Lihan Lee is a South Korean technology executive, entrepreneur, and researcher specializing in data analytics, data security, and blockchain technology. He is the co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of CrossAngle Pte. Ltd., the company that operates the crypto data and research platform Xangle. Lee is an advocate for transparency and standardized disclosures in the cryptocurrency industry and has been a member of the Forbes Business Council since 2020. ^[2]

Education

Lee attended Seoul National University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering in 2008. A decade later, he completed a Master's degree in the same field from the university, graduating in 2018. His full name is Lihan (Hyun Woo) Lee. ^[1]​

Career

Lihan Lee began his career in 2008 as a data security and mining researcher at the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea, a role he held until 2012. During this period, he embarked on his first entrepreneurial venture, founding the mobile survey platform Opensurvey in 2011 and serving as its chief technology officer (CTO) until 2015. After his time at Opensurvey, he joined Dr. Kitchen as its CTO, working there from 2017 to 2018. Following the completion of his Master's degree, Lee co-founded CrossAngle Pte. Ltd. in July 2018 and has since served as its chief executive officer. In 2020, he was accepted as a member of the Forbes Business Council. ^[1]​

Interviews

Xangle

On the Blockhash Podcast in January 2021, Lee discussed his background as an engineer and entrepreneur in South Korea, where he became captivated by the potential of blockchain technology for future startups. He explained that Xangle aims to provide a comprehensive information platform that fosters transparency and communication between crypto projects and their investors, amid the market's speculative nature. Lee shared insights on the company's operations since its founding in 2018, including their credibility rating system, which evaluates the long-term viability of crypto projects, and the new regulatory challenges facing the industry. The conversation highlighted the growth of the cryptocurrency sector in Asia, particularly in Korea, and the role Xangle plays in supporting informed investment decisions. ^[4]

Crypto Transparency

On the Blockchain Show podcast in February 2021, host Ethan Kinderknecht interviewed Lee, who discussed his journey into the crypto space, motivated by the potential of blockchain technology to transform traditional funding and ownership practices. He emphasized the need for standardized disclosures to enhance transparency, allowing investors to better differentiate between legitimate and fraudulent projects. Drawing on his experience, he highlighted the rise of scams in the crypto market, particularly during the 2017 boom, and advocated for a culture of accountability and education to protect investors. Lee also shared insights about the evolving perception of cryptocurrency in South Korea's financial landscape, where interest in crypto has shifted from speculation to a more serious consideration of its legitimacy and utility as an asset class. He expressed optimism about the industry's future and the growing demand for credible information and ratings to guide investment decisions. ^[3]

Presentations

Korea Web3

At TOKEN2049 in September 2023, Lee discussed the challenges and opportunities surrounding enterprise adoption in Korea's Web3 landscape. He emphasized the importance of enterprises in enhancing overall blockchain communication and noted a significant increase in conference attendance, reflecting growing interest in decentralized technologies. Lee explained Xangle’s role as a comprehensive service provider focused on boosting Web3 adoption through products such as ERP-as-a-service and data research solutions. He highlighted the evolution of blockchain infrastructure since Bitcoin's emergence, mentioning the increasing scalability of networks like Ethereum and the continuing growth of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications despite market fluctuations. Additionally, he identified the need for robust industrial processes to bolster user engagement and to bring traditional industries into the Web3 sphere. Lee concluded by underscoring that fostering enterprise operations and compliance is crucial for successful integration into the blockchain ecosystem. ^[5]