MEET THE = TEAM
Our diverse team of AI researchers, blockchain architects, and community builders are passionate about pushing the boundaries of Web3 AI technology.
HILINA DAMTE
CEO & FOUNDER
Hilina Damte is a visionary leader in technology entrepreneurship and fintech, with deep expertise in blockchain and Web3 ecosystems that spans over a decade. As Founder and CEO of ThinkBlock and Co-Founder of G&H Blockchain, she drives transformative initiatives across East Africa, positioning the region as a global hub for AI and Web3 innovation. Her impressive track record includes serving as Partner at PayWay, where operations process over $420M annually, and successfully raising over $40M in grants and investments for African startups. With extensive experience in strategic partnerships and business development, Hilina has forged relationships with leading global tech companies, government institutions, and international investors across multiple continents. Hilina holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and has been recognized as one of Africa's top tech leaders. Under her leadership, ThinkBlock has become Africa's premier AI and Web3 accelerator, supporting over 100 startups and facilitating partnerships with major blockchain protocols including Solana, Polygon, and Ethereum Foundation.
KIDUS YOHANNES
CTO & CO-FOUNDER
Kidus Yohannes is an experienced software engineer and AI engineer with extensive hands-on experience building cutting-edge applications at the intersection of artificial intelligence and Web3 technologies. As CTO & Co-Founder of ThinkBlock, he leads technical innovation and product development, architecting scalable solutions that power Africa's next generation of AI-driven startups. His technical expertise spans across modern web technologies including React, Node.js, Python, and TypeScript, as well as advanced AI frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Hugging Face. In the blockchain space, Kidus has extensive experience with Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon ecosystems, having built DeFi protocols, NFT platforms, and comprehensive Web3 applications that serve thousands of users globally. Kidus holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and has contributed to several open-source projects that advance the Web3 ecosystem. He has been instrumental in building ThinkBlock's technical infrastructure, developing the accelerator's proprietary AI-powered startup evaluation platform, and creating educational resources that have trained over 1,000 developers across Africa in AI and Web3 technologies.
MARTHA FISSIHA
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Martha Fissiha is a strategic leader in finance and blockchain, with over 15 years of expertise in driving financial excellence within high-growth tech ecosystems across Africa and beyond. As Chief Financial Officer at ThinkBlock, she oversees the company's comprehensive financial strategy, ensuring robust fiscal management, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth in the dynamic Web3 landscape. With a proven track record in financial planning, risk management, and capital allocation, Martha has been instrumental in raising over $30 million in funding for tech startups across Africa, skillfully blending grants and strategic investments to fuel innovation and scale impactful ventures. Previously, she held senior finance roles in leading fintech firms, including a tenure as Head of Finance at a prominent East African payment gateway. Martha holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Cape Town and is a certified Chartered Accountant, bringing a blend of academic rigor and practical insight to her role. She has cultivated a strong network across blockchain and traditional finance ecosystems, facilitating collaborations with governments and enterprises to promote financial inclusion across emerging markets.
ABEL MEKURIA
MARKETING OFFICER
Abel Mekuria is a dynamic marketing leader with more than a decade of experience in building impactful brands in the fintech, blockchain, and Web3 spaces. As Chief Marketing Officer at ThinkBlock, he spearheads innovative marketing strategies that amplify the company's mission to revolutionize industries through blockchain solutions, driving user acquisition, engagement, and global expansion across multiple markets. With deep expertise in digital marketing, content strategy, community engagement, and strategic brand positioning, Abel has successfully driven global awareness for tech startups, fostering partnerships with enterprises, governments, and key influencers across East Africa and international markets. Previously, he led marketing initiatives for a prominent African fintech platform, growing its user base by 200% through targeted campaigns and innovative Web3 community onboarding programs. Abel holds a Master's in Marketing from Lagos Business School and has a background in journalism, which informs his compelling storytelling approach to marketing. He has also co-founded a digital agency focused on Web3 branding, where he secured collaborations with major blockchain protocols and increased client visibility by over 150%. His strategic vision and data-driven tactics position him as a vital force in advancing ThinkBlock's global presence.
SIMON ASAYE
TECHNOLOGY ADVISOR
Simon Asaye brings extensive experience in technology leadership and innovation, with a focus on emerging technologies and their practical applications in business environments across multiple industries. As Chief Technology Advisor at ThinkBlock, he provides strategic guidance on technology architecture, innovation roadmaps, and technical decision-making that drives the company's technological advancement and competitive positioning. With deep expertise in blockchain technologies, artificial intelligence, and scalable system design, Simon has been instrumental in guiding technical strategy for multiple high-growth technology companies across Africa and internationally. His background spans both technical implementation and strategic planning, having previously served in senior technology roles where he led digital transformation initiatives and comprehensive technology adoption programs. Simon holds advanced degrees in Computer Science and has contributed to various open-source projects and technical publications that advance the broader technology ecosystem. With a strong network in the global technology community, his strategic insights and technical expertise help position ThinkBlock at the forefront of Web3 and AI innovation, ensuring the company maintains its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
ABHINAV GAUR
BUSINESS ADVISOR
Abhinav Gaur is a dynamic leader in business development and finance, with deep expertise spanning traditional finance (TradFi) and web3 ecosystems. He recently joined the leading cross chain protocol LI.FI, where he drives strategic commercial initiatives in the EMEA region. Previously, as VP of Business Development at Helio Pay (acquired by MoonPay), Abhinav spearheaded key partnerships and growth strategies. Before entering web3, he served as VP Risk at GE Capital, overseeing an $8B aviation portfolio and structuring over $5B in deals. He also co-founded urFeed, a Solana-native social app, and led its go-to-market strategy through partnerships with Solana Mobile, NVIDIA Inception, and Google Web3. Abhinav's fluency in web3 and TradFi, coupled with his experience in high-stakes dealmaking, is supported by a robust global network across Solana & broader blockchain ecosystems.
PRABHASH UPADHYAYA
STRATEGIC ADVISOR
Prabhash Upadhyaya is a global expert in EdTech and digital innovation, with over 16 years of experience leveraging frontier technologies to advance learning, skills, and social development. At UNICEF UK, he leads initiatives focused on AI, blockchain, and data for public good, including education and youth-focused programs across multiple countries. Holding a Master’s in Public Policy from the London School of Economics and an MBA, Prabhash brings a strategic, systems-level perspective to the application of emerging technologies. His pro-bono consulting has helped organisations explore scalable and inclusive approaches to blockchain-powered learning and upskilling. He is passionate about democratising access to tech education and actively mentors early-stage ventures and changemakers in the Web3 and AI-for-education space.
WANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
We're always looking for passionate individuals who share our vision of revolutionizing AI in Web3. If you're ready to build the future, we'd love to hear from you.