Evan C. Owens

Leading BD efforts for Sonic, the highest performing EVM L1, with a focus on DeFi, RWA, and tokenization. Guiding strategy with CEO to focus on revenue generation. Leading tier-1 partnership deals with Revolut and Uniswap. Rebuilt CRM, grants program and GTM playbook. Working closely with the Resonance Fund (Sonic Ecosystem fund) to deploy capital to leading apps. Managing a team of 4.

Led ecosystem expansion for Kadena, a proof-of-work Layer 1 blockchain launched in 2020. Directed a $50M+ grants program across DeFi, RWA, and infrastructure, driving 60+ Chainweb EVM deployments and a 5x jump in testnet volume. Closed 80+ protocol integrations including SushiSwap, Ankr, Stork, Euler, Morpho, and LayerZero. Scaled user base by 10x (to 50K+ wallets) through ecosystem partnerships and event strategy. Rebuilt BD and ops process, cutting close time by 3x and establishing a GTM playbook. Partnered with top-tier VCs, sourcing and reviewing 200+ projects for funding and integration.

Originated and closed $3.4M+ in enterprise deals with Sei, Aptos, Near, Blast and other L1/L2 partners. Managed full deal cycles for 25+ high-value contracts focused on on-chain analytics. Built sales materials including ROI models, decks, and case studies for partner pitches. Presented to 50+ protocols across DeFi and infra, shaping Flipside's enterprise GTM motion.

Investment council on SteelDAO (Bessemer-funded), a $500K seed fund with one 30x-performing early bet. LP in Collab Currency and Hutt Capital, backing early-stage crypto funds. Participated in WAGMI Ventures deals including Monad, Sei, EigenLayer, and xAI.

Helped launch and operate a $10M early-stage crypto VC. Led deal sourcing and diligence on 8 investments in emerging blockchain projects. Managed fund ops, custodian relationships, OTC, and LP reporting.

Founded a live-event ticketing platform serving 30+ pro sports clients including the SF Giants and Golden State Warriors. Secured partnerships with Ticketmaster and AEG. Raised $5M+ in venture funding, graduated from AngelPad and scaled the team to 15 employees. Bootstrapped to profitability - company remains active today.