LUKSO, a Layer 1 blockchain designed for social and creative sectors, appointed the former CEO of Coinbase Germany, Jan-Oliver Sell, as its new Chief Operating Officer.
Joining after Four Years at Coinbase
Sell’s appointment comes at a time when the company is reportedly transitioning from research to scaling. Developed by Universal Everything, it aims to introduce a more human-centered blockchain experience. LUKSO’s focus is on tokens, DeFi, digital identity, ownership, and interoperability for creators and communities.
Sell joins the company after four years at Coinbase Germany, where he played a key role in the exchange’s European growth. Notably, he helped secure BaFin’s first crypto custody license, a move the company termed as a milestone for regulatory compliance in the region.
Before Coinbase, Sell gained over 15 years of experience in operations and finance, bridging traditional systems with blockchain innovation. LUKSO’s technical foundation stems from co-founder Fabian Vogelsteller, who played a significant role in Ethereum’s development, particularly the ERC-20 token standard.
“LUKSO’s vision of ‘The New Web3’ is about making blockchain intuitive and relevant for everyone,” commented Fabian Vogelsteller, LUKSO Co-Founder and Ethereum standards pioneer. “Jan’s operational expertise and deep understanding of the blockchain space will be critical as LUKSO continues to innovate and expand its ecosystem, empowering creators and users in a seamless, decentralized environment.”
The network reportedly operates on its own set of protocols, LUKSO Standards Proposals, which aim to modernize smart contract frameworks for broader accessibility.
Targeting Creators, Culture, and Community
Unlike many Layer 1 blockchains that prioritize financial instruments, LUKSO targets sectors like fashion, art, gaming, and online identity. Its infrastructure supports Universal Profiles, blockchain-based identities meant to interact seamlessly across platforms. This vision places LUKSO in a niche that prioritizes creative expression and social interaction over trading and speculation.
Meanwhile, Coinbase is set to join the S&P 500 this month. The index tracks the largest 500 publicly listed companies in the US across various sectors. In a recent announcement, the exchange will be listed under the financials sector.
It reportedly replaces Discover Financial Services, which is being bought by Capital One. Once the acquisition closes, Discover will reportedly be delisted from the public markets.