Devon James

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT DEVON JAMES

In 1996 I worked tech support for a dial-up ISP, where I learned that people struggle with disruptive technology, but persist nonetheless. In 1998 I started a digital video production company and learned how to use computers to turn metal pipes into lightsabers. In 2001 I joined the Marine Corps Reserves so I could blow stuff up one weekend a month and two weeks a year. In 2003 I invaded Iraq and learned a great deal about life, death and the realities behind geopolitics. In 2004 I got a job at Apple where I learned you can turn employees and customers into evangelists if you can convince them you\'re trying to better the world. Also that high quality hardware and impeccable design are worth the extra cost and effort. In 2006 I deployed to the Horn of Africa, stood watch in 140+ temps and came to the conclusion that the War on Terror is only fueling hate, fear and pain in the world. In 2007 I started working in the visual effects industry and watched it migrate away from Hollywood and spread out around the world, enabled and supported by internet proliferation into emerging markets. In 2010 I started an iPad accessories company and learned how to design a hit product but struggled to make overseas manufacturing jive with my values. In 2012 I made the decision to manufacture our products locally with ethical practices and sustainable materials. In 2014 I had the idea for a Decentralized Library of Alexandria built with blockchain tech, co-founded Blockchain Technology Group and co-invented Open Index Protocol, a public space for the internet. In 2019 I co-founded Alexandria Labs to develop applications on top of OIP. We\'re currently working on something pretty big that we\'re anxious to announce soon. In 2022 I was asked to co-lead the Web3 Working Group, a new non profit to educate about and advocate for the sub-category of Blockchain technology outside of the fin-tech world.