Diana Biggs

Partner

2022 - Current

Partner at global venture firm 1kx. Working hands-on with founders and C-level teams to drive growth, scale infrastructure, and navigate strategic milestones. Leading key initiatives across GTM, capital markets, hiring, and ecosystem positioning for a global portfolio of 90+ companies.

Associate Fellow

2020

Guest lecturer - digital assets and blockchain technology, MBA & EMBA Fintech Electives, 2017 - Present Mentor, Creative Destruction Lab Oxford, Fintech stream, 2021 - Present Head Tutor, Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme, 2018 - 2020 Mentor and judge for the Oxford Fintech Lab [Break from February 2024 and re-elected in October 2024]

Board Observer

2024

Board Member

2021

Board Member of HIVE's Swiss entity.

Chief Strategy Officer

2021 - 2022

Chief Strategy Officer of Valour parent company DeFi Technologies (NEO: DEFI) (GR: RMJR) (OTCQB: DEFTF), a publicly traded technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and digital assets, following its acquisition of Valour, the exchange-traded product business where I was CEO, in 2021.

CEO, Valour

2020 - 2021

Valour is an issuer of exchange-listed financial products that enable retail and institutional investors to access investment in disruptive innovations, such as digital assets, in a simple and secure way. I built and led the company as CEO from its launch to its acquisition by publicly traded company DeFi Technologies.

Global Head of Innovation, Private Banking

2019 - 2020

Responsible for the innovation function for HSBC's Private Bank globally, leading on fintech partnerships, piloting the use of emerging technologies and driving internal and external engagement activities to embed innovation and digital understanding throughout the business.

Head of Digital Innovation, UK & Europe, Retail Banking and Wealth Management

2017 - 2019

Leading digital innovation projects including the development of new potential products and services, both in-house and through partnerships, in areas such as digital identity, open banking, conversational banking, and financial wellness. Projects include Artha by First Direct, Winner of the 2018 Celent Model Bank Award for Most Promising Proof of Concept

Board Member

2018 - 2019

Open Identity Exchange (OIX) is a non-profit, technology agnostic, collaborative cross sector membership organisation with the purpose of accelerating the adoption of digital identity services based on open standards.

Fellow: Inclusive Finance & Blockchain Technologies

2016 - 2017

Anthemis is an investment and advisory firm focused on reinventing financial services for the 21st century. As a Fellow, I explored the potential for social impact models using blockchain technology, commercially via Proof of Purpose, and as an advisor and researcher in the space working with startups, NGOs and academia.

Vice President, Head of Growth & Partnerships, UK & EMEA

2015 - 2016

Spearheaded growth initiatives and partnership development for Uphold (formerly Bitreserve), a leading blockchain-based digital money platform. Conducted strategic analysis to identify market opportunities, enhancing operational design and program management. Fostered relationships with key stakeholders, launching our first corporate client relationships in the EMEA region.

Chief Strategy Officer

2013 - 2014

Spearheaded strategic initiatives, sales partnerships, and marketing efforts for Soko, an innovative e-commerce start-up. Drove a comprehensive strategic reset for the firm, enabling the firm to become revenue generating. Operating a cross-border business between Kenya and the US meant experiencing first-hand the challenges of global transactions. Having been introduced to the digital asset space in 2013, the potential for the technology and design space was immense. With Soko in good standing, I left to engage full-time in digital assets in early 2014.