Quote: “You don't have to raise funds to get validation. A lot of people will raise funds just for validation.”

The Afropolitan Podcast highlights Afropolitans who boldly step into the unknown and walk in purpose. Through this podcast, we aim to empower Africans in the diaspora to unleash their full potential and contribute to the growth of a dynamic and progressive black community.

In this episode, we feature Ray Youssef, the CEO of Paxful, a peer-to-peer bitcoin marketplace that millions worldwide use. As an immigrant from Egypt who grew up in New York, Ray has always been passionate about helping others. He believes that education is crucial to creating equitable opportunities and has provided that for many children in Africa through his non-profit organization, Built With Bitcoin. Paxful has always been Ray's dream of a world where finance is accessible to everyone.

Listen and enjoy as Ray shares his insights on the African crypto market and the exceptional human capital on the continent.

Ray's reading list includes:

1. King, Warrior, Magician, Lover: Rediscovering the Archetype of Mature Masculine by Robert Moore - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062506064
2. The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119473861
3. The Fiat Standard by Saifedean Ammous -https://www.amazon.com/dp/1544526474
4. History of Money by Jack Weatherford -https://www.amazon.com/dp/0609801724

Show Notes:
1:02 Ray's vision and mission for Paxful
5:19 Insights on the African crypto market
8:15 Advice for founders on navigating the regulatory landscape
12:12 The impact of COVID-19 on Paxful
13:35 How Paxful approaches recruiting and retaining talent
15:30 Tips for founders during the fundraising process
18:02 The mission of Built With Bitcoin, Ray's non-profit organization
22:51 Ray's significant experience with failure
27:10 Books that have profoundly impacted Ray’s life
34:22 Ray’s perspective on what it means to be Afropolitan

The Afropolitan Podcast is hosted by Eche Emole, co-founder of Afropolitan. Listen and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Jamit, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with Afropolitan:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/afropolitan
Website - https://www.afropolitan.io/