Samson Mow (JAN3): How Bitcoin Is Reaching the Nation-State Level

Bitcoin has long ceased to be the domain of a small circle of tech enthusiasts. Today, it’s a subject discussed by presidents, bankers, and venture capitalists. At the center of this movement is Samson Mow. A Canadian entrepreneur, developer, and one of the key strategists of the Bitcoin movement, Mow has become a bridge between decentralized technologies and government leaders. 

His story is that of a man who found a way to merge a passion for blockchain with a drive to transform global financial policy.

From Video Games to Blockchain: The Journey of Samson Mow

Samson Mow was born in Canada in 1982. At Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, he studied information technology and marketing—a combination that would later define his signature approach: blockchain engineering presented accessibly and with flair.

He began his career in the video game industry, a path that appeared far from the world of crypto.

• He worked at Relic Entertainment, where he contributed to popular strategy titles like Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War. 
• Later, he joined Ubisoft and the startup Sitemasher, balancing technical responsibilities with management.
• Eventually, he founded his own studio, Pixelmatic, which went on to launch the MMO game Infinite Fleet, featuring blockchain-based funding elements.

However, the real turning point came when Mow developed an interest in cryptocurrencies. 

In 2015, he became Chief Operating Officer at crypto exchange BTCC, and in 2017, he joined Blockstream, one of the key players in the Bitcoin ecosystem, as Chief Strategy Officer. There, he not only led the development of projects like the Liquid Network and Lightning Network but also became a prominent public advocate for Bitcoin, consistently defending its decentralized foundations.

The Face of Hyperbitcoinization

Samson Mow is a figure known for his ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms. He hosts podcasts, speaks at conferences, and gives interviews with one goal: to show the world that Bitcoin is not speculation, but a new and reliable foundation for building global digital finance. 

One of the key turning points in his career was his involvement in El Salvador’s financial reform. Mow became one of President Nayib Bukele’s advisers when the country moved to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. But his role went beyond consulting—he became one of the chief architects of the strategy.

He helped: 

• Develop the legal and technical framework for recognizing Bitcoin as legal tender, from talks with lawmakers to practical guidance on adapting payment infrastructure. 
• Contribute to shaping the foundation for Bitcoin City, a special economic zone where cryptocurrency would serve as the backbone of all financial operations. 
• Take part in El Salvador’s geothermal energy initiative powered by the Conchagua volcano.

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Mow also developed and proposed the concept of so-called “volcano bonds,” government-issued securities backed by BTC, aimed at attracting investment into national infrastructure projects. While the launch of the bonds was postponed, the idea sparked interest far beyond El Salvador. 

Thanks to this experience, Samson earned a unique reputation. Leaders from other countries began reaching out to him, viewing Bitcoin not as a threat but as an opportunity to transition to new economic rails.

JAN3: Bitcoin as the Foundation of a New Economy

In 2022, Mow founded JAN3, a company dedicated to helping countries integrate Bitcoin into their economies. The name is no coincidence: on January 3, 2009, the first Bitcoin block was mined. JAN3 presents itself as a continuation of that story on a nation-state level.

Key Areas of Focus at JAN3

1. Regulatory Consulting and Infrastructure Development

JAN3 supports governments in integrating Bitcoin into everyday economic activity. El Salvador was just the first example. In 2023, the team met with officials from Suriname, Colombia, Argentina, and Montenegro to discuss potential BTC adoption and the creation of national strategies.

2. User Products

JAN3 developed the AQUA wallet—a convenient mobile app for storing and sending BTC via the Lightning Network. The company is actively working to add fiat payment tools, enable lending, and integrate with banks. The goal is to provide people everywhere with simple access to payments.

3. Education and Research

JAN3 doesn’t just write code; it also advances knowledge. In 2025, cryptographer Nick Szabo, the author of the smart contract concept, joined the team to lead a department focused on the impact of cryptocurrency on politics, finance, and international relations. JAN3 also runs educational initiatives, including a partnership with Bulgarian FC Botev.

Who’s Investing in JAN3

1. El Zonte Capital

Founded by Max Keiser and Stacy Herbert, El Zonte Capital has been a longtime supporter of crypto projects. In April 2022, the fund was a key participant in JAN3’s pre-seed round, which raised $21 million. While the exact figure wasn’t disclosed, its contribution is considered substantial.

2. Tether

The issuer of USDT, the most capitalized stablecoin, identified JAN3 as a strategic partner for the development of the Liquid Network. In January 2025, Tether joined the company’s $5 million seed round. According to available data, roughly $1 million from that round was allocated to building JAN3’s Bitcoin reserve.

3. Grupo Salinas

The Mexican conglomerate behind Banco Azteca took part in the same $5 million seed round in early 2025. The group is also actively collaborating with JAN3 across the Latin American region.

4. Other Funds

Among other backers are NYDIG, Fulgur Ventures, Lightning Ventures, East Ventures, and Plan B Ventures. All participated in the 2025 seed round, contributing a combined total of around $4 million. Part of that funding was used to purchase 12 BTC for JAN3’s strategic Bitcoin reserve.

JAN3’s Network: Partners and Advisors

1. Adam Back

A Bitcoin pioneer and CEO of Blockstream, Adam Back brings extensive experience in protocol development and Bitcoin infrastructure. He serves as a key strategic advisor to JAN3.

2. Nick Szabo

A legendary cryptographer and cypherpunk, Szabo’s ideas anticipated the creation of Bitcoin. At JAN3, he plays a central role in shaping the company’s long-term vision.

3. Prince Filip Karađorđević

Yes, you read that correctly. A direct heir to the Serbian crown, Prince Filip was educated in London and worked in British investment firms. His interest in Bitcoin stems from a desire to restore economic sovereignty to his region and support decentralized financial systems. At JAN3, he is responsible for strategic communications and engagement with European regulators.

JAN3’s Technological Influence on the Crypto Industry

JAN3’s impact on the crypto space is also technological. By advancing solutions built on Lightning and Liquid, Mow and his team are helping to expand the L2 Bitcoin ecosystem.

This plays a key role amid rising competition from alternative L1s like Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, and Avalanche. Bitcoin’s limited scalability has long been a known challenge, and one that gave rise to thousands of altcoins offering a range of functionalities. 

JAN3 shows that it’s possible to build fast payment systems, DeFi elements (via sidechains), and even NFT platforms directly on Bitcoin, without launching new tokens or blockchains, and while relying on Bitcoin’s proven security. If products like AQUA Wallet achieve wide adoption, it could strengthen BTC’s position in the crypto market by guiding new users not to competing ecosystems, but directly into the Bitcoin environment.

In doing so, JAN3 indirectly challenges the altcoin landscape by promoting the idea of Bitcoin as a universal platform.

Samson Mow stands out as a visionary who combines technical expertise, entrepreneurial instinct, and a talent for bridging the gap between the crypto community and traditional politics. He doesn’t preach—he demonstrates that there is an alternative path: 

– without inflation,

– without intermediaries,

– without banking barriers.

In the years ahead, initiatives like JAN3 could define the pace and direction of the entire crypto industry, shifting from local innovation to global financial transformation. Thanks to leaders like Mow, Bitcoin is becoming a tool of public policy, economic development, and even national identity. 

Where it all ends is anyone’s guess. But one thing is likely: if a nation built entirely on blockchain ever comes to be, its blueprint will be written in Samson Mow’s notebook.