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Marek Olszewski led Celo’s shift to Ethereum Layer 2 for improved scalability and user accessibility. He actively promotes ReFi, combining blockchain tools with real-world climate action and mobile-first financial inclusion. While others would build their careers at big tech companies, Marek Olszewski took a slightly different path. He didn’t just want to be part of the digital revolution—he wanted to reshape the way the world accesses money. And it all started with a mobile phone. Marek is no stranger to the tech world. He had a career as VP of Engineering at GoDaddy after his startup, Locu, was acquired. But rather than settle comfortably in the world of data-driven startups and machine learning, he chose a riskier path: blockchain. Not to follow a trend, but because he saw a big hole that hadn’t been filled—what if blockchain wasn’t just for geeks, but could be used by anyone, even in villages without banks? Marek Olszewski: From Building for Phones to Building on Ethereum That’s where Celo came in. He and his partner, Rene Reinsberg, built Celo as a blockchain designed specifically for mobile devices. It’s hassle-free, inexpensive, and accessible to anyone. In some regions, Celo has even become an easier payment solution than traditional banking systems. It’s a bit surprising, considering that most other blockchains still rely on high-end laptops and super-fast networks. However, Marek’s path has not always been smooth. Developing a blockchain with a focus on financial inclusion sounds cool, but in practice it requires a lot of compromise. He had to ensure that gas fees remained cheap, transactions remained secure, and the network was not abused. So in 2023, Marek made a bold decision: to convert Celo from a Layer 1 blockchain to a Layer 2 on top of Ethereum. For some, this was like returning home after…

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Filed under: News - @ May 1, 2025 12:26 am