Renowned Founders Kevin O’Leary and Dave Portnoy Join Stellar Line-up at Consensus Toronto
TORONTO, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Consensus, the world’s longest-running and most influential crypto and blockchain gathering, today announces the addition of two of the biggest names in the business world for its Toronto 2025 event. Kevin O’Leary, Chairman of O’Leary Ventures and Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, are set to join a wealth of prominent figures at Consensus Toronto (hosted by CoinDesk). The conference, which is coming to Canada for the first time, amasses the world’s most influential leaders across finance, crypto, blockchain, and Web3.
Speaking about his involvement in Consensus Toronto, investor and entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary said: “Consensus has long been the go-to gathering for the digital asset industry — a place where serious conversations happen and real decisions are made. I’m excited to join its world-class lineup of speakers in Toronto, a city with a vibrant tech ecosystem and a fast-growing community of crypto, AI, and Web3 innovators. It’s the perfect setting to push the digital asset conversation forward and help shape what’s next for this rapidly evolving sector.”
Consensus is set to welcome 20,000+ attendees from over 100 countries across the digital assets space, 400+ startups, 200+ sponsors, and 6,800+ companies. O’Leary and Portnoy join a distinguished roster of 500+ speakers across crypto, Web3 and blockchain. This year’s flagship event will also feature six dynamic stages, CoinDesk PitchFest (a live competition showcasing the most promising early-stage Web3 startups) and North America’s largest in-person blockchain hackathon, along with hundreds of curated side events and unrivaled networking opportunities.
Other speakers announced for Toronto 2025 include:
- Robert Hines – Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, The White House
- Adrienne Harris – Superintendent, New York Department of Financial Services
- Sergey Nazarov – Co-Founder, Chainlink
- Anthony Scaramucci – Founder, SkyBridge Capital
- Charles Hoskinson – CEO & Founder, Input Output
- Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer, Bitwise Asset Management
- Dan Morehead – Founder & CEO, Pantera Capital
- Lindsey Einhaus – Crypto Strategy and Operations, Stripe
- Ryan Rugg – Global Head of Digital Assets, Treasury and Trade Solutions, Citi
- Smokey Bera – Co-Founder, Berachain
- Keone Hon – Co-Founder, Monad
For the full list of speakers so far, please see here.
Toronto was pinpointed as host country for the world-leading conference due to its position as North America’s third-largest tech ecosystem and second-largest financial hub. Adding to its appeal is its rich crypto heritage. Toronto is the birthplace of Ethereum and home to the world’s first Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.
“Consensus has long been the definitive stage for the most influential voices in digital assets, and Toronto will be no exception. We’re thrilled to welcome Kevin O’Leary and Dave Portnoy to this year’s lineup, bringing fresh perspectives at a time when mainstream adoption is accelerating like never before,” said Michael Lau, Chairman of Consensus. “With an unmatched roster of speakers, leading sponsors, and a global audience of decision-makers, Consensus continues to be one of the most important events for those shaping the future of this industry.”
Executives from leading Canadian firms, including Dean Skurka, President & CEO of WonderFi, Danish Ajmeri, Director of Product for Crypto at Wealthsimple and Lucas Matheson, CEO of Coinbase Canada, will be joining the conversation at Consensus to explore Canada’s expanding role in the industry.
Early bird registration is now open with limited-time discounted rates available at consensus2025.coindesk.com.
Members of the media are invited to apply for press credentials at https://consensus2025.coindesk.com/press/-id/0.
Media Contact:
Jamie Sly
About Consensus:
Consensus 2025 by CoinDesk is a flagship event for the blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web3 community. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, it offers discussions on key topics such as digital assets, DeFi, Web3, and the evolving regulatory landscape.
With a mix of panels, keynotes, and networking opportunities, Consensus 2025 provides a platform to explore the latest trends and developments shaping the digital economy. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just entering the space, this event offers valuable insights and connections in a rapidly evolving field.
About CoinDesk:
CoinDesk is the most trusted media, events, indices, and data company for the global crypto economy. Since 2013, CoinDesk Media has led the story of the future of money and investing, illuminating the transformation in society and culture that comes with it. Our award-winning team of journalists delivers news and unparalleled insights that bring transparency, comprehension, and context.
CoinDesk gathers the global crypto, blockchain, and Web3 communities at annual events such as Consensus, the world’s largest and longest-running crypto festival. CoinDesk Indices offers expertise in digital asset indices, data, and research to educate and empower investors. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by Bullish Group. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. For more information on CoinDesk media and events, please visit CoinDesk.com
