Gary Rhee
Head of Portfolio Management at Hashed
I identify and scale the next generation of technology companies at the intersection of blockchain, AI, and open systems. My focus is on founders and teams who understand that power flows to whoever controls the definitions—and who are building systems that distribute that power, not concentrate it.
Based in
Seoul, South Korea
Philosophy
I believe in five core principles that guide every decision
01
Power Precedes Technology
Technology changes quickly. Power structures change slowly. Before investing in a tool, ask: who defines success? Who controls the system?
02
Data Democracy, Not Slavery
Open APIs win. Closed walls lose. Companies that hoard data are choosing isolation over network effects.
03
Long-Term Over Quarterly
Structure built for 10 years beats optimization for quarterly metrics. Sustainable companies solve real problems, not symptoms.
04
Ground Truth Matters
Founders must live in their own market. If you do not understand your customers' pain, you are building for an idea, not a reality.
05
Connection Over Isolation
Systems built for ecosystems scale. Systems built for survival do not. Choose integration. Choose openness.
What I Look For
Six qualities that signal a founder or team worth backing
Clear Vision
Founders who understand their market and why their solution matters. Not dreamers. Pragmatists.
Open Architecture
APIs and data structures designed for integration, not lock-in. Building for ecosystems, not isolation.
Data-Driven
Metrics that matter. Focus on sustainable growth, not vanity numbers. They know the difference.
Network Effects
Systems that get stronger as more people join, not weaker. Value compounds with scale.
Execution
Teams that move fast, ship products, and learn from real feedback. Theory meets practice.
Intellectual Humility
People who change their minds when shown better logic. Ego does not drive decisions.