With the recent launching of Bitcoin Futures trading, new crypto ETFs and the full-scale entry of institutional capital into blockchain tech the moment of widespread adoption of crypto-currency has arrived.
Last year, discussions about Bitcoin and other crypto-related topics were few and far between. With Google trends data showing huge search numbers for Bitcoin related searches, and Bitcoin being mentioned in mainstream news/pop media more frequently, it’s safe to say that crypto has transitioned from geek fetish to pop novelty.
I’ve been flooded with questions about whether or not to invest, and where to invest. Some experts suggest making small investments in multiple crypto projects. Still, others aren’t up for the risk and volatility. To them, it feels too much like gambling.
To that last point, it is a bit like gambling. Many ICOs have raised millions of dollars in a matter of minutes with nothing but a website and a white paper. Many of those same projects, including some of the biggest ICOs to date, have run aground and have prompted several public announcements and enforcement actions from the SEC.
Regardless of what side of the fence you are on, recent studies show that the average return on a sample of 200 ICOs over the past year is around 1,000%. The amount of money being generated in the blockchain sector right now is undeniable.
While some say it’s a bubble that doesn’t dismiss the tremendous value and potential the immutability, transparency and meritocracy that blockchain tech brings to the table. Blockchain technology is poised to disrupt just about every major market sector.
A lot of money is being made, a lot of value is being created but what about the risk? What if there was a way to mitigate much of that risk? What if a gamble could become a calculated risk no different than buying into Amazon when the only thing they sold was books?
I got to meet with the crypto-journalist of Unblock.net, Priyeshu Garg, to understand how he is changing the game for new blockchain and cryptocurrencies / ICOs that come to market.
Bringing structure and stability to blockchain venture funding
The ICO model is born from the immutability and transparency at the core of blockchain technology. It creates a direct conduit between early-stage blockchain projects and enthusiasts that wish to fund those projects with no middle men.
The problem is that the baby was thrown out with the bathwater. Turns out, some of those middle men, namely the financial and business fundamentals people are necessary. Simply hatching an idea for a blockchain application, creating a website, white paper and crowdsale contract does not a business make.
The old rules still apply. You need a solid financial model, you need a real problem that needs to be solved, you need a capable team, you need 3rd-party due-diligence and vetting.
Blockchain ventures are added to the Unblock platform only after a rigorous vetting process. The Unblock token acts as discount voucher or coupon to exchange for presale tokens on projects that get added to the platform.
The Unblock token has a pegged value of $1.00 USD on the DealBox platform. No other platform offers this. This feature was created to shield DLBX holders from the usual cryptocurrency market volatility. It also acts as a hedge against pump-and-dump activities and encourages long-term holding trends. As the Bitcoin market remains volatile – Unblock is bringing stability, structure and prudence.
Placeholder for value
It’s not about creating a token that can be pumped and dumped on the exchanges. It’s about creating real value and raising standards to improve the overall health of the blockchain ecosystem”. The takeaway here is that was designed to be antithetical to pumping and dumping which in a way encapsulates the entire philosophy behind the Unblock platform which encourages long term holding of quality and value.
The Blockchain Venture Opportunity
Maintain the innovative ICO model but add checks and balances that protect both the participants in ICOs but also promote a better breed of blockchain venture. Currently, the Unblock platform has a project pipeline of close to 20 blockchain ventures in various stages of vetting and curation. By registering at Unblock.net anyone can view the current status of these projects.