{"id":"xin-yan","title":"Xin Yan","content":"**Xin Yan** (闫欣) is a software engineer and entrepreneur, known as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of [Sign](https://iq.wiki/wiki/sign) Protocol, a [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) company specializing in on-chain attestations. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-PV08Ay2OBLzWi9DE) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-tAteQOkbiwVfzqFq) Under his leadership, the company evolved from an electronic signature application, EthSign, into a foundational attestation protocol. Yan's work in the industry was recognized when he was named to the Forbes Asia \"30 Under 30\" list in 2023. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-0rUjGQ6DfWrpg9kd)\n\n## Education\n\nYan attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he studied from 2018 to 2021. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-tAteQOkbiwVfzqFq) [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-NX4qxDuUBQwlvMAY) His academic background in computer science, specifically with skills in [Solidity](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solidity), [smart contracts](https://iq.wiki/wiki/smart-contract), and [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum), formed the technical foundation for his subsequent ventures in the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) space. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-tAteQOkbiwVfzqFq)​\n\n## Career\n\n### Early Career and Internships\n\nBefore founding his own company, Xin Yan gained experience through several roles at major technology, finance, and [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) firms. His internships included a position as a Data Analyst at Tencent in the summer of 2018, a Software Engineer role at Bytedance in 2019, and a Summer Analyst position at CICC, a Chinese investment bank, also in 2019. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-NX4qxDuUBQwlvMAY) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-tAteQOkbiwVfzqFq)​\n\nHe transitioned to full-time roles within the cryptocurrency industry, working as a [Blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) Engineer at Huobi Group from July 2018 to June 2019. Following that, he served as a Senior Investment Manager and Blockchain Engineer at the venture capital firm Fundamental Labs from June 2019 to June 2020. These positions provided him with expertise in on-chain data analysis, smart contract design, and the underlying infrastructure of the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) technology stack. [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-RdwWAtFDSsftRStq)​\n\n### Sign Protocol (formerly EthSign)\n\nIn mid-2020, Yan co-founded EthSign with Potter Li and Jacky Wang (also cited as Jack Xu). [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-NX4qxDuUBQwlvMAY) [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-YcO0ok0mtSEmB5iW) The project was reportedly conceived in his dorm room at USC and grew from concepts developed at hackathons, where he and his co-founders had previously won awards. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-tAteQOkbiwVfzqFq) The company was initially established to create a \"[Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) version of DocuSign,\" a decentralized application for signing electronic agreements on the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain). [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-0rUjGQ6DfWrpg9kd)​\n\nAs CEO, Yan has led the company's technical development, product strategy, community building, and fundraising efforts. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-tAteQOkbiwVfzqFq) EthSign secured an initial seed round of 12 million seed and strategic funding round announced in March 2022, co-led by Sequoia Capital India (now Peak XV Partners) and Mirana Ventures. Other participants in the funding rounds included Founders Fund, [Circle](https://iq.wiki/wiki/circle) Ventures, [Animoca Brands](https://iq.wiki/wiki/animoca), Amber Group, and NGC Ventures. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-NX4qxDuUBQwlvMAY) [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-0rUjGQ6DfWrpg9kd) By April 2024, the company's total funding was reported to be over $14 million. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-0rUjGQ6DfWrpg9kd)​\n\nUnder Yan’s leadership, the company expanded its vision beyond e-signatures. On November 14, 2023, the project officially announced its rebranding to [Sign](https://iq.wiki/wiki/sign) Protocol. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-0rUjGQ6DfWrpg9kd) This shift reflected a new focus on creating a universal, omnichain attestation protocol designed to serve as a foundational \"attribution layer for the internet.\" [\\[7\\]](#cite-id-QrTRZ5zYMnJYdEjl) The core technology, Sign Protocol, was launched in early 2024 to facilitate on-chain proof and verifiable data. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-PV08Ay2OBLzWi9DE) Built on this new infrastructure, the company launched TokenTable in 2024, a tool for managing token vesting schedules, which became Sign's main source of income and served a majority of projects in the [TON](https://iq.wiki/wiki/the-open-network-toncoin) ecosystem that year. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-PV08Ay2OBLzWi9DE) Additionally, the company developed on-chain verifiable ID systems for the nation of Sierra Leone and the pop-up city project ZuThailand. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-PV08Ay2OBLzWi9DE)​\n\nIn addition to his role at [Sign](https://iq.wiki/wiki/sign), Yan became a Venture Partner at Tess Ventures in November 2022. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-0rUjGQ6DfWrpg9kd)​\n\n## Views and Public Commentary\n\nXin Yan is a public commentator on trends in the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) industry, particularly concerning technology adoption and regulation. He has been featured in media, published articles, and has spoken at industry conferences. [\\[7\\]](#cite-id-QrTRZ5zYMnJYdEjl) [\\[8\\]](#cite-id-Fs8j3zy3xV31MjXL)​\n\n### On Web3 Adoption and Product Strategy\n\nYan advocates for a product strategy focused on abstracting away the complexities of [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) to achieve mass adoption. He believes companies should focus on \"selling functionality, experience, and service rather than underlying technology or standards.\" [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-PV08Ay2OBLzWi9DE) In his view, users do not need to know they are using blockchain technology to benefit from it. He has identified three primary barriers to Web3's growth: a lack of new or improved user experiences compared to Web2 alternatives, stagnant growth in the number of active crypto wallet users, and persistent regulatory hurdles. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-PV08Ay2OBLzWi9DE)​\n\nHe has frequently stated that [Sign](https://iq.wiki/wiki/sign) Protocol's goal is to become a foundational layer for trust on the internet. In one interview, he stated:\n\n> \"Verifiable information is the building block of our society, but we don’t have a universal and permissionless layer to secure and verify them in the digital world. What \\[Chainlink] - (<https://iq.wiki/wiki/chainlink>) did for price information, \\[Sign] - (<https://iq.wiki/wiki/sign>) Protocol will do for all information. We are building an attestation protocol that is the foundational verification and creditability layer of the new internet.\" [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-NX4qxDuUBQwlvMAY)\n\n### On Cryptocurrency Regulation\n\nYan has publicly commented on the importance of regulatory clarity for the [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) industry. In February 2026, he provided commentary on the delay of the \"Clarity for Digital Tokens Act\" in the United States, following a withdrawal of support from [Coinbase](https://iq.wiki/wiki/coinbase). [\\[7\\]](#cite-id-QrTRZ5zYMnJYdEjl) He characterized the global trend toward regulation, such as the [CLARITY Act](https://iq.wiki/wiki/clarity-act) and Europe's MiCA framework, as a positive shift from an \"era of ignoring crypto\" to an \"era of engagement\" by governments. [\\[7\\]](#cite-id-QrTRZ5zYMnJYdEjl)​\n\nHe expressed his belief that clear legal frameworks are essential for the adoption of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology by traditional finance (TradFi) institutions and governments, arguing that \"blockchain is the inevitable foundation for digital sovereignty.\" [\\[7\\]](#cite-id-QrTRZ5zYMnJYdEjl) Regarding the [CLARITY Act](https://iq.wiki/wiki/clarity-act) delay, he stated:\n\n> \"The delay of the Clarity Act, sparked by Coinbase’s withdrawal of support, is a significant setback for the US crypto industry. This legislation was meant to provide a clear regulatory framework, which is desperately needed to foster innovation and protect consumers... At \\[Sign] - (<https://iq.wiki/wiki/sign>), we believe that clear, fair regulation is not a hindrance but a catalyst for growth.\" [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-tAteQOkbiwVfzqFq)\n\n## Awards and Recognition\n\nIn 2023, Xin Yan was named to the Forbes Asia \"30 Under 30\" list in the Finance & Venture Capital category for his work with EthSign. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-0rUjGQ6DfWrpg9kd) An earlier report from 2022 also cited his inclusion on the list. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-NX4qxDuUBQwlvMAY)\n\nYan is also a speaker at industry events. He was a featured speaker at the PlasmaCon technology conference, where he presented on \"Dapps on Plasma,\" and he was a scheduled speaker for the [TOKEN2049](https://iq.wiki/wiki/token2049) conference in Dubai in April 2024. [\\[8\\]](#cite-id-Fs8j3zy3xV31MjXL) [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-0rUjGQ6DfWrpg9kd) He also contributes written content to platforms like [Binance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance) Square and has been interviewed by media outlets such as Asharq News. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-tAteQOkbiwVfzqFq) [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-NX4qxDuUBQwlvMAY)","summary":"A 2023 Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 honoree, USC graduate Xin Yan is co-founder and CEO of Sign Protocol, a Web3 verifiable attestation protocol.","images":[{"id":"QmRPkXKiK7D5kh7DTrSRNyeR4NRQjHfou2ziA9g2XvEbem","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}],"categories":[{"id":"people","title":"people"}],"tags":[{"id":"PeopleInDeFi"},{"id":"Founders"},{"id":"Developers"}],"media":[{"id":"QmYcpMYPkEX43gbGoxQ54mVPzDRsyerQXBUtWdgSTiEgj5","type":"GALLERY","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"Qmde7JMSQF62CkTUTPeTsqq31yQbzyoLVKrqMiHHzkNRf4","name":"9f2d6f98-0d49-4469-94e9-64050d1e43eb_medium.jpg","caption":"","thumbnail":"Qmde7JMSQF62CkTUTPeTsqq31yQbzyoLVKrqMiHHzkNRf4","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmTEWe741zEfnJvkojPpSXYzGs8A3vkMx7KQJdhdeoSuBR","name":"1769120924809.png","caption":"","thumbnail":"QmTEWe741zEfnJvkojPpSXYzGs8A3vkMx7KQJdhdeoSuBR","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmT9FV134fvkLsyzdB2xGtsGvLNY7tY1pzSRsBaFPusAwz","name":"images.jpeg","caption":"","thumbnail":"QmT9FV134fvkLsyzdB2xGtsGvLNY7tY1pzSRsBaFPusAwz","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmUWcwQbChvxkXrxfoib2ALsnJTSFaM7JLuHSXDKaFLoFb","name":"mxmt6tsjnafoelkmdlox.avif","caption":"","thumbnail":"QmUWcwQbChvxkXrxfoib2ALsnJTSFaM7JLuHSXDKaFLoFb","source":"IPFS_IMG"}],"metadata":[{"id":"references","value":"[\n  {\n    \"id\": \"PV08Ay2OBLzWi9DE\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560604427969\",\n    \"description\": \"Bitget analysis of Xin Yan and Sign Protocol\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1773379902991\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"tAteQOkbiwVfzqFq\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/22045472936898\",\n    \"description\": \"Binance Square article by Xin Yan about Sign Protocol\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1773379902991\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"0rUjGQ6DfWrpg9kd\",\n    \"url\": \"https://theorg.com/org/ethsign/org-chart/xin-yan\",\n    \"description\": \"The Org profile for Xin Yan\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1773379902991\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"NX4qxDuUBQwlvMAY\",\n    \"url\": \"https://bbx.com/news-detail/2788381\",\n    \"description\": \"BBX News article on EthSign and its founders\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1773379902991\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"RdwWAtFDSsftRStq\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.tessventures.xyz/founders/xin-yan\",\n    \"description\": \"Tess Ventures founder profile for Xin Yan\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1773379902991\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"YcO0ok0mtSEmB5iW\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.crunchbase.com/person/xin-yan-9245\",\n    \"description\": \"Crunchbase profile for Xin Yan\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1773379902991\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"QrTRZ5zYMnJYdEjl\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2026/02/261337-xin-yan-of-sign-comments-on-clarity-act-delay-due-to-loss-of-support-from-coinbase/\",\n    \"description\": \"Crowdfund Insider article explaining the purpose of Sign Protocol\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1773379902991\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"Fs8j3zy3xV31MjXL\",\n    \"url\": \"https://plasmacon.tech/xin\\\\_yan\",\n    \"description\": \"Xin Yan's speaker profile at PlasmaCon\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1773379902991\n  }\n]"},{"id":"linkedin_profile","value":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/xin-yan-658545172/"},{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://x.com/realyanxin"},{"id":"commit-message","value":"\"Added Xin Yan wiki page\""}],"events":[{"id":"e3ae91ae-a06b-4c57-859f-33153dfcd81c","date":"2020-10","title":"Co-founded EthSign","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Co-founded EthSign, which would later rebrand to Sign Protocol, originating from his university dorm room.","link":null,"multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"da9dc215-c296-4224-8308-b957c9b8dffc","date":"2021-05","title":"Graduated from USC","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science.","link":null,"multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"3d86b91d-233e-4661-b49b-e877b5b8d278","date":"2023-05","title":"Forbes Asia 30 Under 30","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Named to the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list in the Finance & Venture Capital category.","link":null,"multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"089dfde6-391f-4db0-8b98-955717db5426","date":"2024-03","title":"Rebranded EthSign to Sign Protocol","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Announced the rebranding of EthSign to Sign Protocol, reflecting the project's expanded mission to become a universal, omnichain attestation protocol.","link":"https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/22045472936898","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":[]}}