Who was Tiantian Kullander? Crypto pioneer and Amber Group founder dies unexpectedly at 30
HONG KONG, SAR: The abrupt and unexpected death of a young crypto pioneer at the age of 30 has shocked the financial community. On November 23, Tiantian Kullander, co-founder of the Hong Kong-based digital asset firm Amber Group, died unexpectedly in his sleep. The announcement was made on the business website "with the deepest sadness and a heavy heart."
Amber Group was founded in 2017 by Kullander and a group of industry insiders, including former Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group employees. Kullander was also known as TT by his friends and associates. Prior to that, he worked as a trader at both financial behemoths. In 2019, he was awarded a coveted spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list which honors the brightest young leaders and entrepreneurs. The startup raised $200 million in capital earlier this year, valuing itself at an astounding $3 billion. According to his LinkedIn profile, Kullander previously worked at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley before becoming the founding member of Rook Labs. In his illustrious work experience section, it is also mentioned that he was the co-founder of Amber Group and a board member of Fnatic. He leaves behind a wife and a young son.
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The company described him as "instrumental to the founding of Amber and a pillar of our success" when it was reported earlier this month that it was financing about $100 million. “He put his heart and soul into the company, in every stage of its growth. He led by example with his intellect, generosity, humility, diligence and creativity,” the company statement as per New York Post. “TT was a respected thought leader and widely recognized as a pioneer for the industry. His depth of knowledge, his willingness to collaborate and his desire to always help others benefited countless start-ups and individuals. His insights and creativity inspired many projects, people and communities.”
According to the statement, in addition to co-founding Amber and "building it into a multi-billion fintech unicorn," TT also established KeeperDAO, the first on-chain liquidity underwriter, and served on the board of Fnatic, one of the most successful e-sports organizations in the world. “We lost a great partner and a true friend in TT and words cannot express our sorrow at this time,” the statement continued. “TT’s legacy will live on and we will work even harder to make Amber the category-defining leader of our industry, as this was TT’s ambition and dream. TT was a devoted husband, a loving father and a fierce friend. His passing is a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”