The Micro & Macro Forces Accelerating Institutional Bitcoin Adoption

A powerhouse at the intersection of Bitcoin, venture capital, and energy economics—Dr. Khushboo Khullar is a seasoned investor, sought-after speaker, and Venture Partner at Lightning Ventures. With deep roots in M&A and macroeconomics from her time at Mizuho Bank, and a PhD in Energy Security, she brings razor-sharp insight to the Bitcoin startup ecosystem. She is often quoted in Bloomberg for Bitcoin markets movement. Khushboo actively advises founders on go-to-market strategy and has taken the stage at over a dozen major Bitcoin conferences worldwide—helping shape the conversation around innovation and capital in the space.

Alessio Quaglini is leading the institutional adoption of digital assets. In 2018, he co-founded Hex Trust, a digital asset financial institution specialising in custody, staking, and markets services. Hex Trust has secured licenses across major financial hubs and become a trusted partner for institutions seeking secure, strategic engagement with digital assets. Hex Trust goes beyond safekeeping to support staking, markets execution, and emerging opportunities in Bitcoin finance.

Alessio brings over 15 years' experience in banking, regulation, and consulting, including roles at BBVA, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and the Italian Financial Services Authority (Consob), where he oversaw equity and derivatives markets in the market abuse department. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in telecommunication engineering from La Sapienza University in Rome, an MBA from IE Business School, and is a CFA Charterholder.

Kyu Ho is the Chief of Staff at DDC Enterprise, a NYSE-listed Asian food platform with a growing presence across Asia and the U.S.. He has been involved in DDC's Bitcoin Accumulation Strategy which was launched in May 2025.

Kyu has extensive experience in the crypto space, as the Co-founder and Managing Partner at Initial Ventures, which focused on investing in early stage crypto investments. He has over 20 years of extensive experience in fund portfolio management and digital asset investments. Kyu was also a Managing Director at the US$500B Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, where he led the Thematic Investing program in Asia, focusing on disruptive technologies including blockchain and AI.

Kyu received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Northwestern University, and a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania.