Robinhood CEO Believes Cryptocurrencies Are Here To Stay 1317

Robinhood is by no means an ‘elder’ in the cryptocurrency industry, only opening up its cryptocurrency division in early January. Despite this, Robinhood’s co-CEO, Baiju Bhatt, believes that the cryptocurrency market has a strong future ahead of itself.

“Bitcoin Just Keeps on Coming Back”

During an interview with Yahoo Finance, Bhatt expressed his positive sentiments regarding the cryptocurrency market as a whole.

Bhatt pointed out that he believes that sovereign nations will adopt cryptocurrencies as a currency of choice. This statement is in line with what CFTC commissioner said earlier this week, also stating that he believes small nations ‘may become dependent on virtual assets for survival.’

With events like the recent Venezuelan hyperinflation becoming prevalent, smaller nations may begin to turn to cryptocurrencies as a decentralized and secure way to transfer value between individuals and entities.

When asked about his recent involvement in crypto, Bhatt stated:

“We have been thinking about it for a couple of years… We had been watching it (Bitcoin) over the years and we noticed one thing which we really looked at when considering when to offer it to our consumers, which is its resiliency. It has this tenacity to it where it just keeps on coming back.”

In January, Robinhood announced the creation of a cryptocurrency service which was well received by the public, with hundreds of thousands of consumers getting their names down on the early access mailing list.

However, once the official release of Robinhood Crypto occurred, it was met with mixed reviews. At the time, Robinhood Crypto was only open to a few U.S. states with support for only a few cryptocurrencies.

In fact, Robinhood only allows for users to trade cryptocurrencies and does allow for the deposit or withdrawal of cryptocurrencies, essentially making it just a price speculation platform.

However, the co-CEO also noted that he believes Bitcoin ‘is going to be something that is going to stick around for a while’ and has not given any regard to daily volatility in the market. 

It has also become apparent that Robinhood is working to expand their cryptocurrency service, successfully raising $363 million in May to help expand their product line.

Coinbase vs. RobinHood

If Robinhood, along with this capital influx, can offer cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals in more countries, its crypto service may begin to encroach on current market leaders. Drawing parallels between the Robinhood and Coinbase services, you can see that they are both aimed at retail consumers for mass adoption. Additionally, they are both fintech startups based in the heart of Silicon Valley, with similar goals and aspirations. 

Taking this into mind, Coinbase is evidently one of Robinhood’s largest competitors. Robinhood obviously has a step up against Coinbase’s fee structure, with the growing cryptocurrency service offering commission-free cryptocurrency trading, a welcome feature in a world of 3% fees.

Bhatt did acknowledge Coinbase’s fee structure during the aforementioned interview, despite commending Coinbase as a ‘great company.’

Bhatt said:

“We (Robinhood) think that we are good at building the best consumer products and making sure that we can offer them at the best prices. And while you may end up paying a fee of 4% perhaps more on Coinbase, on Robinhood it is free and we think our interface is easy to use as well.”

But, as of one week ago, Coinbase reached its six-year anniversary, becoming one of the most aged institutions in the cryptocurrency industry.

The team at this growing financial service may have a tough time taking the proper routes to ensure a successful transition to support high volume cryptocurrency trading, especially in such a volatile and unforgiving market. 

If Robinhood wants to take over Coinbase, its team will need to learn a lot and may need to offer a variety of other cryptocurrency related services to ensure that its foray into the cryptocurrency market is a resounding success. But many are rooting for Robinhood’s success because if this service succeeds, it will surely increase retail adoption through an easy to use fiat onramp.

Featured image from Shutterstock.

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Boba Network and Brinc launch Boba Liftoff Accelerator to boost web3 startups with over $1 million in grants 1254

Boba Network, an optimistic-based multichain layer-2 scaling solution, today announced the launch of the Boba Liftoff Accelerator. Global Web3 startups can apply for participation and benefit from over US$1 million in funding from Boba Network through the virtual accelerator.

Launched in partnership with Brinc, a global leader in venture acceleration and corporate innovation, the Boba Liftoff Accelerator supports founders in migrating their projects to the Boba Network, an efficient layer-2 solution that offers affordable building costs, lower transaction fees, and enhanced computational power through hybrid computing.

Establishing partnerships with industry heavyweights, including Animoca Brands, Bixin Ventures, Ceras, Cointelegraph, DMCC, Enjinstarter, Enya Labs, Gate.io, Genesis Capital, Ghaf Capital Partners, Gotbit, Mulana Capital and The Crypto Times, the Boba Liftoff Accelerator boasts a strong network of 100 Web3 mentors and includes top investors from MENA, North America, and Southeast Asia.

The Boba Liftoff Accelerator aims to identify and mentor leading Web3 startups focused on scaling real-world assets (RWA), AI, DeFi and gaming projects. All successful applicants receive milestone-based grants, comprehensive technical support and strategic business development resources. Participants will also gain lifetime access to the network, ongoing support, and extensive promotion across Boba and Brinc’s global communities and social media platforms.

The Boba Liftoff Accelerator program lasts 10 weeks and is designed to support projects in expanding onto the Boba Network and scaling rapidly. The program leverages Brinc’s and Boba’s robust networks, mentors, and social platforms to promote projects. It is entirely remote, featuring two workshops per week, engineering support from Boba Network, weekly mentorship sessions, investor and partnership connections as needed, and weekly office hours.

“We envision a world where blockchain developers can build applications that use the power of decentralization to solve real-world problems. The Boba Liftoff Accelerator enables developers to do just that, with support from industry experts, to accelerate their progress. We can’t wait to see what they build and support them on their journeys.” Alan Chiu, CEO, Enya Labs, a core contributor to Boba Network.

“This program represents a major investment in the future of Web3,” said Yasin Aboudaoud, Managing Partner – MENA and Chief Development Officer, Brinc. “With Boba Network allocating over US$1 million to support startups in DeFi, RWAs, Gaming, and AI, we are not only advancing these key sectors but also reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for technological innovation. At Brinc, we provide a comprehensive ecosystem that includes world-class mentorship, access to a vast network of industry experts, and tailored support to help startups navigate their growth journeys. Our commitment to fostering innovation ensures that these startups receive the guidance and resources necessary to scale effectively and make a significant impact in their respective fields.”

For more information on the application process and eligibility criteria, please visit the accelerator page.

About Boba

Boba Network is an optimistic-based multichain layer-2 scaling solution that aims to unlock the potential of roll-up technology and enable more flexible blockchain communication. The protocol is fully compatible with EVM-based tools and has already deployed multichain support for Ethereum, and BNB, supporting lightning-fast transactions and fees anywhere from 40-100X less than the respective layer-1. Boba Network is powered by HybridCompute™ technology that brings the power of Web2 on-chain, with smarter smart contracts that allow visionary developers to leverage off-chain compute and real-world data to build hybrid dapps that connect people to the future of blockchain applications.

Learn more: https://boba.network/

About Brinc

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Brinc is a leader in global venture acceleration and operates 10 multidisciplinary accelerator programs across seven countries. Brinc accelerates startups focused on climate tech, CDR, food technology, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, web3, connected hardware, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to create a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future.

Brinc also supports corporations with distributed innovation strategies, sourcing of new startups and technologies, as well as venture-building Web3-enabled businesses. Global corporations (Manulife, Huawei, Schneider Electric, Puma, Batelco, Merck, Omantel, Linrun Group, Zhihui Park), government organizations (Hong Kong Science Park, NEOM, MBRIF, Guangdong Soft-tech Park), tertiary institutions (HK City University, National University of Singapore), fast-growing companies (Animoca Brands), and leading venture funds (Artesian, LeverVC, Tamkeen, EDB) have all run programs with Brinc. In 2021, Brinc announced a series of venture funds to invest in high-potential early-stage companies through accelerators and provide LPs with a dedicated innovation platform and access to Series A+ co-investment opportunities.

Learn more: www.brinc.io

StakeVault.Network to Launch Validator Services for ETH, ATOM, TIA, and SUI 1609

StakeVault.Network (SVN) is set to expand its validator services to major blockchain networks, including Ethereum (ETH), Cosmos (ATOM), TIA, and SUI, in the near future. This expansion aims to provide users with secure and efficient staking services, enhancing the security and performance of each network.

Discover StakeVault.Network

StakeVault.Network is a project dedicated to offering cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure. It provides validator services that support the operation and security of networks through user-held crypto assets. In today’s rapidly evolving blockchain technology landscape, there is a pressing need for secure, efficient, and scalable solutions for staking and node validation. These processes are crucial for strengthening network security, achieving consensus, and promoting decentralized governance across blockchain ecosystems.

Despite significant advancements, existing node validation and staking solutions often face scalability limitations, insufficient security measures, and a lack of user-friendly interfaces, hindering widespread adoption. StakeVault.Network aims to redefine the staking environment by introducing a robust, scalable, and secure platform to address these challenges, positioning itself as a game-changer in the industry.

Revolutionary Validator Solutions

StakeVault.Network offers comprehensive and customized solutions to address the challenges of staking and node validation. The platform implements advanced node authentication mechanisms to ensure that only reliable nodes participate, enhancing security through multi-factor authentication and continuous monitoring. Its efficient staking mechanism minimizes energy consumption while maximizing network security and participation, and a dynamic reward distribution model ensures fair and transparent rewards.

The user-centric design provides an intuitive interface and simplified staking process, encouraging broad participation. By promoting reliability and empowerment through a transparent economic model and community governance, StakeVault.Network supports the healthy development of the platform.

Expanding Horizons (ETH, ATOM, TIA, SUI)

SVN will provide validator services on the following major blockchain networks:

Ethereum (ETH): Founded by Vitalik Buterin in 2015, Ethereum is a decentralized platform with smart contract functionality. It serves as the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and many decentralized applications (DApps) have been developed on it.

Cosmos (ATOM): Cosmos aims to provide interoperability between blockchains with its native token, ATOM. It envisions an “Internet of Blockchains” and offers a software development kit (SDK) for creating independent blockchains.

TIA (Celestia): Celestia offers a modular blockchain focused on specific functionalities, addressing the trilemma of decentralization, scalability, and security. It uses Data Availability Sampling (DAS) for efficient block verification.

SUI: SUI is a layer 1 blockchain network designed for fast and low-cost transactions. It adopts the unique programming language “Sui Move.” SUI has expanded its ecosystem through partnerships with major companies.

Power of SVN Token

The SVN token is a crucial component of the StakeVault.Network ecosystem. Token holders can participate in decision-making processes and earn staking rewards in SVN tokens. Additionally, SVN tokens are used to pay for services and transaction fees, supporting the economic activities within the ecosystem.

About Us
Website: https://stakevaultnet.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/StakeVaultNet
Telegram: https://t.me/StakeVaultNetwork

MetaBeat Partners with FZF Ventures to Lead Web3 Music Innovation 2189

FZF Ventures, a specialist firm in blockchain and cryptocurrency market investments, and MetaBeat, a Fan-to-Earn Kpop Music NFT Platform, officially announced their strategic partnership. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in both companies’ efforts to leverage blockchain technology and the burgeoning digital asset market.

FZF Ventures, known for its proactive investments in high-growth areas within the blockchain sector, recently unveiled the establishment of a dedicated cryptocurrency fund, as reported by Binance News. This move underscores FZF Ventures’ commitment to expanding its foothold in the dynamic world of blockchain and cryptocurrency, seeking promising ventures that contribute to industry innovation and growth.

MetaBeat stands out in the Web3 music industry with its innovative Fan-to-Earn model, which integrates NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and social finance (socialfi) features. As Kpop continues to captivate global audiences, MetaBeat’s platform offers fans unique opportunities to engage directly with their favorite artists through digital collectibles and community-driven initiatives.

In a statement, FZF Ventures highlighted Kpop’s global influence and its potential to drive advancements within the Web3 music industry. The firm recognizes MetaBeat’s distinct ecosystem and its strategic alignment with these transformative trends. By including MetaBeat in its investment portfolio, FZF Ventures aims to catalyze significant growth for the platform, fostering new avenues for artist-fan interactions and expanding the adoption of blockchain technology in entertainment.

The partnership between FZF Ventures and MetaBeat is not just a financial investment but a strategic alignment aimed at harnessing the power of blockchain to reshape the music industry’s landscape. As both entities look ahead, synergies in technology, community engagement, and market expansion are set to define their collaborative journey in the evolving digital economy.

This collaboration underscores a broader trend where blockchain and NFT platforms like MetaBeat are poised to redefine how fans interact with content and creators, emphasizing decentralization, transparency, and new monetization models. With MetaBeat at the forefront of innovation in Kpop music and FZF Ventures’ strategic backing, the partnership signals a promising future at the intersection of music, technology, and finance.

Website: https://metabeat.io/
X: https://x.com/MetaBeatOffl

GGEM Launcher recent updates: IBC Group investment, GGEM token plus Berachain, and new games 2296

GGEM — a Web3 Game Launcher and gaming infrastructure designed for blockchain games and newcomers to crypto and blockchain technology at all — is excited to announce recent significant updates: 4 new games onboarded, launch of GGEM token on Berachain, IBC Group & GensoKishi investments, development milestones achieved.

Launching on Berachain

GGEM token won’t be fazed by crypto winters anymore once it is listed. GGEM team reports that they have just launched on Berachain network, an EVM-identical L1 turning liquidity into security, famous for its Proof Of Liquidity. The native GGEM token is planned to be key and the only token supporting GGEM Infrastructure – all the operations within the Platform will be powered by this token.

Recent Investments

Blockchain gaming is a rapidly growing industry. Investors from all parts of the world are actively contributing to GameFi projects. According to DappRadar’s report for Q2 2024, $1.1 billion was invested in Web3 gaming.

Many value funds have already chosen GGEM for its strong growth potential in the Web3 gaming industry. The reason is straightforward: GGEM simplifies the journey for both gamers and game developers entering the crypto market and blockchain games.

IBC group, a pioneer of cutting-edge growth hacking principles in the crypto space for the last 5 years, has just invested in GGEM. This contribution shows IBC Group’s dedication to innovation in blockchain gaming and highlights GGEM’s growing impact in the industry. With IBC Group’s support, GGEM is set to reach new milestones and bring more exciting developments to the Web3 gaming community.

GensoKishi, already a game partner with GGEM, has also become an investor. Their investment will further support the development of the blockchain gaming community through GGEM.

New games onboarded

GGEM constantly onboards new blockchain games into their Launcher, growing its community and game partners. The list of new available games:

  • Northern Chapter Apocalypse – a third-person multiplayer shooter.
  • World War 0x – a fast paced multiplayer FPS.
  • Eternis Deathmatch – Action, Fighting.
  • Redline – arcade racing.

What’s new in the development?

GGEM Launcher now supports authorization via Google Account and Discord on the desktop version. Previously, this function was available only in the web-version. It became easier and faster to get into the Launcher – launch your favorite games literally in a few clicks.

A significant amount of work is currently underway on the ggem.gg website. The design team and frontend developers are working diligently to complete and launch the new layout by the end of July, according to the GGEM team.

What’s more? The GGEM team is cooking an admin-panel within the Launcher for game studios. This feature will make it easy to manage games with a dashboard, analytics, user flow, quests, and more. It will also simplify updating the game with new builds.

GGEM is also working on crypto-integration – the GGEM Wallet, a unique wallet integrated within the Launcher. This means users won’t need to create or connect any external wallets. When a new account is created, a native wallet is automatically set up. This integration eliminates the need to manage multiple crypto wallets or use third-party services, allowing gamers to focus solely on their game.

Another important development is the implementation of the SDK (Software Development Kit) on the Launcher. The GGEM SDK will allow game developers to create custom events and relay this information to GGEM. This means developers can easily craft engaging and unique Web3 quests on the platform, such as ‘reaching level 10 and clearing a dungeon.’ Developers have complete freedom when creating these quests, and it doesn’t require heavy development work.

About GGEM

GGEM is a Web3 Game Launcher and gaming infrastructure that simplifies onboarding for players into Web3 games, removing any challenging steps for non-crypto natives. The GGEM team believes that the adoption of Web3 gaming can only happen if the interaction with blockchain technology feels seamless and natural from the user’s perspective.

Tangem Launches World’s First Ring Hardware Wallet 2608

Tangem, a leader in cryptocurrency security solutions, announces the launch of the Tangem Ring, the world’s first ring-shaped crypto wallet. This groundbreaking device is set to transform how people interact with cryptocurrencies. By seamlessly integrating into users’ daily lives, the Tangem Ring addresses key barriers to crypto adoption, offering unparalleled convenience without compromising on security.

The Tangem Ring makes hardware wallets more accessible and user-friendly than ever before. Users can now wear their crypto everywhere, enjoying instant access to over 6,000 assets and a range of services on their fingers. This innovation enhances the daily usability of cryptocurrencies and promotes secure habits by encouraging the use of hardware wallets over software alternatives or centralized exchanges.

Andrey Kurennykh, CEO and Co-founder of Tangem: “Our goal with the Tangem Ring was to create a device that seamlessly integrates cryptocurrency management into users’ daily lives. Tangem sets up new standards for the crypto wallet industry and opens the door to the future of crypto, which is easy, accessible, secure, and has a smooth and enjoyable customer experience.”

Dubbed the future of crypto wallets, the Tangem Ring incorporates all the advanced features and shares the same technical characteristics as the Tangem Wallet. The ring has a CC EAL6+ certified chip, and an NFC antenna encased in a hypoallergenic zirconia ceramic shell. It is highly resistant to scratches, extreme temperatures, dust, and water, making it perfect for everyday usage.

Tangem Ring allows users to buy, sell, swap, stake, connect to decentralized applications, and access decentralized finance—all their cryptocurrency needs in one ultimate, everyday device. This significantly reduces the barrier to entry for new users and drives wider adoption of cryptocurrencies.

The Tangem ring is now available for purchase through its official website. For more information about the Tangem Ring and its features, please visit the Tangem website.

About Tangem

Tangem is a leading provider of hardware wallet solutions for digital assets. Tangem is committed to making cryptocurrency management accessible and secure for users worldwide, with a strong focus on security, innovation, and user experience. Tangem has a proven track record of zero hacks among its products thanks to rigorous security measures. The additional audits and certifications by Kudelski Security and Riscure reinforce this trust, making users more confident in adopting and using the Tangem Wallets for their crypto needs.

Website: www.tangem.com/ring/

ALEX Acquires the Stacks Assets xBTC and xUSD of Wrapped.com and Integrates Them Into aBTC And sUSDT 2614

ALEX, the first and largest platform to offer a full range of DeFi services on Bitcoin, and Wrapped.com, a cross-chain bridge designed for high performance and speed, today announced the acquisition of xBTC and xUSD by ALEX. The assets will be integrated into aBTC and sUSDT, respectively, through ALEX’s XLINK bridge.

Building on the success of Wrapped BTC on Ethereum, xBTC and xUSD bring similar compliance and security to the Stacks Ecosystem and enable BTC and USD trading and loans on AMMs like ALEX and other applications. The announced integration of xBTC and xUSD into aBTC and sUSDT will further enhance speed and performance for holders.

Since 2020, Wrapped.com has been at the forefront of transforming lending, borrowing, and trading processes across major DeFi platforms — the company was among the pioneers in introducing Wrapped Assets for Stacks. Now, ALEX, the largest Bitcoin DeFi platform, has acquired these assets to facilitate trading on various Bitcoin L2 solutions, reducing user confusion and simplifying asset transfers.

During a 30-day migration period, xBTC and xUSD can be exchanged 1:1 for aBTC and sUSDT on XLink. After this period, the underlying BTC and USDC will be transferred to XLink and continue to be serviced under the aBTC and sUSDT banners. After this 30-day period, any remaining xBTC/xUSD holders will have to contact XLink/ALEX community managers for manual migration.

“This acquisition is a significant step for both ALEX and the Stacks DeFi ecosystem,” says the ALEX Lab Foundation. “xBTC and xUSD holders will experience improved features and enhanced security through the ALEX and XLINK platform, marking another milestone in bridging Bitcoin L1 and L2 for a seamless DeFi experience.”

ALEX is the first platform to offer a full range of DeFi services on Bitcoin, enhancing functionality without modifying the Bitcoin blockchain. By integrating Bitcoin’s security with Layer 2 smart contracts, ALEX enables rapid financial transactions. It simplifies DeFi on Bitcoin with a set of tools that enable AMM and order book trading, a launchpad, and a comprehensive bridge that enables connectivity to Stacks, Bitcoin, Core, BoB, Merlin, and others.

XLINK is a pioneering bridge designed to enable seamless interoperability between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Layer-2 solutions and provide essential infrastructure in Bitcoin DeFi. The ALEX team has built the XLINK product with a focus on performance and scalability — to date, it has hit over $28M TVL and more than 33,000 transactions, and now, with this integration, it will provide increased speed and performance for holders of xBTC and xUSD.

About ALEX

ALEX is the first and largest platform to offer a full range of DeFi services on Bitcoin, combining its security with Layer 2 smart contracts for fast, secure transactions. ALEX offers a suite of DeFi tools, including a DEX, bridge, Bitcoin oracle, and Launchpad, to enable the creation of best-in-class financial apps on Bitcoin. ALEX leads in Bitcoin DeFi and optimizes liquidity across Bitcoin’s layers. For more information, visit https://alexgo.io/

About XLINK

XLINK is a pioneering bridge designed to enable seamless interoperability between Bitcoin and EVM Layer 2 solutions and provide essential infrastructure in Bitcoin DeFi. Acting as a Bitcoin Bridge, XLINK aggregates liquidity across Bitcoin L2s, aiming to bring native DeFi experience to Bitcoin and beyond. For more information, visit https://www.xlink.network/