David Alexander Scheer (who commonly goes by Alex) is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of zkMe, a pioneering company in the field of decentralised identity solutions that utilise zero-knowledge proofs for privacy-preserving data sharing. Established in October 2022, zkMe focuses on creating secure, self-sovereign identities that empower users to control their credentials while ensuring compliance with regulations such as KYC and AML. Within its first year of operation, zkMe achieved a significant milestone of over 500,000 users adopting its zkKYC solution, demonstrating strong market validation for privacy-preserving identity verification in the DeFi space. The company has recently gained recognition as a finalist in the Global Fast Track Programme 2024, part of the Hong Kong FinTech Week, highlighting its innovative approach and potential for growth within the fintech sector.

‍

The company's innovative approach centres on separating private data from its value, enabling efficient data monetisation while maintaining user privacy through advanced encryption methods. zkMe has developed a protocol that encrypts and pseudonymizes data directly upon collection, making it significantly less vulnerable to data breaches by avoiding the creation of large, centralised data repositories that could become targets for attacks.

‍

Before founding zkMe, Scheer held several significant roles that contributed to his expertise in product management and software development. He served as Chief Strategy Officer at Slope Finance, where he was instrumental in shaping the company's strategic direction. Prior to this, he was the Head of Software and Director of Product Management at 4flow, a leader in supply chain optimisation software, managing the development of innovative software solutions across various industries. His experience in software consultancy, particularly in the automotive sector, included leading a software development department in Shanghai, providing him with valuable international exposure and technical expertise.

‍

Scheer's decision to establish zkMe was influenced by the introduction of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation in Europe, which takes effect in January 2025. Understanding the implications this regulation would have on decentralised finance services, he identified a critical need for identity solutions in Web3. This insight, combined with Hong Kong's announcement of its ambitions to become a global Web3 hub, led him to strategically establish zkMe's headquarters in Hong Kong.

‍

His academic credentials include a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Management and Technology from the Technical University of Munich. He is also certified in Agile Leadership by Scrum Alliance, equipping him with a strong foundation in both management principles and technological applications.

‍

In addition to his professional achievements, Scheer has been actively engaged in the tech community, participating in events such as the Lugano NFT Fest 2024, which underscores his commitment to advancing Web3 innovations. Under his leadership, zkMe is exploring expansion opportunities beyond its current KYC solutions, with potential future applications in sectors such as healthcare and digital advertising. He envisions a future where electronic identification becomes the standard for legal verification. He is fluent in several languages, including English, German, and Italian, enhancing his ability to operate in diverse international environments.

‍

Last updated 22 Jan 2025