Moelis & Co. Embraces the Blockchain Wave with New Advisory Group

Moelis & Co. Takes the Plunge into Blockchain

In a move that combines bravado with foresight, New York’s investment banking giant Moelis & Co. has recently rolled out a Global Blockchain Group. Fronted by the dynamic John Momtazee, this group is set to illuminate the way for blockchain and crypto enterprises looking for advisory services during these shaky market times.

Meet the Leader: John Momtazee

Co-founder John Momtazee is not just riding the blockchain wave; he’s steering the ship. Previously managing director at UBS Investment Bank, he now leads media investment banking for Moelis & Co. Based in LA (because, of course, that’s where the sunshine and digital dreams meet), Momtazee remains unfazed by this year’s crypto market rollercoaster. In his view, it’s not just about surviving the dips but finding value in the longer haul.

Timing is Everything

As he pointedly stated, “We love the timing!” Advising firms during a bear market is like being called in to fix the plumbing while the house is flooding. It may not be a comfortable position, but it certainly reveals character. His sentiment echoes a truth in the business world: disruptive technologies, like blockchain, often come with their fair share of headaches.

Branching Out: Opportunities in Web3

The Global Blockchain Group won’t just stop at supporting existing companies; they aim to collaborate with a spectrum of players—be it corporations incorporating blockchain or trailblazing firms looking to make their mark in Web3. It’s a bold vision of a future where blockchain isn’t just the latest buzzword but an essential tool for business.

A Network of Power Players

Joining Momtazee is Lou Kerner, a notable name as the senior adviser of the group. Kerner comes armed with experience from his Web3 consultancy, CryptoOracle Collective, and has a track record with crypto venture fund Blockchain Coinvestors.

Past Ventures and Market Dips

While Moelis & Co. may be newly focused on blockchain, they aren’t complete newcomers to the space. They’ve already dipped their toes into turbulent waters, providing advisory services to crypto lending firm Voyager Digital as it swirled into bankruptcy after halting withdrawals earlier this July.

Moelis & Co.’s Financial Footprint

Founded back in 2007, Moelis & Co. has spread its wings through 21 offices across various continents. With a reported net worth of approximately $2.97 billion, they’ll surely make significant strategic moves that may resound through the investment world, advising on a staggering $3.5 trillion worth of transactions to date.

Ken Moelis: Another Voice of Crypto Support

Co-founder Ken Moelis also signals confidence in the crypto landscape. Following a positive lead in a $142 million funding round for blockchain issuer Paxos back in December 2020, he sees the parallels between today’s crypto ambitions and the gold rush of 1848. After all, if Levi’s can sell jeans during a gold hunt, who’s to say blockchain ventures can’t find their own shiny nuggets?

“It’s like the gold rush of 1848. A lot of people didn’t know if there was gold in the ground, but Levi’s made a business selling jeans and Wells Fargo made a banking business.” – Ken Moelis