{"id":"josh-fraser","title":"Josh Fraser","content":"**Josh Fraser** is the co-founder of [Origin Protocol](https://iq.wiki/wiki/origin-protocol), a company focused on [decentralized finance (DeFi)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) and [non-fungible token (NFT)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft) technologies. Over the course of his career, Fraser has co-founded several technology startups and contributed to advancements in web performance, [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology, and software development.  [[1]](#cite-id-9MVNVlrlzP) [[2]](#cite-id-sinqC7lzNN) [[3]](#cite-id-EKngU0eFjL) [[7]](#cite-id-NDtO71Vhhz) [[8]](#cite-id-JVLGTTSkya)\n\n# **Education**\n\nFraser completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science at Clemson University between 2002 and 2006. He began programming at the age of 10, which provided an early foundation for his career in technology and entrepreneurship.  [[1]](#cite-id-9MVNVlrlzP) [[2]](#cite-id-sinqC7lzNN) [[9]](#cite-id-TDZCWs5F4V)\n\n# **Career**\n\nJosh Fraser's career is marked by his extensive experience as a co-founder and advisor across multiple industries. In 2017, he co-founded [Origin Protocol](https://iq.wiki/wiki/origin-protocol), a company that develops [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain)-based tools to facilitate [decentralized finance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) and commerce. Its notable offerings include the [Origin Dollar (OUSD)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/origin-dollar), a [stablecoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stablecoin) that generates yield, and Origin Story, a platform designed for launching [NFT](https://iq.wiki/wiki/non-fungible-token-nft) collections. Alongside his work at Origin, Fraser has been actively involved in angel investing and advising through the Unfair Advantage initiative, where he has supported projects such as [Solana](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana), [Biconomy](https://iq.wiki/wiki/biconomy), and XMTP. His investments span industries like [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain), robotics, and aerospace, and he has also partnered with several venture funds as a limited partner.\n\nPrior to [Origin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/origin-protocol), Fraser co-founded PriceSlash in 2016, a platform aimed at helping consumers reduce household expenses. The company became profitable shortly after its launch and was later acquired by Billshark. Between 2013 and 2015, he served as co-founder and CTO of Din (previously Forage), where he worked on a meal-kit delivery service that simplified home cooking by providing pre-prepped ingredients. Earlier, Fraser co-founded Torbit in 2010, a company specializing in web performance optimization for major clients like Microsoft and Amazon. Torbit was acquired by Walmart Labs in 2013.\n\nHis entrepreneurial journey began in 2007 with EventVue, a platform designed to enhance networking at conferences by connecting attendees through social networking tools. Around the same time, he briefly served as CTO of Curio Solutions, a consulting agency focused on technological solutions.  [[1]](#cite-id-9MVNVlrlzP) [[3]](#cite-id-EKngU0eFjL) [[4]](#cite-id-Y8IBbP8Z0r) [[5]](#cite-id-9fzwY74lyq) [[6]](#cite-id-WV1glHIsBK) [[7]](#cite-id-NDtO71Vhhz) [[8]](#cite-id-JVLGTTSkya)\n\n# Interviews\n\n## Josh Fraser on DeFi and the Future of Origin Protocol #01\n\nIn an interview aired on May 31, 2024, on the YouTube channel \"Cryptonews Spotlight\", Josh Fraser, co-founder of [Origin Protocol](https://iq.wiki/wiki/origin-protocol), shared insights into his journey in technology and [decentralized finance (DeFi)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi). According to Fraser, his early introduction to coding at the age of 10 played a pivotal role in shaping his understanding of technology and fostering his entrepreneurial drive.\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](g2KxZlgkqFo)$$\n\nDuring the discussion, Fraser detailed the development of [Origin Protocol](https://iq.wiki/wiki/origin-protocol) and its focus on innovative [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) products like [Origin Dollar (OUSD)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/origin-dollar) and Origin Ether, aimed at enhancing yield generation for users in the [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) space. He highlighted the protocol's efforts to address common challenges in the DeFi ecosystem, such as high [gas fees](https://iq.wiki/wiki/gas) and scalability, through the adoption of [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) solutions. These advancements, Fraser noted, not only reduce transaction costs but also open new opportunities for yield optimization.\n\nFraser elaborated on the concept of [liquid staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/liquid-staking), emphasizing its ability to maintain user liquidity while still offering [staking](https://iq.wiki/wiki/staking) rewards, a significant improvement over traditional staking methods, which often lock up assets. He also introduced the Automated Redemption Manager, a new pricing mechanism designed to improve liquidity and accuracy in valuing redeemable assets, which he believes could transform how liquid staking tokens are utilized.\n\nLooking to the future, Fraser expressed optimism about the evolution of the [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) space, particularly as [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) integrations and other technological advancements make decentralized finance more scalable and accessible. He underscored the importance of community engagement, inviting users to connect with him and [Origin Protocol](https://iq.wiki/wiki/origin-protocol) through social media channels to contribute to the ongoing development and growth of the ecosystem. [[10]](#cite-id-owLmkZhfMl)\n\n## Josh Fraser on Blockchain’s Role in Peer-to-Peer Commerce #02\n\nIn an interview aired on April 21, 2021, on the \"Clemson University MBA Program\" channel, Josh Fraser, co-founder and CEO of [Origin Protocol](https://iq.wiki/wiki/origin-protocol), discussed his insights into [decentralized finance (DeFi)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) and the transformative potential of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) technology. Fraser outlined how blockchain is reshaping [peer-to-peer](https://iq.wiki/wiki/peer-to-peer-trading-p2p) commerce by eliminating intermediaries and providing a trustless, secure alternative for financial transactions.\n\n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](_J0CMawINTg)$$\n\nFraser highlighted [Origin Protocol's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/origin-protocol) mission to create a more equitable financial system by enabling direct interactions between buyers and sellers. He explained the distinct roles of the platform's tokens: OUSD, a [stablecoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stablecoin) designed for yield generation, and OGN, a token for speculative investment and governance purposes. This dual-token system, Fraser noted, reflects the versatility of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain)-based assets in meeting diverse financial needs.\n\nThe discussion also touched on the broader adoption of [cryptocurrencies](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency), with Fraser referencing companies like MicroStrategy and Tesla that have incorporated [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) into their balance sheets as a hedge against inflation. According to Fraser, such institutional interest underscores the growing legitimacy of crypto as a mainstream asset class.\n\nFraser emphasized the global impact of decentralization, which enables financial innovation across borders and creates new opportunities for individuals to manage wealth more effectively. He encouraged innovators to leverage opportunities and embrace risk, suggesting that those willing to adapt quickly to emerging technologies could achieve significant success.\n\nThe conversation also explored the evolving financial landscape, including the potential introduction of [central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/central-bank-digital-currency-cbdc). Fraser pointed out that these developments highlight the importance of staying informed and agile as financial systems continue to modernize, offering new tools for personal freedom and economic choice.  [[11]](#cite-id-i6HduFRPvI)","summary":"Josh Fraser is a tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Origin Protocol, specializing in DeFi and NFTs. He has a background in software development and blockchain,...","images":[{"id":"QmdvwDZAUtp7Ya7AhbF8rqoGMU1V4Zwk5wGMJdWLVn2bjp","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}],"categories":[{"id":"people","title":"People in crypto"}],"tags":[{"id":"Founders"}],"media":[{"id":"QmWATckieYDMHYN6YiGZxEHqyG6neQbLcoC6z2Ldb3yctP","size":null,"name":"1682130711046.jpeg","type":null,"source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmeygR49i3RSwA7aMuB5kNcp9hQbRWQf7X2cbZGPm2gdYq","size":null,"name":"vRUNTzdr_400x400.jpg","type":null,"source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmVL9eeNc8sTfUC1SJR5T4uDgyaVw9T5V9WTuKV66nNXgn","size":null,"name":"Snapinsta.app_319664619_864059441596401_8841309219558131907_n_1080.jpg","type":null,"source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmWwdTtDRwezHGTZSkz3zwJs8xKSKEpvKXX8njiMzWhBui","size":null,"name":"Snapinsta.app_361570026_1627844114383270_8061606606700994298_n_1080.jpg","type":null,"source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmPTyuV8zDYC6S1xUCi2s5WWm59EhZbUvt5xTW2dyUj2Hd","size":null,"name":"Snapinsta.app_320215005_1283115955753670_7039094034022922760_n_1080.jpg","type":null,"source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2KxZlgkqFo","size":null,"name":"g2KxZlgkqFo","type":null,"source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J0CMawINTg","size":null,"name":"_J0CMawINTg","type":null,"source":"YOUTUBE"}],"metadata":[{"id":"linkedin_profile","value":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuafraser/"},{"id":"instagram_profile","value":"https://www.instagram.com/joshfraser"},{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://x.com/joshfraser"},{"id":"medium_profile","value":"https://medium.com/@joshfraser"},{"id":"github_profile","value":"https://github.com/joshfraser"},{"id":"references","value":"[{\"url\":\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuafraser/\",\"description\":\"LinkedIn: Josh Fraser\",\"id\":\"9MVNVlrlzP\",\"timestamp\":1733198117773},{\"url\":\"https://pitchbook.com/profiles/person/40337-56P#overview\",\"description\":\"Josh Fraser General Information\\n\",\"id\":\"sinqC7lzNN\",\"timestamp\":1733198168439},{\"url\":\"https://www.originprotocol.com/team\",\"description\":\"Origin Core team\",\"id\":\"EKngU0eFjL\",\"timestamp\":1733198198401},{\"url\":\"https://medium.com/@joshfraser/about\",\"description\":\"Medium: Josh Fraser\",\"id\":\"Y8IBbP8Z0r\",\"timestamp\":1733198260918},{\"url\":\"https://app.qwoted.com/sources/josh-fraser\",\"description\":\"Joshua Fraser | Source | Co-founder at origin protocol\\n\",\"id\":\"9fzwY74lyq\",\"timestamp\":1733198283048},{\"url\":\"https://rocketreach.co/josh-fraser-email_1058483\",\"description\":\"RocketReach: Josh Fraser\",\"id\":\"WV1glHIsBK\",\"timestamp\":1733198325132},{\"url\":\"https://wellfound.com/company/originprotocol/people\",\"description\":\"WellFound: Josh Fraser\",\"id\":\"NDtO71Vhhz\",\"timestamp\":1733198390185},{\"url\":\"https://craft.co/origin-protocol/executives\",\"description\":\"Origin Protocol's Cofounder is Josh Fraser. \",\"id\":\"JVLGTTSkya\",\"timestamp\":1733198437164},{\"url\":\"https://www.crunchbase.com/person/josh-fraser\",\"description\":\"Churchbase: Josh Fraser\",\"id\":\"TDZCWs5F4V\",\"timestamp\":1733198486416},{\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2KxZlgkqFo\",\"description\":\"Josh Fraser, Co-Founder Origin Protocol, Liquid Staking, Getting Better Yields in Crypto, and more\\n\",\"id\":\"owLmkZhfMl\",\"timestamp\":1733199033875},{\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J0CMawINTg\",\"description\":\"Bringing peer-to-peer commerce & decentralized finance to the masses - Josh Fraser, Origin Protocol\",\"id\":\"i6HduFRPvI\",\"timestamp\":1733199934079}]"},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmbcvWh5FZQuucQzFfEsHWb8PhpFjcJD9YNZYjqeeHkWvS"},{"id":"commit-message","value":""},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmbcvWh5FZQuucQzFfEsHWb8PhpFjcJD9YNZYjqeeHkWvS"}],"events":[],"user":{"id":"0xbc74F7Beea348c97350e4DBc49227A5Ee7d27D3e"},"author":{"id":"0xd5893989b9952c6568a99F854795AcC5Ae480D56"},"language":"en","version":1,"linkedWikis":{"blockchains":[],"founders":[],"speakers":[]}}