The decentralized science (DeSci) movement has surged into the spotlight in recent months, particularly gaining momentum during Devcon in November. With high-profile endorsements from Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin and Binance co-founder CZ, DeSci is no longer a fringe concept—it’s emerging as one of the most compelling narratives in Web3. At its core, DeSci leverages blockchain technology to democratize scientific research, tackling systemic issues like funding bottlenecks, lack of data transparency, and inefficient peer review.
According to RootData, over 30 projects now operate within the DeSci ecosystem. While the space is growing rapidly, truly standout founders—those with deep domain expertise and proven execution—are rare. A clear hierarchy is forming: founders with direct biomedical experience lead the pack, followed by crypto-native innovators and跨界 entrepreneurs. This article explores the key figures shaping the future of decentralized science.
The DeSci Founder Hierarchy: Who’s Leading the Charge?
First-Tier Founders: Domain Experts Driving Real Impact
The top echelon of DeSci founders combines advanced scientific training with hands-on blockchain experience. These individuals aren’t just ideating—they’re building protocols that directly address the broken incentives in traditional research.
Tyler Golato – The Face of DeSci Innovation
Tyler Golato stands at the forefront of the DeSci movement. As co-founder and CEO of Molecule, a protocol enabling open-source drug discovery, and co-initiator of VitaDAO, a community-owned longevity research collective, Golato bridges biotech and decentralized governance.
His academic background is deeply rooted in molecular biology. He studied biochemistry at the University of North Carolina and conducted research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under Dr. David M. Wilson III and Dr. Vilhelm Bohr, focusing on DNA repair mechanisms linked to aging. Later, he worked at Columbia University on chemotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer.
Golato’s publications in journals like Nature Aging and Frontiers in Pharmacology reflect his scientific rigor. More importantly, his projects are gaining traction:
- Molecule has facilitated millions in research funding via NFT-based IP-NFTs.
- VitaDAO has funded over a dozen early-stage longevity studies.
- Spin-offs like PsyDAO (psychedelics) and AthenaDAO (women’s health) expand the model across therapeutic areas.
His work exemplifies how tokenized science can accelerate discovery while maintaining open access.
Alok Tayi – From Rare Disease Pain Point to Patient-Led Research
Alok Tayi’s journey into DeSci began with personal tragedy: his daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. Frustrated by the lack of funded treatments for rare diseases, he founded Vibe Bio, a decentralized platform connecting patient communities with researchers.
Tayi holds a PhD in materials science from Northwestern University and completed postdoctoral work with George Whitesides at Harvard. He previously launched two successful biotech SaaS companies—PreScouter and TetraScience—proving his ability to scale science-driven ventures.
What sets Vibe Bio apart is its investor backing: Initialized Capital (early investor in Coinbase and Uber), Balaji Srinivasan, and Naval Ravikant—all crypto luminaries—have supported the project. This blend of biomedical depth and crypto-native appeal positions Vibe Bio as a dark horse in patient-led research.
Simone Fantaccini – The Dual-Life Innovator
Simone Fantaccini embodies the hybrid future of science entrepreneurship. By day, he’s the Head of Medical Affairs and Chief Strategy Officer at Novartis, a global pharmaceutical giant. By night, he’s building SynapseDAO, a decentralized autonomous organization funding research on neglected neurological diseases.
With an MD from the University of Florence, a PhD in philosophy of science, and an MBA from MIP Politecnico di Milano, Fantaccini brings multidisciplinary insight. SynapseDAO already includes former Novartis executives, signaling institutional credibility.
Unlike many DeFi-flavored projects, SynapseDAO focuses on real-world impact—funding preclinical trials and enabling data sharing across borders. It’s a model where pharma insiders use Web3 tools to bypass bureaucratic inertia.
Second-Tier Founders: Crypto Pioneers Entering Science
While not rooted in biology, these founders bring critical infrastructure, capital, and visibility to DeSci.
Brian Armstrong – Coinbase Founder’s Bet on Open Research
Though best known for founding Coinbase, Brian Armstrong has quietly entered the DeSci space through ResearchHub, a blockchain-based academic publishing platform.
ResearchHub aims to replace paywalled journals with an open, incentivized system where researchers earn tokens for peer review, replication, and publication. It’s backed by Coinbase Ventures and Google Ventures alumni.
Armstrong also co-founded NewLimit, a longevity startup using machine learning to reprogram human cells. While details remain sparse, the move signals a broader trend: crypto billionaires turning attention to biotech moonshots.
Paul Kohlhaas – The Molecule Architect
A former corporate lawyer at White & Case, Paul Kohlhaas transitioned into Web3 via ConsenSys. He co-founded Molecule alongside Tyler Golato and helped design its legal and token-economic framework.
His role highlights a crucial need in DeSci: translating complex regulatory landscapes into compliant on-chain systems. Projects like BIO Protocol and Pump.Science (a meme-based drug prediction market on Solana) further demonstrate his versatility.
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Laura Minquini – Bridging Fashion, Branding, and Longevity
Laura Minquini’s path is unconventional. A fashion-tech entrepreneur who built products for Apple and Louis Vuitton, she pivoted to health with MYKIGAI, a platform promoting longevity lifestyles.
She joined VitaDAO as a contributor and later co-founded AthenaDAO, focusing on women’s health R&D. Though less scientifically trained than peers, her strengths in branding and community building are vital for mainstream adoption.
Her story proves that DeSci needs more than scientists—it needs storytellers.
Vincent Weisser – The Technologist Exploring AI + Science
Vincent Weisser contributed to Molecule, VitaDAO, and BIO Protocol but is now focused on PrimeIntellect, a decentralized AI compute network. His shift reflects a growing convergence: AI, blockchain, and science are merging into a new innovation stack.
PrimeIntellect recently raised $5.5M in seed funding—suggesting investor appetite for infra-level tools that power future discoveries.
Why Founder Background Matters in DeSci
The emergence of a “founder hierarchy” isn’t elitism—it’s pragmatism. Investors favor teams with:
- Direct experience in drug development or clinical research
- Proven ability to navigate regulatory environments
- Track records in fundraising or scaling startups
Projects led by domain experts like Golato or Tayi attract serious scientific collaborators and institutional interest. Meanwhile, crypto-first founders often struggle to gain trust from academia.
Yet collaboration is key. The most successful DeSci ventures combine:
- Scientific rigor (from PhDs and MDs)
- Token engineering (from Web3 builders)
- Community growth (from marketers and operators)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is DeSci?
A: DeSci, or decentralized science, uses blockchain to make scientific research more open, collaborative, and fairly funded. It enables new models for publishing, peer review, data sharing, and IP ownership.
Q: Why are crypto investors interested in DeSci?
A: DeSci offers real-world utility for blockchain—beyond speculation. It aligns with long-term trends in life extension, open knowledge, and citizen science, attracting both idealists and ROI-focused VCs.
Q: Can anyone participate in DeSci projects?
A: Yes! Many DeSci DAOs allow global participation. You can contribute research, fund studies, or earn tokens through peer review—even without a science degree.
Q: Is DeSci replacing traditional science?
A: Not replacing—but augmenting. DeSci lowers barriers for early-stage research that traditional grants often ignore, especially in rare diseases or high-risk fields.
Q: How do DeSci projects make money?
A: Through tokenized IP (e.g., IP-NFTs), grants, donations, and partnerships. Some monetize data access or analytics while preserving privacy via zero-knowledge proofs.
Q: Are there risks in DeSci investing?
A: Yes. Early-stage biotech is inherently risky. Combine that with unregulated token models, and due diligence becomes essential. Stick to projects with credible scientists and transparent roadmaps.
The future of science isn’t just lab coats and microscopes—it’s smart contracts, DAOs, and global collaboration. As DeSci matures, the founders who blend deep expertise with radical openness will lead the charge. Whether you're a researcher, investor, or curious builder, now is the time to engage.