The Rise of Crypto Cobain
In 2012, a young man named Cobie took a gamble on a new and obscure digital currency called Bitcoin. Back then, Bitcoin was a mysterious experiment, known only to tech enthusiasts and cryptography hobbyists. It wasn’t an obvious financial revolution but more of a curiosity. Yet he sensed something in it—a spark of potential that others were quick to dismiss. And so, he entered a world that was as volatile as it was revolutionary.
By 2014, Cobie had become more deeply involved. Alongside a friend, he launched Maxcoin, a cryptocurrency named after Max Keiser, a prominent Bitcoin advocate. Maxcoin was one of the earliest “celebrity coins” in the crypto landscape, preceding the meme-driven coins that would one day captivate popular imagination. But the timing wasn’t right. The market soon turned, and Maxcoin, along with many other early altcoins, faded into obscurity. Still, he left the experience with more than just losses; he realized that success in crypto wasn’t purely technical—it was about creating a story, fostering a community, and building resilience. These lessons would shape the rest of his journey.
With the bear market in full force, Cobie took a step back from crypto and returned to traditional tech, working for companies like CYOA, Enki, and Monzo. Crypto never truly left his mind, but this time away from the scene gave him fresh insights and a new perspective. In 2020, Cobie returned to crypto just as the market was heating up again, and he did so with a bang. A now-famous tweet declaring his commitment to a “buy wall” for Bitcoin spread like wildfire, rallying enthusiasts who saw him as a steadfast advocate for the space. Cobie’s presence grew, and soon he was one of the most trusted voices in crypto.
As his influence soared, he joined Lido, a DeFi protocol that quickly became one of the largest by Total Value Locked (TVL). And then, to share insights and connect with the community, he launched UpOnly Podcast with his friend Ledger. Featuring guests like Vitalik Buterin and Michael Saylor, UpOnly became essential listening for anyone following crypto. Cobie wasn’t just a creator—he was a critic. His voice lent credibility to the space, and he wasn’t afraid to hold people accountable. In a bold move, he exposed insider trading at Coinbase, which led to an SEC investigation and legal consequences for the parties involved. He was on top of the world, but that high was about to come crashing down.
The Fall and Resurrection of Cobie
In 2022, disaster struck the crypto world in waves. Terra LUNA, Voyager, and Celsius all imploded, sending shockwaves through the industry. But nothing shook Cobie quite like the collapse of FTX, a major exchange and a sponsor of his podcast. When the scandal broke, Cobie quickly cut ties, using his platform to help expose the full extent of FTX’s recklessness. The damage to the community was severe, and for Cobie, it felt like the end of an era. Disillusioned and exhausted, he stepped away from the scene, pausing UpOnly and going quiet for almost a year. His departure left a noticeable void in the crypto community, with many wondering if he would ever return.
But Cobie couldn’t stay away. In late 2023, he made his comeback, this time with a project called Echo. Echo wasn’t just another crypto venture; it was an ambitious platform aimed at democratizing venture capital, opening up investment opportunities for everyday people. Cobie returned to Twitter, re-engaging with his audience and hinting that UpOnly might come back too. Yet, even in his absence, crypto had moved on in unexpected ways. As rumors of his return circulated, someone launched an “UpOnly coin” and sent Cobie 60% of the supply. Rather than endorse an unauthorized project, Cobie burned all the tokens—a public demonstration of his integrity in a space often marked by opportunistic behavior.
Today, Cobie stands as a rare figure in crypto—a “Crypto Messiah” of sorts, blending the roles of builder and critic with a cautious optimism. Though he rarely posts on Substack and keeps a low profile, his influence resonates. Cobie’s story is one of resilience, evolution, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals that drew him to Bitcoin in the first place. His journey isn’t just about market cycles or technological advances; it’s about the stories we build, the communities we foster, and the resilience we show in the face of setbacks. Crypto’s true believers understand that it’s not just a financial movement but a community—and no one embodies that journey quite like Cobie.
For those who follow crypto, Cobie’s journey serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that define the industry. His resilience, integrity, and willingness to adapt make him an enduring icon in a landscape that never stands still.
If you found Cobie’s story inspiring, dive deeper into stories like this by following @PixOnChain on Twitter. Their insightful threads bring the untold tales of crypto’s key figures to life.
