{"id":"michael-toutonghi","title":"Michael Toutonghi","content":"**Michael J. Toutonghi** is the founder and lead developer of [Verus](https://iq.wiki/wiki/verus), a privacy-focused [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) project that utilizes [zero-knowledge proofs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/zero-knowledge-proofs-zkps) to enable decentralized blockchain-as-a-service solutions. The project aims to provide applications such as voting, polls, and identity management with secure and scalable blockchain technology. Toutonghi's career spans over three decades, during which he has held key roles in major technology companies, including Microsoft, where he was a founding architect of the .NET platform. Additionally, his work has extended to machine learning, advertising technologies, and blockchain development.  [[3]](#cite-id-Ulrjb3G6u5) [[4]](#cite-id-ucPxhQ9k7z)<br>\n\n# **Career**\n\nMichael Toutonghi’s career spans over three decades, with experience in both established corporations and entrepreneurial ventures. His professional journey began in the 1980s when he founded Sunny Hill Software in\n1983. At Sunny Hill, Toutonghi developed Taskview, a multitasking program for PCs, which later became Omniview. This software gained attention for its competitive features in comparison to other multitasking systems of the time, such as Windows and Desqview. Over the years, Toutonghi’s career expanded to include work in emerging technologies, including [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain), where he is currently involved with privacy-focused solutions.\n\nIn the late 1980s, Toutonghi joined SOTA Technology, where he served as Director of Research and Development from 1986 to 1989. During this time, he contributed to software development efforts that focused on enhancing IBM PCs, as well as creating BIOS modules and graphics card software.\n\nToutonghi’s next role was at Gibson Research Corporation, where he worked from 1989 to 1992 as Director of Research and Development. There, he led software development initiatives that contributed to advancements in software and systems architecture.\n\nIn 1992, Toutonghi joined Microsoft, where he would spend over a decade shaping the company's software development efforts. He started as a developer working on Windows 95, eventually rising to the position of Vice President and Distinguished Engineer. During this time, he played a role in the development of multiple Microsoft products, and was promoted to Vice President in 2001, overseeing key projects across the company. His contributions were instrumental in many of Microsoft’s major releases during this period.\n\nFrom 2003 to 2007, Toutonghi founded and served as CEO of Vizrea, a mobile-centric service for sharing photos, videos, and messages. The company was later acquired by Microsoft and became WebFives, further contributing to the expansion of Microsoft’s cloud services.\n\nIn 2007, Toutonghi left Microsoft to take on the role of Technical Fellow and Vice President at Parallels Corporation, where he worked until 2014. As CTO of Parallels, he was responsible for leading the development of virtualization and cloud technologies that improved performance and accessibility for both businesses and consumers.\n\nFrom 2013 to the present, Toutonghi has been the CEO and Chief Scientist at Functionalize, Inc., based in Seattle. The company is known for creating F-Electric, a highly conductive 3D printing filament that enables the printing of electrical circuits directly within objects. This development opened new possibilities for 3D printing, combining the process with electrical components.\n\nIn 2018, Toutonghi became the lead developer for Verus Coin, a [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) project focused on privacy and [decentralized applications](https://iq.wiki/wiki/decentralized-application) using [zero-knowledge proofs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/zero-knowledge-proofs-zkps). Verus Coin aims to provide secure, scalable blockchain technology for a variety of applications, including voting, identity management, and more.  [[3]](#cite-id-Ulrjb3G6u5) [[2]](#cite-id-ATuUuXznyv) [[4]](#cite-id-ucPxhQ9k7z) [[5]](#cite-id-Ns11dtCExY) [[6]](#cite-id-eGySznodeR) [[7]](#cite-id-n9m3oi1YDa) [[8]](#cite-id-Coz1OR5wxF)<br>\n\n# Interviews\n\n### Michael Toutonghi on Verus DeFi\n\nIn an interview aired on the YouTube channel \"Digital Notice (Crypto & Blockchain Media)\" on July 15, 2022, Michael Toutonghi shared insights into the vision and technology behind Verus [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi), a decentralized [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) project focused on building a community-driven infrastructure. According to Toutonghi, the Verus protocol represents an innovative approach in the blockchain space by combining [Layer 0](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-0) and [Layer 1](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-1) blockchain protocols with cross-chain capabilities.\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](0DFwN7WQQro)$$\n\nToutonghi emphasized that Verus [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) is built around the idea of a decentralized and community-driven ecosystem, which operates without a central company or hierarchical structure. He highlighted the project's aim to enable seamless cross-chain transactions, liquidity conversion, and the promotion of rent-free public infrastructure for global use. According to him, the ability for users to transact across multiple blockchains without needing native currencies simplifies the user experience and facilitates the adoption of blockchain technology.\n\nThe interview also touched on the security aspect of the protocol. Toutonghi explained that Verus uses a \"Proof-of-Power\" protocol to protect the network from potential 51% attacks, ensuring transaction integrity and stability.\n\nFurthermore, Toutonghi shared his belief in the long-term vision of a truly decentralized world, achieved through inclusive participation. He outlined how the Verus project strives to create a public [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) infrastructure that allows businesses and communities to operate without profit-driven motives, offering a decentralized platform that supports diverse economic models.\n\nIn summary, the interview provided an overview of the key innovations behind Verus [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi), emphasizing its potential to reshape the decentralized finance ecosystem with a focus on cross-chain functionality, community involvement, and robust security measures. According to Toutonghi, Verus DeFi represents a step forward in achieving a more decentralized, inclusive [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) ecosystem.  [[1]](#cite-id-9sFLV7ivz0)<br>\n\n## Michael Toutonghi on the Verus Project\n\nIn an interview on the \"TKYOLabs\" channel on September 28, 2022, Michael Toutonghi discussed the Verus project, a community-driven [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) protocol focused on scalability, security, and [decentralized finance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi). According to Toutonghi, Verus is designed to be a global, decentralized project that operates without a central company or investors. This structure, he explained, promotes a more resilient and collaborative ecosystem compared to traditional top-down corporate models.\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](o-5_EPPxJs4)$$\n\nToutonghi highlighted several key features of the Verus protocol, including its high scalability, with the ability to process around 150 transactions per second and support an unlimited number of interoperable [blockchains](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain). The protocol also emphasizes security, offering unique recovery options for private keys, thereby enhancing asset protection for users. In addition, Verus provides [decentralized finance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) solutions, such as customizable liquidity baskets that are fully decentralized, ensuring increased security against common risks in the DeFi space.\n\nThe interview also covered Verus's flexible [KYC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/know-your-customer-kyc) (Know Your Customer) process, which enables identity verification without exposing personal information. Toutonghi explained that Verus’s governance model, which uses its own coin as part of its security system, enables community-driven decision-making, further promoting decentralization.\n\nAnother important theme of the interview was Verus’s commitment to inclusivity, encouraging participation and collaboration from a wide range of contributors, regardless of their status or tier. Toutonghi expressed his belief that the future of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) would be shaped by decentralized economic models, with community and loyalty-driven currencies becoming increasingly important for business transactions.\n\nToutonghi concluded by emphasizing Verus’s open-source philosophy, which allows anyone to join and contribute to the project, fostering innovation driven by community needs rather than corporate interests. [[2]](#cite-id-ATuUuXznyv)<br>","summary":"Michael J. Toutonghi is the founder and lead developer of Verus, a privacy-focused blockchain project utilizing zero-knowledge proofs. With over 30 years in tech, he has held key roles at Microsoft and other companies.","images":[{"id":"QmSmezkpyQGG7Yu1U7gqEGEGnFJqYzMwKScjbGoUrMkYST","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}],"categories":[{"id":"people","title":"People in crypto"}],"tags":[{"id":"Founders"},{"id":"PeopleInDeFi"},{"id":"Speakers"}],"media":[{"id":"QmaSHtRtLLL3oxzi5tTy9D45SEKZLkoNit8kM5bbRjLSFM","size":null,"name":"Vns7x_Pe_400x400.jpg","type":null,"source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmbKUDxn3fiGGv2wnQhxrKHfURzQaUqGe65mBBXwYiM2eZ","size":null,"name":"wygozsf9yazbmtodyaqi.webp","type":null,"source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmRPoSM8c3XKmaBmNNPYpHDBpBiNtKmVLRzmyT3xhS7xRa","size":null,"name":"mike-toutonghi-3d-printed-circuit_320xx918-1379-0-94.jpg","type":null,"source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmahUaKdoj5yc7qDWhkQsXrRSHBjAzB85fCXidVxcqXhE6","size":null,"name":"maxresdefault (1).jpg","type":null,"source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DFwN7WQQro","size":null,"name":"0DFwN7WQQro","type":null,"source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-5_EPPxJs4","size":null,"name":"o-5_EPPxJs4","type":null,"source":"YOUTUBE"}],"metadata":[{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://x.com/miketoutonghi"},{"id":"linkedin_profile","value":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltoutonghi/"},{"id":"github_profile","value":"https://github.com/michaeltout"},{"id":"medium_profile","value":"https://medium.com/@michaeltoutonghi"},{"id":"references","value":"[{\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DFwN7WQQro\",\"description\":\"Verus- Interview with Michael Toutonghi, Lead Developer | #Consensus2022\\n\",\"id\":\"9sFLV7ivz0\",\"timestamp\":1734937185601},{\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-5_EPPxJs4\",\"description\":\"DSCVR: Meet the Verus Coin Project Lead Developer Michael Toutonghi (Full Video)\\n\",\"id\":\"ATuUuXznyv\",\"timestamp\":1734937467283},{\"url\":\"https://www.crunchbase.com/person/mike-toutonghi\",\"description\":\"Churchbase: Michael Toutonghi\",\"id\":\"Ulrjb3G6u5\",\"timestamp\":1734937550217},{\"url\":\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltoutonghi/\",\"description\":\"LinkedIn: Michael Toutonghi\",\"id\":\"ucPxhQ9k7z\",\"timestamp\":1734937633652},{\"url\":\"https://verus.io/people\",\"description\":\"Michael J. Toutonghi\\n\\nLead Developer\",\"id\":\"Ns11dtCExY\",\"timestamp\":1734937686033},{\"url\":\"https://rocketreach.co/michael-toutonghi-email_918492\",\"description\":\"Rocket Reach: Michael Toutonghi\",\"id\":\"eGySznodeR\",\"timestamp\":1734938177371},{\"url\":\"https://ggmesh.medium.com/the-verus-review-with-mike-toutonghi-6df3f7f0ebf5\",\"description\":\"The Verus Review with Mike Toutonghi\\n\",\"id\":\"n9m3oi1YDa\",\"timestamp\":1734938204288},{\"url\":\"https://verus.io/verusid-lookup/mike@\",\"description\":\"Mike@ is my VerusID\",\"id\":\"Coz1OR5wxF\",\"timestamp\":1734938234105}]"},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmQKjdWSpA3Fc77FPi14DZSHRV1moTovVE18FB1J2ZfNwR"},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmQKjdWSpA3Fc77FPi14DZSHRV1moTovVE18FB1J2ZfNwR"},{"id":"commit-message","value":"Update Michael J. Toutonghi's profile: revised content and summary; added media links in interviews section."},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmQKjdWSpA3Fc77FPi14DZSHRV1moTovVE18FB1J2ZfNwR"}],"events":[],"user":{"id":"0xbc74F7Beea348c97350e4DBc49227A5Ee7d27D3e"},"author":{"id":"0xd5893989b9952c6568a99F854795AcC5Ae480D56"},"language":"en","version":1,"linkedWikis":{"blockchains":[],"founders":[],"speakers":[]}}