Sun Yuchen: The Tumultuous Journey of a Cryptocurrency Legend

In the tumultuous waves of cryptocurrency, Sun Yuchen is an undeniable presence. His life story resembles a dramatic legend with ups and downs, transforming from a naive small-town boy into a billionaire stirring the winds of the crypto world.

Born on July 30, 1990, in Xining, Qinghai, Sun Yuchen was not a traditional 'top student' during his school years. In middle school, he was once addicted to online games, causing his grades to plummet. During high school, he developed a strong interest in literature, especially obsessed with the works of Wang Xiaobo, yet his academic performance remained unsatisfactory. A turning point came in 2007 when he won the first prize in the 9th New Concept Composition Contest with his piece 'The Journey Starting from Here,' gaining admission qualifications for Peking University.

After entering Peking University, Sun Yuchen actively participated in campus activities but also sparked controversy due to his radical thoughts. In 2011, he ran for president of the student council but lost. He later criticized the 'consultation system,' landing on the cover of Asia Weekly, being viewed as a representative of 'anti-establishment.' That same year, he went to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue a master's degree in East Asian studies but left the field of literature and history after a magazine plagiarism scandal, turning his focus to the business world.

In 2012, while studying in the United States, Sun Yuchen keenly captured investment opportunities in Bitcoin and Tesla stocks, decisively investing heavily and reaping a 20-fold return, earning his first pot of gold. In 2013, he joined the blockchain company Ripple as the chief representative for Greater China, returning to promote XRP and receiving investment from IDG. In 2014, he founded Ripe Technology and launched the voice social product 'Accompany Me App,' frequently appearing in the media to build his image as a 'post-90s entrepreneurial leader.' In 2015, he was selected as the first cohort of students at Lakehouse University, securing tens of millions of dollars in financing from institutions like Xinchengli and IDG, sprinting down the entrepreneurial path.

In 2017, Sun Yuchen founded TRON, marking a crucial turning point in his life. Through an ICO (Initial Coin Offering), TRON quickly raised $76 million, garnering widespread attention in the industry. However, the good times did not last long. On September 4 of the same year, China banned ICOs entirely, and Sun Yuchen decisively withdrew the funds.