Brian Kelly: ICOs Here to Stay 4967

In a recent interview with Cointelegraph, Brian Kelly, the founder and CEO of digital currency investment firm BKCM LLC, said that Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) are around to stay, but with some changes. Kelly, who is also a crypto analyst and regular contributor to CNBC, sat down with Cointelegraph to discuss various aspects of the crypto industry. Kelly stated that he sees blockchain and cryptocurrencies as “early stage technology,” saying as example that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos probably could not imagine his online bookstore turning into a major video streaming platform. He added:

“We have a new technology that disintermediates a lot of industries. That’s important, and that’s going to be something that’s here for the rest of my career at least and likely a lot longer than that.”

Speaking on whether ICOs as a form of fundraising will end soon, Kelly suggested that “it will stay, but with a little change.” He said that ICOs proved to be an effective tool for funding projects using cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. However, he added that “the days of a whitepaper and a dream and $30 million are probably over.”

Kelly said that when choosing which digital currencies to invest in, there is a combination of positive indicators, such as activities that will increase the network, as well as catalysts like conferences or potential software updates.

Last month, Thomas Zeeb, CEO of securities services at Switzerland’s top stock exchange SIX, also said that ICOs are “here to stay.” Zeeb predicted that mass adoption would come in around five years.

The ICO market has seen positive growth this year, more than doubling since 2017, according to ICORating’s ICO market report for the the second quarter of 2018. Per the report, in Q2 2018, 827 projects raised over $8 billion in funding, compared to $3.3 billion in Q1 2018, representing a 151 percent increase. The report notes a “continued decline in the number of retail investors,” while institutional capital in ICO markets has increased.

Mr. Kelly will be speaking at the Crypto Finance Conference at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, CA, which runs from September 5-7.

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Hashflow Announces $3.2M Seed Round To Bring Professional Market Makers to DeFi, Backed By Dragonfly Capital and Electric Capital 17225

Hashflow, a decentralized exchange connecting DeFi traders with top crypto market makers, has closed a seed funding round of $3.2 million from leading venture capital firms and angel investors. The round was led by Dragonfly Capital and Electric Capital, and joined by IDEO Ventures, Alameda Research, Metastable, Galaxy Digital, Unanimous Capital, and angels including Balaji Srinivasan, Kain Warwick, & Ryan Sean Adams.

Decentralized exchanges on Ethereum have seen rapid growth over the past year with over $215 billion traded on DeFi alone in Q1 2021. This growth can be credited to the popularity of Automated Market Makers (AMMs) which catalyzed DeFi’s explosive growth by offering a simple and permissionless on-chain trading experience. Hashflow builds upon this foundation laid by AMMs, by connecting DeFi traders with top crypto market makers. Using Hashflow, traders can receive price quotes directly from market markers and broadcast trades on-chain using Web3 wallets in a fully trustless manner. By replacing AMM bonding curves with professional market makers, Hashflow offers traders better prices, zero slippage, & the lowest gas costs of any decentralized exchange on Ethereum.

For market makers, Hashflow provides access to the expanding DeFi market while allowing full control over their inventory and pricing strategies. Until now, market makers have had to deploy capital in public liquidity pools, use pre-defined pricing functions, and pay heavy gas fees to change strategies on-chain. With Hashflow, market makers can use bespoke pricing strategies and bridge them on-chain using digital signatures. This gives market makers full control over their capital, and flexibility to adapt to market conditions, using strategies informed by years of experience in centralized markets.

Jon Kol, Director at Galaxy Digital, a leading cryptocurrency investment firm and market maker, commented: “Hashflow is the first project we’ve backed that seamlessly allows market makers to quote prices effectively to DeFi traders.”

Hashflow launched its closed private alpha product this week, with market makers offering price quotes to traders on Ethereum mainnet. In the coming weeks, Hashflow plans to integrate more market makers, and add additional asset pairs that dominate on-chain trading volumes. General audiences will be able to access Hashflow and trade on-chain with market makers by the end of Q2.

Integrated Ventures Partners With Wattum To Purchase 4,800 Antminer S19JPro Miners From Bitmain Technologies Limited 18006

Integrated Ventures Inc, (OTCQB: INTV) (“Company”) is pleased to confirm that the Company has partnered with Wattum Management and entered into a 12 Month Sales and Purchase Agreement (“PO-1”) with Bitmain Technologies Limited (“Bitmain”) to acquire 4,800 Antminer model S19J (100 Th) digital currency miners. Bitmain is scheduled to manufacture and ship miners on monthly basis, in 12 equal batches of 400 units, starting on August 2021 and thru July 2022. Partners agreed to purchase 4,800 units, on 50/50 basis, and to pay Bitmain, approximately $34,047,600 (“Total Purchase Price” or “TPP”) (*).

As a part of signed agreement, Integrated Ventures has received: (1) downside price protection for 12 months and (2) right to replace S19JPro miners with new models, scheduled to be released in early 2022.

The TPP is payable as follows: (i) 25% of the TPP, upon the execution of the Sales Purchase Agreement or no later then April 19, 2021; (ii) 35% of the TPP, is due by May 30, 2021; and (iii) the remaining 40%, is due on monthly basis, starting on June 2021. In addition to Bitmain order, the Company has purchased 150 WhatMiners, (“PO-2”), valued at $1,078,000. These miners will be installed in container facility, connected to a major power plant, located in Kennerdell, PA and managed by Wattum.

Details on both purchase orders are below:

PO-1/Bitmain Order:

  • Antminer S19JPro – 100TH
  • Shipping Schedule: August, 2021 – June, 2022
  • Total Qty: 4,800
  • Total Purchase Price: $34,047,600

PO-2/WhatsMiner Order:

  • WhatsMiner M31S – 82TH
  • Shipping Schedule: May 15, 2021
  • Total Qty: 150 units
  • Total Purchase Price: $1,078,000

Steve Rubakh, CEO of Integrated Ventures, Inc., provides the following commentary: “The Company is very pleased to secure this large scale purchase agreement, especially during a period of scarce supply of mining hardware. Going forward, INTV is committed to deploy any raised capital for purchases of the mining equipment. This purchase effectively doubles INTV’s hash rate and represents a major step in INTV’s strategic growth plan, resulting in significant increase of the Company’s projected revenue growth rate.

Below is detailed shipping schedule for all in-coming mining equipment for the rest of 2021:

  • 300 Avalons/model 1166Pro/assorted 75TH-82TH – April delivery
  • 150 WhatsMiners/model M31S/82TH – May delivery
  • 200 Antminers/model S19JPro/100TH – August delivery
  • 250 Avalons/model 1166Pro/75TH-82TH – August delivery
  • 200 Antminers/model S19JPro/100TH – September delivery
  • 200 Antminers/model S19JPro/100TH – October delivery
  • 200 Antminers/model S19JPro/100TH – November delivery
  • 200 Antminers/model S19JPro/100TH – December delivery.

By the end of December 2021, at minimum, the Company will own and operate over 2,000 miners. Based on BTC pricing of $60,000, the projected and unaudited mining revenues for next 12 months, once all units are connected are expected to be in range of $19,000,000 and $21,000,000 million dollars.”

Arseniy Grusha, CEO of Wattum Management, Inc., adds the following: “We are pleased to partner with INTV and to be an integral part of 12 month Sales & Purchase Agreement with Bitmain Technologies Limited, to jointly acquire 4,800 units of S19JPro – one of the most efficient miners available on the market. Both companies are focused on expanding their mining and hosting operations, by launching multiple data centers and mobile mining farms. We are looking forward to a mutually beneficial and long term cooperation with goal of establishing Integrated Ventures and Wattum as leaders in rapidly growing North American cryptocurrency market.”

About Integrated Ventures Inc: The Company operates as Technology Holdings Company with focus on cryptocurrency sector. For more information, please visit company’s website at www.integratedventuresinc.com.

About Wattum Management, Inc: NY based and privately owned, leading technology corporation, focused on providing cost efficient and reliable hosting services, firmware design, distribution of mining equipment, complete facility management and mining pool operations.

About Bitman Technologies Limited: Founded in 2013, Bitmain transforms computing by building industry-defining technology in cryptocurrency, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI). Bitmain leads the industry in the production of integrated circuits for cryptocurrency mining, as well as mining hardware under the Antminer brand. The company also operates the largest cryptocurrency mining pools worldwide- Antpool.com and BTC.com. Bitmain technology supports a wide range of blockchain platforms and startups.

Aves Lair presents Demo Day, showcasing winter 2020 accelerator cohort 18136

Aves Lair, a New York-based startup accelerator and VC with a focus on deep tech, including AI, blockchain, cloud and data, will host a Demo Day event on April 9, 2021 at 11:00 AM ET. The event will highlight the innovative solutions developed by the members of Aves Lair’s Winter 2020 cohort, and will feature the following startups:

Blocksport is a Switzerland-based sports technology company whose white-label digital solutions provide traditional sports and esports teams with new, durable revenue streams and fan engagement channels.

DLCC is a fintech company that offers institutional-grade prime brokerage tools and services for digital assets. The company built a solution that enables traditional asset managers and allocators, like family offices, global macro hedge funds and endowments, to participate in the digital asset space.

SubStrata is an Israel-based B2B sales technology company whose AI-powered social signal processing platform helps professional dealmakers attain better outcomes. SubStrata’s technology analyzes the subtextual information contained in communications to provide dealmakers with a rich array of insight.

iLoto – is a Singapore-based Edtech solution powered by AI that generates automated video transcription and translation in 30+ languages.

Storkcard is a London-based budgeting tool that takes the guesswork out of financial planning for new parents by allowing users to keep track of their spending and budget for the future.

Kotani Pay is a payment solution enabling blockchain protocols, dapps and blockchain fintech companies to reach a wider audience.

OmniEyes is a Taiwan-based computer vision company whose AI-based solution enables effective fleet management, driver safety and smart city management features.

As Digital Currencies Gain Popularity, FPA and RIA Digital Assets Council Announce Education-Focused Partnership 18744

According to the RIA Digital Assets Council, 80% of financial advisers receive questions from clients about bitcoin, but only 8% can adequately explain digital assets. As cryptocurrency becomes more mainstream, now is the time for financial planners to build competency in this asset class. To support financial planners, the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) and RIA Digital Assets Council (RIADAC), a digital assets educational source for financial planners, announced a strategic partnership to provide education on the application of blockchain and digital assets.

“I’m pleased FPA has this opportunity to work with RIADAC to build our members’ competency in digital assets, which will allow them to augment their knowledge and better serve clients,” says Patrick D. Mahoney, FPA chief executive officer. “As the leading membership association for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals, we need to be on the cutting edge of supporting our members as they look to sharpen their knowledge and build their competencies. This partnership with RIADAC is consistent with that objective.”

FPA and RIADAC will provide educational programming and a wide range of content to help FPA members understand the complexities of cryptocurriencies and provide expert advice on how this transformational asset class can impact their clients’ financial plans. As an FPA partner, RIADAC’s educational content and thought leadership will be available to FPA members through a variety of channels:

  • RIA Digital Assets Council Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets: FPA members will receive a 50% discount when enrolling in RIADAC’s certificate program that provides financial planners practical literacy on blockchain and digital assets and introduces available options for a firm’s investment management strategy. The inaugural class debuts on Apr. 30, 2021.
  • FPA Blockchain & Digital Assets Community: FPA members will engage with dynamic guests and thought leaders from RIADAC in virtual, interactive discussions and exchange ideas with peers in the FPA Connect Blockchain & Digital Assets community.
  • Journal of Financial Planning: RIADAC will regularly contribute thought leadership content to help financial planners understand blockchain and digital assets in FPA’s flagship publication, the Journal of Financial Planning.
  • FPA Annual Conference: Ric Edelman, founder of RIADAC, will present an informative session on blockchain and digital assets at the FPA Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 22-24, 2021.

“Gaining vital knowledge about this new asset class will help financial planners attract more clients and serve them better,” said RIADAC Founder Ric Edelman. “We’re honored to be partnering with FPA to help financial planners who are committed to serving their clients’ best interests.”

“Ric Edelman is known and recognized throughout financial services and his work to bring blockchain and digital assets education and awareness to the financial advisory community is commendable. I am pleased FPA members will have this opportunity to learn from Ric and his team at RIADAC,” says 2021 FPA President Skip Schweiss, CFP®, AIF®.

Over the coming months, FPA and RIADAC will explore additional educational initiatives and thought leadership programs that can benefit FPA members, their clients and the broader financial planning community.

Bitcoin Association launches Introduction to Bitcoin Development online course at Bitcoin SV Academy 17501

Bitcoin Association, the Switzerland-based global industry organisation that works to advance business with the Bitcoin SV blockchain, today announces the official launch of the Introduction to Bitcoin Development course at Bitcoin SV Academy. The course is available free of charge and can be accessed from today at http://bitcoinsv.academy.

Introduction to Bitcoin Development is part of the Bitcoin Development stream of Bitcoin SV Academy and has been designed to equip application developers with the skills, tools and techniques required to build applications on the Bitcoin SV network. The course covers Bitcoin as a data protocol – including reading, writing and advanced functionalities with the Bitcoin ledger, payment protocols, token protocols and smart contracts. At the conclusion of the course, participants will be tested on their knowledge through an online examination, with a course certificate available upon successful completion for those who have demonstrated proficiency and understanding of the subject matter.

Bitcoin SV Academy is an online education platform for Bitcoin which offers academia-quality, university-style courses and learning materials in three distinct streams, Bitcoin Theory, Bitcoin Development and Bitcoin Infrastructure. Developed and run by Bitcoin Association, Bitcoin SV Academy has been created to make learning about Bitcoin – the way creator Satoshi Nakamoto designed it – accessible, accurate and understandable.

The launch of Introduction to Bitcoin Development today follows the successful rollout of Introduction to Bitcoin Theory – the first course to be launched on Bitcoin SV Academy – in December 2020. Later this year, the first module in the Bitcoin Infrastructure stream Introduction to Bitcoin Infrastructure is due to launch, followed by intermediate and advanced level courses across the three streams.

NexChange Group and Marita Group Co-Host Africa Blockchain Week Virtual Summit to Showcase Continent’s Technological Leapfrog 18271

NexChange Group, a blockchain ecosystem and venture builder and MARITA Group, an African conglomerate will combine forces to co-host this Virtual Summit. The event will feature key industry players and decision-makers contributing to regulation, application, investment and education across many African countries.

Juwan Lee, Chairman of NexChange Group: “Africa is the next big move for blockchain. We see not just opportunities in the payment space and financial inclusion, but we see significant institutional involvement.”

The new reality has proven technology to be a bridge to a better future. Strong ties between African countries, like the cooperation South-South, encouraged by HRH Mohammed VI go beyond just politics. New economic bridges ensure that Africa is able to bypass certain steps on a technological stair, positioning itself ahead of the global curve. Described by the World Bank and called leapfrogging, it relies strongly on enhanced technologies including blockchain.

Rahhal Boulgoute, Chairman of Marita Group: “Blockchain will revolutionize Africa and provide opportunities for financial inclusion. It is important that we expose blockchain technology in Africa.”

The impact is seen on Africa’s financial map. Over the last years, digital banking and mobile payments have proven to be a real-life case study for millions of users, making people’s financial lives better, ensuring inclusion, and changing the game for the unbanked. Banks, enterprises, and entrepreneurs are changing the continent’s destiny, shaping the investment landscape.

This event backs the efforts of the African regulators to adopt the required regulations to embrace blockchain and become a main global player in the technologies shaping the future. The ambition of the Co-hosts is to make Africa Blockchain Week the key platform for dialogue and networking between all stakeholders in blockchain to transform it into a reality in Africa.

NexChange Group is a venture builder and media platform specializing in Blockchain, FinTech, HealthTech, AI, and Smart Cities.

Marita Group Holding is a global company focused on:

  • turnkey solutions in real estate development, theme parks, smart cities
  • Renewable energy and waste recovery, hydrogen production, electric mobility
  • sustainable agriculture and sustainable development
  • local mining development of natural resources
  • health, medical products, equipment and supplies