This general Zer abandoned Nyu just 19 to launch his blockchain – now, his $ 1.3 billion company is supported by Mark Cuban and never takes a day off leave

FortuneThe Good Life series shows how promising leaders spend their time and money outside of work.

Today, we meet Eric Chen, CEO and co -founder of Financial Blockchain Injective Foundation.

The media threshing around cryptocurrency has been developing for years – and Wall Street finally kisses it. CHEN’s company offers investors a secure platform to reinvent global markets; He says that his layer 1 blockchain is one of the largest cryptographic networks ever built, leading the industry in the activity of users, transactions and monetary volume. Since its 2018 creation, Injective has processed more than 2 billion chain transactions, with more than 1.5 million portfolios on the system. He raised $ 56 million from major investors such as Binance, Bitgo, Pantera, Jump – and evenShark tank Billionaire investor Mark Cuban.

“The mission is simple: create a really free and fair financial system thanks to decentralization,” explains Chen Fortune. “He does so by giving each manufacturer, financial institution and user the tools they need to reinvent the global markets in an entirely transparent manner and without authorization.”

Over the past seven years, Injective has increased to a company of $ 1.34 billion – and at 26, Chen has only just started. More impressive, he launched the company at just 19 years old when he was registered at New York University. Chen studied finance and exploited Ethereum in his dormitory, while interrupting capital innovation on a cover office. The electrocutor was inspired to launch injective after having witnessed the ineffectiveness of the traditional market – so he abandoned NYU and began to build his business of $ 1 billion.

The injective has since made current jumps; Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile’s telecommunications arm, joined as a validator, bringing Fortune 500 quality network infrastructure. CBOE Global Markets – The greatest exchange of options in America – has also submitted a request to list the fund, signaling a strong institutional interest and by placing the injective among the networks with potential ETF listed in the United States.

Due to the massive growth of his business, Chen says that he does not remember a time when he was completely far from his work. The amusing luxury gadgets of the CEO – including a mattress cover of $ 2,900, our ring and a racing simulator – maintain it healthy, he says, at the heart of his busy schedule. He never buys a grocery store, choosing to eat in New York or to make food. Taking a very little chic vacation, he saw a global lifestyle through his business, with trips to Seoul, London, Toronto, Abhu Dhabi and Singapore this year.

Finances

Fortune: What was the best investment you have ever made?

My eight sleep mattress covers, about $ 2,900. This allows me to be maximum effective with sleep and minimize the chances of productivity due to poor sleep quality.

And the worst?

I would not say that there has been a single “worst” investment so far. Each decision, whether or not, taught me something precious and has shaped the way I think about the future. I try to approach everything with a state of mind of learning, which helps to transform even the least successful bets increasing in the long term.

How to get to work?

I live in New York, so my journey is usually a fast walk from home to office.

How much does it count in your portfolio? Do you have fun credit cards that you would recommend?

Fiat (government tender, like the US dollar) is dying, so I never wear money!

Do you invest in shares?

I mainly buy only the crypto via injective applications. I am at an average cost in my favorite assets and I use various programmable robots led by AI to automate most of the trades, because I am normally very caught up in work to follow the markets these days.

The best approach is to learn by doing, while keeping a low risk at first. There are many online resources, including tutorials, videos and forums that can help you create a solid base. Most platforms also offer paper trading, which allows you to practice with simulated money and no real financial risk. Use this experience to gain confidence before investing real funds. Make sure you feel ready to manage the ups and downs of the market before jumping.

What personal finance advice would you give to yourself 20 years old?

Invest more in Bitcoin.

What is the only subscription you can’t live?

My Oura Ring subscription. It’s great for following daily calories and sleep, which is honestly a boon.

Where does your essential bracelet watch come from?

I love my Apple Watch. Simple but effective.

The necessities

How do you get your daily coffee solution?

At the time when I started injective at university, I was almost entirely on Red Bull. We even had a RED refrigerator in our first office to keep a regular supply. These days, I went to Celsius or Double Espiono to move me forward.

What about eating on the go?

As with my training sessions, I try to be disciplined enough to keep it away from my office for lunch when I can. Most of the time, I will eat in our common office kitchen. It’s a good break and gives me a chance to catch up with the team. That said, there are certainly days when things are not stopped and I end up eating at my office or on the go.

I used to order a ton to take away since I didn’t have time to cook, but recently, I started preparing meals. So, generally I eat it at my office while catching up with the news at the same time.

Where do you buy the grocery store?

It will seem horrible, but I’m not sure I really buy grocery products. I live in the preparation of meals and doordash most of the time.

How often during a week do you dine in relation to cooking at home?

About 90% of the time, I end up eating between work meetings, dinners or simply enjoying being in New York. There is always something new to try, and so many super places nearby.

Restaurants or take -out dishes near you?

One of my favorites at the moment is barlume, a Mediterranean place near our office in which I go quite regularly.

Where do you shop for your work wardrobe?

Comfort has always been my priority. My style has definitely changed from university – from which is not? At the time, I would just put everything I obtained from conferences or hackathons. These days, I still keep it comfortable, but now I’m going to look for something like Sporty & Rich.

What would be a typical working outfit for you?

I wouldn’t say I have a wardrobe every day. Some days are gym shorts, polo shirts and flip -flops, especially if it’s a more relaxed day. Other times, if I have an important meeting, I will opt for a shirt and a chinos. It really depends on what the day requires.

Are you the proud owner of futuristic gadgets?

I do not know if it counts as a futuristic, but my guilty pleasure is definitely the racing simulator I have at home. It is the biggest gadget I have, and it does an incredibly good job to simulate the real thing.

The treats

How do you relax the best job?

If I have time, I love playing tennis. It is one of the few things that really helps me to unplug and give myself back. He is physically active but also mentally engaging, making it the perfect combination for me. Even hitting for an hour long live my head and gives me a second wind.

What is the best bonus treat you buy?

After organizing an injective event in Belgium, I reserved a few hours on a real race track with my friends. The practice of the simulator has borne fruit.

How do you find yourself when you get a promotion?

I generally buy nothing physical as a reward to be completely honest. Going to a concert with my friends or consulting interesting performances in the city is the closest thing to a bonus reward that I would say.

Take us on vacation with you: What is the next step on your vacation list?

My next vacation will actually be in the north of Macedonia to attend the wedding of one of our original injective developers. It’s a special moment in a full circle, and I am delighted to celebrate with someone who has been part of the trip since the first days.

Usually, my “vacation” are only work conferences around the world. This year only, I will be in Seoul, London, Toronto, Abhu Dhabi and Singapore for talks I give.

How many days of annual leave do you take per year?

What is a day off? Jokes aside, I do not actually remember a time when I was 100% of the work. Even when I could be at the cleaning of a friend or to visit a new city, I am 24/7 online online.

Fortune wants to hear business leaders on what their “good life” looks like. Get in touch: Emma.burleigh@fortune.com