A Journey Begins: Kelly Xu’s Digital Awakening

In the past, social networks were merely windows into our lives, tightly controlled by tech giants holding monopolies over user data. Financial systems, too, were exclusive, governed by an elite few and largely inaccessible to ordinary people. But today, a new generation of innovators is reshaping these domains with blockchain technology, paving the way for a more equitable, transparent, and open world.

Kelly Xu stands out as a leader in this transformative wave. Her journey redefines how we connect socially and financially, bridging technology with human connection through a decentralized approach. Xu’s story isn’t just about her personal success; it’s a roadmap to a new era, where she invites global users to explore the vast possibilities of Web3.

A Journey Begins: Kelly Xu’s Digital Awakening

Born in Nanjing in 1995, Kelly Xu was raised in a family that prized academic success. Her world shifted at age five when a bulky HP computer arrived at home, introducing her to the digital realm and setting her on a path to a life enriched by technology.

A foreign teacher in elementary school broadened her horizons, encouraging her to connect with a Swedish pen pal in third grade. They exchanged letters and, eventually, conversations on MSN, igniting a lifelong fascination with global cultures and perspectives. Through online forums, Xu discovered the power of social networks as platforms for diverse, borderless dialogue. This early sense of freedom in connecting across borders would inspire her entrepreneurial journey.

ERA: Reinventing Social Networks through Real-Life Interaction

In 2015, at just 20, Kelly Xu launched ERA, a task-based social platform that leveraged location services, enabling users to exchange skills and earn rewards in real-life settings. ERA promoted authentic social connections by blending digital and real-world interactions.

To drive engagement, she created Earth Invasion, an augmented reality game allowing users to claim real-world landmarks. This gamified approach to social networking catapulted ERA to the top of the Apple App Store’s social ranking, valuing the platform at RMB 120 million.

Reflecting on ERA’s success, Kelly Xu recognized the limitations of centralized control over user data. This realization spurred her ambition to develop platforms that put data ownership back into users’ hands.

ONO: A Decentralized Social Network Revolution

By 2017, blockchain technology had matured, and Kelly Xu envisioned a decentralized social platform where users truly controlled their data. This vision led to ONO, a blockchain-based social network designed to empower users as data owners rather than mere content producers.

ONO introduced a unique UQ (UNI Quantum) system to reflect users’ social contributions without turning it into a tradable asset, making participation and value intrinsic to the platform. Within its first 100 days, ONO attracted over 3.25 million users, a record in the decentralized app space. ONO’s revolutionary approach drew investment from industry leaders like Cheetah Mobile CEO Fu Sheng, solidifying Xu’s place as a pioneer in Web3.In 2018, Xu Ke was featured on the front page of Forbes as "The First Female Entrepreneur in Web3," highlighting her significant influence in the fields of technology and entrepreneurship.

"Decentralization is true empowerment," Xu remarked. "ONO is more than a platform; it’s a movement to restore data ownership to the people."

UPTX: Merging Social Connectivity with Financial Empowerment

In 2024,Kelly Xu extended her vision beyond social media, turning her attention to the financial sector with UPTX. This global trading platform, launched under her company UP Global, combines trading with social interaction, allowing users to learn from star traders and benefit from community insights.

UPTX’s copy trading feature enables users to replicate strategies from top traders, making investing accessible to newcomers. Covering global markets—stocks, forex, ETFs, commodities, and crypto—UPTX serves a diverse audience across 130 countries, all while ensuring robust risk management and compliance.

Through UPTX Insights, Xu created a social investment community where users share strategies and build financial literacy together. UPTX thus became a comprehensive ecosystem, blending "invest, learn, and earn" elements with social connections to enhance financial growth.

Kelly Xu’s Vision for a Decentralized Future

With Web3, Xu is dismantling monopolies in social media and finance, replacing them with decentralized models that prioritize user empowerment and fairness. From task-based networking with ERA to ONO’s blockchain social platform and UPTX’s community-driven financial ecosystem, Xu’s journey is a blueprint for a future grounded in transparency and inclusivity.

Kelly Xu is not only building platforms but leading a decentralized revolution where users control their data and experience the freedom that true decentralization offers. Her vision extends to creating a user-centric world where data sovereignty and financial equity are accessible to all. Through UPTX and beyond, Xu is shaping a decentralized financial future, turning everyday users into active participants in an equitable global economy.

Looking forward, Xu aims to drive deeper adoption of Web3, inspiring a world where users control their data, embrace true fairness, and unlock new realms of connection and empowerment.