Bruce Pon

Bruce Pon is the founder of Ocean Protocol, a decentralised data exchange protocol designed to unlock data for AI, and BigchainDB, a blockchain database for data-driven use cases. He is also the co-founder of ascribe.io, a platform for creators to register and track intellectual property on the blockchain, and IPDB, a global blockchain database network. Pon’s work aims to create a transparent data economy by enabling individuals and organisations to securely exchange and monetise data.
 

Prior to his ventures in blockchain, Bruce co-founded Avantalion, a consulting firm that specialised in building banks for the underbanked. The firm helped establish over 18 banks and financial services companies in multiple countries, including for clients such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Mitsubishi. He has also worked for Daimler AG, where he played a key role in international expansion, and Accenture, providing consultancy in telecom, government, and energy sectors.

Bruce has delivered guest lectures at institutions such as MIT, Oxford, NYU, and ESMT, and has spoken at over 200 public events about blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralised technologies. He was recognised as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and has contributed to various educational and media projects, including a guest appearance in the documentary Cryptopia.
 

His academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, and he holds an Advanced Executive Certificate from MIT Sloan School of Management. Pon has also been involved in various international forums and summits, focusing on blockchain, AI, and the future of data.

Bruce Pon's academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan, where he actively engaged in student leadership roles, including serving on the University Senate and as Vice-President of the Students' Union. He later pursued advanced executive education at MIT Sloan School of Management, where he earned an Advanced Executive Certificate.
 

Pon’s career began in consulting, where he worked with Accenture from 1996 to 2002. He served major clients in the telecom, government, and energy sectors, gaining extensive experience in enterprise systems. After his time at Accenture, Pon worked at Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz Financial Services) from 2003 to 2008. He managed strategic international projects, including the establishment of financial services in multiple regions, and led several initiatives in IT consolidation and new bank startups across Europe and Asia.
 

In 2009, Pon co-founded Avantalion International Consulting, a firm dedicated to building banks and financial services for the underbanked. Avantalion helped establish over 18 financial institutions in 15 countries, serving clients such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Mitsubishi. The firm reached $7 million in revenue in 2014, but it was later acquired by Paris-based Teamwill Group in 2022.
 

In 2014, Pon co-founded ascribe.io, a service that allows creators to register and manage intellectual property rights using blockchain technology. This project aimed to empower creators by giving them control over their digital creations and intellectual property. Pon also co-founded BigchainDB in the same year, a blockchain database that enables enterprises to convert data into assets while maintaining control and traceability. BigchainDB focused on decentralised applications across various industries, including supply chain, healthcare, and IoT.

In 2017, Pon founded Ocean Protocol, a decentralised data exchange protocol designed to unlock data for AI. Ocean Protocol enables data owners to securely share and monetise their data while maintaining privacy, security, and compliance. The platform supports the creation of a $10-20 trillion data economy by providing the infrastructure for secure data exchange and making data universally accessible.
 

Pon’s work has led to significant recognition. He was named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and has been invited to speak at major events around the world. He has delivered guest lectures at institutions such as MIT, Oxford, and NYU, and has presented over 200 talks on blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralised technologies.
 

Throughout his career, Pon has focused on building infrastructure that empowers individuals and organisations to unlock the value of their data. His contributions to the blockchain space, particularly in the creation of platforms that enable decentralised data exchange, have positioned him as a key figure in the ongoing development of the data economy.

As of 2025, Bruce Pon continues to lead Ocean Protocol as its founder and board member, further advancing the decentralised data economy. His work remains centred around creating tools that ensure data privacy, security, and compliance while fostering the growth of AI and blockchain technologies.

Bruce Pon's vision is to create a decentralised data economy where individuals and organisations have full control over their data. He believes that by using blockchain technology, data can be securely shared, monetised, and used to drive innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). His work aims to bridge the gap between the value of data and its accessibility, empowering creators and businesses to unlock the full potential of their data while ensuring privacy, security, and compliance. Pon envisions a future where data is treated as a valuable asset, benefiting all stakeholders in a transparent and equitable way.

Bruce Pon's work in the blockchain and data economy sectors has earned him global recognition. Pon has also been invited to speak at prestigious institutions such as MIT, Oxford, and NYU and has delivered over 200 talks worldwide. His contributions to blockchain and decentralised technologies have been featured in various media, including the documentary Cryptopia, and he continues to be a key figure in shaping the future of the data economy.