Coco Kee on Crypto, Politics, and the Chinese American Vote
In a recent episode of Back in America, Coco Kee—entrepreneur, blockchain expert, and host of the Blockchain Asia Podcast—shared her extraordinary journey from studying literature at Peking University to becoming a key figure in cryptocurrency. The conversation spanned her early career struggles, the surprising political leanings of Chinese Americans, and the future of blockchain under a potential Trump presidency.
From Literature to Bitcoin: Coco’s Unconventional Path
Coco’s background is anything but typical for someone in the crypto space. She studied English literature and American theater at Peking University before earning a business degree in the U.S. When asked how she made the leap to blockchain, she explained:
“When I was in New York after school, I worked in fintech companies for five years until I started my own company, KGA, or Key Global Advisors. During that time, I was very interested in all kinds of new things, and New York was a perfect place to pick up new ideas and innovations. So I went to meetups, and one time I came across Bitcoin blockchain. It was totally new to me, but I was very curious. So after I learned about Bitcoin and blockchain, I fell down the rabbit hole and I really loved it.”
That passion led her to pivot completely away from traditional finance. “I decided to drop everything else, including investment banking, to just focus on this industry,” she said. “Since 2016, I’ve been doing this. I learn about new things every day, and that’s my passion.”
The Unexpected Role of Literature in Business
Coco initially believed her studies in literature and theater were unrelated to her business career, but over time, she saw their hidden advantages. “I realized that literature and American theater really make my life more interesting and also allow me to make friends much easier,” she said. Discussing books and movies helped her connect with colleagues and clients in the U.S.
More importantly, she found that the creativity nurtured through literature played a role in her professional success. “When you work with startup founders, one key element is to understand people, to communicate with people, and to figure out what kind of founders they are. Literature and theater help me connect with people much, much easier. My instinct plays a big role throughout my business activities.”
The Challenge of Immigration and Starting Over
Moving to the U.S. in her 30s, Coco faced significant challenges, particularly in securing a job during a downturn. “It was a very difficult time because the high-tech bubble burst and the economy was in recession. I didn't have any job offer at all,” she recalled. Without a sponsor, she faced the risk of being forced to leave the country.
To survive, she took a job as a telemarketer at New York City Opera—an experience that tested her resilience. “I just put down my ego. Yes, I was an MBA grad. I came from China. I worked as chief representative of an American company, was very successful before. But I just forgot about all my history, my past. And I started from scratch. I picked up the phone and called, and people yelled at me. It was very scary in the beginning. But my skin got thicker and thicker. So I kept calling. That was excellent training.”
The 2024 Election and the Chinese American Vote
The conversation then shifted to U.S. politics, particularly the growing support for Trump among Chinese American voters. Coco wasn’t surprised by Trump’s 2016 win, nor does she find it shocking that he remains popular among segments of the Chinese immigrant community.
“I talk to people constantly. I feel very comfortable talking to strangers in the street, in the bar, taxi drivers, or anybody I bump into. And I ask them, who are you going to vote for? And because those strangers don’t feel uncomfortable sharing their thoughts, they told me their frustration, why they wanted to vote for Trump.”
One major reason for the shift, she noted, is the concern among Chinese immigrants that the U.S. is beginning to resemble China during the Cultural Revolution. “These ideological trends are reminiscent of China's Cultural Revolution in the '60s and '70s,” she observed. Additionally, Chinese American parents worry about how racial politics in education may disadvantage their children. “They are fearful that their children might be losing opportunity based on merit.”
Another factor? The issue of illegal immigration. Many Chinese immigrants went through years of legal processes to obtain residency. “They believe that whoever came to this country with nothing, not much like them, should come here legally and should go through the legal process as they did,” she said. “As soon as they see systematic barriers to fair competition, they will stand up.”
Trump and Crypto: A Turning Point?
On the topic of cryptocurrency, Coco believes a Trump presidency could be a game-changer. “Trump is going to be the first president pro-crypto since 2009 when Bitcoin came into being,” she said. “No president expressed explicitly, clearly, or publicly support for Bitcoin and crypto. Trump will be the first one.”
She noted that under the Biden administration, cryptocurrency companies faced an aggressive regulatory crackdown. “The industry went through a very difficult and challenging four years, especially under Gary Gensler’s SEC, which had over 120 enforcement actions against the industry,” she explained. With Trump potentially returning to the White House, she predicts a more favorable climate, with startups returning to the U.S. after years of regulatory uncertainty.
AI and Blockchain: A Future of Decentralization
Coco also touched on the intersection of AI and blockchain, seeing potential for a more decentralized AI ecosystem. “Right now all the data comes from big companies like Google, Microsoft. But if you want continuous supply of quality data, you need data from users on a daily basis, and you need to create a way to compensate them,” she said. Blockchain, she argues, can provide a decentralized structure where individuals are rewarded for contributing data while maintaining privacy through cryptography.
The Final Word
For those new to cryptocurrency, Coco’s advice is simple: start small. “I would suggest them to start with putting some money in ETF. Right now you have Bitcoin ETF and Ethereum ETF. Open an account with Fidelity and just put a small amount of money in your 401k and just put a little money to start with and keep it there,” she recommended.
And when asked what America means to her, she didn’t hesitate:
“America is a land of freedom and opportunities. The best on earth.”
Coco Kee’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and foresight. Whether in business, politics, or technology, her ability to anticipate trends and embrace challenges makes her a voice worth listening to in the evolving landscape of crypto and global affairs.