Joseph Chalom SharpLink interview reveals insights on Ethereum-focused treasury strategy and institutional adoption.
In a strategic move that has garnered significant attention in the cryptocurrency and finance sectors, Joseph Chalom has stepped into the role of Co-CEO at SharpLink Gaming Inc. (NASDAQ: SBET). This appointment marks a pivotal shift for the company, transitioning from its origins in sports betting affiliate technology to becoming one of the largest publicly traded holders of Ethereum (ETH).
From BlackRock to SharpLink: A Strategic Transition
Chalom’s journey from BlackRock to SharpLink is noteworthy. At BlackRock, he played a crucial role in bridging traditional finance with digital assets, notably leading the firm’s digital asset team. His tenure at BlackRock was marked by significant achievements, including scaling Aladdin, BlackRock’s enterprise risk management system, and later leading the firm’s digital asset team.
After retiring in June 2025, Chalom was drawn back into the industry following a conversation with Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum and CEO of ConsenSys, who now serves as chairman of SharpLink’s board. This collaboration underscores a shared vision of a world where more efficient systems allow the exchange of value in a fundamentally different way than exists today.
SharpLink’s Ethereum Strategy: Beyond Staking
Under Chalom’s leadership, SharpLink has adopted an aggressive Ethereum treasury strategy. The company has acquired over 797,000 ETH, valued at approximately $3.7 billion, making it one of the largest corporate holders of Ethereum.
Chalom acknowledges comparisons to Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy, which famously accumulated billions of dollars in Bitcoin. However, he emphasizes the differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum, highlighting that Ethereum is a productive asset. Staking ETH can generate yield that is considered revenue, providing SharpLink with an additional income stream.
Implications and Future Outlook
SharpLink’s strategic pivot to an Ethereum-focused treasury reflects a broader trend of institutional adoption of digital assets. As more real-world activity is represented in tokenized form on Ethereum, demand for ETH as the network’s native asset is expected to rise. Chalom’s leadership positions SharpLink to capitalize on this growth, aiming to build a long-term platform around a productive, revenue-generating, and programmable network asset.
