crypto and Amber Group. Zeng stated the funding would be used to accelerate the development of high-performance chains, scale its copy-trading product, and expand into [Real-World Assets](https://iq.wiki/wiki/real-world-assets-rwas) (RWAs), including on-chain U.S. equities solutions. [\\[7\\]](#cite-id-SMgAxacuWa) [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-Jp0mPD1n0K)\n\n### CryptoNYC\n\nZeng founded CryptoNYC in 2017 and serves as a Founding Board Member. The organization is a community for [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) developers and enthusiasts based in New York City. Its mission is to foster collaboration, promote blockchain technology, and support new ventures in the space. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-IdChSIOuOP) [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-4EICqb9Fd1)\n\n### Advisory and Other Roles\n\nIn addition to her primary roles, Zeng is an active angel investor and holds several advisory positions. She serves as a Strategic Advisor for AlwaysGeeky Games, a [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) gaming studio, and for Right Click Save Ventures, a [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) venture studio. She has also been involved in philanthropic activities, including serving as a Fundraising Manager for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and on the Mentorship Committee for the Women's Bond Club. Zeng is also the host of the \"Professionally Curious\" podcast, where she interviews founders. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-4EICqb9Fd1) [\\[8\\]](#cite-id-5ClEtdFzZ8)\n\n## Public Appearances\n\nZeng is a frequent speaker at major international [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) and technology conferences. Her speaking engagements have included events such as [ETHDenver](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethdenver), [Consensus](https://iq.wiki/wiki/consensus-by-coindesk), [Token2049](https://iq.wiki/wiki/token2049), [Korea Blockchain Week](https://iq.wiki/wiki/korea-blockchain-week-kbw), [Breakpoint](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana-breakpoint), zkSummit, DevConnect, and Science of Blockchain Week. She has also appeared as a guest on financial media platforms like Real Vision to discuss topics related to [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency), [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3), and decentralized finance. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-qaSOP7ha99) [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-4EICqb9Fd1)\n\n## Controversies\n\n### SOON Token Price Fluctuation\n\nIn July 2025, the [SOON](https://iq.wiki/wiki/soon-network) token experienced a significant and sudden price decline. In a public statement on July 9, 2025, Zeng addressed the market volatility, stating her belief that the event was an \"organized market manipulation attempt\" intended to create panic among investors. She denied any involvement from her team in the event. In her statement, Zeng said, “The SOON team did not sell any SOON tokens and did not gain any profit from this price fluctuation. This is not the end of SOON. We will continue to develop as always.” She affirmed that development at SOON Labs would continue despite the incident and shared self-reported metrics for the project's platforms, including a $200 million transaction volume for its InterSOON product. [\\[9\\]](#cite-id-3A3NKk1OQi)\n\n## Interviews\n\n### Cryptonews Spotlight #01\n\nOn April 4, 2025, Joanna Zeng participated in an interview on Cryptonews Spotlight titled “Joanna Zeng, CEO of [SOON Network](https://iq.wiki/wiki/soon-network), on Being an [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) Using SVM, Community Centric Building and more.”\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=eFSuDEp0zbU)$$\nIn the interview, Zeng outlined her career trajectory, noting her experience as a currency trader on Wall Street and subsequent roles at [Aleo](https://iq.wiki/wiki/aleo), [Optimism](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism), and [Coinbase](https://iq.wiki/wiki/coinbase). She also referred to her position as a founding board member of CryptoNYC and her activity as an angel investor.\n\nZeng discussed [SOON Network](https://iq.wiki/wiki/soon-network), which she co-founded, describing it as an [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) that integrates the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) with Optimistic Rollups. According to her, this design separates execution from consensus, allowing higher transaction throughput and reduced latency compared to [EVM](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum-virtual-machine-evm)-based approaches. She also mentioned that the SVM framework provides advantages for developers, particularly those working with Rust.\n\nThe interview further addressed [SOON Network’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/soon-network) funding model. Zeng explained that in 2024 the project conducted a “co-builder” round without venture capital participation, aiming to involve community members directly in the project’s development. She presented this as part of a broader approach to encourage stakeholder engagement and participation.\n\nZeng also commented on [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) fragmentation, describing [SOON](https://iq.wiki/wiki/soon-network) as a hybrid framework intended to balance scalability with interoperability across ecosystems including [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum), [Solana](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana), and [BNB Chain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-smart-chain). She stated that the emergence of high-performance Layer 2 solutions could contribute to the development of future [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) applications. [\\[13\\]](#cite-id-6nKRfEvADN)\n\n### The Index Podcast #02\n\nOn June 16, 2025, Joanna Zeng participated in The Index Podcast in an episode titled “SOON Stack | Build on Solana, Deploy Everywhere with CEO Joanna Zeng.” In the discussion with host Alex Kehaya, she presented her perspective on the development and direction of [SOON](https://iq.wiki/wiki/soon-network).\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=FDvv_-d8G3k)$$\nZeng explained that the project is working on a decoupled Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) architecture, which separates the execution layer from the consensus layer. This structure is intended to extend [Solana’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana) performance characteristics to other [blockchains](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain), including [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum), [BNB Chain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-smart-chain), and [Base](https://iq.wiki/wiki/base). She stated that this approach allows developers to create applications that can be deployed across multiple ecosystems while maintaining similar execution speed.\n\nShe also described [SOON’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/soon-network) expansion from infrastructure development to application building. As part of this shift, she mentioned Simp for Fun, a platform that integrates AI-based copy trading with livestreaming. The platform is presented as a tool to facilitate broader access to [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) trading environments.\n\nDuring the interview, Zeng referred to specific project milestones: three SVM rollups in production, more than 40 applications launched on [mainnet](https://iq.wiki/wiki/mainnet) (with around half developed through [SOON’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/soon-network) incubation), and a token distribution in which 51% is allocated to the community. She also addressed adoption in emerging markets, community participation, and the potential overlap between [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology and artificial intelligence. [\\[14\\]](#cite-id-sfr52VlrO1)","summary":"Joanna Zeng is the Co-founder and CEO of SOON, an SVM rollup stack, and a Founding Board Member of CryptoNYC. She transitioned from TradFi at firms like Citi and Lehman Brothers to Web3, holding leadership roles at Coinbase, Optimism, and Aleo.","images":[{"id":"QmQRQD1EMeW9W3K1imbnVjiq3utmEetXenASwmuiPEDPdr","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}],"categories":[{"id":"people","title":"people"}],"tags":[{"id":"PeopleInDeFi"},{"id":"Founders"},{"id":"Speakers"},{"id":"Developers"}],"media":[{"id":"QmTV4B66ccKX2Eq6NYxofQrTa4WvbeVdeHpCFEV7MLWcQb","name":"public_99f591c5-ad9f-46f7-a099-0787c73f00ac_image.jpeg","caption":"","thumbnail":"QmTV4B66ccKX2Eq6NYxofQrTa4WvbeVdeHpCFEV7MLWcQb","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFSuDEp0zbU","name":"eFSuDEp0zbU","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFSuDEp0zbU","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDvv_-d8G3k","name":"FDvv_-d8G3k","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDvv_-d8G3k","source":"YOUTUBE"}],"metadata":[{"id":"references","value":"[{\"id\":\"4EICqb9Fd1\",\"url\":\"https://www.finnotes.org/people/joanna-zeng\",\"description\":\"Finnotes professional biography\",\"timestamp\":1757331331566},{\"id\":\"qaSOP7ha99\",\"url\":\"https://conference.playfablo.com/en/conference/1/speaker?speakerId=56\",\"description\":\"Korea Blockchain Week speaker profile\",\"timestamp\":1757331331566},{\"id\":\"IdChSIOuOP\",\"url\":\"https://rocketreach.co/joanna-zeng-email\\\\_4335405\",\"description\":\"RocketReach professional profile\",\"timestamp\":1757331331566},{\"id\":\"MDKOjzzpPd\",\"url\":\"https://contactout.com/Joanna-Zeng-3880765\",\"description\":\"ContactOut career summary\",\"timestamp\":1757331331566},{\"id\":\"GgXW4b65bk\",\"url\":\"https://www.blockbyblock.show/2437435/contributors/109860-joanna-zeng-solana-optimistic-network-soon\",\"description\":\"Block by Block podcast contributor bio\",\"timestamp\":1757331331566},{\"id\":\"Jp0mPD1n0K\",\"url\":\"https://www.theblock.co/post/354806/soon-rollup-unveils-community-airdrop-after-22-million-nft-raise-and-mainnet-launch\",\"description\":\"The Block article on SOON's launch and technology\",\"timestamp\":1757331331566},{\"id\":\"SMgAxacuWa\",\"url\":\"https://www.theblock.co/post/357579/solana-optimistic-network-strategic-investment\",\"description\":\"The Block article on SOON's strategic investment\",\"timestamp\":1757331331566},{\"id\":\"5ClEtdFzZ8\",\"url\":\"https://x.com/justsayuluvjo\",\"description\":\"Joanna Zeng's X (Twitter) profile\",\"timestamp\":1757331331566},{\"id\":\"3A3NKk1OQi\",\"url\":\"https://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560604856541\",\"description\":\"Bitget News report on SOON token controversy\",\"timestamp\":1757331331566},{\"id\":\"nZdf5ucJAx\",\"description\":\"LinkedIn: Joanna Zeng\",\"timestamp\":1757331646147,\"url\":\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-zeng-4a85bb5/\"},{\"id\":\"cbqcC076Ot\",\"description\":\"Who is the core development team of SOON?\\n\",\"timestamp\":1757331674401,\"url\":\"https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/24702038113218\"},{\"id\":\"MZudV9mH0C\",\"description\":\"Founder and CEO of Altcoin Whose Price Plummeted Makes Statement\\n\",\"timestamp\":1757331702450,\"url\":\"https://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560604856541\"},{\"id\":\"6nKRfEvADN\",\"description\":\"Joanna Zeng, CEO of SOON Network, on Being an ETH L2 Using SVM, Community Centric Building and more\\n\",\"timestamp\":1757332130774,\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFSuDEp0zbU\"},{\"id\":\"sfr52VlrO1\",\"description\":\"SOON Stack | Build on Solana, Deploy Everywhere with CEO Joanna Zeng\\n\",\"timestamp\":1757332671142,\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDvv_-d8G3k\"}]"},{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://x.com/justsayuluvjo"},{"id":"linkedin_profile","value":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-zeng-4a85bb5/"},{"id":"website","value":"https://soo.network"},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"\"https://ipfs.everipedia.org/ipfs/QmQUcsvFDenJ9nc7YHdixiZPCMvuyfK1iifRpKRfurx5bT\""},{"id":"commit-message","value":"\"Docs: Add \\\"Interviews\\\" section with podcast summaries and embedded videos.\""},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmQUcsvFDenJ9nc7YHdixiZPCMvuyfK1iifRpKRfurx5bT"}],"events":[{"id":"84dc6794-1709-44a0-877c-9a990dd66e1d","date":"2024-05","title":"Co-founded SOON","type":"CREATED","description":"Co-founded SOON (Solana Optimistic Network), an SVM rollup stack, and assumed the role of CEO.","link":null,"multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"9ec8dbaa-54cf-45d2-a4e7-09d97bbd9cd0","date":"2008-01","title":"Graduated from Carnegie Mellon University","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics from Carnegie Mellon University.","link":null,"multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"dbcb5f44-578e-4348-9654-bad5703780eb","date":"2017-06","title":"Founded CryptoNYC","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Founded CryptoNYC, a community for crypto developers in New York City, marking her entry into the Web3 space.","link":null,"multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"224ad3d5-e638-4b0c-8e0d-35ed9a66d36c","date":"2020-12","title":"Joined Coinbase","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Began her career at Coinbase as a Senior Account Manager for Institutional Clients, transitioning full-time into the crypto industry.","link":null,"multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"6bff58ee-d0d8-4089-a64c-9192d9f2d365","date":"2022-08","title":"Joined Optimism Foundation","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Took on the role of BD Lead for NFTs & DAOs at the Optimism Foundation, focusing on Ethereum scaling and governance.","link":null,"multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null}],"user":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"author":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"language":"en","version":1,"linkedWikis":{"blockchains":[],"founders":[],"speakers":[]}}