From Chitwan to California
Sam Thapaliya, founder of Zebec Network, continues to expand his presence in the blockchain and fintech industry through the development of real-time payroll and payment infrastructure powered by Web3 technology.
Born in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal, Thapaliya developed an interest in programming at a young age. After completing high school, he moved to California to study technology and programming at Menlo College, where he became involved in Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial environment.
Before launching Zebec, he co-founded ASMI, an AI and analytics startup. In 2020, he received Menlo College’s Entrepreneur of the Year recognition for his entrepreneurial work and growing involvement in the technology sector.
Building a Real-Time Payment Ecosystem
Founded in 2021, Zebec Network, previously known as Zebec Protocol, initially launched as a continuous settlement protocol on the Solana blockchain. The company focused on developing systems that allow payments to move continuously in real time, introducing what Thapaliya described as “money streaming.”
According to Thapaliya, the idea behind Zebec was to simplify financial transactions while creating more flexible payment systems for businesses and consumers.
“We are delivering a future where users do not have to go through multiple channels to carry out simple transactions,” he said in an interview discussing the company’s mission.
The platform’s use cases include real-time salary payments, continuous subscription payments, and instant royalty distribution for creators and artists. Over time, Zebec expanded its focus into treasury management, payroll infrastructure, and blockchain-enabled financial applications.
A Founder Shaped by Personal Experience
Thapaliya has frequently connected his entrepreneurial ambitions to his early experiences growing up in Nepal. Reflecting on his childhood, he spoke about not seeing a computer until the age of 13 and later helping build financial technology platforms intended for global audiences.
“The responsibility of carrying the names of 30 million Nepalis and millions of Web3 believers keeps me up at night,” he said.
Industry reports indicate that Zebec secured approximately $35 million in investment support during its early expansion phase as interest in blockchain-powered financial systems continued to grow.
The Fast Pace of Web3
Discussing the broader Web3 industry, Thapaliya described the space as highly focused on speed and execution. He noted that small teams are often able to build and launch products for thousands of users within short periods of time, creating new opportunities for founders and developers.
He also encourages emerging founders in crypto and blockchain to focus on community development alongside product innovation, emphasizing collaboration and long-term ecosystem growth.
As blockchain technology continues evolving across financial sectors worldwide, Zebec remains part of ongoing efforts to modernize payroll, payments, and digital financial infrastructure through decentralized technologies.
About Sam Thapaliya
Born on June 28, 1998, in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal, Sam Thapaliya is an entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder of Zebec Network and previously co-founded ASMI. He studied at Menlo College and is known for his work in Web3 payment and payroll technology.
About Zebec Network
Zebec Network is a blockchain infrastructure company founded in November 2021. The company develops payroll, payment, and treasury management solutions using blockchain technology, with a focus on enabling real-time financial transactions for digital and traditional economies.
