Blockchain Startups Raised over $4 Billion in VC Funding in Q2 2021

Blockchain-based projects received upwards of $4B in VC funding in the second quarter of 2021 alone.

CoinFund debuts $83M crypto startup fund

“Blockchain-based networks will be distributed to billions of people globally through digital wallets,” said CoinFund CIO Alex Felix.

Australian government awards $4M in grants to two blockchain startups

The new investment aims to explore blockchain’s capability to expand the competitiveness of Australia’s critical minerals and food and beverage industries. Australia’s Minister for Industry, Science and Technology announced 5.6 million Australian dollars ($4.2 million) in grants to two blockchain-focused companies including traceability firm Everledger and technology consulting startup Convergence.tech.Everledger, a company focused on building a global registry for diamonds, has received 3 million AUD ($2.2 million) to investigate blockchain technology’s use cases for creating digital certifications for critical minerals through the extraction and movement phases.

China’s Crypto Projects Plot Their Next Move: Stay or Flee

To leave or not to leave—that's the question for China’s crypto startups.

Utility-focused NFTs: the future of blockchain art?

To stand out in a saturated market, NFT startups should focus on real use cases, according to COO at NFTY Labs, Titan Inc.

Softbank Invests $200 Million in Brazilian Crypto Trading Platform Mercado Bitcoin

The multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Tokyo, Softbank operates a Latin America Fund that invests in startups focused on identification technology, e-commerce, education, fintech and now cryptocurrency solutions.

Colombian capital supports blockchain and emerging tech with $2.3M fund

Blockchain development is one of four major programs in Bogotá’s new tech innovation fund.

Andreessen Horowitz launches biggest-ever crypto venture fund at $2.2B

The Silicon Valley venture firm is doubling down on blockchain technology, having already supported several crypto startups over the years.

Yield Raises $10M to Expand Fixed Rate DeFi Lending on Ethereum

Yield is one of a growing number of startups looking to bring the equivalent of zero coupon bonds to the DeFi space.

This Crypto Project Accounts for Half of All US Regulator Penalties Since 2009

US regulators have dished out big fines against crypto startups, according to a new report.

New Crypto Venture Fund to Invest in African Startups

Audacity is a venture fund with plans to become a full-fledged DAO.

Europe Raises 20 Unicorns This Year Including Crypto Companies

Twice as many European startups have achieved unicorn status in 2021 compared to last year.

Become a part of decentralized VC with BullPerks

Venture Capital (VC) endeavors have been a boon to startups, projects, and small businesses all over the world, it presents a beneficial investment opportunity although the field itself has been nicheThe post Become a part of decentralized VC with BullPerks appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Hedge fund manager Alan Howard invests in two crypto startups

A long-running backer of the crypto industry, billionaire hedge fund manager Alan Howard recently invested in two digital asset startups. Billionaire hedge fund manager Alan Howard continues backing the cryptocurrency industry with fresh investment in two digital asset startups.The co-founder of major asset manager Brevan Howard led a $25 million extension fund raise for London-based crypto services firm Copper.co.

Polish Exchanges Lose Payment Processors in Bitcoin Crackdown

Polish payment processors and at least one bank in the country have closed the accounts of local bitcoin exchanges.

More Chinese Exchanges Impose Bitcoin Withdrawal Delays

China's bitcoin startups announced new updates to their withdrawal policies today, though stipulations varied by exchange.

Startups See Service Outages Amid Ethereum Blockchain Backlog

The ethereum network's transaction backlog has ensnared a number of cryptocurrency exchanges.

Top blockchain mentors join forces to advise on ‘groundbreaking’ Solana projects

Solverse Accelerator was established to support high-potential projects building on Solana.

Miami Crypto Aspirations Boosted by Borderless Capital’s $25 Million Fund

Investment company Borderless Capital will inject $25 million in blockchain startups and entrepreneurs based in the City of Miami.

VC firm Borderless Capital floats $25M blockchain fund in Miami

The $25 million fund will be used to support Miami-based blockchain startups developing digital payment solutions on the Algorand network. Borderless Capital’s support for Algorand-based development has taken another incremental turn with the venture capital firm launching a new $25 million fund in Miami.In an announcement on Wednesday, the investment firm stated that the $25 million fund will focus on supporting blockchain startups in the city of Miami.Dubbed the Borderless.Miami Fund, the VC firm is joined by stablecoin issuer Circle to foster the growth of digital payment and digital capital market development in Miami.Apart from direct investments in blockchain startups, Borderless Capital is also seeking to launch the Algorand Miami Accelerator.

Andreessen Horowitz Discusses Raising Third Crypto Fund to $2 Billion, Sources Say

In May 2020, back when the crypto economy was still tumultuous from the coronavirus outbreak fears and gloomy global financial outlook, in general, the private venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) revealed the 500 million-dollar “Crypto Fund II.” A report published on May 27 by the tech writer Eric Newcomer indicates that Andreessen Horowitz is […]

Internet Computer Enters Top 10, as DFINITY Offers USD 223M in Grants

Internet computer (ICP) has entered the list of the top 10 cryptoassets by market capitalization list, while the non-profit organization dedicated to building and promoting it, Switzerland-based DFINITY Foundation, announced a USD 223m fund that will focus on developer grants, accelerator programs, and startups developing open-internet services on the network. The

Poloniex LaunchBase Relaunches With APENFT’s Native Token NFT

May 21, 2021 – San Francisco, California Poloniex LaunchBase, the exclusive token launch platform of Poloniex which helps transformative blockchain startups raise funding to develop their products and drive user adoption, has announced the relaunch of their platform.

Poloniex LaunchBase Relaunches With APENFT’s Native Token NFT

[PRESS RELEASE – SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 21st May 2021] Poloniex LaunchBase, the exclusive token launch platform of Poloniex which helps transformative blockchain startups raise funding to develop their products and drive user adoption, has announced the relaunch of their platform.

Lego and Disney veteran joins digital collectibles platform Terra Virtua

Pierre Dadd joins Terra Virtua as marketing director following more than 20 years of experience in marketing and brand development for various entertainment companies.

Nervos and CMB International launch $50M blockchain, DeFi and NFT fund

China’s leading blockchain network to fund startups willing to develop on it.

Restrictions on Crypto Trading to Deprive Nation of Opportunities, Iranian Fintechs Warn

Startups have spoken out against government attempts to curb the operations of crypto exchanges in Iran.

Bitrue floats $50M cryptocurrency investment fund

The crypto exchange platform plans to support blockchain startups working on paradigm-shifting use cases for the emerging technology. Bitrue crypto exchange has announced a $50-million investment fund geared toward supporting cryptocurrency and blockchain startups.According to a recent announcement, the investment fund will target crypto projects working on use cases with the potential to advance the development of the emerging blockchain ecosystem.Of the $50-million sum, 70% will be in the form of Tether (USDT), while the exchange also plans to fund the remaining 30% via its native token, Bitrue Coin (BTR).

Ubisoft Unveils the Next Batch of Crypto Startups It Plans to Help Grow

Horizon Blockchain Games, NonFungible, and others join the game publisher’s Entrepreneurs Lab initiative, which has prominent crypto gaming alumni.

Ubisoft selects blockchain startup for its Entrepreneurs Lab

The theme of the sixth annual Entrepreneurs Lab is “blockchain and positive entertainment.” Aleph.im, a blockchain-based storage and computing startup, has been selected to participate in the sixth season of Ubisoft’s Entrepreneurs Lab, offering further exposure to the emerging blockchain industry.  The French video game developer has been running Entrepreneurs Lab for the past six years, offering startups and entrepreneurs the ability to access company resources and expertise as they scale up and commercialize their products.

Crypto.com unveils EVM blockchain functionality and related fund

The new functionality will help smart contracts and applications from other blockchains transition over to the Crypto.org ecosystem.

Indian startup organization proposes regulatory framework for crypto

An internet startup association in India has asked the government to define cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as digital assets and not currencies. IndiaTech.org, an industry association representing India’s consumer internet startups and investors, wants to provide clear definitions for the cryptocurrency industry. On Wednesday, the association released a white paper including a policy proposal with recommendations for a regulatory framework for crypto assets and crypto exchanges in India. The proposed framework suggests to define cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) as digital assets and not currencies.

Funding Roundup: Derivatives and Defi Draw a Fresh Influx of VC Firms and Private Investors

As blockchain technology disrupts traditional industry standards, the list of progressive investors willing to stake their money has increased significantly.

Mastercard adds 6 blockchain payments startups to accelerator program

The "fintech innovators" will receive direct support from Mastercard as they bring their products and services to market.

Genetics, Crop Startups Utilize NFTs: From Corn & Wildlife to Hollywood

With some industry sources estimating the non-fungible token (NFT) market value exceeded USD 2bn last quarter, a number of projects underway aim to extend NFTs to genetics, promote non-fungibles in Hollywood, and use the technology to facilitate grain trading, among others. Paving the way for the technology’s increased use in genetics, Harvard Medical School

Daml smart contract language creator raises $120M in Series D financing

The company behind Daml said it tripled its customer base in 2020, with half of the new business coming from outside the blockchain industry.

Central Bank of Nigeria Blocks Fintech Startups From Accessing KYC Service— Decision Described as an ‘Attack on All Fintechs’

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has recently suspended the provision of the bank validation number (BVN) service to all fintech and third-party partners.

VC funds bullish on crypto, increase investment in blockchain startups

Funding for crypto and blockchain startups is not slowing in 2021 as VC funds appear keen to enjoy the exponential growth potential.

Prepare Your Crypto Startups as Binance is Shopping

Source: a screenshot, Instagram/binance Major crypto exchange Binance plans to do about three acquisitions every month, according to CEO Changpeng Zhao (aka CZ).

XELS launches Eco-conscious blockchain platform for Carbon Offset Credits

 XELS, one of the leading startups tackling climate change by increasing participation and transparency in carbon markets, is listing its eponymous XELS token on Bittrex Global on 8 April 2021.  The post XELS launches Eco-conscious blockchain platform for Carbon Offset Credits appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Blockchain and Crypto Startups Raise $2.6 Billion in Q1 of 2021— Figure Surpasses 2020 Total by $300 Million

According to data analysis firm, CB Insights, about $2.6 billion was raised by some 129 blockchain-focused start-ups during the first quarter of 2021.

Top 5 Evolving Cryptocurrency Startups That Are Revolutionizing The Future of Fintech

Tremendous evolution in cryptocurrency startups provides to be revolutionary in the Fintech industry now and in upcoming years.

Draper Goren Holm adds Tezos startups to its $25M venture fund

The Los Angeles-based venture fund plans to incubate startups building on the Tezos blockchain.

Expect More Crypto Startups to Get Bought Up by Big Tech: PwC

Institutional investors will continue to get involved in crypto, the Big Four firm said in a new report.

Ex-Coinbase Director Launches Crypto Fraud Prevention Startup Sardine

Led by Coinbase alum Soups Ranjan, Sardine aims to help crypto and fintech startups battle fraud.

Experts say new South Korean crypto rules will create a monopolized market

Blockchain industry members claim that smaller-scale startups have struggled to forge partnerships with local banks in South Korea and are therefore unable to register under regulators' new requirements. South Korea is heading into a new period for its crypto industry, with stringent new rules coming into effect on March 25 that will require all cryptocurrency businesses to comply with new crypto reporting regulations and registration rules. As an article from the Korea Herald outlines, industry experts fear that the impact of the new measures — specifically, the incoming Specific Financial Transactions Act — will have damaging consequences for most domestic cryptocurrency firms.

Do Bitcoin Ad Networks Actually Work? The $250 Experiment

Over the course of the last 10 years, the blockchain industry has grown and expanded into a fully-fledged behemoth, worth trillions of dollars, boasting corporations, medium-sized projects and newly founded startups.

Crypto.com becomes a principal member of the Visa network

Cryptocurrency exchange platform and card issuer Crypto.com has partnered with Visa and plans to debut fiat lending. Crypto.com is now the latest cryptocurrency exchange and payment service to join the Visa network. According to a press statement issued on Wednesday, Crypto.com has inked a global partnership with the credit/debit card payment giant which includes becoming a principal member of Visa’s network in Australia. As part of the press release, Crypto.com revealed that the collaboration with Visa was in line with the company’s efforts to expand the reach of its crypto Visa card. Crypto.com’s Visa card is already used in more than 30 countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, as well as nations in Europe and across the Asia-Pacific. Crypto.com plans to begin direct issuance of its Visa card in the country, and the company says it will use its presence in Australia to pursue greater market penetration for its card service across the world. Apart from its physical Visa card product, Crypto.com will also reportedly begin to issue virtual cards within Europe. Commenting on the Visa partnership, Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek remarked: “Signing the global partnership with Visa and becoming a principal member with the world’s leader in digital payments affirms our commitment to accelerate the world’s transition to cryptocurrency.” As part of the official communique, the company also announced the rollout of its fiat lending program, dubbed “Spending Power.” With this new product, Crypto.com Visa cardholders will be able to use the cryptocurrency balance in their wallet as loan collateral and spend fiat in merchant platforms that support Visa payments. Earlier in March, Crypto.com launched a $200 million crypto investment fund to support startups in the industry.

South Korea's Regulator Threatens Bitcoin Startups With Jail

New financial reporting rules for South Korea's crypto businesses come into force on March 25.

Thai bank's venture arm invests in institutional crypto custodian Anchorage

SCB 10X, the venture arm of Thailand's oldest bank, is participating in an $80 million Series C fundraising round for institutional crypto custodian and digital asset platform Anchorage. Just last month, SCB 10X — the venture arm of Siam Commercial Bank — had announced its new $50 million fund dedicated to investments in global blockchain, decentralized finance and digital asset startups.

Crypto.com launches $200M investment fund for cryptocurrency startups

The $200 million will be used to invest in seed and Series A funding rounds for promising cryptocurrency startups. Crypto.com has launched a venture arm and has set aside $200 million to invest in promising cryptocurrency startups, as it seeks to expand its partnerships with entrepreneurs in the crypto and blockchain industry.

US Education Department promotes putting student records on blockchain

A new government-funded challenge seeks blockchain-based solutions to simplify educational data sharing, but implementation could take time. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed flaws across various sectors.

Enterprise blockchain of today: While some fail, others show potential value

Enterprise blockchain startup Insolar ceases operations, but what went wrong? While the price of Bitcoin (BTC) continues to reach record-breaking all-time highs, the hype around enterprise blockchain adoption may seem like it’s dwindling.  Enterprise blockchain started gaining traction in 2017 when Bitcoin’s price hit a high of nearly $20,000.

New Emerging Markets Fund Targets Blockchain, DeFi Startups

The Arcanum Emerging Technologies Fund will start in India, but its founders plan to expand to other regions.

Why your startup can benefit by copying Tesla and MicroStrategy

Leo Polovets of Susaventures mentioned in a curious tweet today that he increasingly feels that startups would benefit from copying Tesla and MicroStrategy by putting a fraction of their cash into Bit The post Why your startup can benefit by copying Tesla and MicroStrategy appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Kraken Creates VC Fund for Boosting Crypto Innovation

The Kraken Ventures fund will focus on supporting startups working in DeFi, fintech, crypto, and other innovative sectors.

New Kraken Venture Fund to Target Early-Stage Crypto, Tech Startups

Kraken Ventures will operate autonomously, with financial backing from the exchange.

Thailand's Siam Commercial Bank to invest $50M in blockchain, DeFi startups

Earlier today, SCB TenX (SCB 10X), a holding company in the Siam Commercial Bank group, announced a $50 million allocation towards DeFi startups and digital assets. SCB is one of the oldest banks i The post Thailand's Siam Commercial Bank to invest $50M in blockchain, DeFi startups appeared first on AMBCrypto.

7 Challenges Facing Fintech Startup and Their Solutions

The text below is an advertorial article that was not written by Cryptonews.com journalists. FinTech startups seek to provide the consumer as well as businesses varied options when it comes to money management.

Growing list of billion-dollar crypto ‘unicorns’ suggest the best is yet to come

More than 53 blockchain projects have emerged as multi-billion dollar market cap crypto unicorns, a signal that the 2021 bull market is just getting started. In the traditional investing world ‘unicorn’ is a term used by venture capitalists to describe a privately held startup valued at more than $1 billion.  Typically these startups have strong fundamentals and oftentimes a first-mover advantage that helps them rapidly rise in value to become prized investment opportunities for yield-seeking funds.

Crypto-Centric VC Fund Lures in Billionaire Investor Paul Tudor Jones and Rapper LL Cool J

This week the former Digital Currency Group (DCG) Vice President of Investments, Travis Scher, announced a $72 million crypto-focused venture capital fund backed by the billionaire investor Paul Tudor Jones and hip-hop star LL Cool J.

Algorand names 11 blockchain startups for its first accelerator program

The Algorand Foundation introduced its Europe Accelerator program in October 2020.

Aave’s Founder Angel Invests to Grow DeFi’s Head Start on the Banks

Stani Kulechov has backed nearly 40 projects in his search for founders who see two or three moves ahead.

Blockchain companies can’t afford to stay on the patent sidelines

If blockchain companies continue to neglect to acquire patents, they will struggle to convert their ideas into commercial success. Twitter plays defense with its patents, Square has launched a consortium — which includes Coinbase — to pool crypto patents and Alibaba is well on its way with its mission to overtake IBM in the blockchain patent wars.  Many startups don’t take the necessary steps to protect their innovations, and that’s a big mistake.

Solana targets growth in Southeast Asia with a $5M grants scheme

The $5 million fund only allows projects with a physical presence in Southeast Asia to apply for the program which provides up to $100,000 plus technical and community support. Solana has turned its focus towards decentralized finance in Southeast Asia with a new $5 million development fund. The Solana Foundation created the fund in partnership with Vietnam-based investment firm Coin98 Ventures, enabling regional startups building on Solana to receive technical, marketing, and community support, as well as up to $100,000 in funding.

USV Launches $250 Million Fund, Plans to Invest 30% in Crypto Startups

Union Square Ventures partner Andy Weissman lays out the firm's plans for 2021, including its crypto investments.

Ethereum Rival Solana Wants to Corner Asian DeFi Market

Solana Foundation, which supports development on the Solana blockchain, is partnering with Coin98 Ventures to give grants to DeFi startups in Southeast Asia.

‘Over-Regulation’ May Scupper South Korea’s Fledgling Crypto Sector

Source: Adobe/y fran_kie Critics have accused Seoul of “over-regulation,” claiming that a new South Korean crypto law – which will promulgate in a matter of weeks – could marginalize the industry. Per a report from EBN, voices of concern are growing louder within the crypto sector, with some business experts claiming that the cost of compliance will all but freeze out startups, and

Binance and Orbs sponsor new accelerator for DeFi startups

The accelerator will incubate new and innovative DeFi projects with a blockchain-agnostic outlook. Orbs, an Israeli blockchain company building a public blockchain infrastructure project, and Binance, announced Monday the launch of a new accelerator for the DeFi ecosystem. Named DeFi.org, the accelerator focuses on supporting research and development of open-source software and community development in the DeFi space.

Binance, Blockchain Firm Orbs to Sponsor New Accelerator for DeFi Innovation

The two firms have become core sponsors of the DeFi.org accelerator, which will provide grants for innovative startups working in decentralized finance.

What Does It Cost to Become an FCA-Approved Exchange? EXMO Execs Explain

The UK-registered EXMO exchange is one of the many crypto startups to go through the FCA approval process.

10 Crypto Companies That Made a Big Splash in 2020

These companies, startups and projects have been key movers and shakers in the crypto space over the past 12 months.

Korean crypto investment company launches $100 million fund for blockchain projects

South Korea’s Hashed has established a new fund to finance emerging blockchain startups Hashed, one of South Korea’s largest crypto asset fund managers, has raised 120 billion won ($110 million) to fund new blockchain ventures in the so-called “protocol economy.” The funds were raised via Hashed Ventures Inc., a new entity that will oversee the deployment of the nine-figure investment.

UK FCA gives crypto startups a hindering hand

The United Kingdom is shutting the door for digital asset firms: Crypto startups are no longer welcome to the country. Late last week, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority issued temporary licenses to applicant companies looking to become licensed crypto-asset firms.

SM Digital Holding and Wallex Prove That Bulgaria Is the Next Leading Hub for Fintech Companies

Many fintech startups and established companies are now looking for a new home across Europe due to Brexit.

How Israeli VCs Are Doubling Down on DeFi Startups

The three co-founders of Collider Ventures agree Israel’s vibrant crypto industry waned, yet didn’t fizzle, throughout 2020.

Million-dollar startup taps Algorand to fight climate change

Climatetrade will launch its marketplace for carbon offsetting on the Algorand blockchain. Blockchain marketplace Climatetrade will be building its new CO2 carbon offsetting platform on Algorand, a top-50 cryptocurrency project that is gunning for scalability and transactional performance.  Climatetrade announced Wednesday that it has selected the Algorand blockchain to power its carbon offsetting marketplace, which is designed to help organizations achieve CO2 neutrality — a key pillar in the fight against climate change.

Why Europe Bests the US at Attracting Crypto Startups

The EU has created a common framework for regulating crypto across the economic bloc.

Big banks think new furniture is innovation, but they are wrong

True innovations are a serious problem for traditional financial institutions, but fintech and crypto startups have the solution. When banks finally come to improve their technology experience, they go no deeper than changing the front end.

Blockchain Startup Raises $12M Series A to Turn Brands Into Cellular Networks

Blockchain startup OXIO raised a $12 million Series A to make “Telecom-as-a-Service” as common as SaaS.

South Korean SME Minister Sings Praises of Blockchain-powered Payments

A South Korean minister has been championing blockchain-powered payments, claiming they have the power to transform the business landscape for smaller businesses in the country. Per News1, the comment came from the country’s Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups Park Young-sun, who claimed that e-pay initiatives like Zero Pay could use powerful

DeFi Dashboard Zapper Snags New Funding From Delphi and Coinbase Ventures

Zapper announced Thursday an extension of its seed investment round with new backing from Delphi Digital and Coinbase.

African Startups Should Tokenize to Break Biased Funding Cycles

Startup capital in Africa still favors foreign founders at the expense of homegrown projects.

Crypto Startups Raised $759M in Q3, 3X More Than in Q2 2020

Economic uncertainty caused by the global pandemic has made venture capital firms hesitant to invest in early-stage crypto startups.

The cryptocurrency sector is overflowing with dead projects

Blockchain technology is just a tool that solves a problem, it cannot be the goal of the entire project. In 2017, when everything concerned with cryptocurrency and blockchain still looked fresh and interesting, it seemed that there would be no day without a new “revolutionary” project or idea.

Blockchain Life 2020 Forum in Moscow, Russia

Disclaimer: The text below is a press release that was not written by Cryptonews.com. Forum Blockchain Life 2020, the main live event of the year in the industry, took place on October 21-22, 2020 in Russia, Moscow. Despite the difficult COVID-19 realities and closed borders, the Forum was attended by 3000+ participants. Global industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and startups have come

Forum Blockchain Life 2020, took place on October 21-22, 2020 in Russia, Moscow

Despite the difficult COVID-19 realities and closed borders, the Forum was attended by 3000+ participants. Global industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and startups have come together to disc The post Forum Blockchain Life 2020, took place on October 21-22, 2020 in Russia, Moscow appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Razor Network Raises $3.7M to Prove There’s Room for More Oracles in DeFi

Razor Network raised $3.7 million in seed funding from NGC Ventures, Alameda Research and Mariano Conti, the former oracles chief at MakerDAO.

NIFTEX Raises $500K to Build Out NFT Trading Platform

NIFTEX, the platform that allows for the fractional trading of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), announced a $500,000 funding round led by 1kx.

SEC Makes It Easier for Crypto Startups to Raise Funds

The SEC is raising crowdfunding limits from $1.07 million to $5 million, meaning crypto startups could start relying less on venture capital.

DefiDollar Raises $1.2M to Be the Risk-Insured Stablecoin Layer for DeFi

India-based DefiDollar has raised $1.2 million in a seed round led by Divergence Ventures, Standard Crypto and Accomplice.

IDEO CoLab Unleashes $21 Million Early Stage Crypto Fund

The venture fund has helped incubate more than 30 blockchain startups since 2018.

Notional Launches Out of Stealth to Bring Fixed-Rate Lending to DeFi

Notional enables fixed-rate debt on Ethereum using a new on-chain automated market maker.

Bitcoin Businesses on the Mend: Report Shows 57% of Crypto Execs Expect the Industry to Accelerate, Companies Are Hiring

Digital Currency Group (DCG) recently published the firm’s “State of Crypto 2020” report which polls more than 150 portfolio crypto companies.

Collider Labs Raises $1M to Invest in Blockchain Startups

The venture builder is seeking to invest in early-stage startups with a focus on transparency, privacy and "fairness."

O(1) Labs Raises $10.9M More for Lightweight Mina Protocol

O(1) Labs’ lightweight blockchain project Mina, formerly known as Coda Protocol, has raised $10.9 million.

How the DeFi Craze Made Its Way to China

DeFi is booming in China, with startups adapting and building on popular western projects within the nation's active crypto economy.

Algorand’s New Europe Accelerator to Boost Startups With up to $500K in Funding

Startups working with Algorand's blockchain may receive up to $500,000 in seed funding through the program.

Twitter's Jack Dorsey urges Bitcoin donations to fight police brutality in Nigeria

The CEO of Twitter and Square has urged Bitcoiners to join the fight to end the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Nigeria The CEO of Twitter and Square, Jack Dorsey, has urged his followers to donate Bitcoin to the #endSARS cause, which aims to end police brutality in Nigeria. Donate via #Bitcoin to help #EndSARS https://t.co/kf305SFXze— jack (@jack) October 14, 2020 The crypto donation site he linked to is run by a group of Nigerian feminists fighting against the police’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) through protests, fundraising, and social media. A series of demonstrations began in Nigeria on October 4 with thousands taking to the streets to protest against police brutality in Nigeria and call for the disbanding of SARS, with the #endSARS hashtag trending. Various crypto startups like BuyCoins and Busha have also donated to the cause. Ray Youssef, CEO of Peer-to-peer Bitcoin marketplace Paxful, which is popular across Africa, also embraced the #endSARS hashtag, accusing police of unfairly targeting young people for using cryptocurrency.

Amid Confusion About Rules, Indian Crypto Community Pushes for Regulatory Sandbox

India's crypto businesses are proposing a regulatory sandbox to allow startups to grow while the nation builds rules around the nascent space.