VeradiVerdict - Bakkt - Issue #19
Hi, I am Paul Veradittakit, a Partner at Pantera Capital, one of the oldest and largest institutional investors focused on investing into blockchain companies and cryptocurrencies. I focus on early investments and want to share my thoughts and what’s going on in the industry in this weekly newsletter.
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Editorials
Pantera was recently part of a massive announcement from Bakkt that the company has raised $182.5m in its first round of financing.
Bakkt is a cryptocurrency company started by the executives of ICE (Intercontinental Exchange), the parent company of the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange). ICE has had a track record of launching and running successful exchanges, including the largest stock exchange in the US. Bakkt will be initially launching a futures contract with physical settlement of Bitcoin. Eventually, the company will target custody and retail solutions for cryptocurrencies.
One of the most common questions I’ve received recently was about the investment thesis for this investment. One of our theses is investing into infrastructure that will allow for institutional investors to come into the space in a big way. Bakkt checks a few of the boxes that institutions will appreciate: experienced team, licensing (CFTC approval in process), and brand. The company is also focused on derivatives, custody/security, and other products that will expand the investor base for the ecosystem.
Digests
Crypto Theses for 2019 – Arjun Balaji – Medium
It is officially 2019. Take a look at this article commenting on the state of crypto in 2018 and its directions this year.
Crypto Corner: 2019 Crypto Watch List – Trading Technologies – Medium
What do you expect to see in the market of 2019? After analysis, crypto experts came up with the following predictions.
What Trends are Ahead for Crypto Industry in 2019? | CoinSpeaker
Another article from CoinSpeaker on some of the biggest benchmarks and trends to look for in 2019.
News
Weed Industry Crypto Paragon Coin Gains 9,690%, Growth Concentrated on One Market - NullTX
Paragon Coin, a weed industry crypto, gained close to 10,000 percent in less than 24 hours to set the pace for 2019.
Bitcoin Transaction Fees Hit Three-Year Low as Lightning Network, SegWit Help BTC Scale
Bitcoin transaction fees are now at a three year low, thanks to technologies such as SegWit and the Lightning Network, which are helping BTC scale.
Major Exchanges Fail to Prove Their Readiness for 'Proof of Keys' Movement | CoinSpeaker
The event emphasized the need for crypto holders to have control over their private keys and to possess them at will, even if the asset lies with the exchanges.
In the Tweets
Today, we ran a full-page ad in the @nytimes outlining what we think the cryptocurrency revolution needs to succeed. Revolutions that build sets of rules to ensure a better future, are the ones that last. https://t.co/RrMH5vgSbM https://t.co/oa83xgd26u
1:01 PM - 7 Jan 2019
Israeli Exchange to Launch Crypto Payments API Service for Local Businesses
There is a new option on the way for Israeli companies that wish to accept orders from cryptocurrency users while they keep managing their books in fiat. A local bitcoin ex https://t.co/3bA4U6m6su https://t.co/gf1k62BcvU
8:42 AM - 7 Jan 2019
I am the gift that keeps on giving.
#bitcoin #cryptocurrency #bitmex https://t.co/jJfTvvvA02
7:02 AM - 7 Jan 2019
2019 Is Here.
Let The Bull Run Begin!
#bitcoin #btc #blockchain #crypto #Cryptocurrency https://t.co/Q0eDVa79M5
4:53 AM - 7 Jan 2019
Regulations
7 Legal Questions That Will Define Blockchain in 2019 - CoinDesk
From whether a crypto ETF will be granted, to whether and when privacy coins can be banned, here are some major regulatory concerns to be addressed in the new year.
Japan's Financial Regulator May Approve Crypto ETFs: Report - CoinDesk
FSA apparently is open to approving crypto ETFS, will this influence other regulators’ decisions?
Crypto Regulation: Where We've Been And Where We're Going
After SEC’s aggressive regulatory actions in 2018, many questions remain unanswered for 2019, including the fate of a new bill that would prevent some ICOs from being deemed securities.
New Products and Hot Deals
Netflix of Blockchain: MTonomy Brings Streaming Video to Ethereum
MTonomy is a Netflix, Google Play, or Amazon Prime experience for Ethereum users.
The Ethereum Constantinople Fork will be Supported by Binance, OKEx, and Houbi - Blockchain Technology - Altcoin Buzz
The Ethereum Constantinople hard fork is projected to happen on January 16, 2019. Three major exchanges will support the hard fork for all their customers.
Bakkt Raises a Whopping $182 Million Funds for Further Expansion | CoinSpeaker
Despite the delay in its launch, Bakkt platform still continues to draw attention of some high-profile investors from the financial industry who are pouring millions of dollars in its development.
Meet with Me
Los Angeles, January 11th
San Francisco, niTron Conference, January 17th - 18th
San Mateo, Grin Conference, January 28th
Palo Alto, Stanford Blockchain Conference, January 30th - February 1st
Let me know if you are in the area and would like to meetup.
Additional Info
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