Zaki Manian: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Zaki Manian’s Profile Summary

Company	Sommelier
Position	Co-founder
Source of wealth	Blockchain projects including SKUChain, Tendermint, Sommelier, advisory roles, and validator infrastructure through iqlusion
Also known as	Blockchain developer, cryptography expert, DeFi protocol pioneer.
Age	Unknown
Education	University of Pennsylvania - Major in History of Science (did not complete computer science degree; self-taught in software engineering and cryptography)
Citizenship	No data
Residence	United States
Family	Details about Zaki Manian's family are
Website, Social Media	https://zaki.manian.org/

Zaki Manian’s biography

Zaki Manian is a prominent figure in the blockchain and DeFi industry, best known for co-founding Sommelier and his extensive contributions to the Cosmos ecosystem. With a background in self-taught cryptography and computer science, Zaki began his career by contributing to open-source blockchain projects like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Zcash. His journey into blockchain development gained momentum with the founding of SKUChain, a platform aimed at revolutionizing supply chains through blockchain technology. He later became a key figure in the development of Tendermint and played an instrumental role in launching the first public Cosmos testnet, solidifying his impact on the Cosmos ecosystem. Zaki’s role as a Director at Tendermint Labs and his involvement in the creation of the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) framework highlight his commitment to advancing blockchain interoperability. Beyond Sommelier, he co-founded iqlusion, a company offering infrastructure solutions like data centers and validators to enhance blockchain technologies. With a passion for cryptography, privacy, and system design, Zaki Manian remains an influential voice in the ongoing evolution of DeFi and blockchain applications

How did Zaki Manian make money?

Zaki Manian makes money in the following areas:

Blockchain projects including SKUChain, Tendermint, Sommelier, advisory roles, and validator infrastructure through iqlusion
What is Zaki Manian net worth?

As of 2025, there is no publicly available and reliable information regarding Zaki Manian’s net worth.

What is Zaki Manian also known as?

Zaki Manian is recognized as a key blockchain developer and cryptography expert, having contributed to significant open-source projects like Bitcoin and Zcash. He is also well known for pioneering efforts in DeFi through co-founding Sommelier, a protocol focused on optimizing liquidity management. Additionally, Zaki has been a significant voice in blockchain infrastructure development, co-founding iqlusion, which provides critical infrastructure for next-gen blockchain technologies and serves as an advisor to projects like Cosmos

Prominent achievements of Zaki Manian

Zaki Manian co-founded Sommelier, a leading DeFi protocol for automated liquidity management, and was instrumental in the development of Tendermint and the launch of the Cosmos testnet. He has made notable contributions to the Cosmos ecosystem, including the development of the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. He is also known for his advisory roles and contributions to significant open-source blockchain projects

What are Zaki Manian’s key insights?

Zaki Manian emphasizes decentralization, scalability, and privacy in blockchain systems. His work in Tendermint and Cosmos reflects his belief in interoperability and building open frameworks that can serve as the backbone for decentralized applications. Zaki’s philosophy is rooted in designing efficient protocols that balance user experience with security and decentralization

Zaki Manian’s personal life

Information about his family is not disclosed publicly.

Useful insights

Analyze the use case and real-world application

When evaluating crypto projects, another critical factor is the project’s real-world use case. Top investors and developers always look for meaningful applications that solve real problems.

Identify the problem it solves

One key lesson from experienced Crypto developers like Vitalik Buterin is that a project must solve a real-world problem or significantly improve an existing process. Assess if the project addresses a clear need in industries like finance, supply chain, healthcare, or decentralized applications.
Assess market demand

Crypto Angel Investors often focus on the market demand for the project's solution. If the project serves a niche with little competition or improves existing technology in a meaningful way, it has a greater chance of success. Conduct your research to evaluate whether the project's target market is growing and scalable.
Check for partnerships and adoption

A project that has established partnerships with reputable companies or institutions is generally seen as more credible. Look for announcements of collaborations or endorsements by industry leaders, as these can indicate trust in the project’s potential.