Innovating Capital Markets with Blockchain Technology
In the fast-paced realms of finance and technology, few figures shine as brightly as Thomas Carter. With over 30 years of experience spanning FinTech, venture capital, and blockchain innovation, Carter has consistently demonstrated a knack for transformative leadership.
From Action Sports to FinTech Leadership
Carter’s journey began with a deep passion for action sports, where he excelled as a competitive skateboarder and surfer. His entrepreneurial drive propelled him to innovate in wakeboarding, ultimately founding an action sports company that earned him the Innovation Award and a place in The Wake Sports Hall of Fame. He also navigated the capital markets, successfully taking his company public, along with his involvement in one of the early internet firms, NetRom, in 1997. These experiences unveiled inefficiencies in traditional funding processes, inspiring Carter to address these challenges head-on.
From 2006 to 2016, Carter ran a capital advisory business, helping companies structure fundraising efforts and navigate complex capital markets. However, by 2016, with digital assets on the rise, he saw an opportunity to do more than advise companies—he wanted to build a platform that could empower investors and entrepreneurs alike. In 2016, Carter launched Deal Box, creating a modular approach to venture capital that meets people wherever they are on their wealth journey.
“Venture capital hasn’t always been modular,” Carter explains. “Investors used to have to shape their portfolios around venture’s risks. At Deal Box, we flipped that—our model fits your life, no matter where you are on your wealth journey.” Deal Box offers accessible direct investment opportunities through its community platform, along with managed investments via Deal Box Ventures, $100 million Blockchain Web 3 Digital Asset Fund,
True I/O: Blockchain in Action
As Chairman of True I/O, Carter is spearheading the development of blockchain solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges. By introducing innovative tools such as Web 3 naming services, he simplifies complex blockchain transactions with user-friendly names. His commitment to enhancing digital security is further demonstrated through the use of the Universal Communications Identifier (UCID™) for authenticating connected devices. True I/O exemplifies how blockchain can create substantial value in various sectors, including supply chain management and software licensing. Carter envisions blockchain as a powerful driver for elevating industry standards, especially in terms of security and transparency. In partnership with organizations like the Telecommunications Industry Association, True I/O is working to improve security protocols for device management and communication infrastructure.
Shaping the Future of Blockchain and Beyond
Carter’s work reflects his belief in blockchain’s transformative potential to shift from speculation to practical application. His leadership has earned him a place on EvoNexus’s FinTech Selection Committee, where he fosters emerging startups in California’s thriving tech ecosystem.
A Legacy of Innovation and Community
Despite his extensive professional achievements, Carter remains deeply connected to his roots. His passion for skateboarding led to a groundbreaking collaboration in 2021: True I/O partnered with X Games champion Elliott Sloan to create the Mega Park Experience, the first crypto-backed skateboarding event. Carter’s ability to align personal passions with professional innovation exemplifies his dynamic leadership. Through Deal Box and True I/O, he continues to empower entrepreneurs and push the boundaries of blockchain and FinTech.
Conclusion
Thomas Carter is a true trailblazer in digital asset markets, seamlessly blending innovation, expertise, and community impact. His contributions to capital markets and blockchain technology are paving the way for a more secure and efficient financial ecosystem. As Carter and his teams forge ahead, their work promises to inspire the next wave of transformative ideas in the digital economy.
