Nicolin Decker, a Southern Nazarene University alumnus with a major in Finance, has built his career as an entrepreneur and venture capitalist since 2010. Initially focused on real estate, agriculture, energy, and commodities, he later shifted to emerging technologies, with a mission to connect traditional financial systems to Web3 infrastructure. In 2022, he began development of The Fund I LLC–the first venture capital firm to operate predominantly on blockchain–targeting investments in emerging technology, blockchain, and medical innovation. By 2024, Nicolin founded Kingstone Development Group, a company dedicated to integrating current traditional infrastructure with blockchain technology across every market segment. This company focuses on developing solutions that blend Decentralized Finance (DeFi) with Traditional Finance (TradFi) infrastructure, defining the boundaries of hybrid financial systems to deliver new possibilities for clients.

His venture capital strategy centers on identifying companies that address significant market gaps. His approach involves comprehensive market research to evaluate competition, demand, and the size of the addressable market, with an emphasis on identifying opportunities for market dominance. He also performs detailed risk-reward analyses, balancing long-term investments with cash-flow-generating opportunities and developing clear exit strategies, such as acquisitions or IPOs.

Under Nicolin’s leadership, several companies have achieved remarkable success—one reaching seven-figure revenue within its first seven months and another attaining six-figure revenue within five months. As a recognized industry leader, he frequently contributes to discussions on blockchain and DeFi, sharing insights into the future of financial infrastructure and emerging technologies.

Beyond his professional ventures, Nicolin has made significant contributions to global philanthropy, particularly in the fight against human trafficking. In 2013, he received the Freedom Partner Award for his work in Lesotho and Oklahoma, and he authored the security and legal manual for Oklahoma’s first residential emergency shelter for human trafficking, later approved by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office. He has spoken at notable events such as the Solutions Initiative Summit in 2014, and in 2015, he was recognized as one of the top 12 individuals globally by the International Association of Interviewers.

In his personal time, Nicolin is a dedicated author as a means of teaching, bringing awareness, and understanding of emerging technologies. He has authored three books, including The DeFi Revolution and Tomorrow. Today., alongside an annual eBook on crypto tax filings to support others in this field. Beyond writing, Nicolin is known for his love of travel, his role as a well-known food critic, and his daily routine of savoring espressos after a cold plunge. Married to the love of his life for 19 years, he also treasures time spent with his two daughters, often taking them on special outings to create lasting memories.

Nicolin Decker