Jesse Pollak is a fascinating figure in the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, best known for creating Base, an Ethereum Layer-2 network incubated by Coinbase. Here are some interesting things about him based on available information and his contributions:
The session was held on 10th May 2023 at 9:00 am PDT
Audio and Video Recordings of the session is available here.
Transcripts have also been created via MacWhisper Pro and Assembly AI
Conversation with Jesse Pollak: Base Contributor #1
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Jesse Pollak is a fascinating figure in the world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, best known for creating Base, an Ethereum Layer-2 network incubated by Coinbase. Here are some interesting things about him based on available information and his contributions:
- From Startup Founder to Crypto Visionary: Before making waves in the blockchain space, Jesse co-founded Clef, a company focused on passwordless identity solutions. This early venture showcased his knack for tackling complex problems with innovative tech, a skill that later fueled his work at Coinbase and Base. Clef gained traction, securing a $1.7 million seed round and integrating with 200,000 sites, mostly WordPress, proving his entrepreneurial chops early on.
- The Birth of Base: Jesse joined Coinbase in 2017 through the acquisition of Clef and initially led consumer-facing engineering, growing his team from a handful to over 200. By 2021, feeling the entrepreneurial itch again, he nearly left Coinbase. Instead, CEO Brian Armstrong challenged him to bring Coinbase "on-chain." After exploring ideas like a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) and an app store, Jesse settled on creating Base—a scalable, developer-friendly Layer-2 blockchain launched in August 2022 (testnet earlier, mainnet in 2023). It’s now a cornerstone of Coinbase’s on-chain strategy.
- A "Builder-First" Philosophy: Jesse’s mantra for Base is "builders first." He’s obsessed with empowering developers to create apps that attract users, believing this drives ecosystem growth. This approach has helped Base become the largest Ethereum Layer-2 by total value locked (over $2.2 billion as of late 2024), hosting apps like Friend.tech and surpassing rivals in transaction volume.
- Coinbase Wallet Leadership: In September 2024, Jesse took on a bigger role, leading Coinbase Wallet while joining the company’s executive team. His mission? Make on-chain experiences "dead simple" for a billion people and a million builders. He’s pushing for Coinbase Wallet to integrate Base’s open-source ethos, enhancing self-custody and decentralized app access across multiple blockchains.
- Unrelenting Optimism: Those who follow Jesse on platforms like X often note his infectious enthusiasm. He’s described as pouring his "heart and soul" into Base, viewing it not just as a job but as his life’s purpose. His optimism shines through in his relentless engagement with the community, addressing feedback and dreaming of an "abundant on-chain future."
- A Chip on His Shoulder: Jesse has spoken about personal struggles and a drive to prove himself, which fuels his work ethic. In a podcast with KevinWSHPod, he hinted at a "big chip" motivating him—perhaps from his early career or the challenge of shifting Coinbase from a centralized exchange to a blockchain innovator. This vulnerability adds depth to his public persona.
- Stablecoin Vision: Jesse sees stablecoin payments as a game-changer for real-world adoption. After witnessing their use in places like Argentina, he’s betting on Base to power seamless, low-cost transactions globally, aligning with his goal of a borderless on-chain economy.