Cryptobilis and the art of crypto collaboration

In an industry known for cutthroat competition, Michael Angelo is doing something unexpected: joining forces with his rivals. As the founder of Cryptobilis, he’s turning competitors into collaborators –  and reshaping the Philippine crypto scene in the process.

"I personally am a terrible, terrible trader," Angelo told The Crypto Radio at Philippine Blockchain Week 2025. That realization led him down a different path – focusing not on risky growth, but on protecting money and building tools for long-term use. "So I thought to myself, if I cannot grow my money, I'll just protect my money," he said. 

Cryptobilis has evolved into a multifaceted crypto enterprise, primarily focused on hardware wallets and solo mining technology. "We are the exclusive and official distributor of several hardware wallet brands in the Philippines," Angelo explained. But what makes the company notable is its goal of making cryptocurrency more accessible to everyday people.

Making mining accessible

"We are trying to help increase the adoption and make products that make it easier for everyone to get into mining," Angelo said. Priced under 2,000 pesos, the Bilis Bitcoin solo miner. opens up mining – a process once limited to tech enthusiasts or wealthy investors – to a much broader audience.

For those unfamiliar, crypto mining is the process of using computer hardware to validate transactions on a blockchain and earn cryptocurrency rewards. Solo mining means individuals work independently, unlike mining pools where participants combine resources and share rewards. While solo mining carries less predictable payouts, it gives users direct control and a hands-on understanding of how blockchain systems work.

Angelo’s focus on affordable tools reflects a pragmatic mindset: prioritizing resilience and participation over chasing fast profits. It’s a strategy shaped by his own experience – not as a successful trader, but as someone who learned from trial and error.

From rivals to partners

Cryptobilis brings affordable crypto mining tools to the Philippines, opening access for everyday users. Photo: Unsplash / Alexes Gerard

The collaborative spirit that now defines Cryptobilis didn’t happen overnight. Angelo and his former competitors had long been part of the same industry circle. "We've been not fighting each other, but we've been competing with one another, but at the same time, we've always been friends," he said.

Over time, these friendships deepened. "We built that relationship. We go together to events, and then we just slowly creep into the idea that let's why not? Let's just work together."

For Angelo, it wasn’t just a business tactic – it was a gradual realization that shared goals could outweigh individual competition. The result was the merging of three competing brands into what is now the largest crypto company in the Philippines.

"Only through working together can we really double the growth of our industry and our communities," Angelo said. By pooling resources, widening distribution, and combining expertise, the companies unlocked opportunities none of them could have achieved alone.

Growing pains in a young crypto market

But success has not come easily. Logistics and customs clearance in the Philippines have been recurring hurdles. "We partnered with brokers, we partnered with people in the industry to help us smoothen that process," Angelo said. Shipping hardware wallets and miners is a logistical challenge in itself, especially when trying to keep costs low for end users.

The company’s reach has extended beyond Philippine borders, with branches now in Malaysia and Indonesia and global shipping available. Still, the Southeast Asian market presents its own unique challenges – from varying regulations to differences in energy costs and digital literacy rates.

What’s next for Cryptobilis

Cryptobilis's Michael Angelo speaks to The Cryptio Radio's Urian Buenconsejo at Philippine Blockchain Week 2025

“More events, more products. Just stay tuned,” Angelo said, signaling that Cryptobilis has no plans to slow down. But beyond launching new devices, the company’s mission is centered on making the crypto space more approachable and less intimidating for people from all walks of life.

For Cryptobilis, affordability isn’t just a selling point – it’s a way to open doors. By offering accessible mining tools and hardware wallets, the company helps everyday users engage with blockchain technologies, not just as investors chasing profits but as participants curious to understand and experiment.

At the same time, Angelo recognizes the path forward won’t be without challenges. As crypto markets evolve, companies like Cryptobilis will need to adapt to changing technologies, energy costs, and local regulations across Southeast Asia and beyond. Staying flexible and resilient will be crucial as the industry matures.

Angelo’s story offers a different take on entrepreneurship: one built on steady growth, relationships, and shared progress. “Only through working together can we really double the growth of our industry and our communities,” he said, a philosophy that continues to guide Cryptobilis’ next chapter.