Gulay Ozkan

I am an entrepreneur with a background in engineering and have run my own award-winning strategic design consultancy for the last 15 years. In 2017, when I started a large-scale project in Europe, I decided to reposition my company and change my business model at the end of the project in 2021. During this time, when I had to manage the project budget in detail, I was challenged by the drawbacks of the financial system on a larger scale due to the size of my project. Crypto markets and blockchain attracted my attention mainly due to their decentralized nature, new approach to finance, and liberating potential.

The best way to reposition a company in a new market is by understanding market fundamentals and building one’s argument from there. To do that, I decided to gain academic-level knowledge through a university, as early stages of markets often come with false overly optimistic promises. I wanted to understand the reality of the market. The University of Nicosia was the only university that provided a rich, diverse course list driven by a sound faculty. I acted promptly and applied for the program. With the support of UNIC for women entrepreneurs, I attended the program with a generous scholarship.

Studying the MSc in Blockchain and Digital Currency program has impacted my thinking, network, and approach to the future of finance and other disciplines. There is a common tendency to think that information is available everywhere for free, so we don’t need to study. Indeed, it’s true that information is free. However, finding the right information without a significant time investment and learning from an objective angle is by far one of the most challenging things in this century. In this context, I found my studies at UNIC very helpful in acquiring objective knowledge in blockchain and crypto markets, building my own thesis, lowering my bias, and evaluating the market and projects in a more realistic and objective way. The student network helped me join a like-minded community that appreciates decentralized culture and ways of working.

The program has had a serious impact on my professional life. Since I started the program, I have contributed to the product strategy, design, and marketing of DePIN, ZK, and CEX projects worldwide. I have joined the advisory boards of blockchain funds, mentored others, and have also invested in several projects myself.