The Blockchain Journey of Lao Mao: Insights from a Pioneer

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Blockchain technology has transformed the financial and digital landscape, and few individuals have ridden its wave with as much intention and insight as Lao Mao. As a co-founder of INBlockchain, managing partner at Xiongyan Fund, and founder of the EOSlaomao super node, Lao Mao has played a pivotal role in shaping blockchain discourse in China and beyond. Formerly the Chief Operating Officer of Yunbi Exchange, he now shares his deep industry knowledge through his widely followed WeChat public account, Cat Says—one of the most influential voices in the blockchain space.

From Civil Servant to Blockchain Visionary

Lao Mao’s journey is far from conventional. With a background in public service and a brief foray into e-commerce—running a Taobao store during the early days of online retail—he made a bold leap into blockchain when the e-commerce boom began to fade. While many entered the crypto space chasing profits, Lao Mao stood apart by publicly stating that his actions were never driven by money.

This philosophical approach defines his presence in the industry. Known affectionately as "Uncle Cat" by his followers, he’s recognized for his sharp thinking, rapid-fire speech, and data-driven arguments. Conversations with him are both intellectually stimulating and refreshingly candid—like chatting with a wise, slightly eccentric uncle who just happens to understand the future of finance.

His writing journey began long before blockchain. Since 2008, Lao Mao has been active on Weibo, where he built a modest following over two years. However, repeated content removals and eventual account suspension pushed him to dig deeper into systemic issues—ultimately leading him to blockchain as a tool for transparency, decentralization, and individual empowerment.

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The Spark That Ignited a Career

The turning point came in 2010, when Lao Mao read an article about Bitcoin in a magazine. Though intrigued, it wasn’t until 2013—after seeing a Weibo post by Wang Xiaoshan mentioning Bitcoin’s price reaching $65—that he took action. In just 20 minutes, he used his remaining 6,000 RMB to purchase 20 Bitcoins.

That decision marked a life-changing shift. He immediately paused his e-commerce ventures and committed fully to understanding and participating in the blockchain ecosystem.

Fate intervened when Qiu Liang reached out to conduct customer research in Beijing and invited Lao Mao to join him in launching a startup. After some hesitation, Lao Mao accepted. That venture became Pilcoin, later rebranded as Yunbi Exchange—a platform that would go on to become the first in China to list Ethereum and, within three years, achieve top-tier global trading volume.

The journey wasn’t easy. From submitting operational strategies to Li Xiaolai and Qiu Liang, to building communities and refining exchange mechanics, Lao Mao evolved rapidly from novice to expert. His partnership with Qiu Liang developed into a trusted, shoulder-to-shoulder working relationship forged through countless strategic discussions.

However, regulatory changes in September 2017—commonly referred to as “9.4” in China’s crypto history—led to Yunbi’s shutdown. Despite this setback, the experience had already cemented Lao Mao’s deep understanding of blockchain infrastructure, market dynamics, and community building.

Building Authority Through Content: The Rise of Cat Says

After Yunbi’s closure, Lao Mao took over Li Xiaolai’s Bitcoin Survival Guide community—an educational group whose membership fee rose from 88 RMB to a peak of 8,888 RMB. Initially underprepared for such responsibility, he responded by diving into continuous learning and began publishing insights on his WeChat公众号 (public account), Cat Says.

Today, Cat Says boasts 60,000–70,000 loyal followers—an impressive number by niche media standards—but what truly sets it apart is engagement. With an open rate exceeding 30% and remarkably high reader support through tips and shares, the account demonstrates rare authenticity and trust in a space often filled with hype.

Lao Mao uses the platform not for sensationalism but for thoughtful reflection—sharing investment principles, industry analysis, and philosophical takes on decentralization. Occasionally, he offers investment suggestions, always grounded in real data and long-term vision rather than short-term speculation.

“In blockchain, you bet with your reputation,” Lao Mao once said. “If you’re wrong, there may be no second chance.”

He acknowledges his good fortune in catching the earliest wave of blockchain innovation. But more importantly, he emphasizes that anyone with expertise can find value in this space—if they approach it with integrity and patience.

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Core Principles: Freedom, Integrity, and Purpose

For Lao Mao, success isn’t measured in wealth but in freedom—the ability to live authentically, work meaningfully, and contribute positively. He describes himself as someone who values kindness and purity in both people and systems. Achieving professional success while staying aligned with these values, he says, is his greatest luck.

His story resonates because it’s not about quick riches or viral fame. It’s about curiosity, resilience, and principled action—qualities increasingly rare in an industry often driven by greed.

He hopes others can experience the same sense of liberation he has found—not just financially, but intellectually and spiritually—through engagement with decentralized technologies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is Lao Mao in the blockchain industry?
A: Lao Mao is a respected figure known for co-founding INBlockchain, managing雄岸 Fund (Xiongyan Fund), launching the EOSlaomao super node, and operating the influential Cat Says WeChat account. He was also COO of Yunbi Exchange.

Q: What makes Cat Says different from other blockchain blogs?
A: Unlike many crypto content creators focused on price predictions or promotions, Cat Says emphasizes deep analysis, personal philosophy, and long-term thinking. Its unusually high reader engagement reflects strong trust and quality content.

Q: Did Lao Mao profit from early Bitcoin investments?
A: Yes—he bought 20 BTC in 2013 for around 6,000 RMB when prices were near $65. While he doesn’t discuss current holdings, this early move positioned him well during subsequent market growth.

Q: Why did Yunbi Exchange shut down?
A: Yunbi was closed following China’s September 2017 regulatory crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges (“9.4”). This nationwide policy halted all domestic crypto trading platforms at the time.

Q: Is Lao Mao still active in blockchain today?
A: Yes. Through INBlockchain, Xiongyan Fund, EOSlaomao, and ongoing writing, he remains actively involved in investment, community building, and thought leadership within the global blockchain ecosystem.

Q: What advice does Lao Mao give to newcomers?
A: Focus on learning first. Bring your unique skills to the space. Avoid get-rich-quick mindsets. Build credibility slowly—because in blockchain, your reputation is your most valuable asset.

Core Keywords:

Through vision, discipline, and authenticity, Lao Mao exemplifies how principled engagement can lead to lasting impact in the fast-moving world of blockchain. His journey reminds us that behind every technological revolution are individuals who choose purpose over profit—and change the game as a result.