Founder of ArcBlock

ArcBlock is a pioneering force in the blockchain industry, and its foundation roots back to the vision and leadership of its founder, Robert Mao (Chinese: 冒志鸿). As the CEO and driving force behind ArcBlock, Robert Mao is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and innovator with an extensive background in both technology and entrepreneurship.

Biography and Career Background

Robert Mao's career is a rich tapestry of technology innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. Raised with an early exposure to technology, his interest in blockchain technology began back around 2009, when he first encountered Bitcoin. This initial encounter prompted a deep interest and commitment toward exploring blockchain’s potential across various industries.

Educational Background

Southeast University: Between 1990 and 1994, Robert attended Southeast University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science.
China Europe International Business School (CEIBS): In 2000, he studied Management briefly at CEIBS.

Professional Journey

Before founding ArcBlock, Mao had a distinguished career involving various roles at leading firms:

Microsoft Research and Development: Robert worked at Microsoft in different capacities. At Microsoft Research, Mao was a Research Software Development Engineer, later becoming a Senior Software Development Engineer in the FUSE Labs. His focus was on projects related to social computing and machine learning. Additionally, he contributed to major projects in AdCenter analytics and 3G mobile data access analysis.
Previous Startups and Ventures: Mao brings a wealth of experience from founding several startups. He has founded companies across geographical boundaries, including Lodesoft Corp, and UUZone Interactive Inc. in China. Notably, UUZone Interactive Inc. was among the first to offer social networking services in China. In Seattle, he co-founded PixoMobile, a company concentrated on mobile applications for visual storytelling.

Founding of ArcBlock

In 2017, fueled by his vast experience and growing interest in blockchain technology, Robert Mao founded ArcBlock. The company emerged with a mission to simplify the process of developing decentralized applications (dApps) and integrating blockchain technology into mainstream business operations and platforms.

Key Innovations and Core Offerings

ArcBlock's pioneering approach has yielded several major innovations:

Blockchain 3.0 Platform: Unlike traditional blockchain solutions, ArcBlock positions itself as a Blockchain 3.0 platform aimed at building a more simplified, scalable, and efficient architecture for dApps. Robert Mao envisions ArcBlock as the “AWS of blockchain,” a platform that provides foundational services enabling developers to seamlessly create, manage, and deploy dApps.
Open Chain Access Protocol (OCAP): One of the standout features of ArcBlock is the OCAP, which empowers seamless synchronization and connectivity across various blockchain protocols. This flexibility allows developers to switch easily between different blockchain networks, offering unprecedented interoperability crucial for wide blockchain adoption.
Cloud Computing Integration: ArcBlock uniquely integrates blockchain technology with cloud computing. The platform boasts the capacity to handle approximately 100,000 transactions per second, providing outstanding performance and scalability for dApps.
Blocklets and Chain Adapters: ArcBlock introduces the idea of Blocklets - microservice applications facilitating seamless modifications within systems without centralized dependencies. Additionally, Chain Adapters and API Gateway enhance efficient data access and transaction management.

Contributions to the Blockchain Industry

Under Mao’s leadership, ArcBlock has achieved several significant milestones and contributions in blockchain technology:

Decentralized Identity Technology: One of ArcBlock's profound contributions is its advancement in decentralized identity technology, empowering users with control over personal data and online identities.
Enhanced Interoperability: Through the strategic use of OCAP, ArcBlock offers enhanced cross-chain functionality, one of the crucial barriers in blockchain adoption. This innovation is pivotal in establishing interoperability across different blockchain ecosystems.
Simplification of dApp Development: By providing a user-friendly interface and a suite of tools, SDKs, and services, ArcBlock significantly lowers the barrier of entry for developers working on dApps, thus accelerating blockchain technology adoption.
Community Engagement and Ecosystem Growth: ArcBlock fosters a community-driven environment through incentive-based marketplaces. This ecosystem promotes collaborative contributions from developers and other stakeholders, which is not only enhancing the platform but also fostering a collaborative development arena.

Recognition and Industry Involvement

Robert Mao is a respected figure in the technology and blockchain communities, recognized for his thought leadership and contributions across multiple channels:

W3C HTML Working Group: Between 2007 and 2018, he served as an Invited Expert in the W3C HTML Working Group, underlining his commitment to technology development and web standards.
Blockchain Council Membership: Robert joined the Blockchain Council at the Washington Technology Industry Association as a Board Member in 2018, contributing toward fostering innovation and dialogue about blockchain technology.
Forbes Technology Council: Mao's expertise and insight have been recognized by his inclusion as a Council Member in the Forbes Technology Council in 2022.
DID Labs: In 2022, he founded DID Labs within the ArcBlock ecosystem to further explore and enhance decentralized identity technology beyond the realms of ArcBlock itself.

Impact and Legacy

Robert Mao's vision, coupled with his extensive experience and progressive initiatives, has positioned him as a pivotal figure in the technological landscape. He continues to champion the adoption and integration of blockchain technology into various sectors, enhancing the efficiency, scalability, and interoperability of decentralized solutions. Through ArcBlock, Mao has not only advanced technological innovation but has also fostered a community that thrives on collaboration and shared growth. His contributions to blockchain extend beyond technological advancement, driving a movement toward a more decentralized and equitable digital future.

In sum, Robert Mao’s journey from a tech enthusiast to a blockchain pioneer exemplifies a blend of visionary leadership, commitment to innovation, and community engagement, firmly establishing him as a luminary in the ongoing development and application of blockchain technology.