Zach Piester

Zach Piester is a global keynote speaker, entrepreneur, investor, and technology leader whose career centers on emerging technology and business transformation. Piester is recognized for his expertise in blockchain, fintech, insurtech, financial inclusion, and the future of work. As an early contributor to blockchain technology, Piester and his teams have developed foundational blockchain-based systems, protocols, and tools that support the blockchain and Web3 industries. He has been listed among the top 50 most influential fintech experts in Singapore.

As co-founder and chief development officer of Intrepid Ventures, Piester focuses on how blockchain technology, Bitcoin, artificial intelligence, and analytics are transforming businesses and society. He has collaborated with organizations such as Google, SAP, KPMG, Prudential, Visa, SingTel, IFC/World Bank, AIA, and MetLife. Piester has played a key role in developing and launching initiatives including the Digital Innovation Lab for MetLife, Blockchain Venture Studio for Intrepid Ventures, enterprise blockchain solutions for insurance at AIA, and a cross-border talent marketplace for SAP. His work spans a range of products and ventures, from wearables and e-sports to modern work platforms. Piester is involved in the organizational design and growth of fintech, insurtech, and blockchain companies across Asia, and Intrepid Ventures maintains a global network of more than 5,000 blockchain solution developers.

With over 15 years of experience in emerging technology, Piester has served as an investor, entrepreneur, growth executive, and innovation advisor. He has advised senior executives in Fortune 500 companies, fast-growth global firms, and technology disruptors on developing, designing, and scaling new innovations. Piester regularly advises senior policymakers in emerging markets across Asia. His perspective on blockchain is nuanced; he acknowledges the technology's limitations but also recognizes its transformative impact in insurance, financial services, supply chain, manufacturing, and smart cities.

Before entering the technology sector, Piester worked as a paramedic firefighter, gaining experience in high-stakes environments. He draws on these experiences to inform his approach to organizational growth and innovation. Piester has delivered more than 100 speeches on topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the future of work, presenting complex technologies in accessible terms for diverse audiences, including C-suite executives and policymakers.