8 days ago • cryptodaily
Blockchain 35 Under 35 List 2023: Meet the Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs
2022 was marked with some major shocks to the global blockchain industry that encountered another enduring ‘crypto winter’, the collapse of TerraUSD and Luna, and FTX’s filing for bankruptcy. But despite this, the technology itself is here to stay for good and keeps improving, promising even more disruptive use cases for digital banking, finance, and cybersecurity in 2023.
This year is supposed to become transitional for many since the blockchain sector will only strengthen its positions in society and the economy, reaching the market size of $4.7 billion.
All that would be impossible without substantial and meaningful contributions from blockchain and Web3-oriented innovators. Today Crypto Daily is delighted to celebrate the most promising of them by unveiling our premiere edition of 35 Under 35 list – we scoured crypto Twitter, LinkedIn and Product Hunt to pick up far-sighted startup founders, developers, C-level and media executives, as well as bloggers, marketing and PR adepts.
So without further ado, sit back and check out the honorees for 2023.
Mike Ermolaev, Founder, Outset PR
Mike Ermolaev gained recognition for his trailblazing work in blockchain PR and journalism. His most notable work includes in-depth market analytics for Cointelegraph and exclusive signature series ‘Crypto Opinion with Mike Ermolaev’ for Benzinga.com, under which Mike has interviewed blockchain influencers like Jimmy Song and world-famous celebrities including Prince Philip of Serbia and French Montana. Meanwhile, Ermolaev has handled PR and communications at ChangeNOW, FutureComes, and Kikimora Labs. This joint expertise resulted in launching his own Outset PR agency.
Taras Dovgal, VP of Products, Münzen
Taras Dovgal is a serial entrepreneur with years of coding experience. Before stepping into the crypto space in 2017, Taras founded several successful fintech startups. Having led a range of industry-defining initiatives, from DeFi projects to CBDCs to venture studios, he is a prominent figure among crypto entrepreneurs. Currently, Dovgal is the VP of Products at Münzen, an enterprise-focused crypto processing platform. He has achieved this ambition through prolific networking, innovative content, and vocal advocacy for the blockchain movement.
Serge Baloyan, Founder, X10 Agency
Serge Baloyan is the visionary founder of X10 Agency offering crypto and NFT marketing services. With an impressive portfolio boasting collaborations with over 150 projects, Serge's extensive experience positions him as one of the most seasoned experts in the field. Baloyan's insightful predictions, like the NFT boom before many even knew what it is, highlight his deep industry knowledge. He is also a keynote speaker at global conferences, shaping the future of blockchain and inspiring others along the way.
Marat Minkin, Founder, TONBanking
Marat Minkin is a successful entrepreneur and blockchain evangelist. He founded TONBanking, a banking services startup that connects sellers with buyers on Telegram, authored the TON Community Manifesto, and created the Dubai TON community. Alongside his work in blockchain, Minkin is committed to philanthropy, environmental activism, and a healthy lifestyle as a passionate golfer. Marat’s expertise in marketing and blockchain-based financial services has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader, driving the adoption of decentralized finance.
Aler Denisov, CEO, Tookey
Aler Denisov brings a wealth of experience to his role as CEO of Tookey.io, an open-source private key management infrastructure fortified by MPC-TSS, backed by Aave DAO and Stacks Foundation. Prior to this, as CTO, Aler spearheaded secure key management across numerous crypto projects. His portfolio includes Oxygen, Solana's first lending platform; Eywa, a groundbreaking decentralized oracle network; and GP7, a robust wallet for both private and corporate use. With Tookey.io, Denisov democratizes access to top-tier security technologies, safeguarding crypto assets from unauthorized access.
Gleb Alekhin, COO, FinchPay
Fueled by the profound experience in IT digital projects, strategic management and service delivery, Gleb Alekhin is currently maintaining operational excellence as COO of FinchPay, a crypto on-and-off-ramp platform. Since moving to the position in 2022, he has streamlined the company’s in-house processes, while also having upgraded customer experience and overall quality of service. Apart from his tech expertise and hard skills, Alekhin proved to have two more superpowers which are building and managing high-performing teams and mentoring.
Oleg Pivovarenko, CEO, 2PMarketing
In his role as CEO of 2PMarketing agency, Oleg Pivovarenko is in charge of curating the development of marketing campaigns for Web3, blockchain, fintech, and gambling brands. Having worked in digital marketing for 14 years, 8 of which he has been engaged in blockchain marketing, Oleg has implemented data-driven strategies for over 130 projects, including the world’s leading crypto exchanges like Binance, KuCoin, and Nominex. With 2PMarketing, Pivovarenko’s mission is to drive tangible results, connecting cold numbers with audience psychology.
Eugene Ipatko, Member of the Board of Directors, EHOLD
Since entering the crypto market in 2017, Eugene Ipatko’s influence on blockchain can’t be understated. He co-founded WeWay, the platform that has catalyzed crypto adoption faster than ever thought possible with the best base of KOLs and influencers in the world. Subsequently, Ipatko’s creation of WePad broke new ground in community-driven, transparent IDOs. Eugene has also enjoyed huge successes in his role as CEO at TrendLine Global and Member of the Board of Directors of EHOLD.
Leon-Ardo Salamatin, CMO, 2PMarketing
Leon-ardo Salamatin has over 7 years of experience in digital marketing, representing industries such as blockchain, fintech, gambling, adult, and SaaS. In 2020, Leon-ardo launched MediaManager, a company that drives sales for businesses using tailor-made marketing strategies. In parallel, as CMO of 2PMarketing, he is involved in developing creative and practical approaches for each client individually. Salamatin’s portfolio includes the blockchain industry’s giants like Huobi and OKEx, two premier crypto exchanges; as well as Mtrading, a major stock market broker.
Vivian Cheng, CEO, Relatance
As the CEO of Relatance, a global PR agency, Vivian Cheng has been instrumental in helping brands in the blockchain space achieve unparalleled success through effective communications strategies. Vivian's commitment to excellence has empowered her to assemble and lead a talented global team of professionals. Her expertise in go-to-market strategy and execution has enabled major brands to achieve recognition and growth in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and beyond, driving results and impact in the fast-paced world of new technology.
Raghav Sawhney, Founding Director, Wasserstoff
Over years of experience in the industry, Raghav Sawhney has catered to the marketing and technical needs of more than 350 companies and individuals. In his founding roles, he is running Wasserstoff, a tech incubation company that ensures frictionless growth of tech startups; BTC Wires, a blockchain news platform; and Blockchain PR Buzz agency. Raghav is also working on UATU, a backend solution for developers, but doesn’t plan to stop there, as ChainScan and Wires Media are scheduled to launch soon.
Filip Maloca, Founder, TopDog Society
Filip Maloca started out his Web3 career in 2017, from there building and running nine successful marketing campaigns for Ethereum-based NFT collections as well as progressing to devising marketing campaigns for DAOs, DeFi Protocols, and an L1 Multichain network. Recently he’s taken on the role of co-founder at SourceFeed, an AI-driven news platform for Web3, solving the problem of information overload and discovery in the industry. The project is currently fundraising and building a community via the launch of the TopDog Society NFT.
João Fouad, CEO & Founder, Highline Venture Builder
Diagnosed as a rebel by his parents, João Fouad always seeks to break the status quo and build new realities based on innovations in the companies he went through and founded. An international cutting-edge speaker and mentor, João has been a disruptive entrepreneur since he was 16, specializing in finance, investments, business intelligence, e-commerce, and the startup ecosystem. Fouad now leads Highline Venture Builder, an international hub dedicated to promoting new millionaire businesses and technologies for the Web3 and blockchain era.
Simon Cowell, André Neves and Christian Moss, Co-founders, ZEBEDEE
Inspired by the thesis that virtual activity will represent the majority of the future metaverse economy, Simon Cowell, André Neves and Christian Moss joined their efforts to establish ZEBEDEE in 2019. The company aims at streamlining blockchain game payments, creating tools and infrastructure for the interaction and exchange of value between players, creators, streamers, and watchers. The founders’ executing, engineering, and Bitcoin game developing skills complement each other well, giving a boost to a rapid rise of their common brainchild.
Nikita Bogdanov, CEO, SpiritMe
Nikita Bogdanov is a result-focused entrepreneur and product owner who has dedicated over 9 years of his life to building world-changing projects across some emerging industries like AI, machine learning, and metaverse. Bogdanov’s portfolio features managing several digital products such as Visper and BestVision. An outstanding startup mindset helped him to launch and untwist SpiritMe, the service that is currently making waves, generating realistic videos where look-alike digital avatars say users’ texts and mimic their voices and emotions.
Mounir Laggoune, CEO, Finary
Mounir Laggoune worked at Trainline, Captain Train and Yoopies before becoming the CEO of Finary. His compelling vision of blockchain technology and unique approach to entrepreneurship allowed Mounir to introduce a startup that reimagines private banking and makes financial success available to a new generation of funders. Laggoune is also an angel investor to a number of digital products including Freetrade, a commission-free investment platform. Outside of the office, he advocates a healthy lifestyle, often cycling and playing tennis.
Rohit Sharma, Anurag Meena and Viren Baid, Co-Founders, Fitmint
In early 2022, Rohit Sharma, Anurag Meena and Viren Baid launched Fitmint, a killer move-to-earn app that rewards users with crypto and NFTs for staying fit. The founding trio divided between them the responsibilities for product and finance, technology and marketing, respectively, delivering a global product built out of India. Prior to this, in August 2021, Rohit and Anurag teamed up to embark on their crypto entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Cryptonuke, a news-based cryptocurrency trading tool.
Tomas Jasovsky, CEO, AhoyConnect
With over a decade of experience and 9 companies under his belt, Tomas Jasovsky has been working as CEO of AhoyConnect and AhoyTeam for about 2 years. Both these rockstar startups are dedicated to boost growth of Web3 communities by offering holistic and easy-to-use analytical tools. Jasovsky’s business success was honored by Forbes Slovensko 30 under 30 where he got featured as one of the most influential Slovacs for redefining and setting trends in the startup and technology fields.
Greg Mustreader, Blogger, Co-founder, TGS
Greg Mustreader is known for his blogs and podcasts, with 130,000 subscribers on TikTok and featured topics such as AI, Web3, and tech trends. Guests of his podcast, also available in video form on YouTube, include Aubrey DeGrey, Robert Sapolsky, Peter Singer, and many others. The podcast is dedicated to tech trends and the future of humankind. Greg is also a co-founder at TGS, a marketing studio focused on growing Web3 companies by producing content and influencer collaborations.
Chris Maddern and Christine Hall Brown, Co-founders, Floor
Chris Maddern, ex-Button, Venmo and LinksDAO, and Christine Hall Brown, former crypto COO at Robinhood, started Floor in 2022, with the mission of making NFTs understandable and accessible en masse. The entrepreneurial duo partnered with the Solana Foundation to provide Web3 newbies with a full-service app for enjoying intuitive experience with Solana and Ethereum-based NFTs. Maddern’s and Brown’s hallmark is a passionate belief that they build the products and community that bring real value to Web3 and foster its global adoption.
Abhishek Kumar, CEO, NeoFi
Abhishek Kumar takes on the CEO position at NeoFi, a brand new platform that empowers retail investors with secure and easy management of their long-term crypto portfolios. Being responsible for strategy and product development, Abhishek leverages his extensive expertise in building global projects to attract the next billion users to the blockchain space. Kumar’s previous experience includes working as a senior engineer at Oracle, a cloud tech company, and developing next-gen web applications as software engineer at Senseforth Technologies.
Shant Kevonian, CEO & CTO & Founder, EtherMail
Shant Kevonian is a tech-advanced entrepreneur who is incredibly versed in bringing early and medium-stage companies to mass-markets. Shant was previously recognized for his analytical, managerial, and technical skills across a number of C-level positions such as CTO of eco-conscious brands cang.eco and Youtiful.net. Now Kevonian combines the functions of CEO and CTO of EtherMail, a Web3 email solution ensuring fully anonymous P2P communication. Here, he is in charge of executing the company’s growth strategy and everyday operations.
Alexander Thomsen, Founder, Moonbit
Alexander Thomsen is the founder of Moonbit, a robo-advisory platform rocking the cryptocurrency investing arena. The startup aims to build intelligent portfolios that use on-chain, technical, statistical and macro data for optimizing risks and returns. Having invested himself in various digital assets since 2017, Alexander is well aware of how to create an excellent solution that will facilitate onboarding of Web2 users to crypto investing. So at Moonbit, Thomsen is dedicated to making investment management as stress-free as possible.
Patrick and John Collison, Co-founders, Stripe
The Collison brothers, Patrick and John, are out to amplify the future of Stripe, a global payment provider that has recently introduced its fiat-to-crypto on-ramp. At his role of CEO, Patrick oversees engineering and fulfills representative functions, while John serves as the company’s president. They fleshed out the idea of Stripe when both studied at MIT and processed their first payment while vacationing together in South America. Today Stripe keeps growing exponentially, securing partnerships with tech giants like Meta.
Ilan Rakhmanov, Founder, ChainGPT
Ilan Rakhmanov is keen on developing cutting-edge technology solutions that transcend all imaginable boundaries. In late 2022, Ilan kicked off ChainGPT, a sophisticated AI model for the blockchain industry which is applicable in trading, risk management, and analytics. Rakhmanov is confident that strong collaboration determines success of any emerging project, so he brings together a high-end team to foster the rapid rise of ChainGPT and expand the opportunities of blockchain users and developers with a multitude of handy AI tools.
Henrique Dubugras and Pedro Franceschi, Co-founders, Brex
Henrique Dubugras and Pedro Franceschi are Brazilian entrepreneurs who met each other through a Twitter discussion, being ahead of graduation from high school. As soon as in 2013, Dubugras and Franceschi built their debut payment startup called Pagar.me, before moving on to start Brex, the first-of-its-kind corporate card for startups, four years later. Since 2021, their Silicon Valley-based company enables its customers to convert Brex reward points into Bitcoin and Ether, ranking Henrique and Pedro among the most forward-looking blockchain adopters.
Maciej Baj, CTO & Founder, t3rn
Maciej Baj is an open-source developer involved in the blockchain ecosystem for 6 years. Over this time, his expertise has gradually shifted from sidechain development to building cross-chain bridging solutions. Seduced by the role of composability and reversibility from single ledger executions across Ethereum, Maciej launched t3rn to integrate these two utilities into the cross-chain environment. At his position as CTO, he also aligned rewards for open-source developers to their contributions, bringing unique dynamics to the t3rn ecosystem itself.
George Gor, CEO, Coin Idol
Former chief editor, acting CEO of Cointelegraph and versatile top manager, George Gor has cultivated nümerous thriving media stars, while also contributing to business development of projects in advertising, PR, marketing, education, government relations, and insurance. Today George is the CEO of Coin Idol, having successfully managed this prominent blockchain news outlet for over 7 years. Gor’s other accomplishment highlights building international teams dispersed across more than 20 countries worldwide, from the USA and Europe to Asia and Africa.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
10 days ago • cryptodaily
Binance Hosts Global Celebrations in Honor of Bitcoin Pizza Day
Dubai, UAE, May 18th, 2023, ChainwireFrom Binance-style super meet-ups to online contests, the crypto exchange is celebrating Bitcoin’s famous first purchaseBinance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is celebrating the thirteenth anniversary of Bitcoin Pizza Day, the historic day in 2010 that a purchase of two pizzas was made in return for 10,000 BTC.To celebrate this monumental day in crypto and the revolution it marks for the industry, Binance will be hosting in-person community meet-ups around the world. The celebrations will kick off in the birthplace of pizza, Naples, Italy, on May 21 and continue with local pizzeria and pizza van takeovers in ten countries, including Brazil, Bahrain, Pakistan, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina, and New Zealand.The community is also invited to celebrate Pizza Day on social media and the Binance app. Participants who share their Binance-themed pizzas using #BinancePizza or complete tasks to collect all the Pizza Flavours on the Binance app have a chance to win the crypto equivalent of a year's supply of pizza. Online celebrations will continue as Binance hosts a virtual live meet-upwith the attendance of CZ on May 22 at 12:00 PM UTC, featuring discussions on the meaning of Bitcoin Pizza Day with prominent Binance Feed creators."Bitcoin Pizza Day is a testament to the power of community and the growing acceptance of BTC as part of our daily lives," said Yi He, Binance co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer. "At Binance, we believe in the importance of mass adoption, and we are committed to creating more and more use cases for crypto in everyday situations. As more people recognize the value and potential of blockchain and crypto, our community grows stronger, and we continue to build our industry."The global Pizza Day meet-ups will offer fun activities with the chance to win swag and rewards, and of course, free pizza. Events vary by city, for example in Naples, the first 500 users to register for the event will be able to claim free "Binance style" pizza and drinks and take part in a pizza-making contest for Binance prizes. For more information on events near you, visit our blog.Bitcoin Pizza Day stands as a pivotal milestone for the crypto industry, signifying its remarkable exponential growth and paving the path for widespread adoption of digital currencies over the past 13 years. As ever, Binance continues to move towards its goal of increasing the freedom of money and believes that growing crypto adoption will create even further opportunities for financial freedom. Therefore, once again this year, Binance is proud to celebrate this momentous day with our deserving and empowering community.About BinanceBinance is the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider with a financial product suite that includes the largest digital asset exchange by volume. Trusted by millions worldwide, the Binance platform is dedicated to increasing the freedom of money for users, and features an unmatched portfolio of crypto products and offerings, including: trading and finance, education, data and research, social good, investment and incubation, decentralization and infrastructure solutions, and more. For more information, visit:https://www.binance.comContactMarina [email protected]
23 days ago • cryptodaily
Breaking Chains: On De-Dollarization and Decentralization
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi recently condemned what he calls the "unipolar world order", emphasizing that Iran plans to join the BRICS group to help create a multipolar world and in effect challenge the dominance of U.S. dollar as a reserve currency. There are broad implications to the crypto industry with this move, and it only represents a beginning.
Iran Condemns 'Unipolar World Order'
The BRICS group is an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The acronym was initially coined in 2001 by Jim O'Neill, an economist at Goldman Sachs, to represent the four countries of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined the group in 2010, officially expanding the acronym to BRICS.
These countries are characterized by their large, fast-growing economies, significant influence on regional and global affairs, and the potential to become among the world's dominant economic powers in the 21st century. The BRICS nations collectively represent about 42% of the world's population, 23% of the global GDP, and around 18% of the world's total trade.
“Iran wants to have constructive relations with all states on the basis of common interests,” stresses Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
The announcement was made on Lebanese media outlet Al Mayadeen, with Raisi quoted that after his country's recent membership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Iran is now "getting ready" to join the BRICS Group. The Iranian president was quoted as saying:
"We condemn the unipolar world order which makes it possible for the United States and some three to four other countries to feel the rulers of the world."
The BRICS nations have been ramping up their de-dollarization efforts and settling trades in national currencies. The group is also working to create a new common currency that is expected to be discussed at the group’s next leaders’ summit. What does this mean for crypto and, specifically, stablecoins?
Potential Impact on the Dominance of USD-pegged Stablecoins
The ongoing efforts of the BRICS nations and Iran to move away from the U.S. dollar and establish a new common currency could potentially impact the global dominance of USD-pegged stablecoins, such as Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC). These stablecoins, which maintain a 1:1 peg with the U.S. dollar, have been widely used in the cryptocurrency market for trading and settling transactions.
As the BRICS countries and Iran seek to reduce their reliance on the U.S. dollar and move towards settling trades in their national currencies, it could lead to a decrease in demand for USD-pegged stablecoins. This may open up opportunities for the development of new stablecoins pegged to other currencies or even a common currency as proposed by BRICS. Could this new common currency be blockchain-based? We could hope so.
Political and economic Implications of De-dollarization
De-dollarization efforts by the BRICS countries are a direct challenge to the United States' global financial hegemony. The U.S. dollar has long been the dominant reserve currency, and its position has allowed the U.S. to exert significant political influence over global economic policies. The move towards de-dollarization by the BRICS countries signals a shift in the global balance of power, with these nations seeking to establish a more multipolar world order.
This shift could reduce the United States' ability to impose economic sanctions and maintain control over global financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. It may also lead to a more fragmented global economic landscape, with multiple centers of power and influence.
The economic implications of de-dollarization are multifaceted. By reducing their dependence on the U.S. dollar, the BRICS countries aim to mitigate the risk of currency fluctuations and promote financial stability within their respective economies. The move towards settling trades in national currencies or a common currency could lower transaction costs and facilitate more efficient cross-border trade between these nations.
De-dollarization may also pave the way for the rise of alternative reserve currencies, such as the Chinese yuan, the euro, or even a digital currency backed by a coalition of nations. This development could lead to increased competition for the U.S. dollar, potentially affecting its value and global demand.
Crypto Regulation in the U.S. and Europe
Crypto regulation in the United States has been more stringent compared to Europe. The U.S. has adopted a more conservative approach, with regulators often classifying cryptocurrencies as securities subject to strict regulatory oversight. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been particularly active in regulating initial coin offerings (ICOs) and pursuing enforcement actions against non-compliant projects.
In contrast, Europe has taken a more progressive approach to crypto regulation. The European Union (EU) has implemented a comprehensive regulatory framework, the Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD), which covers cryptocurrency exchanges and wallet providers. Additionally, individual European countries, such as Switzerland and Estonia, have established crypto-friendly regulatory environments, attracting numerous blockchain projects and businesses.
Breaking Chains: On De-Dollarization and Decentralization
Recent years have shown a significant surge in the adoption of crypto, driven by the inherent benefits of decentralization and the potential to disrupt the traditional financial systems. It is thus worth considering the potential impact of decentralized digital currencies on the stability and growth of global economies. Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of cryptocurrencies is their decentralized nature, which eliminates the need for intermediaries like banks and financial institutions.This can lead to reduced transaction costs, faster processing times, and increased financial inclusion for individuals who have limited access to traditional banking services. There's also the core attribute that crypto, despite its early failures, can operate on a global scale, enabling seamless cross-border transactions and fostering international trade.
Decentralized digital currencies also offer the potential for enhanced monetary stability. Unlike fiat currencies, which are often subject to inflationary pressures and currency devaluation due to government policies or economic fluctuations, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have a predetermined supply cap, limiting the risk of excessive inflation.The divergent approaches to crypto regulation in the U.S. and Europe could have significant implications for the success of BRICS countries' de-dollarization efforts. The more stringent regulatory environment in the U.S. may deter innovation and the adoption of digital currencies, limiting the potential for digital currencies to challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar.
On the other hand, the more progressive regulatory environment in Europe could encourage the development and adoption of alternative digital currencies that could facilitate de-dollarization efforts by the BRICS countries. The European Union's interest in creating a digital euro, for example, may further contribute to the diversification of reserve currencies and strengthen the position of the euro as an alternative to the U.S. dollar.
The political and economic implications of de-dollarization efforts by the BRICS countries, coupled with the divergent crypto regulations in the United States and Europe, could lead to a reshaping of the digital currency landscape and the stature of economic power as distributed across the globe.
OPINION Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Opinions stated herein are solely of the author's, and hence do not represent or reflect CryptoDaily's position on the matter. The author has no influential stakes in any of the digital assets and securities mentioned, and does not have any significant hold of or own any cryptocurrency or token discussed.
25 days ago • cryptodaily
Gemini Announces Launch Of Offshore Crypto Derivatives Exchange
Gemini has officially announced the launch of the Gemini Foundation, the highly anticipated offshore crypto derivatives platform.
The new exchange has been launched in 30 countries. However, it is not available to users in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
Highly Anticipated Offshore Derivatives Platform Goes Live
The launch of the offshore crypto derivatives trading platform comes just weeks after it was first announced in April. According to Gemini, the offshore derivatives platform Gemini Foundation will allow users to begin trading with Bitcoin (BTC) perpetual contracts. These will be denominated in Gemini Dollars (GUSD) and will offer users 100x leverage. Gemini stated in its blog post,
“Gemini Foundation — a non-US derivatives platform — is now live and open for trading to customers in all available jurisdictions. Start trading the BTC perpetual contract denominated in Gemini dollars (GUSD) with up to 100x leverage today.”
The exchange also stressed that Gemini Foundation would not be available to users based in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. However, the crypto derivatives platform is available in several other jurisdictions, 30 to be exact. These include Hong Kong, Singapore, Argentina, Bahamas, Bermuda, India, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cayman Islands, Chile, Brazil, El Salvador, Guernsey, Egypt, Jersey, Israel, Nigeria, New Zealand, Peru, Panama, Philippines, Saint Vincent & Grenadine, Saint Lucia, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, Thailand, Uruguay, and Vietnam.
Gemini has also stated there are plans to launch an ETH/GUSD perpetual contract in the next few weeks.
“Gemini Foundation offers customers a capital-efficient, highly available, and trusted venue to trade derivatives. Purpose-built for both individuals and institutions, Gemini Foundation, combines powerful trading tools with an elegant user experience. In the coming months, we will be expanding our derivatives offering with additional perpetual contracts, dated futures, and options trading.”
New Platform Based In Singapore
According to one report, the new Gemini’s offshore derivative platform is based in Singapore and there are plans to introduce spot products as well. To fund their trading accounts on the platform customers will be required to convert their USD into GUSD and USD Coin in a 1:1 basis. However, perpetual funding payments will have to be made exclusively in GUSD. The news of the platform’s launch comes on the same day Coinbase announced the launch of its own crypto derivatives exchange, the Coinbase International Exchange, based out of Bermuda.
Regulatory Issues Driving Exchanges Out
Cryptocurrency exchanges based in the United States of America have increasingly started moving abroad thanks to growing regulatory uncertainty and an increasingly hostile attitude from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC has ramped up its scrutiny of the crypto space and recently filed regulatory actions on Beaxy and Bittrex. The SEC also brought charges against Gemini for its now-defunct Earn program.
An Update On Earn
Gemini provided users with an update on the status of its Earn program, stating that it had agreed to a 30-day mediation process to iron out a final resolution with Genesis, the Digital Currency Group (DCG), the Creditor Committee, and the Unsecured Creditors Committee (UCC). Gemini added that it was supportive of mediation between all parties and would work with everyone involved to bring the matter to an acceptable resolution. However, there have been times when Gemini has expressed its frustrations with the slow pace of progress. Gemini stated on its Twitter account,
“Earn update: This past week, Genesis, Digital Currency Group (DCG), the Unsecured Creditors Committee (UCC), the Creditor Committee, and Gemini agreed to start a 30-day mediation process to drive to a final resolution as soon as possible. Gemini is supportive of mediation and working with the parties to bring this to a conclusion.”
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
30 days ago • cryptodaily
Bitcoin is the go-to currency as dollar slackens its grip
The US economy is sinking towards recession as GDP came in at only 1.1% for Q1. Bitcoin on the other hand is continuing its rise.
Economic factors
Probably the most important factor for economic well being is oil. Oil drives economies, and strong demand for it signals a healthy economy that is using oil to fuel its industrial base.
However, in these current times, in spite of OPEC countries reducing their output, the price of oil is continuing to decrease as demand falters due to falling economic growth.
In the US, GDP growth for Q1 dwindled to 1.1%. This was an unexpectedly sharp fall given that the projection had been for 2%. In addition, the fall was also dramatic given that GDP had been at 2.6% for Q4 of 2022.
De-Dollarisation
Another looming problem for the dollar is that de-dollarisation is happening. Other countries around the world are starting to move away from the dollar, probably due to its recent weaponisation by the US government, by imposing sanctions against any other country it does not agree with.
Russia is using yuan for trade, Argentina will pay for Chinese imports in yuan, India is settling some trades in rupees, Brazil and China are deciding whether to not use the dollar in trades between them, and Saudi Arabia is considering accepting the yuan for oil exports to China.
However, de-dollarisation will likely be a slow process, given that dollar exchange reserves are nearly twice those of the euro, yen, pound, and yuan combined, and this is the same as it was a decade ago.
The dollar accounts for 58% of all central bank foreign exchange reserves and this will probably not change any time soon. Nevertheless, a wind of change has begun to blow, and the dollar hegemony is on the wane.
Dollar still in control
Notwithstanding, the dollar has been described as the least dirty shirt in the laundry. It has its issues and detractors, but it is still the world’s reserve currency, and all the other fiat currencies are much weaker.
The Brics nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are said to be developing a new reserve currency that will be backed by real substance, such as commodities.
The evil of CBDCs
Be that as it may, fiat currencies all go to zero over time and this has been proved throughout history. The only last throw of the dice for those wishing to maintain complete control, is the imposition of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
CBDCs would enable central banks to exert the kind of control that up to now could only be read about in science fiction books. CBDCs would give the power to micro manage an individual's account, including setting time limits on spending, deciding what can and can’t be bought, and even direct sanctions should the individual do something that was thought to be against the interests of the State.
Be your own bank with Bitcoin
Among all this morass of fiat currency misery there is still one asset that is outside of the grip of governments and central banks, and that is Bitcoin. Bitcoin is completely decentralised, cannot be taken away, and enables an individual to be their own bank.
Banks are antiquated behemoths of a bygone age. They do not serve depositors given that they make the decision of who we can or can’t transact with, they provide no return when inflation is taken into account, and if enough depositors demand their money at one time, the bank will fail given that it holds almost no deposits due to zero fractional reserve.
Bitcoin is cyclical, so history tells us that it does go up and down in price, sometimes quite wildly, but it is a nascent asset class and therefore it will take time for its volatility to subside.
The main thing is that it is the people’s money, and it reduces the reliance people need to have on governments and the banks. As the evil of CBDCs approaches, it would be incumbent on all to do their best to research Bitcoin with a view to getting out of a crumbling and dangerous fiat monetary system.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
31 day ago • cryptodaily
Top 10 PR Agencies in Crypto: Boosting Your Blockchain Business with Expert Communication Strategies
Choosing the right promotion strategy is key to survival in such a highly competitive industry as blockchain and crypto. With the slew of near identical projects teeming on the market, a creative and properly aimed PR approach can mean the difference between standing out from the crowd to grow, or blending in and fading into oblivion.
In this material, we will explore the top ten PR agencies specializing on blockchain promotion and single out the factorsprojects have to take into account when selecting the one that will best present their value offering before a target audience, and at the best possible price.
BR Group
A leading PR agency in blockchain that delivers services across a multitude of industry directions. The agency specializes in software, games, applications, DeFi, liquidity services, exchanges, and many other areas of blockchain space.
With over 1100 catered clients in its portfolio, BR Group has the talent and proficiency to service and deliver any kind of PR campaign and promotional strategy, all based on in-depth market analysis and competitive advantage insight. If value is what clients are looking for, they need not look further, as the company is a full-cycle production agency. Providing anything from video production to strategy drawing, BR Group knows how to cater to its clients in a holistic fashion. More importantly, the company places immense emphasis on its reputation and leverages it as a selling point. A reliable partner and one that communicates on an ongoing basis, providing invaluable information and consultations in the process.
MarketAcross
A premium content marketing provided for startups and blockchain-based projects. The agency has been up and running since 2014 and focuses on content creation and its placement on select and targeted channels for maximum reach and promotion efficiency.
Anything from PR and brand reputation to social promotions and SEO is on the list of provided services. The agency has excellent connections with journalists and guarantees delivery of 100% unique content created by talented writers who can produce anything from op-eds and press releases to in-depth analytical materials. A true one-stop-shop for all your content needs.
BlockWiz
The 70-member strong team at BlockWiz can launch growth marketing efforts to new heights with its talents that include writers, designers and strategists. With over 160 clients catered, including such heavyweights as KuCoin and Bybit, the agency has the reputation to match its impressive lineup of services that stretch across NFTs, metaverses, DeFi, and beyond.
The affordable prices make access to consulting services and content creation available to startups of any size that seek an effective balance between quality and price.
NinjaPromo
An all-in-one place for all marketing needs in blockchain, fintech, crypto and B2B. The agency supports startups and established brands alike in their promotional efforts across a variety of platforms via strategic placement and content creation.
The team at NinjaPromo prides itself on its creative approach to solving client needs and offers anything from SEO optimization and social media engagement to PPC media, email and influencer marketing. With community management as the icing on the cake, NinjaPromo is a go-to place for startups that want quality services with a creative flair.
Melrose PR
This agency truly delivers in terms of press relations, thought leadership and messaging for positioning its clients. The firm focuses on Web3 space startups that seek content creation and promotion in a single package. With its talents aiming to make an impression, clients can expect to receive excellent consultations and feedback on investments.
SingleGrain
SingleGrain is a mainstay among industry powerhouses through its use of state-of-the-art technology and passionate talents who channel their combined experience into client growth. The agency has been on the market since 2014 and has managed to make a name for itself in such areas as SaaS, CRO, E-Commerce, education, content marketing, and many others. Companies wanting to have their message heard and enjoy the services of a company that deals with the largest players in the industry are on the right track by cooperating with SingleGrain.
Coinbound
On the market since 2018, the company specializes in influencer marketing and public relations. In addition, it provides social media management, community management, SEO, lead generation and a host of other services. With client success as the key focus of its activities, Coinbound is a common contender for the role of PR agency among startups both at the beginning phase to $1 billion market capitalization.
Coinzilla
Coinzilla is all about content – a reliable partner that can help startups create an efficient PR plan, regardless of their budget. The team at the company will help its clients create unique materials and distribute them across select publishers in all tiers. With effective follow-up services, connections to leading media and an excellent team, CoinBuzz is the best place to start for projects willing to make an impression through content marketing.
Guerilla Buzz
A non-traditional boutique growth agency on the market since 2018. The firm specializes in content marketing and public relations with special focus on creating hype. The team has extensive experience in SEO and community management – essential ingredients for ensuring exposure. Guerilla Buzz is a reliable partner for solving all manner of promotion tasks and a great place to start creating content that reaches both hearts and minds.
Byzantium
An experienced team of practitioners in business development, investment, consulting, marketing & PR. The firm has been on the market for a few years and has garnered a name for itself as a place that values its clients as both business entities and individuals. With its heartfelt approach to communication, the company delivers a standard range of PR services.
In Summary
The blockchain market is teeming with PR agencies, but far not every one of them deserves the attention of both early stage and established startups.
When selecting an agency that would handle promotion, startups need to firmly identify the areas they require assistance with and what the core focus of their advertising and marketing campaigns will be. With that mind, and the budget at hand, startups can start forming a short list of candidates among PR agencies based on their experience, the lineup of services, and client reviews. Most importantly, startups must ask for offers based on their requirements and never shy away from embracing a higher price tag if it matches the value delivered.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
33 days ago • cryptodaily
Metaverse Fashion: On the Rise and Redefining Sustainability
As the crypto market has continued to reel in from massive bearish pressure over the past year or so, the metaverse too seems to have lost some of its former momentum. However, as the use cases of this novel technological paradigm continue to emerge, many experts believe it's only a matter of time before this interconnected digital world revolutionizes several domains, including the world of fashion.
From a numbers standpoint, a recent study reveals that the worldwide market for digital fashion is projected to expand by $6.61 billion between 2021 and 2026. During this forecast period, the market is anticipated to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36.47%, with a sustained increase in growth momentum thanks to the entrance of numerous fashion brands into the metaverse over the last couple of years.
Big Brands are Embracing Digital Fashion
Despite some naysayers referring to the idea of metaverse-centric fashion as a fad, it should be noted that many mainstream entities have already started investing in digital fashion. For example, Adidas recently partnered with Genies — an American avatar technology company — to create a wide selection of virtual clothing, while Nike acquired the digital sneaker brand RTFKT. Similarly, Roblox, an online gaming platform, has forged partnerships with Levis and Gucci to not only devise digital wearables but also host several virtual events in the near term.
Also, the Metaverse Fashion Week, an annual event taking place on Decentraland, has really brought the concept of metaverse fashion to the forefront. The 2023 iteration of the event featured designs from many prominent fashion labels such as Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, Estée Lauder, Elie Saab, and Etro. The idea behind such events is to create a hybrid offering, one that combines the best of the physical and digital worlds.
Sustainability and Creative Freedom — The Metaverse Has Them Both
One of the most significant aspects of metaverse fashion is its potential for sustainability. The fashion industry is responsible for a considerable portion of the world’s annual carbon emissions, and therefore a shift towards digital clothing could help reduce the environmental impact of the sector.
For instance, a recent study discovered that digital-only clothing is significantly more eco-friendly than physical clothing, producing 97% less CO2 and using about 3,300 liters less water per item. Furthermore, evidence indicates that substituting physical samples with digital ones during a brand's design and development stages can decrease the company's carbon footprint by an impressive 30%.
Not only that, digital fashion also offers creative freedom that isn't possible with traditional fashion. With digital garments, customization and modification are limitless, allowing for truly unique wardrobes that express individuality and style. In this regard, platforms like Upland are redefining this space immensely, offering users with wearables that cater to their various tastes and personalities — while being extremely holistic in their design structure.
To elaborate, Upland is a blockchain-based virtual world mirroring the real world. It allows users to purchase, sell, and trade virtual assets, and most recently, the platform introduced its inaugural ‘Wearable Legits’ sale, featuring Brazilian-inspired costumes from the renowned Mangueira samba school in Rio de Janeiro. This addition enables ‘Uplanders’ to customize their avatars according to their personalities and interests, encouraging deeper engagement with the virtual world.
As Upland expands and introduces more customization options, users can expect additional wearable costumes and accessories to further personalize their virtual avatars. This unique blend of metaverse fashion and blockchain technology is not only innovative but also environmentally conscious.
Looking ahead
As people all over the globe continue to adopt and gravitate toward decentralized technologies, it stands to reason metaverse-based fashion will continue to gain more mainstream traction. This is because it not only offers a sustainable alternative to its traditional counterpart but also provides creative freedom for users to express their individuality.
Therefore, with major brands and labels continuing to venture into the metaverse and platforms like Upland introducing novel innovations to redefine this burgeoning space, it is not unreasonable to expect the idea of virtual clothing to grow and change the fashion landscape for good.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.