From Sambo Champion to Crypto Trailblazer: How Georgi Koreli Is Shaping Privacy in Blockchain
Staff Writer • 2025-01-18
In a world where blockchain technology promises transparency and decentralization, privacy has emerged as a double-edged sword. For Georgi Koreli, Co-founder and CEO of Hinkal, navigating this conundrum has been both a professional and personal journey—one that began far from the gleaming tech hubs of Silicon Valley. Born and raised in a world of grit and discipline, Koreli was a two-time Sambo World Champion by the age of 20. Sambo, a combat sport combining wrestling and judo, demands unparalleled mental and physical endurance—qualities that served Koreli well as he transitioned into the equally challenging world of crypto. “I was always living in a high-stakes environment,” Koreli shares. “In Sambo, you’re constantly on an adrenaline rush, preparing for competitions, winning, losing, and learning to adapt quickly. Crypto, with its volatile token prices and relentless pace of innovation, feels very similar.” Bridging Combat and Crypto Koreli’s journey into the blockchain space began after earning a degree in economics and gaining five years of experience in investment banking. He later moved to the U.S., where the parallels between his combat training and the fast-paced world of blockchain innovation became clear. “The feedback loop in both worlds is instantaneous,” he explains. “In Sambo, you learn to handle stress and uncertainty. Crypto is no different—it's about adapting to constant change and seizing opportunities.” Hinkal: Redefining Privacy in Blockchain In 2024, Hinkal processed over $250 million in private transactions, a significant milestone for a company addressing one of blockchain’s most contentious issues: privacy. While privacy is a no-brainer in traditional finance—think about the importance of keeping your bank account balance confidential—it’s surprisingly polarizing in the blockchain space. “Governments often view privacy in blockchain as a threat because it limits their ability to monitor financial transactions,” Koreli notes. “Our goal at Hinkal is to make privacy a non-negotiable feature while maintaining regulatory transparency.” Hinkal leverages cutting-edge zero-knowledge proofs to achieve this delicate balance. Users can prove their identity via centralized exchanges without revealing sensitive data, while a master key system allows regulators to trace transactions when necessary. This dual approach aims to provide users with privacy while meeting regulatory requirements. The Road to Mainstream Adoption For blockchain to reach mainstream adoption, Koreli believes simplifying the user experience is critical. While an estimated 200 million users currently interact with crypto, only a fraction—30 to 50 million—are considered active. Hinkal’s mission is to onboard the next billion users by offering economic incentives and privacy features that feel natural to both crypto natives and newcomers. “The biggest barrier is the public nature of blockchain wallets,” Koreli says. “Imagine if everyone could see your salary or business transactions. We’re working to eliminate that vulnerability while ensuring crypto remains efficient and transparent where needed.” Riding the AI-Crypto Wave Koreli is optimistic about the growing intersection of AI and blockchain. “The hype around AI has overshadowed blockchain for a few years, but that’s starting to change,” he observes. “AI and crypto are converging, especially in areas like data analytics and user onboarding.” As AI reaches saturation in some sectors, its integration with blockchain technologies is expected to unlock new opportunities. Koreli envisions a future where AI-powered tools simplify crypto adoption, helping users navigate the complex ecosystem of wallets, tokens, and decentralized platforms. Looking Ahead: Privacy in Payroll and B2B Payments Hinkal’s ambitions extend far beyond individual users. The company is pioneering private payment solutions for enterprises, including payroll systems and B2B transactions—a rapidly growing segment in the crypto market. “Stablecoins are already revolutionizing payments, but businesses need privacy to protect their competitive data,” Koreli explains. “Our solutions ensure that sensitive financial information remains confidential, enabling broader adoption of crypto in the corporate world.” Building Toward a Private Future With Silicon Valley’s renewed interest in blockchain and the maturation of crypto technologies, Koreli believes the industry is poised for explosive growth. However, he acknowledges that challenges remain, particularly in changing public perceptions about crypto’s association with illicit activities. “The involvement of major players like BlackRock and Fidelity is a game-changer,” he says. “It signals that crypto is no longer just a fringe innovation—it’s becoming a cornerstone of global finance.” As Hinkal continues to break new ground, Koreli remains steadfast in his mission to make blockchain a secure, private, and user-friendly space for all. “The journey is just beginning,” he says, “and we’re excited to play a key role in shaping the future of crypto.”
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