Derek Pankaew

Derek Pankaew

Y Combinator Logo Batch: W21

Achievements

  • Built an eCommerce biz with over $100K/month recurring revenue
  • Learned to code on his own and built crypto trading bots
  • Raised venture funding for a computer vision startup
  • Co-founded Mythia during Y Combinator W21, a fintech and gaming rewards startup
  • Pivoted Mythia from gaming rewards to NFT analytics and market intel
  • Participated actively in the SF tech scene and worked internationally as a digital nomad

Who is Derek Pankaew

Here’s some fire content about Derek Pankaew, this dude is the real deal. He’s a serial entrepreneur who’s been jumping into new tech waves since forever. Started out building an eCommerce biz that made over a hundred grand a month in recurring revenue, no joke. He learned to code on his own, built crypto trading bots, and even raised venture funding for a computer vision startup. Basically, the guy’s got hustle written all over him.

Fast forward, he co-founded Mythia in 2018 with his buddy Eric Lafleche. This was during YC’s W21 batch, so they crushed it right out the gate. Mythia was initially all about gaming rewards, think a debit card that gave you free PlayStations, video games, and cool stuff for gamers, not your typical airline miles. Super fresh idea, right? It was like blending fintech with gaming culture, and the vibe was all about making rewards way more fun and relevant for gamers.

But Derek’s not the type to stay in his lane. Mythia pivoted, big time. They shifted from just rewards to NFT analytics and investment tools. Now, they’re all about giving insider intel on NFT markets, helping investors and enthusiasts stay ahead of the game. That’s some advanced adaptability. It shows this guy’s got a mind that’s constantly changing, always hunting for the future trend.

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What’s crazy is that his process isn’t just about startups. He’s been a digital nomad, grinding in Thailand and South America, soaking up different cultures, and bringing that global hustle back home. That international vibe? It’s part of what fuels his original edge. He’s always been about pushing boundaries, whether it’s coding, crypto, or just jumping into new markets.

Now, he’s working on Listening.com, a platform that turns academic papers into audio. Basically, making research accessible and easy to consume. It’s like he’s on a mission to break down barriers, make stuff more digestible, and help people learn better. That’s his thing, taking complex tech and making it work for real people.

So, what’s the story here? Derek’s all about jumping into the unknown, messing around with new tech, then pivoting like a boss when he sees an opening. His background proves he’s motivated by curiosity and a real passion for innovation. He’s not just chasing money, he’s trying to solve problems, create new experiences, and push the envelope of what’s possible in tech, gaming, and education.

Bottom line? Derek Pankaew is a startup ninja, someone who’s built, learned, pivoted, and kept moving forward. If you wanna understand what it means to be a modern tech founder, look no further. This guy embodies that relentless hunger for what’s next.

Founder ID: 104620

Experience

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