Ed Craven has built businesses in the online gambling sector, an industry that operates under different regulations and attracts varied views across markets. This article focuses on the documented Business journey: how Craven and co-founder Bijan Tehrani developed a group of technology companies spanning online gaming, live streaming and artificial intelligence-related ventures.

A self-taught start in coding and cryptocurrency

Born in Melbourne in 1995, Craven developed an interest in online gaming and Cryptocurrency during his teenage years. In 2013, he and Bijan Tehrani created Primedice, a cryptocurrency-based dice game. The project gave the pair experience in developing online products and operating services that used digital currencies.

In 2016, they launched Easygo, a Melbourne-based technology company involved in developing online casino games. In 2017, they launched Stake, a platform that became the group’s most recognised business.

Tehrani has been closely involved in the development of these businesses. The two founders have worked together since the Primedice period, and public reporting generally identifies them as co-founders of the group’s ventures. Until late 2021, Craven was also known publicly by the name Eddie Miroslav.

Developing a cryptocurrency-focused platform

Stake was developed with cryptocurrency payments as a core feature from its early stages. The platform later expanded its payment Options and operations across multiple markets.

The company operates under regulatory frameworks that vary by Jurisdiction and has maintained offices in locations including Australia, Serbia and Cyprus. In 2021, Stake entered the United Kingdom market through a Partnership arrangement with TGP Europe.

Stake also invested in Brand partnerships and sponsorships, including agreements involving sports organisations and public figures. These activities formed part of the company’s broader Marketing Strategy as it expanded its international presence.

In September 2023, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation attributed the theft of cryptocurrency from Stake to North Korea-linked hacking group Lazarus Group. Stake was identified as the victim of the incident. In 2025, the company stated that a majority of its transactions were conducted in traditional currencies rather than cryptocurrency, reflecting a shift from its early operating model.

Kick and the live-streaming market

In June 2022, Craven and Tehrani launched Kick, a live-streaming platform aimed at competing in the creator economy and streaming market.

Kick promoted a creator revenue-sharing model, offering streamers a reported 95-5 subscription split in favour of creators. The platform has used partnerships and sponsorships to increase visibility and attract users and content creators.

The launch represented an expansion of the group’s activities beyond online gaming into digital media and live-streaming services.

The role of cryptocurrency in the early business model

Cryptocurrency played an important role in the early development of Stake. Building a platform around digital currencies allowed the company to serve users in markets where cryptocurrency payments were available.

Over time, the business expanded its payment methods and moved towards a broader operating model. The early focus on cryptocurrency provided experience in serving a global online user base and operating digital transactions at scale.

Financial performance and expansion into artificial intelligence

Financial statements from related companies have shown significant Revenue and profitability, alongside cryptocurrency-related assets. These figures relate to company operations and do not represent personal Wealth estimates for individual founders.

In August 2025, Craven became the majority investor in Maincode, an Australian company developing artificial intelligence technology. The Investment represented an expansion into another area of technology beyond the group’s existing gaming and streaming businesses.

The broader business journey

Craven’s career reflects the development of internet-based businesses built around digital products, online communities and emerging technologies. Alongside Tehrani, he developed multiple ventures by starting with cryptocurrency-focused products and later expanding into online gaming, streaming and artificial intelligence.

The businesses have also operated in sectors subject to regulatory discussions and different public perspectives. The documented business history shows the growth of an Australian-linked technology group, while issues surrounding online gambling remain separate and dependent on regulatory and social considerations in each market.