Growing up in a small seaside town in Southern Italy, I was surrounded by breathtaking beauty. The azure waters and rugged landscapes were a constant reminder of nature’s balance between serenity and strength.
Despite the beautiful place and the kindness of the majority of people, the south of Italy could also be a tough place for a young kid. As a teenager, I was passionate about tech but also spent time dealing with the lifestyle of the streets—with its dangers and lessons in survival. This environment where it was not uncommon to hear gunshots or see thieves shaped me. It taught me early on that resilience and adaptability are more than virtues—they are necessities. But it also gave me a keen awareness of how life can be economically unfair for many and helped set me off on a path to try to create a better way for people to achieve financial freedom and empowerment.
My childhood was profoundly influenced by two remarkable individuals: my grandmother and my father. When I was a child, my parents devoted much of their time to my older brother, who was facing health challenges. As a result, I spent countless hours with my grandmother, a woman of immense wisdom who became my role model. Despite enduring significant losses—losing her husband at a young age and two of her younger daughters—she embraced life with joy and appreciated its simple pleasures. Now in her 90s, she navigates video calls with ease, her eyes still sparkling with the same zest for life that she instilled in me.
From her, I learned the importance of finding happiness in simplicity and the strength to persevere through adversity. Her ability to remain positive, no matter the circumstances, taught me that true leadership is about inspiring others through your own actions and outlook.
A decentralized finance logo is displayed on a smartphone, with stock market percentages in the background.
Photo Illustration by Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
My father, too, left an indelible mark on my approach to life and business. A wise and calm entrepreneur, he managed a business trading cereals, dealing daily with a tough variety of Southern Italian farmers. In an environment where many tried to take advantage of others, he maintained his integrity and composure. He never raised his voice, earning respect through his unwavering principles and kindness. Watching him navigate complex negotiations with grace showed me that respect and reputation are earned through consistency and treating others well, even in challenging situations.
These influences shaped my mindset as I ventured into the world of decentralized finance (DeFi). I didn’t set out with a grand plan to revolutionize the industry; rather, I found myself drawn to the challenges and opportunities it presented. The fast-paced, highly stimulating environment of crypto appealed to my innate desire for problem-solving and growth. I realized that in such a dynamic field, flexibility and adaptability are crucial—not unlike navigating the unpredictable tides of my seaside hometown. I also saw how this technology could provide an alternative design for financial systems and help right the many wrongs of the existing structures.
My approach to building a startup is deeply strategic and goal-oriented. When I set my sights on something, I commit fully, devising detailed plans to achieve it. This isn’t about ego or personal accolades; it’s about the thrill of overcoming obstacles and driving toward a vision. I am the CEO of Folks Finance, a DeFi platform where users can lend, borrow, trade and manage their digital assets across multiple blockchains. For me, the real passion lies in the process of growing this startup—assembling a team, overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries.
An anecdote that encapsulates this mindset occurred during a reality show competition focused on entrepreneurship. A marketing expert offered a valuable prize: a comprehensive go-to-market strategy session for the winner of a go-kart race. Recognizing the immense benefit this could bring to my company, I was determined to win.
Before the race, I approached the staff and inquired which kart was the fastest. Upon learning it was No. 6, I requested to switch to it from my original assignment. Armed with this knowledge and a willingness to think outside the box, I won the race. This experience wasn’t about bending rules but about resourcefulness and seizing opportunities—qualities essential in the ever-evolving landscape of Web3 startups.
In leading my team, I find great joy in empowering others and witnessing their growth. Much like the pride my grandmother feels in her grandchildren’s accomplishments, I am energized by my colleagues’ successes. Seeing a team member step onto a stage to share our vision or overcome a technical challenge reaffirms my belief in collaborative progress.
As for the future of DeFi, I envision an ecosystem that is more accessible, transparent and integrated into everyday life. The potential for decentralized systems to democratize finance and break down traditional barriers aligns with my values of fairness and innovation. However, achieving this requires not just technological advancement but also strategic thinking and adaptability—the very traits that my upbringing has ingrained in me.
The DeFi space is at a pivotal point, facing both incredible opportunities and significant challenges. Navigating this requires a blend of resilience, resourcefulness and a steadfast commitment to one’s principles. Drawing from the lessons of my Italian roots, I am dedicated to steering our efforts toward creating solutions that not only push the industry forward but also reflect the integrity and wisdom passed down to me.
In a world that is constantly changing, holding on to the core values of resilience, adaptability, and respect for others provides a compass to guide us through uncharted waters. As we forge ahead in developing the next generation of DeFi platforms, I carry with me the lessons learned from my family and hometown—a testament to the power of combining heritage with innovation to build a better future.
Benedetto Biondi is CEO and co-founder of Folks Finance, a DeFi hub pioneering innovations in lending, borrowing, trading and managing digital assets seamlessly across multiple blockchains.
