Our Mission
Layer 1 is a global stage for incubating and promoting the best blockchain ideas.
The Platform
The platform provides individuals from a variety of backgrounds the opportunity to meet on a periodic basis to discuss relevant and developing events, news, and trends within the blockchain industry. Through Layer 1, individuals can further their understanding of blockchain and novel blockchain technology, as well as participate in engaging conversations surrounding new use cases for blockchain globally.
Layer 1 will – overtime – grow to provide a global platform designed to dis-entangle blockchain concepts and incubate transformative ideas. This cohesive ecosystem of thought sharing will generate knowledge development through fostering organic relationships.
Membership
Layer 1 is a membership-based platform. Membership is exclusive, and individuals must apply to be considered for such membership.
Layer 1’s website is the primary touchpoint for individuals to learn more about the professional network and a source for current news and interesting articles relating to the blockchain ecosystem.
Founders
Jake Marcus
Jake E. Marcus was born and raised in the Boston, Massachusetts area. With his license to practice law in both Florida and Massachusetts, as well as the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Jake is an experienced litigator and business advisor, guiding a variety of companies through the often complex issues existent in the insurance industry.
Jake is a graduate of Stonehill College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Jake then attended the University of Miami School of Law, graduating cum laude in 2017. He also received his Master’s of Business Administration at the University of Miami in 2016. During his tenure at the University of Miami School of Law, Jake was a member of the Society of Bar and Gavel and an Intern in the school’s Investor Rights Clinic. In addition, he served as Articles and Comments Editor and Executive Editor for the Inter-American Law Review. Jake co-authored a Student Note, “Major League Baseball and the Cuban Influence: The Baseball Coalition Committee”, which was published in the Journal’s 47th volume. Jake also co-authored a two-part Article series related to College and High School student-athletes’ rights to compensation per Name, Image & Likeness (“NIL”) developments.
During graduate school, Jake gained experience serving as a legal intern for the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. He also served as an intern for a legal services firm, a legal intern at an in-house counsel position, and a judicial intern at the Boston Housing Court. Prior to law school, Mr. Marcus worked at an investment firm.
RJ Spadaro
RJ is a commercial real estate attorney on one of the nation’s top performing legal teams. RJ focuses on representing clients ranging from publicly traded REITs and investment advisers to high-net-worth individuals in connection with the acquisition, financing, development, leasing, and disposition of various real estate asset classes, including large-scale commercial properties, agricultural land, and ultra-luxury residential real estate. RJ founded a successful internet business while in law school and recently launched a second business with his fiancé. RJ is keenly interested in and excited about the possibilities of blockchain’s future involvement in society, and particularly as emerging blockchain technology begins to revolutionize today’s real estate industry. In his free time, RJ enjoys spending time on the water, fishing, playing golf, and attempting to teach his two labradoodles a new trick.
Tyler Kirk
Tyler Kirk is general counsel to a family office with $9 billion in assets under management. His primary responsibilities include managing the in-house legal team, administering the legal and compliance program, and negotiating and structuring portfolio investments. Mr. Kirk earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Georgia State University, master’s degree in economics from North Carolina State University, and juris doctor from the University of Miami. Before joining the Trust, Mr. Kirk served as senior counsel in the Division of Investment Management at the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, DC where he was an inaugural member of the SEC’s first digital asset working group from 2013 to 2016. Afterward, Mr. Kirk was an associate in the Washington, DC offices of two international law firms advising clients on wide variety of securities law matters, from private equity funds to structuring bespoke offerings of digital assets. He is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia and Florida.
Cameron Scullen
Cameron (“Cam”) Scullen is an experienced FinTech attorney operating in the blockchain and digital asset space. An adept, agile corporate generalist with demonstrated experience advising leadership of innovative fintech companies – Cam currently serves as Associate General Counsel for a FinTech company that in part utilizes blockchain technology in traditional capital markets. Prior to going in-house, Cam represented a variety of digital asset clients on regulatory and transactional matters (practicing both in Washington, D.C. & Boston, MA). This included representing clients before the SEC & CFTC on various securities and derivatives laws issues in D.C. and NYC. As a former NCAA Athlete (Men’s Div. 3 Lacrosse), Cam enjoys researching the parallel regulatory development of “Name, Image & Likeness” deals and blockchain technology. For him, it is the perfect overlap of two personal passions: sports & blockchain. He is barred in DC, MA and NY and holds a Series 3 (Issued by FINRA - expired). He holds a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law (Magna Cum Laude), M.B.A. from the University of Miami Herbert School of Business (Concentration in Finance) and B.A. from St. Lawrence University (Double Major – Math & Economics). When he is not focusing on advising his day-to-day client, Cam can be found on a racetrack (son of a racecar driver) or under the water (PADI-certified diver). Although you are most likely to find him with his beautiful wife (Stevie), dogs (Sky and Thor) and the famous Sergei (Russian Tortoise) cheering on Boston’s historic sports teams.
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*Layer1 leadership team is participating in their individual capacities and do not represent the views of any firms.