Da Hongfei: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Da Hongfei’s Profile Summary

Company	Neo (NEO)
Position	Founder of Neo (formerly known as Antshares)
Source of wealth	Crypto holdings from Neo, management and performance fees from Onchain's enterprise services, and investments in blockchain ventures
Also known as	Blockchain advisor to the Chinese government, entrepreneur in enterprise blockchain solutions, and blockchain speaker.
Age	Unknown
Education	South China University of Technology – Degree in Technology and English
Citizenship	Chinese
Residence	Shanghai, China
Website, Social Media	https://neo.org/

Biography

Da Hongfei is a prominent figure in the blockchain industry, particularly known for founding Neo, often referred to as "Chinese Ethereum" due to its focus on smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). He was born in China and holds a degree in Technology and English from the South China University of Technology. Da Hongfei started his career in various tech ventures but rose to global prominence through Neo, a project he launched in 2014 as Antshares. His vision was to build a blockchain ecosystem that integrates digital assets, digital identity, and smart contracts—what Neo calls the "Smart Economy." Under his leadership, Neo became one of the first major blockchain projects out of China and played a significant role in shaping the country’s blockchain regulations by establishing a collaborative relationship with the government. In addition to his work with Neo, Da Hongfei is the founder of Onchain, a blockchain solution provider that primarily works with businesses and institutions. Onchain's Distributed Networks Architecture (DNA) allows for interoperability across blockchain systems, making Da a leader in advancing enterprise blockchain solutions. His influence extends beyond technology as he actively advocates for blockchain adoption while navigating regulatory landscapes, especially in China

CEO of Onchain; recently initiated AI–blockchain integration efforts, including the SpoonOS initiative.

How did Da Hongfei make money?

Da Hongfei makes money in the following areas:

Crypto holdings from Neo, management and performance fees from Onchain's enterprise services, and investments in blockchain ventures
What is Da Hongfei net worth?

As of 2026, Da Hongfei’s net worth is estimated to be $100M.

What is Da Hongfei also known as?

Da Hongfei has played an instrumental role in consulting with the Chinese government on blockchain regulations, particularly during the crackdown on ICOs in China. His efforts helped shape a healthier blockchain innovation environment in the country. He frequently speaks at international blockchain conferences and is recognized as a leading advocate for blockchain technology’s role in the digital economy. His expertise also extends to advising businesses and enterprises through Onchain, a company that provides blockchain-based solutions for institutional use

Prominent achievements

Founder of Neo, often called "Chinese Ethereum," key advisor to the Chinese government on blockchain, recognized for his leadership in blockchain innovation, successfully transitioned Antshares to Neo, expanded the blockchain ecosystem in China

What are Da Hongfei’s key insights?

Da Hongfei emphasizes the integration of blockchain technology into everyday business and society, particularly through smart contracts and the "Smart Economy." He advocates for blockchain's interoperability, focusing on long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains. He believes in gradual mass adoption and encourages collaboration with governments to ensure regulatory compliance

Personal life

Da Hongfei has not publicly disclosed detailed information about his family.

Useful insights

Timing and market sentiment

Even the best crypto projects need to be launched at the right time. Understanding market sentiment and timing can help you avoid entering a project too early or too late.

Evaluate market sentiment

Crypto developers often gauge the overall market sentiment before launching or investing in new projects. Consider factors such as Bitcoin’s price movements and general trends in the crypto space. Entering when market sentiment is positive can increase your chances of short-term success.
Be cautious of hype cycles

Investors like Nick Szabo suggest avoiding projects that rely solely on hype. If a project is gaining attention primarily due to marketing without a strong underlying product, it’s often a sign of a bubble waiting to burst. Look beyond the hype to the actual utility and long-term potential of the project.
Look for early movers

While timing is crucial, finding projects in their early stages, before they reach mainstream adoption, can be highly rewarding. Look for projects that are starting to build momentum but haven’t yet reached the peak of their market cycle. Early movers often benefit from rapid growth once adoption accelerates.