{"id":"kevin-follonier","title":"Kevin Follonier","content":"**Kevin Follonier** is known for hosting the When Shift Happens podcast, where he interviews influential figures in the [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) space, and for his focus on the human stories, leadership philosophies, and long-term visions behind technological innovation rather than market speculation. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-AsbUNgR6Q7DlRv8Q) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-iykMyfx3WdFNTz4S)​\n\n## Education\n\nFollonier attended Montpellier Business School in France from 2012 to 2016, earning a Master's degree in Marketing & Business Development. During his studies, he participated in two international exchange programs. In 2014, he studied International Business at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, and in 2015, he studied Business & Marketing at the University of Westminster. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-AsbUNgR6Q7DlRv8Q)\n\n## Career\n\nFollonier's early career began in e-commerce when he co-founded Manuregion.fr, a local B2B e-commerce platform in Montpellier, France, where he served as Head of Business Development from September 2014 to November 2016. After this venture, he moved into the agricultural technology (AgTech) sector, working as the Chief Marketing Officer for Sensila from January 2017 to February 2021. In this role, he was responsible for the company's marketing, communication, and business development strategies. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-AsbUNgR6Q7DlRv8Q)​\n\nAfter exploring the [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) space out of personal interest since approximately 2017, Follonier transitioned to a full-time career in the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) industry in early 2021. He established himself as a media figure and journalist, launching a podcast and newsletter dedicated to the [digital asset](https://iq.wiki/wiki/digital-assets) industry. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-AsbUNgR6Q7DlRv8Q) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-iykMyfx3WdFNTz4S)​\n\n### Media Ventures\n\n#### When Shift Happens Podcast\n\nIn January 2022, Follonier launched his flagship podcast, When Shift Happens. The weekly show, available in audio and video formats, features long-form interviews with founders, CEOs, and thought leaders from the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3), crypto, and [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) ecosystems. The podcast's stated mission is to explore the personal stories and motivations of industry leaders, deliberately avoiding market speculation and price predictions. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-AsbUNgR6Q7DlRv8Q)​\n\nFollonier's approach focuses on the human element behind the technology. In an interview, he described his method: \"I'm not a journalist from [Cointelegraph](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cointelegraph)... My goal is to understand the motivations of my guests and their long-term vision... I focus a lot on the human side.\" He further explained that the podcast was created due to a \"lack of long-form interviews that go beyond the surface and dive into the human stories behind the projects.\" [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-iykMyfx3WdFNTz4S)​\n\nNotable guests who have appeared on the podcast include:\n\n* [Anatoly Yakovenko](https://iq.wiki/wiki/anatoly-yakovenko) (Co-founder and CEO of [Solana](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana))\n* [Anthony Pompliano](https://iq.wiki/wiki/anthony-pompliano) (Partner and Co-founder of [Morgan Creek Digital](https://iq.wiki/wiki/morgan-creek-digital) Assets)\n* [Anthony Scaramucci](https://iq.wiki/wiki/anthony-scaramucci) (Founder of SkyBridge Capital)\n* [Arthur Hayes](https://iq.wiki/wiki/arthur-hayes) (Co-founder of [BitMEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitmex), CIO of Maelstrom)\n* [Ben Zhou](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ben-zhou) (Co-founder and CEO of [Bybit](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bybit))\n* [Gavin Wood](https://iq.wiki/wiki/gavin-wood) (Co-founder of [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum), Creator of [Polkadot](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polkadot))\n* [Guy Young](https://iq.wiki/wiki/guy-young) (Co-founder of [Ethena](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethena))\n* [Jordi Alexander](https://iq.wiki/wiki/jordi-alexander) (CIO of Selini Capital)\n* [Keone Hon](https://iq.wiki/wiki/keone-hon) (Co-founder of [Monad](https://iq.wiki/wiki/monad))\n* [Luca Netz](https://iq.wiki/wiki/luca-netz) (CEO of [Pudgy Penguins](https://iq.wiki/wiki/pudgy-penguins))\n* [Luke Belmar](https://iq.wiki/wiki/luke-belmar) (Founder of Capital Club)\n* [Meow](https://iq.wiki/wiki/meow) (Founder of [Jupiter](https://iq.wiki/wiki/jupiter) Exchange)\n* Raoul Pal (Co-founder and CEO of Real Vision)\n\nThe list of notable guests has been compiled from Follonier's official website and a partnership announcement from [SwissBorg](https://iq.wiki/wiki/swissborg). [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-AsbUNgR6Q7DlRv8Q) [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-ML4gphYiq70Pfyol)​\n\n#### The Shift Newsletter\n\nFollonier also authors The Shift, a weekly newsletter that serves as a companion to his podcast. The newsletter provides his analysis, insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from his interviews. It often includes thoughts and content not featured in the final podcast episodes, offering subscribers a deeper perspective on his conversations and the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) industry at large. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-AsbUNgR6Q7DlRv8Q)​\n\n### Public Speaking\n\nFollonier is an active public speaker at [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) conferences and private corporate events, where he acts as a keynote speaker, panelist, and panel moderator. He aims to make complex topics accessible and actionable for a broad audience. His areas of focus for speaking engagements include [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin), [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3), [Non-Fungible Tokens](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft) (NFTs), [Decentralized Autonomous Organizations](https://iq.wiki/wiki/dao) (DAOs), and [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) mass adoption. His speaking style has been described as delivering talks with \"authority, depth, and precision\" to leave audiences informed and with a new perspective. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-AsbUNgR6Q7DlRv8Q) [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-my51GWeeLT77eN3h)​\n\n## Partnerships\n\n### SwissBorg\n\nFollonier has engaged in a multi-stage partnership with [SwissBorg](https://iq.wiki/wiki/swissborg), a Swiss-based digital asset and wealth management platform.\n\nAn initial collaboration was announced in May 2023, which involved Follonier joining the \"[SwissBorg](https://iq.wiki/wiki/swissborg) Exclusive Club\" to work on exclusive content and events. At the time, SwissBorg highlighted his reputation as a \"respected journalist\" and his focus on \"personal journeys and leadership philosophies\" as motivations for the partnership. Regarding the collaboration, Follonier stated, \"I'm thrilled to partner with SwissBorg, a company that shares my passion for innovation, education, and community-building in the crypto space.\" [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-AsbUNgR6Q7DlRv8Q)​\n\nOn May 15, 2024, the partnership was significantly expanded when [SwissBorg](https://iq.wiki/wiki/swissborg) appointed Follonier to lead its newly launched SwissBorg Investment Club. In this capacity, he is responsible for curating \"alpha investment opportunities\" in the cryptocurrency primary market for the club's members. The club leverages Follonier's network and the insights gained from his podcast to identify projects with a projected five-year impact potential. The program is designed for long-term investors and requires an annual fee of 1,000 USDc, with a goal of presenting a minimum of three investment deals per year. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-ML4gphYiq70Pfyol)​","summary":"Kevin Follonier is a Swiss journalist, public speaker, and podcast host specializing in Web3, cryptocurrency, and Bitcoin. He is primarily known for hosting the 'When Shift Happens' podcast discussing the human stories behind technological innovation.","images":[{"id":"QmYCxVBxAGWhyt7dZHJyREc4Z26AbLJpgbeGy3cYjH6GdA","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}],"categories":[{"id":"people","title":"people"}],"tags":[{"id":"PeopleInDeFi"},{"id":"Speakers"},{"id":"Founders"},{"id":"Entertainment"}],"media":[{"id":"QmaD6Kwwx3v4Z8cKc3zo4QFVy8aP2Lx2Eq1awCVtFhFmBW","type":"GALLERY","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmYst6f3h9G9HjcDMtnXP1di6RTqyZ7yjgLEbt33jf3kZQ","name":"046323_4f62023fbc6549e98b2d96094a4e2a32~mv2.avif","caption":"","thumbnail":"QmYst6f3h9G9HjcDMtnXP1di6RTqyZ7yjgLEbt33jf3kZQ","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmRHF9RwAQkkKBDJJqtviZmeAuDdKP3frVTccVd8krG9Kj","name":"046323_79924b40abdb410eb9fd61857f22f7dc~mv2.avif","caption":"","thumbnail":"QmRHF9RwAQkkKBDJJqtviZmeAuDdKP3frVTccVd8krG9Kj","source":"IPFS_IMG"}],"metadata":[{"id":"references","value":"[\n  {\n    \"id\": \"AsbUNgR6Q7DlRv8Q\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.kevinfollonier.com/\",\n    \"description\": \"Kevin Follonier's personal website\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1772491809006\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"iykMyfx3WdFNTz4S\",\n    \"url\": \"https://medium.com/@newforum/a-deep-dive-into-crypto-nfts-and-web3-culture-with-kevin-follonier-72abf8e0ad05\",\n    \"description\": \"Medium interview with Kevin Follonier\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1772491809006\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"ML4gphYiq70Pfyol\",\n    \"url\": \"https://swissborg.com/blog/swissborg-partners-kevin-follonier-exclusive-club\",\n    \"description\": \"SwissBorg announcement with guest mentions\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1772491809006\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"my51GWeeLT77eN3h\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.kevinfollonier.com/crypto-web3-speaker-kevin-follonier\",\n    \"description\": \"Kevin Follonier's speaker profile\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1772491809006\n  }\n]"},{"id":"website","value":"https://www.kevinfollonier.com/"},{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://x.com/KevinWSHPod"},{"id":"commit-message","value":"\"Added page for Kevin Follonier\""}],"events":[{"id":"d80d7280-a2b2-4357-965c-880f7e18d652","date":"2022-01","title":"Launched 'When Shift Happens' Podcast","type":"CREATED","description":"He launched his flagship podcast to create long-form interviews focusing on the personal stories and motivations of Web3 leaders.","link":"https://www.kevinfollonier.com/","multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"585a42f8-9f5a-4b72-916f-aa18b6dc00fd","date":"2016-01","title":"Graduated from Montpellier Business School","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Kevin Follonier completed his Master's degree in Marketing & Business Development at Montpellier Business School.","link":null,"multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"93656ba9-b5f5-4778-8e42-b6ca658cbdaf","date":"2021-02","title":"Transitioned to Web3 Full-Time","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Follonier transitioned to working full-time in the Web3 space, leaving his previous role in the AgTech industry.","link":null,"multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"e5ea0a8f-f6b2-4a94-a2cd-50166ac8a948","date":"2024-05","title":"Partnered with SwissBorg","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Follonier partnered with SwissBorg to lead the SwissBorg Investment Club, curating investment opportunities for club members.","link":"https://swissborg.com/blog/swissborg-partners-kevin-follonier-exclusive-club","multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null}],"user":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"author":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"operator":{"id":"0xd5893989b9952c6568a99F854795AcC5Ae480D56"},"language":"en","version":1,"linkedWikis":{"blockchains":[],"founders":[],"speakers":[]}}