Team Profiles: Vincent Ferretti

Get inspired by the talent and passion that drives Validation Cloud forward. Meet Vincent Ferretti, our skilled Director of Blockchain Partnerships based in New York City.

Q: What’s your role at Validation Cloud? Tell me about your background and experience prior to joining the team.

A: As the Director of Blockchain Partnerships at Validation Cloud, I lead crucial infrastructure partnerships to bolster blockchain protocols, focusing on their growth and integration with key institutional and enterprise partners. My role is central to enabling a seamless adoption of blockchain technology across various sectors, fostering an environment where businesses and consumers alike can leverage blockchain’s full potential.

Beginning my blockchain journey in 2015, I founded a community to explore stock market investing, which quickly led to my interest in Bitcoin and subsequent investments in ICOs and major cryptocurrencies like Ethereum. I then ventured into a fintech startup, where I collaborated closely with some of the world's largest banks, creating a core thesis of blockchain's capacity to transform the payment industry.


I then pivoted back into blockchain, joining Chainstack as the first business hire. I eventually advanced to Head of Institutions, focusing on enabling Web2 enterprises and the top Web3 players through strategic infrastructure solutions. Throughout this time, I’ve advised multiple early-stage projects on go-to-market strategies, helping restructure operations, and also raise capital.

Q: What motivated you to join the Validation Cloud team, and in what ways do you envision your role supporting the company's mission? 

A: My drive to join the Validation Cloud team was ignited during a conversation with [Validation Cloud CSO] Alex Nwaka a year ago. From our very first discussion, it was apparent to me that Validation Cloud was uniquely positioned to support the top projects, institutions, and protocols in the blockchain ecosystem—a vision I wanted to contribute to. I believe infrastructure serves as the crucial backbone for integrating blockchain into daily life, presenting a massive opportunity for impact. Validation Cloud's mission to connect organizations to Web3 with a fast, scalable, and intelligent platform precisely mirrors this ambition, aiming to advance the industry by facilitating connections.

This mission goes beyond mere connectivity; it's about empowering organizations to either elevate their existing offerings or to innovate new products that harness the power of blockchain for improved efficiency and scalability. My role is centered around making this possible by linking these protocols and institutions with Validation Cloud's resources, helping bring this vision to life and enabling a smooth transition into a blockchain-empowered future.

Q: How did your interest in Web3 technology develop, and how do you believe Web3's potential impact can be leveraged by Validation Cloud to empower organizations to tap into its potential?

A: My initial fascination with Web3 technology was financially driven, captivated by Bitcoin's impressive value surge from 2015 to 2017. However, this curiosity quickly deepened as I saw Web3's broader potential as a backbone for both current and future innovations. Particularly, I see enormous promise in its application to international and domestic payments, which could significantly benefit countries with unstable currencies. The attributes of transparency, efficiency, and reliability that Web3 introduces are transformative. At Validation Cloud, I envision leveraging these capabilities to empower organizations by ensuring they have robust and resilient blockchain infrastructure tailored to their specific needs, ultimately maximizing their operational potential.

Q: What unique features or advantages does Validation Cloud offer compared to other Web3 infrastructure companies? 

A: Validation Cloud differentiates itself in the Web3 infrastructure landscape by offering a broader range of services beyond basic node APIs. We provide comprehensive solutions that include launching validators, connecting with institutional stakeholders, and ensuring compliance—areas where many competitors fall short. For enterprises and organizations needing robust and compliant blockchain infrastructure, Validation Cloud is the go-to partner for tailored, all-encompassing support.

Q: Which team values resonate with you the most, and why?

A: The value that resonates with me most deeply is Solutions Orientation. This is because regardless of how exceptional a product may be, challenges are inevitable, as seen with industry giants like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. It's not about avoiding these problems, but rather how effectively and creatively we resolve them. This value highlights the importance of finding the right solutions that not only benefit our organization but also ensure our customers can thrive and scale their projects or protocols. It emphasizes a proactive approach to problem-solving, ensuring that we always prioritize actions and outcomes that drive growth and customer satisfaction.

Q: What strategies will you implement to encourage effective collaboration with your team members in order to deliver high-performance and customizable products in staking, node operations, and data-as-a-service?

A: I'll emphasize the importance of cross-communication between teams, especially between my role and the product team. I plan to establish a robust feedback loop, where we can adapt our products based on real-time customer needs and usage. This will involve daily communications and consistent internal follow-ups to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. By keeping these channels open and responsive, we'll stay aligned on our goals and continuously refine our offerings to best serve our users.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work? Any hobbies or interests outside of Web3?

A: Outside of work, I’m deeply connected to nature and creativity. I enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors, traveling to explore new cultures, and indulging in different cuisines. Creatively, I have a passion for music, especially for creating house music and playing the piano.

About Validation Cloud

Validation Cloud is a Web3 data streaming and infrastructure company that connects organizations into Web3 through a fast, scalable, and intelligent platform. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Validation Cloud offers highly performant and customizable products in staking, node, and data-as-a-service. Learn more at Validationcloud.io | LinkedIn | X