Jesse Pielke
Jesse is an energy economist with hands-on experience in power systems, having worked with a small off-grid utility company in Mali, West Africa. This role gave him practical insight into energy generation, infrastructure constraints, and the economic realities of remote power markets. He later transitioned into the Bitcoin mining industry, first as an independent consultant and, in August 2023, as the founder of HashrateUp.
Through HashrateUp, Jesse advises clients on energy procurement, hosting solutions, ASIC sourcing, and strategic partnerships. He works with both retail and institutional participants to help them navigate the technical and financial complexities of Bitcoin mining. Jesse also runs a growing YouTube channel focused on interviewing industry experts and creating short, practical content that explains the fundamentals of Bitcoin mining in a simple and accessible way.
A core focus of HashrateUp is helping everyday Bitcoin holders understand how small-scale mining can be practical and economically sensible when approached correctly. To make access to hardware easier, Jesse launched MinerExchange.co.za, an online platform that enables individuals and businesses to purchase ASIC miners at competitive prices.
Jesse is a strong advocate for the expansion of Bitcoin mining across Africa, both on-grid and off-grid, and believes mining can play a meaningful role in energy monetization, infrastructure development, and the global decentralization of the Bitcoin network.
x.com/hashrateup
x.com/jesse_hodl
www.hashrateup.com
www.minerexchange.co.zahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-pielke/
Session
Turning Stranded Power into Extra Revenue: Report of a Proof of Concept on a South African Farm