Wall Street to Dubai: How Tan Gera Turned $57K Into Millions After a Total Crypto Crash
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this episode, Paul Alex interviews Tan Gera, CEO and co-founder of Decentralized Masters, a 9-figure global finance company specializing in crypto education. Tan shares his remarkable journey from investment banker to crypto entrepreneur, including how he turned $57,000 into $1.87 million using his proprietary strategy. (00:35) The conversation covers his experience losing seven figures in the 2018 crypto crash, rebuilding through drop shipping during COVID, and eventually creating what he calls "the Harvard of crypto." (24:01) Tan details the challenges of building a crypto education business during regulatory shadow banning, scaling from zero to $3 million monthly revenue in 17 months, and serving over 4,000 high-net-worth clients.
- Core focus: Building wealth through crypto education, strategic pricing, and community-driven growth while navigating regulatory challenges
Speakers
Tan Gera
Tan Gera is the CEO and co-founder of Decentralized Masters, a 9-figure global finance company dedicated to crypto education. A former investment banker who left Wall Street after recognizing the potential of digital assets, Tan successfully turned $57,000 into $1.87 million using his proprietary crypto investment strategy. Coming from an immigrant background, he built his company to over 130 employees and serves more than 4,000 high-net-worth clients worldwide, positioning his company as "the Harvard of crypto."
Paul Alex
Paul Alex is the host of the Level Up podcast, which ranks in the top 3 business podcasts. A former law enforcement officer who transitioned to entrepreneurship, Paul has built multiple successful ventures in the online space and interviews high-achieving entrepreneurs about their journeys to success.
Key Takeaways
Environment Determines Success More Than Intelligence
Tan emphasizes that Harvard research shows environment is the most decisive factor in determining success. (08:16) He found his crypto success by surrounding himself with believers in WhatsApp and Telegram groups rather than skeptics. When building wealth or starting any venture, actively seek out communities of like-minded individuals who share your vision and goals. This support system provides the psychological foundation needed to persist through challenges and setbacks.
Master Core Skills Before Delegating
As a millionaire founder, Tan personally handled marketing and sales calls when starting Decentralized Masters. (23:39) He explains that founders must walk the path themselves before delegating, understanding exactly what customers want and how to serve them. This hands-on approach allows you to recognize quality when you delegate and ensures your team maintains the same standards. Start with admin tasks, then sales (hiring two people to compare performance), then gradually move into management roles.
Target High-Value, Underserved Markets
Instead of competing for young crypto enthusiasts, Tan targeted baby boomers who hold 80% of the world's wealth but were largely ignored by the crypto industry. (30:54) These customers have more money, time, patience, and experience in markets, making them better clients who want education rather than get-rich-quick schemes. When entering any market, look for demographics with purchasing power that competitors are overlooking, even if they seem less obvious.
Charge Premium Prices to Attract Quality Customers
Decentralized Masters charges $25,000 for their flagship program and maintains a 60% retention rate. (32:11) Tan explains that premium pricing attracts engaged, smart customers who put in effort and get results. These results become marketing tools, and satisfied customers bring referrals, reducing acquisition costs. When you charge appropriately for high-value services, you create a sustainable business model with healthier margins and better customer relationships.
Build Active Income Before Investing Capital
Before his crypto success, Tan used drop shipping to generate capital for his investment strategy. (39:45) He advises focusing on growing active income first by learning digital marketing fundamentals - specifically how to drive traffic to a sales page. This foundational skill applies across industries and provides the capital needed for investment opportunities. Don't wait for perfect market timing; build your earning capacity while learning about investment opportunities.
Statistics & Facts
- Tan turned $57,000 in crypto into $1,870,000 using his proprietary investment strategy. (03:24) This represents over a 3,200% return and demonstrates the potential of well-executed crypto strategies during market cycles.
- Baby boomers hold 80% of the world's wealth, yet most crypto companies target younger demographics who only control 20% of global wealth. (30:58) This market insight led Tan to target an underserved but wealthy demographic.
- Decentralized Masters scaled from zero to over $3 million per month in revenue within 17 months, with every single month being a record-breaking month. (20:39) The company now employs 130+ people and serves over 4,000 clients globally.
