Identity isn’t just a representation of us — it is us. Or at least it could be.
We’re working toward a world where identity is not only defined by documents, but also personality — where the unique expression of an individual contributes to the security of a digital identity that they own and control.
This work is grounded in our firm belief that identity is a fundamental human right, and should be universally accessible. This will not only broaden access to social rights like voting and financial services, but will also allow more people to make a living in this new web3 economy.
As leaders in decentralized identity since 2015, we’re pursuing this future with a level of confidence that can only be achieved through experience. We know we can make this future real, and we hope you’ll build it with us.
Our team of over 25 spans design, development, engineering, sales, marketing, and operations. Meet a few of us below.
Chris Hart, CEO of Civic, is a collaborative leader with expertise in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and identity. In his role at Civic, Chris' priorities are leading strategic business development and building a thriving global culture. He is a long-serving member of the Pat Tillman Foundation and is the vice-chair of the PTF board of directors. Chris previously served as CFO at Guidebook, Inc., and Nextag, Inc., and he brings more than two decades of outstanding senior finance, operations, and IT experience to Civic. Chris holds a BA in English and Philosophy from Emory University and an MBA in Finance from the University of San Francisco, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Jonathan Smith is the chief technology officer and co-founder of Civic. In this role, he leads the creation of a trusted digital identity system, combining his passion for cryptocurrencies and token economies with his expertise in blockchain and banking technologies. As a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, Jonathan has served as an advisor to numerous blockchain projects. Prior to co-founding Civic, Jonathan led technology, innovation and delivery in some of the most complex and security-sensitive environments for some of the biggest names in investment banking. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
JP Bedoya, Chief Product Officer at Civic, is a seasoned product leader. He previously served as head of Product Design at The Climate Corporation, overseeing product experience and user research, VP of Product at LifeLock, where he oversaw consumer products, new member acquisition, and new product development. JP also served as Senior Product Manager for Yahoo where he led global redesign and optimized monetization and search experience.
Vinny Lingham is the chairman of the board and co-founder of Civic, a blockchain startup offering decentralized identity verification. He also joined the leading crypto investment fund, Multicoin Capital, as a General Partner in 2018. Previously, he was the co-founder and CEO of Gyft, a mobile gift card company, which was acquired by global payments leader First Data Corporation and prior to that, founding and exiting multiple other startups. He is an active investor and co-founder of South African Venture Capital leader Newtown Partners and has led early stage investments into successful startups, including SweepSouth. Vinny was a Shark on Shark Tank South Africa, a Dragon on Dragon's Den South Africa, and an Angel in National Geographic's Undercover Angel. He is a co-author of “I'm In: Essential Advice for Entrepreneurs.
Daniel has over ten years experience in the fields of finance, e-justice and blockchain, and holds a PhD in computer science from Trinity College, Dublin. He is dedicated to finding trustworthy, secure and decentralised technological solutions to improve the lives of people around the world.
Anna is passionate about delighting customers, blockchain technology and startup growth. With a background in business consulting and operations, she has held management positions at Thomson Reuters and Gyft. A trilingual Hong-Kong native, Anna received her BComm from UT Rotman School of Management, with a focus in Management and Economics.
Two decades of finance, accounting and HR experience working with companies in diverse industries: tech startups, biotech, fashion, architecture, design, commercial transport, marketing and film production. Committed to collaborating with engaged, thoughtful teams to deliver meaningful services and interesting products to the marketplace. He most recently led finance and HR at Gyft.
Nancy has over 10 years of experience in marketing, events, and sponsorships. Prior to Civic, she worked at Match Group, one of the largest dating portfolios in the world, and built their Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships programs from the ground up. Nancy is passionate about blockchain, startups, and brings creative storytelling and strategic marketing expertise to Civic.
Becca Youngs leads communications at Civic, where she’s building digital identity into Web3 by connecting, inspiring and earning trust across global audiences. With a strong background serving large brands such as LifeLock, Levi Strauss & Co. and Symantec as well as startups, agencies and venture capital, she’s passionate about building transformative brands and communities. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Washington.
Camille has over 15 years of experience in finance and accounting across different industries including private equity, biotech, and payments with the last 5 years in the blockchain technology space. Though her background includes experience in both the private and public sectors, she is most passionate about projects in the growth and development phase. She brings with her years of leadership and management experience with an aptitude for identifying gaps and implementing policies and procedures to deliver improved performances, using data to generate actionable insights and value propositions, and working in cross functional environments to scale efficiencies. Prior to joining Civic, she was at Gyft where she played a key role building out Gyft’s finance operations infrastructure after its acquisition by First Data.
Chris Hart, CEO of Civic, is a collaborative leader with expertise in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and identity. In his role at Civic, Chris' priorities are leading strategic business development and building a thriving global culture. He is a long-serving member of the Pat Tillman Foundation and is the vice-chair of the PTF board of directors. Chris previously served as CFO at Guidebook, Inc., and Nextag, Inc., and he brings more than two decades of outstanding senior finance, operations, and IT experience to Civic. Chris holds a BA in English and Philosophy from Emory University and an MBA in Finance from the University of San Francisco, where he graduated summa cum laude.
Jonathan Smith is the chief technology officer and co-founder of Civic. In this role, he leads the creation of a trusted digital identity system, combining his passion for cryptocurrencies and token economies with his expertise in blockchain and banking technologies. As a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, Jonathan has served as an advisor to numerous blockchain projects. Prior to co-founding Civic, Jonathan led technology, innovation and delivery in some of the most complex and security-sensitive environments for some of the biggest names in investment banking. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Vinny Lingham is the chairman of the board and co-founder of Civic, a blockchain startup offering decentralized identity verification. He also joined the leading crypto investment fund, Multicoin Capital, as a General Partner in 2018. Previously, he was the co-founder and CEO of Gyft, a mobile gift card company, which was acquired by global payments leader First Data Corporation and prior to that, founding and exiting multiple other startups. He is an active investor and co-founder of South African Venture Capital leader Newtown Partners and has led early stage investments into successful startups, including SweepSouth. Vinny was a Shark on Shark Tank South Africa, a Dragon on Dragon's Den South Africa, and an Angel in National Geographic's Undercover Angel. He is a co-author of “I'm In: Essential Advice for Entrepreneurs.
Maja Vujinovic J.D., is a global operator in digital transformation including digital assets and cryptocurrencies. Maja has 15+ years of experience in identifying new technology trends and building teams and products. Maja lived and worked across Latin America, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and the United States, giving her a deep understanding of cultural and market needs, and negotiating skills. Maja is a thought leader in the cryptocurrency space, digital transformation and future of work. In the early 2000's Maja developed mobile payments networks throughout emerging markets and spent a number of years in private equity. Later, Maja spent a few years at General Electric as a CIO of Emerging Tech and was a catalyst for testing blockchain and AI across a variety of businesses, inspiring a number of successful pilots and customer engagements. Since 2007, Maja has been an early investor across a variety of digital asset projects, from cryptocurrency exchanges to DeFi protocols and as an advisor to stablecoin project Reserve and platforms like Securitize.Maja Vujinovic J.D., is a global operator in digital transformation including digital assets and cryptocurrencies. Maja has 15+ years of experience in identifying new technology trends and building teams and products. Maja lived and worked across Latin America, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and the United States, giving her a deep understanding of cultural and market needs, and negotiating skills. Maja is a thought leader in the cryptocurrency space, digital transformation and future of work. In the early 2000's Maja developed mobile payments networks throughout emerging markets and spent a number of years in private equity. Later, Maja spent a few years at General Electric as a CIO of Emerging Tech and was a catalyst for testing blockchain and AI across a variety of businesses, inspiring a number of successful pilots and customer engagements. Since 2007, Maja has been an early investor across a variety of digital asset projects, from cryptocurrency exchanges to DeFi protocols and as an advisor to stablecoin project Reserve and platforms like Securitize.Maja serves as a board member for Civic and is on the advisory board of CoinDesk and Prism Global Partners. She's also an ambassador to Global Blockchain Business Council for the Balkan region and a member of Satoshi's roundtable. She frequently holds workshops to members of the business community across Brazil, Japan, Europe, US and events like Davos.
