Blockchain technology has evolved from a niche digital experiment to a transformative force across industries. Among the early visionaries who helped shape the space is Lao Mao—a respected figure whose journey reflects both the risks and rewards of innovation. Known for his sharp insights, data-driven analysis, and commitment to knowledge sharing, Lao Mao has become a trusted voice in the blockchain community.
This article explores the life and career of Lao Mao, tracing his transition from public service to e-commerce, and ultimately into the heart of the blockchain revolution. From co-founding major blockchain platforms to building an influential content platform, his story offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, investors, and enthusiasts alike.
Early Life and Career Shifts
Before becoming a blockchain thought leader, Lao Mao followed a conventional career path—starting as a civil servant. However, driven by curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit, he later ventured into e-commerce, running a successful Taobao store during the platform’s golden era. When the market became saturated, he made a bold decision: to step away from traditional business and dive into uncharted territory.
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Unlike many who entered the crypto space solely for financial gain, Lao Mao has consistently emphasized that his motivations extend beyond profit. He openly states that “no action should be driven purely by money.” Instead, his focus has always been on understanding systems, contributing value, and pursuing personal freedom—principles that continue to guide his work today.
The Moment That Sparked a Revolution
Lao Mao’s introduction to blockchain began in 2010, when he read a magazine article about Bitcoin. While it planted a seed, it wasn’t until 2013 that the idea truly took root. That year, he saw a Weibo post by Wang Xiaoshan mentioning that Bitcoin had reached $65. Recognizing the potential, he acted swiftly—within 20 minutes, he had used nearly all his available funds (over 6,000 RMB) to purchase 20 Bitcoins.
This quick decision marked a turning point. He paused his e-commerce operations and committed fully to exploring the blockchain ecosystem. His early move wasn’t just lucky—it reflected a mindset of rapid learning, calculated risk-taking, and deep curiosity.
Soon after, fate brought him into contact with Qiu Liang, who invited him to Beijing for a startup venture. Despite initial hesitation, Lao Mao accepted the opportunity. That collaboration led to the creation of Peiyi, which later rebranded as Yunbi.com.
Building Yunbi: A Milestone in Crypto Exchange History
Under Lao Mao’s operational leadership, Yunbi.com became a trailblazer in China’s cryptocurrency exchange landscape. It was the first domestic platform to list Ethereum, positioning itself at the forefront of innovation during a critical period in blockchain development.
Over three years, Yunbi grew to become one of the world’s highest-volume exchanges—an impressive achievement considering the competitive and fast-moving nature of the industry. During this time, Lao Mao evolved from a newcomer to a seasoned operator, working closely with figures like Li Xiaolai and Qiu Liang. Their partnership was built on mutual trust, shared vision, and countless hours of strategic discussion.
However, in September 2017—commonly referred to as “9.4” in crypto circles—Chinese regulators cracked down on cryptocurrency exchanges. Yunbi was shut down, marking the end of an era. Yet, rather than retreat, Lao Mao used this moment as a catalyst for reinvention.
Launching "Cat Talk": A Voice in the Blockchain Community
After the closure of Yunbi, Lao Mao took over Li Xiaolai’s popular paid community, Bitcoin Survival Guide, which had grown from an 88 RMB membership to a premium offering priced at 8,888 RMB at its peak. Managing such a high-profile community required more than technical knowledge—it demanded consistent communication, credibility, and educational content.
To meet these demands, Lao Mao launched his official WeChat public account: “Cat Talk” (Maoshuo). What started as a tool for community engagement quickly became one of the most respected sources of blockchain insight in China.
Today, “Cat Talk” maintains a loyal following of 60,000–70,000 subscribers. More impressively, it boasts an open rate exceeding 30%—a rare feat in any content space—and an unusually high reader engagement rate, including frequent reader donations.
His writing style is direct, analytical, and grounded in real-world data. He avoids hype and instead focuses on long-term trends, investment frameworks, and ethical considerations in blockchain development.
Core Principles: Trust, Integrity, and Long-Term Vision
One of Lao Mao’s central beliefs is that blockchain is a game of reputation. In an industry where transparency is limited and speculation runs high, he argues that every decision is a bet made with one’s credibility. A single mistake—or unethical choice—can destroy years of trust.
He acknowledges that his early success involved some luck—entering the space before mainstream adoption—but stresses that lasting impact comes from continuous learning and principled action. For aspiring contributors to the blockchain world, he offers this advice: “If you have a skill or expertise, find a way to apply it here. You might just discover your own gold mine.”
Freedom remains his ultimate goal—a value he says he’s already achieved in part. Not financial freedom alone, but intellectual and creative liberty: the ability to speak honestly, act independently, and live authentically.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Lao Mao in the blockchain industry?
A: Lao Mao is a prominent blockchain entrepreneur and thought leader. He is best known as co-founder of INBlockchain, managing partner at Xiongyan Fund, founder of the EOSlaomao super node, and former COO of Yunbi.com—one of China’s earliest major crypto exchanges.
Q: What is “Cat Talk” (Maoshuo)?
A: “Cat Talk” is Lao Mao’s influential WeChat public account where he shares in-depth analyses on blockchain technology, market trends, and investment philosophy. It has become one of the most trusted content platforms in China’s crypto community.
Q: How did Lao Mao get started with Bitcoin?
A: In 2013, after seeing a social media post about Bitcoin reaching $65, Lao Mao quickly invested over 6,000 RMB to buy 20 BTC. This marked his official entry into the cryptocurrency space.
Q: Why did Yunbi.com shut down?
A: Yunbi.com was closed in September 2017 following China’s regulatory crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges—a policy shift commonly known as “9.4.” Despite its shutdown, Yunbi played a key role in advancing crypto adoption in Asia.
Q: Does Lao Mao still invest in blockchain projects?
A: Yes. Through INBlockchain and Xiongyan Fund, he continues to support early-stage blockchain innovations globally, focusing on foundational technologies and sustainable ecosystem growth.
Q: What sets Lao Mao apart from other crypto influencers?
A: Unlike many influencers focused on short-term gains or price predictions, Lao Mao emphasizes long-term thinking, ethical conduct, and deep technical understanding. His content avoids hype and prioritizes education and integrity.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Learning and Leadership
Lao Mao’s journey illustrates how curiosity, courage, and consistency can shape a meaningful career in emerging technologies. From civil servant to e-commerce operator to blockchain pioneer, his path wasn’t linear—but it was intentional.
His contributions go beyond business ventures; they include educating thousands through “Cat Talk,” mentoring new entrepreneurs, and advocating for responsible innovation in decentralized systems.
As blockchain continues to mature—from DeFi and NFTs to Web3 and tokenized assets—the need for credible voices like Lao Mao becomes even more critical.
Whether you're new to crypto or looking to deepen your understanding, studying pioneers like Lao Mao offers timeless insights: success isn't just about timing or luck—it's about building trust, staying curious, and acting with purpose.
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