Xu Ke: Founder of ONO and Visionary in Decentralized Social Networking

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In the fast-evolving world of blockchain and digital innovation, few names stand out as boldly as Xu Ke, the founder and CEO of ONO — a next-generation, blockchain-powered social network redefining how users create, share, and monetize value online. Born in 1995 in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, Xu Ke has emerged as a trailblazing entrepreneur whose journey blends academic excellence, early entrepreneurial grit, and a bold vision for the future of social connectivity.

From her formative years at Nanjing Foreign Language School to studying in the U.S. at Montverde Academy, and later gaining admission to University College London for postgraduate studies, Xu Ke’s academic path reflected ambition and intellectual curiosity. Yet in 2014, she made a pivotal decision — turning down advanced studies in the UK to return to China and co-found Xunzong Technology Co., Ltd., marking the beginning of her impactful tech career.

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Early Entrepreneurial Success with ERA

At just 19, Xu Ke launched ERA, China’s first value-driven social app built on the concept of "cognitive surplus" — the idea that people have untapped time and skills they can contribute meaningfully to others. The platform operated on a simple but powerful model: "accept task – complete task – receive reward."

This innovative approach allowed users to monetize their time and talents directly within a social environment, bridging the gap between casual interaction and real economic value. By integrating secure online payments and taking a minimal 1% transaction fee (with free peer-to-peer红包/red packet features initially), ERA created a frictionless ecosystem where users could exchange services, skills, or attention for tangible rewards.

Key milestones in ERA’s rapid rise:

ERA wasn’t just another social app — it was an early blueprint for what would become Xu Ke’s larger mission: transforming social interactions into measurable, equitable value exchanges.

Learning from Failure: The Road to Resilience

Before ERA, Xu Ke founded Shanghai Yicheng Biotech, a company focused on maternal and infant health products. Despite her passion and effort, the venture ultimately failed due to market challenges and operational hurdles. But rather than retreat, she used this experience to refine her strategy, assess her strengths, and prepare for a stronger comeback.

Xu Ke has often addressed rumors about being a "privileged二代 (second-generation wealthy)," clarifying:

“Being called a ‘rich second generation’ actually means you don’t have your own money — and until you prove yourself, your family won’t support you.”

Her journey has been marked by hands-on leadership — from talent recruitment to investor negotiations — all executed independently without reliance on family connections. Over eight months, she built her core team by drawing on international networks formed during her studies abroad, convincing peers to return to China and join her mission.

Building ESI Venture Fund: A Strategic Move into Innovation Investing

In October 2015, Xu Ke partnered with Zuhe Capital to launch the ESI Venture Fund (EPIC STAR INNOVATOR), targeting high-growth sectors including:

As a limited partner in ESI and founder of Xunzong Technology, Xu Ke adopted a strategy reminiscent of Lei Jun’s “Xiaomi + Fund” model — using venture capital not only for financial returns but also to strategically strengthen her own company’s ecosystem through synergistic investments.

With insights into Gen-Z behavior and backed by figures like retired esports star Yin Le, ESI leverages influencer dynamics and fan economies across multiple dimensions, positioning itself at the intersection of culture, technology, and capital.

Introducing ONO: Redefining Social Value with Blockchain

While ERA laid the foundation, ONO represents Xu Ke’s most ambitious leap forward — a decentralized social network built on blockchain technology designed for the next generation of internet users.

ONO is more than just a platform; it's a philosophical shift in how we think about digital interaction. Its core principles include:

✅ Recognition of Attention Value

ONO operates on the belief that attention is labor. Every like, comment, share, or piece of content creation contributes to the value of digital goods. Both supply-side (content creation) and demand-side (attention consumption) efforts should be fairly compensated.

✅ Equality in Digital Participation

The platform champions equal rights for all users. Regardless of status or follower count, everyone should have fair access to earning opportunities and control over how they use their rewards.

✅ Freedom Through Decentralization

By leveraging blockchain, ONO removes centralized control, giving users true ownership of their data, identities, and earnings — free from algorithmic manipulation or arbitrary moderation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is ONO?
A: ONO is a blockchain-based social network that rewards users for their attention and contributions. It enables decentralized interactions where users own their data and earn tokens for meaningful participation.

Q: How does ONO differ from traditional social media?
A: Unlike platforms like WeChat or Weibo that profit from user data and ads, ONO distributes value back to users. It uses smart contracts to ensure transparency and fairness in reward distribution.

Q: Who is Xu Ke?
A: Xu Ke is a Chinese tech entrepreneur born in 1995, known for founding ERA and later launching ONO. She is recognized for pioneering value-based social networking models and advocating for youth-driven innovation.

Q: Is ONO available globally?
A: Yes, ONO targets global Gen-Z and millennial users who seek greater autonomy and fairness in digital spaces. Its blockchain infrastructure supports cross-border accessibility and tokenized incentives.

Q: What role does blockchain play in ONO?
A: Blockchain ensures data transparency, prevents censorship, secures user identities, and enables token-based rewards for content creation and engagement.

Q: Can users monetize on ONO?
A: Absolutely. Users earn cryptographic tokens by creating content, curating posts, inviting others, or contributing to community growth — turning passive usage into active income generation.

Core Keywords Integration

Throughout this article, key themes naturally emerge that align with search intent around blockchain innovation and digital entrepreneurship:

These keywords reflect both the technical depth and cultural relevance of Xu Ke’s work — appealing to readers interested in Web3 trends, youth-led startups, and the future of online communities.

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Final Thoughts

Xu Ke’s story is not just one of personal success — it’s a roadmap for how young innovators can reshape industries by combining empathy with technology. From overcoming early setbacks to building scalable platforms grounded in fairness and decentralization, she exemplifies the new wave of purpose-driven founders.

As social networks continue evolving beyond ad-driven models toward user-owned ecosystems, projects like ONO may well define the next era of digital connection — where every click, comment, and moment of attention counts.