In a move that’s turning heads across both fintech and crypto circles, Nikita Bier, a well-known social app entrepreneur and recent advisor to Solana Labs, has been appointed as the new Head of Product at X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk ambitious social platform . Bier’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment, as X accelerates its push to become a comprehensive payments and trading hub.
Bier is no stranger to viral tech products. He previously founded the polling app TBH, which was acquired by Facebook in 2017, and later launched Gas, a teen-focused social network that Discord snapped up in 2023 . His track record in building engaging, mobile-first social experiences is seen as a major asset for X’s next phase.
Why does this matter for crypto?
Bier’s recent advisory role at Solana Labs—a blockchain known for its fast, low-cost transactions and growing mobile ecosystem—has fueled speculation that X could soon integrate digital assets like Solana (SOL) or even Dogecoin (DOGE), a favorite of Musk . While there’s no official confirmation yet, the timing is notable: X has quietly secured money transmitter licenses in multiple U.S. states and teased the launch of a native payment system, “X Money,” alongside plans for in-app investing and trading.
“Finding my community and building an audience on X has impacted my life more than any single thing: it’s unlocked friendships, professional opportunities and it’s even where I met my girlfriend,” Bier shared in his announcement .
Bier’s immediate focus will be on integrating Grok, X’s in-house AI chatbot developed by xAI, to create more relevant timelines and help users make sense of real-time conversations . However, his crypto background and Musk’s well-documented enthusiasm for digital assets have the industry watching closely for signs of deeper blockchain integration.
What’s next?
With Bier at the helm of product and X’s ongoing expansion into payments, the platform is well-positioned to blur the lines between social media, fintech, and crypto. Whether this means Dogecoin, Solana, or other digital currencies will soon be part of the X ecosystem remains to be seen—but the groundwork is clearly being laid.
