Born in Nanjing in 1995, Xu Ke grew up in a family that deeply valued academic achievement. Her introduction to the digital world came at the age of five when her family acquired a bulky HP computer. This pivotal moment sparked her lifelong passion for technology and innovation.
Her global perspective began to take shape in elementary school, when a foreign teacher encouraged her to connect with a Swedish pen pal. Their correspondence transitioned to MSN chats, nurturing her fascination with diverse cultures and ideas. Through online forums, Xu discovered the potential of social networks for global and borderless dialogue, laying the foundation for her entrepreneurial aspirations.
ERA: Bridging the Digital and Real Worlds
In 2015, at just 20 years old, Xu launched ERA, a location-based social platform. ERA allowed users to exchange skills and earn rewards by completing tasks in real-life settings. The platform’s unique approach fostered meaningful connections by blending online and offline interactions.
To boost engagement, Xu developed Earth Invasion, an augmented reality game where users could claim real-world landmarks. This gamified experience propelled ERA to the top of the Apple App Store’s social rankings, with the platform achieving a valuation of RMB 120 million.
The success of ERA highlighted to Xu the challenges of centralized data control, inspiring her to pursue solutions that prioritize user ownership and empowerment in the digital realm.
ONO: Redefining Social Networks with Decentralization
By 2017, Xu turned her attention to blockchain technology, envisioning a decentralized platform where users could own and control their data. This vision materialized as ONO, a blockchain-based social network that empowered users to be more than just content producers.
ONO introduced a groundbreaking UQ (UNI Quantum) system, which recognized users’ social contributions without commoditizing them. This innovative model created a fair and inclusive platform, attracting over 3.25 million users within its first 100 days—an unprecedented achievement in decentralized applications.
Backed by prominent investors like Cheetah Mobile CEO Fu Sheng, ONO cemented Xu’s reputation as a pioneer in Web3. In 2018, Forbes featured her as “The First Female Entrepreneur in Web3,” underscoring her influence in the fields of technology and decentralization.
“Decentralization is true empowerment,” Xu declared. “ONO is not just a platform; it’s a movement to give people back control of their data.”
UPTX: Transforming Finance Through Community and Technology
In 2024, Xu expanded her innovative pursuits into the financial sector, founding UPTX under her company, UP Global. UPTX is a global trading platform that integrates financial tools with social interaction, allowing users to learn from top traders and grow within a supportive community.
Key features of UPTX include:
- Copy Trading: Users can replicate strategies from leading traders, making investing accessible to beginners.
- Market Diversity: Covering stocks, forex, ETFs, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, UPTX operates in 130 countries.
- Social Investment Community: Through UPTX Insights, users share strategies, foster financial literacy, and build networks for collective growth.
By blending elements of learning, socializing, and earning, UPTX creates an ecosystem where financial empowerment is within reach for everyone.
A Vision for a Decentralized Future
Xu’s journey, from pioneering social platforms like ERA and ONO to revolutionizing finance with UPTX, reflects her unwavering commitment to transparency, empowerment, and inclusivity. Her work dismantles traditional monopolies in social media and finance, replacing them with decentralized models that prioritize user ownership and fairness.
Xu envisions a future where data sovereignty and financial equity are accessible to all. Through her groundbreaking platforms, she is leading the charge for a user-centric world where technology fosters connection, empowerment, and opportunity.
Looking ahead,Xu remains steadfast in her mission to advance Web3, inspiring a decentralized future where individuals reclaim control over their data and unlock new avenues for growth and collaboration.