Bybit Co-CEO Departs to Launch Startup
What happened
Helen Liu, the Co-CEO of crypto exchange Bybit, is departing the company to pursue her own entrepreneurial ambitions. The move from a top executive at the world's second-largest crypto exchange highlights the continued draw of building new ventures in the space.
Why it matters
Helen Liu's path to the top of Bybit was unconventional for the crypto world; she joined in 2020 from a background in human resources at traditional tech giants like Nokia and Microsoft. Her rapid rise from VP of HR to COO in 2022, and then Co-CEO in 2025, was marked by her focus on global expansion and organizational structure. During her tenure, Liu was instrumental in shaping Bybit's global team and culture, and she overhauled the exchange's token listing process to prioritize long-term fundamentals over short-term hype. Beyond her core duties, she also founded Moledao, a support platform for blockchain developers, and the Blockchain For Good Alliance (BGA), showcasing an interest in ecosystem development. The transition in leadership will see co-founder Ben Zhou continue as the sole CEO. Bybit has explicitly stated it will not seek a new co-CEO, signaling confidence in its current executive team to maintain strategic direction without disruption. Liu’s move from a C-suite role at a major exchange to founding her own company reflects a broader industry trend. Executives from established finance and tech firms have increasingly been drawn to the entrepreneurial allure of Web3, aiming to build the next wave of innovation in the decentralized economy. The timing of her new venture aligns with a significant rebound in crypto-focused venture capital. In 2025, VC investment in the sector has already surpassed 2024's total, with more than $16 billion raised year-to-date, indicating a fertile fundraising environment for well-connected founders.
Key numbers
- Helen Liu's path to the top of Bybit was unconventional for the crypto world; she joined in 2020 from a background in human resources at traditional tech giants like Nokia and Microsoft.
- Her rapid rise from VP of HR to COO in 2022, and then Co-CEO in 2025, was marked by her focus on global expansion and organizational structure.
- Executives from established finance and tech firms have increasingly been drawn to the entrepreneurial allure of Web3, aiming to build the next wave of innovation in the decentralized economy.
- In 2025, VC investment in the sector has already surpassed 2024's total, with more than $16 billion raised year-to-date, indicating a fertile fundraising environment for well-connected founders.
What happens next
- The transition in leadership will see co-founder Ben Zhou continue as the sole CEO.
- Bybit has explicitly stated it will not seek a new co-CEO, signaling confidence in its current executive team to maintain strategic direction without disruption.
- Executives from established finance and tech firms have increasingly been drawn to the entrepreneurial allure of Web3, aiming to build the next wave of innovation in the decentralized economy.
Quick answers
What happened in Bybit Co-CEO Departs to Launch Startup?
Helen Liu, the Co-CEO of crypto exchange Bybit, is departing the company to pursue her own entrepreneurial ambitions. The move from a top executive at the world's second-largest crypto exchange highlights the continued draw of building new ventures in the space.
Why does Bybit Co-CEO Departs to Launch Startup matter?
Helen Liu's path to the top of Bybit was unconventional for the crypto world; she joined in 2020 from a background in human resources at traditional tech giants like Nokia and Microsoft. Her rapid rise from VP of HR to COO in 2022, and then Co-CEO in 2025, was marked by her focus on global expansion and organizational structure. During her tenure, Liu was instrumental in shaping Bybit's global team and culture, and she overhauled the exchange's token listing process to prioritize long-term fundamentals over short-term hype. Beyond her core duties, she also founded Moledao, a support platform for blockchain developers, and the Blockchain For Good Alliance (BGA), showcasing an interest in ecosystem development. The transition in leadership will see co-founder Ben Zhou continue as the sole CEO. Bybit has explicitly stated it will not seek a new co-CEO, signaling confidence in its current executive team to maintain strategic direction without disruption. Liu’s move from a C-suite role at a major exchange to founding her own company reflects a broader industry trend. Executives from established finance and tech firms have increasingly been drawn to the entrepreneurial allure of Web3, aiming to build the next wave of innovation in the decentralized economy. The timing of her new venture aligns with a significant rebound in crypto-focused venture capital. In 2025, VC investment in the sector has already surpassed 2024's total, with more than $16 billion raised year-to-date, indicating a fertile fundraising environment for well-connected founders.
