The financial world has been rocked by the sudden and unexpected death of a young crypto founder at just 30 years old.
Tiantian Kullander, the co-founder of Hong Kong-based digital asset firm Amber Group, died in his sleep on November 23, with the news confirmed on the company’s website “with the deepest sadness and heavy heart.”
Kullander, affectionately known as “TT,” launched Amber in 2017 with a group of financial experts, including former employees of Goldman Sachs Group Inc and Morgan Stanley.
Before that, he worked as a trader at the two financial giants and in 2019 earned a coveted spot at the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, which recognizes the most talented emerging entrepreneurs and leaders.
Earlier this year, the start-up hit a staggering $3 billion valuation after securing a $200 million funding round.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that the company was in the process of raising around $100 million, which the firm described as “instrumental to Amber’s foundation and a pillar of our success.”
“He put his heart and soul into the company, at every stage of its growth. He led by example with his intelligence, generosity, humility, diligence and creativity,” the company said in a statement.
“TT was a respected thought leader and widely recognized as an industry pioneer. His depth of knowledge, willingness to collaborate, and desire to always help others benefited countless startups and individuals.
“His knowledge and creativity inspired many projects, people and communities.”
The statement added that in addition to co-founding Amber and “building it into a multibillion-dollar fintech unicorn,” TT also served on the board of Fnatic, one of the world’s most successful esports organizations, and founded KeeperDAO, the first on-chain liquidity insurer.
“We have lost a great partner and true friend in TT and words cannot express our pain at this time,” the statement continued.
“TT’s legacy will live on and we will work even harder to make Amber the category-defining leader in our industry, as this was TT’s ambition and dream.
“TT was a devoted husband, loving father and fierce friend. His death is a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
The financial sector has gathered to pay tribute to Mr Kullander, with many experts taking to social media to express their shock and sadness at his passing.
Arthur Cheong, founding partner of DeFiance Capital, was one of many to pay tribute to Mr Kullander online, posting on Twitter that “the industry lost a young, bright and above all good soul”.
Mr Kullander is survived by his wife and young son.