Sami Yılmaz

Led cross-chain expansion efforts, securing partnerships with 5 new blockchain networks, including the successful completion of agreements on the Injective Network. Represented the project in major industry competitions, winning 1st place at the Injective Illumination Hackathon and 2nd place at the Code Sei Hackathon. Contributed significantly to Total Value Locked (TVL) growth and overall project development.

Drove TVL growth by engaging BTC ecosystem stakeholders across Europe, Turkey, and Dubai. Expanded network infrastructure through onboarding new validators and strengthened ties with BTC miners to boost participation. Led branding initiatives by securing strategic partnerships and collaborations with multiple blockchain projects, enhancing Merlin Chain’s visibility and market presence.

Organized major blockchain and Web3 events in Dubai, Istanbul, and Bangkok, including securing the best price agreement with Atlantis Hotel for a Web3 Summit hosting 3,000 attendees. Coordinated technical team efforts with market opportunities to drive product positioning. Successfully invited and secured confirmation from an Abu Dhabi Sheikh for the Atlantis event. Actively represented the project in dozens of Twitter Space and AMA sessions. Negotiated with 3 gaming guilds, securing a $150,000 investment, and collaborated with multiple KOLs for promotional campaigns. Acquired 300 new active users for the DEX application and built active partnership pipelines with other exchanges.

Led marketing initiatives for one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, driving user acquisition, brand recognition, and trading volume in the MENA and Turkish markets. Managed and executed localized campaigns, including influencer partnerships, online events, and targeted social media strategies, resulting in a significant increase in active traders and new user registrations. Coordinated with global product and BD teams to launch new token listings and promotional events, enhancing market engagement. Built relationships with local projects and communities, securing strategic partnerships that strengthened XT.COM’s presence in the regional crypto ecosystem.

Key Achievements:

Increased monthly active users in the Turkish market by over %40 within 6 months.

• Successfully onboarded multiple regional projects for token listings, boosting local trading volume.
• Organized and hosted 50+ campaigns and events, driving both brand visibility and community growth.
• Established partnerships with key KOLs and influencers, expanding XT.COM’s reach to tens of thousands of new potential users.

Oversaw OKX’s market expansion and operations within the country, driving user acquisition, trading volume, and brand visibility. Built and maintained high-level relationships with regulators, partners, and key community leaders. Led localized marketing campaigns, coordinated with global teams on product launches, and implemented strategies tailored to the local crypto landscape to strengthen OKX’s market position.

Successfully led project development and investment oversight, managing portfolios for approximately 2 companies and 12 individual clients, with total capital in the millions (excluding personal portfolio). Delivered consistent profitability, returning all client funds with gains. Developed expertise in technical indicators, chart analysis, and advanced market strategies, with strong proficiency in TradingView for market forecasting and decision-making.

Provided advertising and promotional support for multiple company-owned applications in the Turkish market. Drove user growth by securing partnerships with numerous influencers and coordinating marketing campaigns. Managed relationships with Turkish market partners and exchanges, supporting company leadership in making informed market decisions. Conducted market research to identify potential target segments and led planning and execution of localized marketing strategies.

• Putting the ideas of the start-up together, nailed down the details of location, pricing, targeting, capital management, and other related plans. After the project kicked off, took charge of daily operations, managing inventory, bookkeeping, and using data to come up with cost control plan, and facilitate the communication between team members, and keep the business on track.