Rapha Zagury

My Background

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the process of building something from nothing. Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, I was drawn to computer programming at an early age, intrigued by the limitless possibilities it presented. This passion for creation has driven me throughout my life, from my time working at major Wall Street firms to building companies of my own. I spent 16 years in the United States, learning from some of the best in the financial world and honing my skills.

Then I moved back to Brazil where I founded two companies. The first was a boutique Investment Banking company, and the second was Rebel, which later became OpenCo, the leading unsecured lending fintech in Brazil. These experiences taught me the importance of perseverance, and innovation in the business world.

Raised in Brazil, I experienced the impact of money debasement and inflation firsthand. This awareness, combined with my passion for technology and economics, naturally led me to Bitcoin. I joined Swan as a staunch believer in the potential of Bitcoin to revolutionize the financial landscape and a desire to contribute to its global adoption.

My Bitcoin Journey

My journey with Bitcoin began when I stumbled upon it in a newsletter from John Mauldin. Like many others, I initially dismissed Bitcoin, worried about the potential for government bans and believing there might be backdoors in the code.

However, my curiosity eventually led me to review the code more closely, and I was captivated by its sheer ingenuity. The more I learned, the more I became convinced of Bitcoin’s potential as an asset class. In 2015, I presented Bitcoin as a viable investment option at an executive board meeting for the bank I worked for. The idea was met with skepticism, and even laughter, which served as a reminder of the challenges that often accompany groundbreaking ideas. It brought to mind the naysayers who once dismissed Google as nothing more than a digitized version of the Yellow Pages.

Despite the initial resistance, I continued to delve deeper into the world of Bitcoin. I’ve been learning about it for years, and yet, it feels as if I’ve barely scratched the surface. It’s incredibly exciting to be involved in something with such limitless possibilities and the potential to reshape the financial landscape.