Alvin Foo, Co-Founder of NASDEX and Venture Partner at Zero2Launch

Alvin Foo is a seasoned business and technology leader with over 25 years of experience in the Asia Pacific region. He has held senior roles at major global companies, including Nokia, Omnicom, Interpublic Group, and Google. As a co-founder of NASDEX, a regulated marketplace for trading tokenized real-world assets, and Metafyed, a Web 3.0 investment bank focused on asset tokenization, he is at the forefront of innovation in finance.

Currently, Alvin is a Venture Partner at Zero2Launch, which specializes in startup launches in the crypto sector. He mentors emerging companies through his involvement with the German Accelerator, SparkLabs, and Orbit Startups. His previous positions include Managing Director at Reprise Digital and Head of Mobility & Innovation at Omnicom Media Group in China, as well as Head of Mobile for Greater China at Google.

Alvin also advises organizations like NOIZ and Proventeus Capital and supports early-stage blockchain and Web 3.0 projects. His commitment to mentoring and fostering innovative startups makes him a significant figure in the tech and business landscape.

Tell us about the success of Zero2Launch in 2024.

In 2024, Zero2launch achieved significant milestones, having  secured more funding from its investors. Key investments included investment in Metafyed, which had signed a licensing agreement with Nasdex, a regulated RWA marketplace.

Zero2launch has also expanded into emerging markets and committed funding to startups led by underrepresented founders. The firm also participated at the MWC Shanghai and Sibos 2024 Beijing, fostering collaboration and establishing itself as a thought leader.

With a focus on innovation and diversity, Zero2launch is poised for continued success in 2025.

What has surprised you the most in regard to crypto?

What surprises me most about crypto is how rapidly it’s transformed from a niche concept into a global phenomenon, while still meeting resistance from traditional systems.

The pace of innovation—like DeFi, NFTs, and Bitcoin scaling solutions is incredible. Yet, it’s equally surprising how much regulatory uncertainty and skepticism remain, even as adoption and institutional interest continue to grow.

NASDEX has revolutionized the intersection of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). What trends are you seeing?

NASDEX is revolutionizing the fusion of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi) with key developments that include the tokenization of traditional assets like stocks, enabling fractional ownership and 24/7 trading, and the rise of interoperability, connecting TradFi instruments with DeFi protocols for seamless user experiences.

On-chain governance is introducing decentralized decision-making to traditionally centralized markets, while DeFi tools like liquidity pools are enhancing market efficiency and accessibility.

These innovations are bridging the gap between TradFi and DeFi, unlocking new possibilities for investors and reshaping the future of global financial systems.

What is the mission of Tokenizing RWA?

Tokenizing real-world assets (RWA) bridges traditional finance and blockchain, enabling greater accessibility, unlocking liquidity, and increasing transparency.

By fractionalizing ownership, it lowers barriers to high-value assets, reduces costs, and streamlines transactions.

The mission is to democratize wealth-building opportunities and create a more inclusive, efficient, and global financial ecosystem.

Ideally, what advances would you like to see in 2025?

For 2025, I would like to see key crypto advances in more web 3.0 startups building scalable networks for mass adoption, expanded RWA tokenization, seamless blockchain interoperability, user-friendly platforms for broader access, sustainable & eco-friendly solutions and regulatory clarity.

These developments would strengthen crypto’s role as a transformative force in global finance while fostering trust and widespread adoption.

What is the best advice you would give to a young entrepreneur launching a tech startup?

Launching a tech startup is both thrilling and challenging. Key to success is building a strong, diverse team to drive innovation and navigate complexities.

A clear vision is essential to maintain focus and seriousness, increasing your startup’s credibility and chances of success.

Conduct thorough research and create a detailed business plan covering cash flow, product differentiation, competition, and marketing strategies to prepare for challenges.

Networking and relationship-building are crucial for marketing and opening doors to partnerships and investment opportunities.

Manage finances wisely by building credit early and maintaining disciplined financial management to ensure stability.

Be prepared for the intense journey of ups and downs, staying confident in your vision despite external opinions.

Seek mentorship and potentially join a business incubator to access valuable resources, education, and investor connections.

By focusing on these areas, you enhance your ability to navigate challenges and increase the likelihood of your startup’s success.

What is next for you?

There is so much to be done as we are still so early into web 3.0. We will continue to focus on investing in interoperability solutions, decentralized finance (DeFi) innovation, and the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) to capitalize on growing trends.

Blockchain security and improving user experience for Web3 applications will also be key areas to work on, helping drive mainstream adoption and build trust in the ecosystem.