Cooper Turley, a music business student at the University of Colorado Denver, embarked on a life-changing journey into the world of cryptocurrencies with limited funds. Despite the scarcity of digital currencies seven years ago, Turley invested in Bitcoin and Ether, hoping that their value would increase over time.
Starting with just a few hundred dollars, Turley’s investments eventually paid off. He managed to pay off his undergraduate debt and convinced his family to invest as well, significantly reducing their mortgage. Turley’s Bitcoin profits granted him personal financial freedom.
The turning point in Turley’s story came in 2017 when he discovered the potential of the Ethereum blockchain to revolutionize the music industry. The concept of using smart contracts to ensure artists have more control over their music and receive faster royalty payments intrigued him. This newfound understanding sparked his curiosity in blockchain technology.
Despite a major drop in the value of Ether and Bitcoin in 2018, Turley remained steadfast in his investments. While many investors pulled back, he saw an opportunity and focused on Ether when its price was around $100. His determination paid off when decentralized finance (DeFi) emerged as a prominent industry. Turley immersed himself in DeFi, lending his digital tokens and participating in yield farming.
The year 2020, also known as the “DeFi Summer,” saw a surge of interest and investment in the industry. Turley’s reputation as an experienced investor solidified during this time, as he navigated the booming DeFi market.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Turley works as a crypto strategy specialist for Audius, an Ethereum-based streaming service. He also serves as an angel investor and advises Variant Fund, having collaborated with over 50 cryptocurrency companies.
Turley’s success has inspired his family, who initially had doubts about his investments. Witnessing his enthusiasm and achievements, they made a significant investment that greatly benefited them financially. Additionally, Turley used his Bitcoin profits to pay off a substantial portion of his student loan debt, giving him a sense of liberation.
Despite his positive outlook on the future of cryptocurrency, Turley remains cautious. He acknowledges the volatility of the market and the possibility of significant losses. His story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting both the potential benefits and drawbacks of entering the world of digital currency.