News
How cryptocurrency is transforming venture capital funding
When the world of traditional finance began to embrace cryptocurrency, it created a digital disruptive force that has dominated the last decade and continues to do so.
Since 2009, digital currencies have grown exponentially in both adoption and market value. Powered by blockchain, these decentralized assets promise transparency, security, and the potential for financial inclusion on a global scale.
Traditionally, venture capital (VC) funding has been the lifeblood of startups, providing the necessary financial support and strategic guidance to help fledgling companies grow. Venture capitalists typically invest in early-stage companies in exchange for capital, aiming for significant returns as these companies become successful. However, this process is often lengthy, complex, and mostly accessible to those within established financial networks.
Cryptocurrency is transforming this landscape, offering innovative new ways for startups to raise capital. We’ll explore how cryptocurrency is reshaping venture capital financing, the benefits and challenges it brings, and what the future holds for this dynamic intersection of finance and technology.
The rise of crypto capital
Initial Coin Offerings (ICO)
One of the most significant developments in crypto capital has been the advent of initial coin offerings (ICOs). A ICO is a fundraising method where startups issue their own cryptocurrency tokens in exchange for established cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. This approach allows companies to bypass traditional financial intermediaries, accessing capital directly from a global pool of investors.
The popularity of ICOs peaked around 2017 and 2018, with numerous startups quickly raising substantial funding. This method has democratized access to investment opportunities, allowing a wider range of participants to support innovative projects. An example is Tim Draper, a rich and well-known cryptocurrency enthusiast who has supported several ICOs (Tezos and Bancor). However, it is not a fairytale world and the lack of regulation and oversight has led to several high-profile scams and failures, highlighting the need for stronger regulatory frameworks and some regulation.
Security Token Offerings (STO) and Initial Exchange Offerings (IEO)
In response to the challenges faced by ICOs, newer methods such as security token offerings (STOs) and initial exchange offerings (IEOs) have emerged. STOs involve the issuance of tokens that are backed by real-world assets and comply with existing securities regulations, providing greater security and legitimacy to investors. IEOs, on the other hand, are conducted through the most trusted central exchanges for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, offering a more controlled and secure fundraising environment. These exchanges vet projects before listing their tokens, adding an extra layer of credibility and protection for investors.
These developments in crypto capital illustrate a shift toward more regulated and secure methods of fundraising, balancing innovation with investor protection.
Benefits of Cryptocurrency Funding for Startups
Accessibility and inclusiveness
Cryptocurrency financing democratizes investment, enabling global participation beyond traditional venture capital constraints. Startups can attract a wide range of investors, including those typically excluded from financial markets.
Speed and efficiency
Cryptocurrency funding processes, such as ICOs, STOs, and IEOs, are much faster than traditional VC rounds, allowing startups to quickly secure capital and accelerate their growth without long delays.
Liquidity and tokenization
Blockchain asset tokenization offers instant liquidity and fractional ownership. This allows investors to trade tokens on exchanges and access high-value projects, offering flexibility and early exit opportunities.
Challenges and risks
Regulatory uncertainty
The regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies is inconsistent, with some regions embracing them and others imposing strict regulations. Startups must carefully navigate these complexities to ensure compliance.
Security and Fraud
The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies can lead to security vulnerabilities and fraud. Startups need robust security measures and transparent practices to protect investors and build trust.
Market volatility
Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, which poses risks for startups that rely on crypto capital. Effective financial planning and conversion to stable assets can help manage this volatility.
Case studies
Successful startups funded by cryptocurrencies
Several startups have successfully leveraged crypto capital to fuel their growth and innovation. A notable example is Filecoin, a decentralized storage network raised over $250 million through an ICO in 2017Filecoin’s innovative approach to data storage and its use of blockchain technology have attracted significant interest from the cryptocurrency community, allowing it to quickly secure substantial funding.
Another success story is EOS, a blockchain platform for decentralized applications (dApps). EOS has raised an incredible $4 billion through a year-long ICO, making it one of the most successful crypto fundraising campaigns to date. The funds have been instrumental in developing and scaling the EOS platform, which aims to provide scalable, high-performance solutions for dApp developers.
Lessons learned
These case studies offer valuable lessons for other startups considering cryptocurrency funding. First, having a clear and compelling vision and a well-defined use case for blockchain technology can attract significant interest and investment. Transparency and strong communication with potential investors are also crucial to building trust and credibility. Additionally, effectively navigating the regulatory landscape and ensuring compliance can help mitigate legal risks and improve the legitimacy of fundraising efforts.
By examining these success stories, other startups can gain insights into best practices and strategies for leveraging crypto capital to achieve their business goals.
The Future of Venture Capital and Cryptocurrencies
Integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional VC
Traditional venture capital firms are increasingly recognizing the potential of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Some are integrating these technologies into their investment strategies and portfolios. By participating in ICOs, STOs, and IEOs, traditional VCs can diversify their investments and gain exposure to innovative blockchain projects. Additionally, many VCs are exploring hybrid models that combine traditional equity investments with token-based fundraising, offering a new mix of funding options for startups.
Forecasts and trends
The intersection of venture capital and cryptocurrency is set to evolve further, driven by technological advances and regulatory developments. One of the major trends is the growing adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi), which use blockchain technology to offer financial services without intermediaries. These platforms are creating new opportunities for startups to raise capital and for investors to access a wider range of investment options.
Another significant trend is the increasing tokenization of real-world assets, such as real estate, art, and commodities. This trend is expanding the reach of crypto capital beyond purely digital assets, allowing startups to attract investments from a broader audience. Furthermore, as regulatory frameworks mature, we can expect greater clarity and security for both startups and investors, fostering a more stable and reliable environment for cryptocurrency fundraising.
The integration of blockchain technology across industries will likely drive further innovation and investment, reshaping the venture capital landscape. As more traditional financial institutions embrace cryptocurrency, the lines between traditional and crypto financing will continue to blur, creating a more dynamic and inclusive ecosystem for startups.
Conclusion
Cryptocurrency is undeniably transforming the venture capital funding landscape. From ICOs to regulated methods like STOs and IEOs, crypto capital offers startups innovative ways to raise funds with greater accessibility, speed and liquidity.
However, this frontier brings with it challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, security concerns and market volatility. Learning from successful cryptocurrency-funded startups can provide valuable insights for others.
As traditional venture capital firms increasingly embrace cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, and as regulatory frameworks evolve, the future of venture capital will become more dynamic and inclusive. The convergence of traditional and crypto funding models will open up new opportunities and reshape the financial landscape.
Ultimately, while the path of crypto capital is still developing, its potential to revolutionize venture capital financing is clear. Startups and investors must remain informed, adaptable and vigilant in navigating this complex terrain.
News
Block Investors Need More to Assess Crypto Unit’s Earnings Potential, Analysts Say — TradingView News
Block, a payments technology company led by Jack Dorsey square could become a formidable player in the cryptocurrency mining industry, but Wall Street will need details on profit margins to gauge the positive impact of the business on earnings, analysts said.
Block signed its first large-scale cryptocurrency mining hardware pact on Wednesday, agreeing to supply its chips to bitcoin miner Core Scientific CORZbut no financial details were disclosed.
JP Morgan estimates the deal could net Block between $225 million and $300 million, but said more information will be needed to assess the hardware business’s long-term earnings potential.
“We still have a lot to learn in terms of the margins of this business, so we are hesitant to underwrite this transaction until we know more about the cadence and economics,” J.P. Morgan said.
The deal marks a major step for the payments company, which started out as “Square” in 2009 before rebranding in 2021 in a nod to its focus on crypto and blockchain technologies.
Dorsey, who co-founded and ran Twitter (now known as “X”), has long been bullish on Bitcoin. Block began investing 10% of its monthly gross profit from Bitcoin products into Bitcoin in April.
In the first quarter, nearly 9% of the company’s cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities consisted of bitcoin.
“This development (the deal with Core Scientific) is further evidence of Block’s role as an emerging leader in the crypto hardware ecosystem,” Macquarie analysts Paul Golding and Emma Liang wrote in a note.
Analysts say similar deals to follow could further validate Block’s reputation in the industry.
But J.P. Morgan said the stock’s performance will be determined by Block’s other segments, such as Square and Cash App.
Block shares have lost nearly 17% this year.
News
This Thursday’s US Consumer Price Index could be a game-changer for cryptocurrencies!
3:30 PM ▪ 4 minute read ▪ by Luc Jose A.
This Thursday, attention will be focused on the United States with the anticipated release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This economic indicator could trigger significant movements in the markets, especially for the U.S. dollar and cryptocurrencies. While investors remain vigilant, speculation is rife about the potential impact of these key figures.
The Consumer Price Index: The Cornerstone of the American Economy
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a key measure of inflation which reflects changes in the price of goods and services purchased by American households. This index is calculated monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and serves as a barometer for the cost of living. The consumer price index covers a wide range of products, including food, clothing, housing, health care, and entertainment. Economists and policy makers closely monitor this data to anticipate economic trends and adjust monetary policies accordingly.
The June CPI data is due to be released this Thursday at 2:30 p.m., and is highly anticipated by investors. The current consensus is for headline annual inflation to decline to 3.1%, from 3.3% the previous month, while core inflation is expected to remain stable at 3.4%.
THE BIGGEST EVENT THIS WEEK 🚨
The U.S. Consumer Price Index is expected to
PUBLICATION TODAY AT 8:30 AM ET.EXPECTATIONS ARE 3.1% WHILE
LAST MONTH THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) WAS 3.3%HERE ARE SOME SCENARIOS 👇
1) CPI above 3.1%
THIS WILL BE A DAMAGE TO THE MARKET
GIVEN THAT THE LAST TIME THE CPI DATA… photo.twitter.com/yudjPLPl8g— Ash Crypto (@Ashcryptoreal) July 11, 2024
Consumer Price Index Release: What Does It Mean for the Dollar and Bitcoin?
Inflation as measured by the consumer price index is a key determinant of the value of the US dollar. If the consumer price index declines more than expected, it could reinforce expectations of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve in September, thus weakening the dollar. A weaker dollar could benefit GBP/USD, which recently broke a major resistance level, and Bitcoin, which could see its price rise due to increased demand from institutional investors.
Current forecasts suggest that headline inflation will decline to 3.1%, with core inflation holding steady at 3.4%. However, a surprise increase in the consumer price index could upset these expectations. Fed Governor Lisa Cook has mentioned the possibility of a soft landing for the economy, with inflation falling without a significant increase in unemployment, which could lead the Fed to consider rate cuts. This outlook is particularly favorable for stock markets and cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, which could benefit from a more accommodative monetary policy.
According to experts at 10x Research, especially their CEO Markus Thielen, Bitcoin could see a significant increase if the CPI data confirms a decline in inflation. Thielen indicated that Bitcoin could reach almost $60,000, a prediction that has already been reflected with a rise to $59,350 before the data was released.
Therefore, Thursday’s CPI data could determine the future direction of financial and cryptocurrency markets. High inflation could strengthen the US Dollarwhile a drop in inflation could pave the way for rate cuts by the Fed, thus giving a boost to Bitcoin and other digital assets.
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Luke Jose A.
A graduate of Sciences Po Toulouse and holder of a blockchain consultant certification issued by Alyra, I joined the Cointribune adventure in 2019. Convinced of the potential of blockchain to transform many sectors of the economy, I am committed to raising awareness and informing the general public about this ever-evolving ecosystem. My goal is to enable everyone to better understand blockchain and seize the opportunities it offers. Every day, I strive to provide an objective analysis of the news, decipher market trends, convey the latest technological innovations and put into perspective the economic and social issues of this ongoing revolution.
DISCLAIMER
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and should not be construed as investment advice. Do your own research before making any investment decisions.
News
Crowd Expects Bitcoin Bounce Suggests Further Losses, As RCO Finance Resists Crash
Bitcoin is seeing a rebound after its recent price crash to $53,000. Other altcoins are subsequently recovering, with many cryptocurrency investors increasingly making new entries. However, Santiment warned against this hopium, suggesting that Bitcoin could extend its price losses.
As the broader market anticipates Bitcoin’s next price action, RCO Finance (RCOF) demonstrates resilience, attracting thousands of people in influxes. Read on for more details!
RCO Finance challenges the market crisis
RCO Finance (RCOF) is approaching $1 million in funding raised, amid growing interest from institutional traders seeking stability from Bitcoin’s wild price swings. While much of the broader market has seen significant price losses, RCO Finance has remained resilient, experiencing a surge in its pre-sale orders.
As a result, the project seems oblivious to the current market conditions, leading top market experts to take a deep dive into its ecosystem. They identified why RCO Finance was able to withstand the bearish pressure and its potential to hold up even stronger during the impending broader market crash.
The main reason was related to the innovative use of RCO Finance AI Trading Tools as a Robo Advisor. This tool has been integrated into RCO Finance’s cryptocurrency trading platform, offering full automation and highly accurate market forecasts to help investors make informed decisions.
Read on to learn more about this tool and other exciting features of RCO Finance!
Bitcoin Bounces Amid Impending Crash
Bitcoin is bouncing back, rallying 8% after plunging to its lowest point since February on July 5. While this rebound has triggered a bullish wave in the broader market, many cryptocurrency analysts predict it could be short-lived as Bitcoin is poised for an imminent crash toward the $50,000 zone.
On a Post X (formerly Twitter)Santiment revealed that while the crowd is anticipating a Bitcoin rally, this potential crash could trigger FUD and panic, causing average traders to wither and give up on Bitcoin. The platform noted that Bitcoin rally has historically occurred after these weak hands sold their holdings.
In particular, these cryptocurrency analysts speculate that the previous and upcoming Bitcoin crash is largely the result of bearish market psychology, as opposed to large BTC sell-offs by the German government and Mt. Gox. In particular, Ki Young Ju, founder and CEO of CryptoQuant, noticed that “the sales were rather negligible, given the overall liquidity of Bitcoin.”
Enjoy seamless investing on RCO Finance
RCO Finance is making investing easier and easier, democratizing access to high-level tools and cryptocurrency earnings that were once reserved for professional and institutional investors. It has also prioritized accessibility, allowing investors of all levels to easily navigate its features through its intuitive interface.
Additionally, they can also maintain anonymity and privacy as the platform has no KYC requirements. To build trust, the platform has instead emphasized regular smart contract audits by respected security firm SolidProof.
Performance data shows massive adoption, indicating that it is doing its job effectively. Investors can also capitalize on RCO Finance’s fast transaction speeds and incredibly low transaction fees, with leverage options up to 1000x to further optimize their portfolios and maximize returns.
Leverage RCO Finance’s pre-sale earnings
An in-depth analysis of the RCO Finance ecosystem revealed that it has strong potential to rival and surpass major cryptocurrencies in the cryptocurrency industry. With a very limited total token supply and excellent tokenomics, RCO Finance is poised to reach its target of $1 billion in market cap upon its official launch.
RCO Finance has adopted a deflationary model, strategic burn mechanisms, and a vesting schedule. However, the project encourages long-term holding by focusing on sustained growth through incredibly high staking rewards.
RCOF tokens are currently available at an altcoin price of $0.01275 in progress Pre-sale Phase 1. This is likely the lowest price these coins will ever trade at, as they are expected to increase exponentially with each new presale phase.
With RCOF expected to be $0.4 at launch, investors jumping in now can expect a Return 30x on their investment!
For more information on RCO Finance (RCOF) presale:
Join the RCO Financial Community
Disclaimer: The statements, views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily represent those of Crypto Reporter. Crypto Reporter is not responsible for the reliability, quality and accuracy of any material in this article. This article is provided for educational purposes only. Crypto Reporter is not responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Do your own research and invest at your own risk.
News
Bitget Ranks Third Among Cryptocurrency Exchanges by Capital Inflows in Q2
Although Bitget is not the largest cryptocurrency exchange in terms of total volumes, it closed a favorable quarter. From April to June, the platform ranked third in net capital inflows and showed the strongest growth in market share compared to its competitors.
In the second quarter, investors moved $700 million into Bitget, and activity on the platform increased by nearly 50%.
The exchange has seen a surge in user funds, with Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), and Ethereum (ETH) rising 73%, 80%, and 153%, respectively, in the first six months of the year. This growth coincided with adding 2.9 million new users to the platform.
This has positioned Bitget among the top exchanges with the highest positive net inflows in the last quarter. Only Binance, which remains the market leader, and Bitfinex have performed better in this category.
According to CCData’s latest H2 Outlook Report, the exchange also recorded the highest market share growth among centralized exchanges, increasing 38.4% from H2 2023 to H1 2024.
Bitget’s spot trading volume has also seen a visible increase, going from $28 billion in Q1 to $32 billion in Q2, marking an increase of over 10%. The platform’s monthly visitors have reached 10 million. Although its volumes are increasing, Bitget still does not rank among the top 10 cryptocurrency exchanges in terms of spot trading.
The changes taking place in the centralized cryptocurrency exchange market show that competition is becoming more and more intenseAn example of this is the recent surge in popularity of Bybit, which has become the second largest exchange in terms of spot trading volumes.
Sports Sponsorships and New Products
Gracy Chen, Source: LinkedIn
Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, commented on the quarterly performance, saying, “Q2 2024 was a pivotal period for Bitget. Our collaboration with Turkish athletes, along with significant growth in users and website traffic, is part of our global expansion.”
In an effort to expand its global presence, Bitget has partnered with three Turkish national athletes as part of its #MakeItCount campaign, starring Lionel Messi. The deal with the famous footballer It was signed in Februaryto build brand presence in Latin America.
The exchange also launched a $20 million TON Ecosystem Fund in partnership with Foresight Ventures to support early-stage projects on The Open Network.
The exchange introduced two new initial token listing products, PoolX and Pre-market, which collectively launched over 100 projects. Additionally, Bitget’s native token, BGB, was recognized as the best-performing centralized exchange token in June and was ranked among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by Forbes.
In its latest move, the cryptocurrency exchange aimed to become a regulated player in IndiaThe announcement comes as the world’s most populous democracy grapples with the complexities of integrating cryptocurrencies into its financial ecosystem.
Even recently,
Bitget Wallet Announced a joint investment with cryptocurrency investment firm Foresight X in Tomarket, a decentralized trading platform. This initiative targets emerging asset classes and aims to expand the portfolio’s services beyond traditional decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
Although Bitget is not the largest cryptocurrency exchange in terms of total volumes, it closed a favorable quarter. From April to June, the platform ranked third in net capital inflows and showed the strongest growth in market share compared to its competitors.
In the second quarter, investors moved $700 million into Bitget, and activity on the platform increased by nearly 50%.
The exchange has seen a surge in user funds, with Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), and Ethereum (ETH) rising 73%, 80%, and 153%, respectively, in the first six months of the year. This growth coincided with adding 2.9 million new users to the platform.
This has positioned Bitget among the top exchanges with the highest positive net inflows in the last quarter. Only Binance, which remains the market leader, and Bitfinex have performed better in this category.
According to CCData’s latest H2 Outlook Report, the exchange also recorded the highest market share growth among centralized exchanges, increasing 38.4% from H2 2023 to H1 2024.
Bitget’s spot trading volume has also seen a visible increase, going from $28 billion in Q1 to $32 billion in Q2, marking an increase of over 10%. The platform’s monthly visitors have reached 10 million. Although its volumes are increasing, Bitget still does not rank among the top 10 cryptocurrency exchanges in terms of spot trading.
The changes taking place in the centralized cryptocurrency exchange market show that competition is becoming increasingly intenseAn example of this is the recent surge in popularity of Bybit, which has become the second largest exchange in terms of spot trading volumes.
Sports Sponsorships and New Products
Gracy Chen, Source: LinkedIn
Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, commented on the quarterly performance, saying, “Q2 2024 was a pivotal period for Bitget. Our collaboration with Turkish athletes, along with significant growth in users and website traffic, is part of our global expansion.”
In an effort to expand its global presence, Bitget has partnered with three Turkish national athletes as part of its #MakeItCount campaign, starring Lionel Messi. The deal with the famous footballer It was signed in Februaryto build brand presence in Latin America.
The exchange also launched a $20 million TON Ecosystem Fund in partnership with Foresight Ventures to support early-stage projects on The Open Network.
The exchange introduced two new initial token listing products, PoolX and Pre-market, which collectively launched over 100 projects. Additionally, Bitget’s native token, BGB, was recognized as the best-performing centralized exchange token in June and was ranked among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by Forbes.
In its latest move, the cryptocurrency exchange aimed to become a regulated player in IndiaThe announcement comes as the world’s most populous democracy grapples with the complexities of integrating cryptocurrencies into its financial ecosystem.
Even recently,
Bitget Wallet Announced a joint investment with cryptocurrency investment firm Foresight X in Tomarket, a decentralized trading platform. This initiative targets emerging asset classes and aims to expand the portfolio’s services beyond traditional decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
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