About Startup365

Chaque jour nous vous présenterons une nouvelle Startup française ! Notre pays regorge de talents et d'entrepreneurs brillants ! Alors partons à la découverte des meilleures startup françaises ! Certaines d'entre elles sont dans une étape essentielle dans la vie d'une startup : la recherche de financement, notamment par le financement participatif (ou crowdfunding en anglais). Alors participez à cette grande aventure en leur faisant une petite donation ! Les startups françaises ont besoin de vous !

#Blockchain A Short History of Major Fiat Currency Collapses and What Triggered Them

Earlier this year we witnessed a mini flash crash that hit the fiat currency markets. It took approximately seven minutes for the Australian dollar to plummet against the Japanese yen, which surged to levels that it had last held almost a decade ago. Like a number of fiat currencies, bitcoin is going through its own boom and bust cycle which is something it has experienced before. Historically, several global currencies have suffered far worse volatility, with hyperinflation often the outcome. 

Also Read: Back to Basics: What Is Money?

USD: The World’s Reserve Currency

A Short History of Major Fiat Currency Collapses and What Triggered Them

Before we run down some of the major currency crashes in history, it is worth noting that the world’s reserve currency is currently the U.S. dollar. The dollar became the reserve currency back in 1973 when President Richard Nixon abandoned the gold standard. Prior to the dollar, the British pound sterling was the dominant global reserve currency. Both the euro and Japanese yen have also become increasingly popular as a reserve currency given the size of their respective economies. The strength of the U.S. dollar is crucial. For example, a strong dollar or increase in the exchange rate is better for individuals because it makes imports cheaper and lowers inflation. 

Earlier this year, Bank of England governor Mark Carney said the Chinese yuan could be an alternative reserve currency. Referring to the Chinese currency, Carney said:

As the world re-orders, this disconnect between the real and financial is likely to reduce, and in the process other reserve currencies may emerge. In the first instance, I would expect these will be existing national currencies, such as the RMB.

Most of the world’s currency prices fluctuate based on the supply and demand in the foreign exchange market. The stability of any currency depends on consumer confidence, the political state and economic performance, all of which affect currency strength. Those interested in crypto should review the history of currency crashes in order to better understand volatility and how easy it is for currencies to rise and fall.

Venezuelan Bolivar

The bolivar is one of the most recent high profile cases of a currency collapsing. For Venezuela it all started back in June 2010 when President Hugo Chávez declared an economic war due to the increasing shortages in Venezuela. Since then the crisis has only intensified under the Maduro government, growing more severe as a result of low oil prices in early 2015, and a drop in oil production from lack of maintenance and investment. Since 2016, political discontent in Venezuela has been fueled by increasing hyperinflation, power cuts, and shortages of food and medicine.  In 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration signed an executive order that prohibits dealings in new debt from the Venezuelan government or its state oil company. This situation forced President Maduro to sidestep the U.S. and phase in use of its controversial digital currency, the “petro,” for oil sales. 

A Short History of Major Fiat Currency Collapses and What Triggered Them
Collapse of Venezuelan Bolivar.

Zimbabwean Dollar

The Republic of Zimbabwe in Southern Africa experienced the worst of its inflation in 2008 which led to the abandonment of the currency. Hyperinflation drove a period of currency instability in Zimbabwe which had begun in the late 1990s. Peak hyperinflation occurred in mid-November 2008 with a rate estimated at 79,600,000,000 percent per month. This resulted in U.S.$1 becoming equivalent to the staggering sum of Z$2,621,984,228.

Argentinian Peso

Argentina is Latin America’s third largest economy. Since its independence from Spain in 1816, the country has defaulted on its debt many times and inflation has often been in the double digits. Argentina experienced record growth until the OPEC oil embargo in the mid-1970s. After this, civil and political unrest followed and budget and trade deficits threatened the onset of a severe recession. Triggered by this, the government resorted to printing money. A military coup in 1976 brought further economic decline and more inflation as the money supply continued to expand. Unfortunately, by 1982 GDP was in free fall and dropped 12 percent year over year, the worst since the Great Depression

Icelandic Króna

A Short History of Major Fiat Currency Collapses and What Triggered ThemBetween 2008 and 2011 we witnessed the Icelandic financial crisis. Relative to the size of its economy, Iceland’s systemic banking collapse was the largest experienced by any country in economic history. In October 2008, Iceland nationalized its three largest banks, Kaupthing Bank, Landsbanki, and Glitnir Bank, which had defaulted on $62 billion of foreign debt. As trust in the banks faded, this led to a sharp depreciation of the Icelandic króna in 2008.

Troubled Turkish Lira

In 2018 the Turkish lira slumped to a record low against the U.S. dollar. Turkey’s struggling currency is putting huge amounts of pressure on the country’s massive debt obligation to other countries. From an educational perspective, it is worth watching Turkey’s economic troubles unfold. Most recently we have seen the lira on the verge of collapse in a crisis that has provided opportunity for some investors.

Many observers have reveled in the fall in value of bitcoin and cryptocurrencies. By reviewing the history of currencies, however, it becomes evident that there is always volatility to some degree. This is nothing new, and cryptocurrencies, like fiat currencies, are going through typical boom and bust cycles. With hyperinflation impossible with fixed supply currencies like bitcoin, the odds of complete devaluation are extremely slender, while the potential upside for investors with the patience to hodl is huge.

Would the collapse of a major global currency create opportunity for bitcoin? Let us know in the comments section below.


Images courtesy of Shutterstock and the Wall Street Journal. 


Need to calculate your bitcoin holdings? Check our tools section.

The post A Short History of Major Fiat Currency Collapses and What Triggered Them appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2DQCTDn A Short History of Major Fiat Currency Collapses and What Triggered Them

#USA The next big bet for former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick may be cloud kitchens — in China

//

Former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick may have been nudged out of one of the world’s most highly valuable private companies by investors frustrated over its troubled culture, but his moves remain of great interest given how far he’d driven the ride-share giant.

One such move, according to a new report in the South China Morning Post, looks to be to help foster the growing concept of cloud kitchens to China.

We’ve reached out to Kalanick for more information, but per the SCMP’s report, Kalanick is partnering with the former COO of the bike-sharing startup Ofo, Yanqi Zhang , on a project that involves Kalanick’s company, CloudKitchens, which is based in L.A. and that enables restaurants to set up kitchens for the purposes of catering exclusively to customers ordering in, which is how a growing percentage of people is consuming restaurant food. The kitchens are established in underutilized real estate that Kalanick is snapping up through a holding company called.

According to The Spoon, an food industry blog, the trend is beginning to gain momentum in particular regions, including India, where it says many restaurants struggle to afford the traditional restaurant model, which often involves paying top dollar for rent, as well covering wages for employees, from dishwashers to cooks to servers. Using so-called cloud kitchens enables these restaurateurs to share facilities with others, and to do away with much of their other overhead. Some are even being promised more affordable equipment.

For example, according to The Spoon, the restaurant review site Zomato, through its now two-year-old service called Zomato Infrastructure Service, aims to create kitchen “pods” that restaurants can rent, and it’s using data to identity recently closed restaurants that may looking to offload their kitchen equipment for whatever they can get for it.

Shared kitchens have also been taking off in China, as notes the SCMP,  which cites Beijing-based Panda Selected and Shanghai-based Jike Alliance as just two companies that Kalanick would be bumping up against.

Kalanick wasn’t first to spy the trend bubbling up here in the U.S., but he seems to be taking it as seriously as any entrepreneur. Last year, he spent $150 million to buy a controlling stake in City Storage Systems, the holding company of CloudKitchens, through a fund that he established around the same time, called the 10100 fund. The money was used to buy out most of the company’s earlier backers, including venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya, according to a report last year by Recode. That same report said that Kalanick now a controlling interest in City Storage Systems. It also said that serial entrepreneur Sky Dayton — who founded EarthLink, co-founded eCompanies, and founded Boingo — is a cofounder.

City Storage Systems, which is based in Beverly Hiils, according LinkedIn, isn’t interested in on-demand kitchens alone. The idea behind it is seemingly to buy distressed real estate, including parking lots, and to repurpose for it for a number of online-focused ventures.

Having had to back out of China with Uber in 2016, Kalanick may be of a mind to jump into the country both faster this time around, and with a local partner with whom he has a relationship. Indeed, Zhang spent two years as a regional manager for Uber in China before cofounding Ofo, which has since run into problems of its own.

We’ve also reached to Zhang for this story and hope to update it when we learn more.

from Startups – TechCrunch https://tcrn.ch/2UxHSOI

#Blockchain Startup Launches Loaded Bitcoin Cash Notes to Spread BCH Adoption

Startup Launches Loaded Bitcoin Cash Notes to Help Spread BCH Adoption

Bitcoin Cash proponents can purchase collectible and loaded BCH notes from a company called Global Notes based in Melbourne, Australia. The creator of Bitcoincashnotes.com is a firm believer in Satoshi Nakamoto’s vision for a peer-to-peer electronic cash system and thinks the low fees tethered to the BCH chain are “vital for the economic feasibility” of the company’s physical bitcoin cash product.

Also read: Panda Exchange Deploys Hybrid Point of Sale and Crypto ATM in Bogota

Loaded Bitcoin Cash Notes

A startup called Global Notes has introduced a series of collectible bitcoin cash bearer bond notes that are loaded with a small fraction of BCH. The creator believes BCH funded notes are a great way to spread adoption by tipping people for their services and gifting friends and family as well. The company’s website Bitcoincashnotes.com has released its first release version 0.1.0 which contains a denomination of 1mBCH (0.001 BCH or $0.11 at the time of publication) per bill.

“[Bitcoin cash notes] are preloaded paper wallets that look and feel like real money — Each note contains Bitcoin Cash equal to its face value,” explains the Bitcoincashnotes.com website. “A private key has been encapsulated in each note underneath a tamper-evident seal, giving you access to the bitcoin cash at any time.”

Startup Launches Loaded Bitcoin Cash Notes to Spread BCH Adoption
Bitcoin cash notes front and back.

The company sells notes in a standard variety and a collectors’ edition. The bills look similar to a U.S. dollar but instead of dead presidents, these notes have a picture of Dorian Nakamoto. The note comes with a printed public key and private key so the bearer can sweep the funds at any time. On the top, there is a disclaimer detailing when the notes were issued with the promise that Global Notes originally loaded the funds on the bill and this can be verified onchain. Under the public key QR code, it says 1mBCH and version 0.1.0 alongside the bill’s print number.

On the right side of the bill is the private key which is covered by a tamper-resistant holographic sticker. Under the sticker, it says that there is a non-deterministic private key underneath and if the key is accessed and swept the bill will be void. The top of the note reads “Bitcoin Cash Note” and below Dorian it says “One Milli Bitcoin Cash.” The backside of the bill is a colorful orange design that reads “In cryptography we trust.” All the notes are numbered sequentially with a note ID alongside a version number which details the exact release of the bill.

“The 4 digit code printed at the top left-hand corner of the tamper-evident seal provides enhanced security against covering a tampered seal with a new seal,” the company details. “The 4 digit code equals the last 4 digits of the Bitcoin Cash address.”

Bitcoincashnotes Aims to Further Progress Economic Freedom to the Unbanked

Bitcoincashnotes says that it operates with high standards of integrity and the company values the trust customers provide. To ensure the private key is kept safe on the bill, the manufacturer’s applied a holographic tamper-evident seal made of a light-impenetrable material and scrambling text. The BCH note producer also details a number of ways customers can authenticate the integrity of the BCH bills.

Startup Launches Loaded Bitcoin Cash Notes to Spread BCH Adoption
BCH notes come in a standard version and collectible series.

First, they can inspect the note for any irregularities and check the note’s version number with the company’s changelog. This will ensure the note’s printed ID corresponds to the version number, explains Bitcoincashnotes. Customers can also verify that the four-digit code printed on the top left-hand corner of the tamper-evident seal to make sure it equals the last four digits of the BCH address. Furthermore, the funds can be verified onchain as well by scanning the QR code tethered to the public BCH address.

Currently, there are 15 different countries Bitcoincashnotes will not ship to including places like Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Iceland, and Iraq. Additionally, the standard and collectible BCH bills can only be purchased with bitcoin cash. Bitcoincashnotes says the firm considers itself a “social enterprise” and aims to help change the world with the help of a reliable peer-to-peer cryptocurrency system.

“In the long term, we would love our notes to transform into something that provides economic freedom to the unbanked 3 billion people in the world who are constantly being ravaged by inflation — But for now, bitcoin cash notes are just a bit of fun for us regular banked people,” the bill manufacturer concedes.

What do you think about the loaded 1mBCH bills? Let us know what you think about this subject in the comments section below.

Disclaimer: Bitcoin.com does not endorse nor support this product/service. Readers should do their own due diligence before taking any actions related to the mentioned company or any of its affiliates or services. Bitcoin.com and the author are not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. This editorial is for informational purposes only. 


Image credits: Shutterstock, and Bitcoincashnotes.com.


Want to create your own secure cold storage paper wallet? Check our tools section.

 

The post Startup Launches Loaded Bitcoin Cash Notes to Spread BCH Adoption appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2DP1ecM Startup Launches Loaded Bitcoin Cash Notes to Spread BCH Adoption

#Blockchain Over 50 Bitcoin ATMs Operate Legally in Russia, Study Finds

Over 50 Bitcoin ATMs Operate Legally in Russia, Study Finds

At least 51 cryptocurrency ATMs operate in compliance with the current regulations in Russia, estimates a new report. According to the study produced by the country’s crypto industry association, the average monthly turnover of each of these teller machines is around $27,000.

Also read: Crypto Startups Push Swiss VC Investments to a Record $1.25B

Most BATMs Concentrated in Large Cities

The number of bitcoin ATMs around the world has doubled in a year, increasing at an average rate of six per day to reach almost 4,300 devices, according to the latest data provided by Coinatmradar. The majority of these crypto teller machines are located in North America and Europe.

Russia is in the top 10 countries by number of BATMs, according to a study conducted by the Russian Association of Crypto Industry and Blockchain (Racib) and the IT company Nanobit. 51 of the installed devices are registered and in full compliance with the current Russia law.

Over 50 Bitcoin ATMs Operate Legally in Russia, Study Finds

The report, quoted by RBC, notes that most cryptocurrency ATMs are installed in Russia’s big cities. The capital Moscow has nine working devices, there are five machines in both Omsk and Rostov on Don, while Voronezh and Krasnoyarsk each have three.

Among the ATM operators, the Russian company Rusbit has the largest market share (47 percent), followed by Investcoin24 (28 percent) and BTC O Matic (19 percent). Two months ago, Russia had 75 legally operating cryptocurrency ATMs but in September police seized a number of devices on orders from the Central Bank of Russia. 22 of them belonged to a company called Bbfpro.

The authors of the study have estimated that the average monthly turnover per Bitcoin ATM is around $27,000, or approximately $320,000 annually. The average profit each machine makes is around $1,800 per month.

Legal Uncertainty Deters Crypto ATM Companies

Russian crypto experts say there are several factors restricting the expansion of the crypto ATM market in the country and the central bank’s position on their control is one of them. Another hurdle is the high price of the equipment. A single teller machine supporting cryptocurrency transactions costs between $3,000 and $13,000. Crime is also a major concern as a number of incidents with stolen or damaged machines have been reported.

Arguably, the biggest problem is the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework for the whole crypto industry. The current Russian legislation does not prohibit the operation of BATMs but the legal status of cryptocurrencies is not determined yet, which prevents major crypto ATM companies from entering the Russian market.

Over 50 Bitcoin ATMs Operate Legally in Russia, Study Finds

According to Andrei Bedrin, head of IT projects at Nanobit, the number of devices may double in the future. However, this would only happen if Russia adopts laws aimed at regulating the market of digital currencies, he believes.

The State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, is expected to review a package of three bills designed to legalize certain aspects of the crypto space. The draft laws were voted on first reading in May of last year and the second reading is scheduled for February. In the past few months, the original texts were revised significantly. Key terms such as “cryptocurrency” were dropped but later the definition of “digital financial assets” was broadened to cover coins and tokens.

Do you expect more bitcoin ATMs to be installed after Russia adopts regulations for the crypto industry? Share your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below.


Images courtesy of Shutterstock, Swiss Venture Capital Report 2019.


Make sure you do not miss any important Bitcoin-related news! Follow our news feed any which way you prefer; via Twitter, Facebook, Telegram, RSS or email (scroll down to the bottom of this page to subscribe). We’ve got daily, weekly and quarterly summaries in newsletter form. Bitcoin never sleeps. Neither do we.

The post Over 50 Bitcoin ATMs Operate Legally in Russia, Study Finds appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2BcQbs0 Over 50 Bitcoin ATMs Operate Legally in Russia, Study Finds

#USA Juul Labs hires former Apple employee to lead the fight against counterfeits

//

Juul Labs, the e-cig company under fire for its product’s popularity with young people, has brought on a new VP of Intellectual Property Protection with Adrian Punderson, formerly of PwC and Apple.

Punderson’s job is all about working alongside government agencies, retailers, etc. to combat the sale of counterfeit and infringing products. These can range from copycat vapes and pods that are actually marketed as Juul products all the way to products that are designed specifically to be Juul compatible without using the trademark.

These counterfeit and infringing products pose a serious threat to the company. Of course, no business wants its products infringed or its marketshare stolen.

With Juul, however, it’s far more complicated. Juul Labs is currently under heavy FDA scrutiny over the popularity of its products with minors.

“As you start to enforce generally on the sale of these types of products to youth, oftentimes they are going to look for another seller or distribution point of this product,” said Punderson. “The challenge is that oftentimes they’re going to platforms or places for this and you have no idea what the origin of the product is. A lot of it is counterfeit. So they get something they believe is Juul only to find out they have a counterfeit device or pod.”

He went on to say that, for Juul, a top priority is identifying counterfeit sellers and quickly putting that information into the hands of law enforcement. To the extent that they can’t take action, said Punderson, Juul will take civil action.

Part of the concern is that there is zero transparency into what ingredients are being used in infringing products, whereas Juul’s recipe at least meets the legal requirements for disclosure as it seeks full FDA approval.

Juul doesn’t currently have data around the scale of infringing products on the market, but counterfeit Juul products may inaccurately increase sales figures, intensifying scrutiny from the FDA.

Juul has already taken legal action against many infringing manufacturers and distributors, but Punderson aims to take Juul’s efforts against infringing products to a new level.

He sees the issue as threefold: Juul Labs must work to stop these products from being manufactured in the first place, ensure they aren’t allowed across borders into the country, and take action against retailers who sell infringing products and remove them from the market.

“This isn’t a problem where there is only a production problem but there isn’t really a distribution or consumption problem,” said Punderson. “We don’t have the luxury of looking at the problem singly-faceted. From a global perspective, we want to stop the production and distribution of infringing products around the world, and we’ll work closely with government agencies attempting to stop illicit distribution of goods.”

Punderson previously served as Managing Director of IP Protection at PriceWaterhouse Coopers, VP of Global Anti-Counterfeiting/Anti-Diversion at Oakley, and worked at Apple on the Intellectual Property Enforcement team.

Juul is currently viewed by many as a Facebook-ified, 2018 version of Marlboro. Notably, Juul Labs recently closed a $12.8 billion investment from Altria Group, the makers of Marlboro cigarettes. When asked why he chose to work for Juul, Punderson said his initial reaction was no. But that after he did some research around the mission of the company, and thought of his own personal experience losing his father to emphysema, he came around quickly.

“I would do anything to get two or three more years with my dad, who was a lifelong smoker,” said Punderson. “[…] We’re trying to do good things here, move people away from tobacco and give them an alternative. To me, it’s a valuable, noble cause that’s worth being involved in and I’m proud to be here.”

It remains to be seen just how big of an issue infringing products are for Juul and other above-board e-cig makers, but Juul is ramping up its efforts to combat copycats from getting into the hands of consumers.

from Startups – TechCrunch https://tcrn.ch/2MQYr5L

#Blockchain Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate

The cryptocurrency meta-trend has seen most leading markets continue to grind sideways at key support zones, though there has been a slight bounce in the last few hours. Among the weakest performing major markets in recent days are tron (TRX), which has broken a critical ascending trendline following the bittorrent token (BTT) airdrop, and nem (XEM) which has experienced heavy selling pressure following reports that the NEM Foundation is attempting to raise $7.5 million to stay operational.

Also Read: Crypto Startups Push Swiss VC Investments to a Record $1.25B

BCH Gains 5% in 4 Hours, Reclaims Top 5 Ranking by Market Cap

Bitcoin cash (BCH) produced a significant pop over the last several hours, gaining more than 5% in four hours. The move comes following a full retrace of the gains posted during Jan. 30, with BCH bouncing off support at $110 to currently trade for approximately $115.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
BCH/USD – Kraken – 1HR

When measured against BTC, the recent bounce saw BCH gain approximately 3%, with BCH trading for 0.0335 BTC as of this writing.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
BCH/BTC – Bittrex – 1HR

BCH currently has a market cap of $2.06 billion, ranking bitcoin cash as the fifth largest crypto asset market.

BTC Consolidates Near $3,500 Area

BTC has continued to consolidate sideways with low volatility, with bitcoin core only gaining 1% while other markets popped over the last several hours.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
BTC/USD – Bitfinex – 1HR

Bitcoin core currently has a market capitalization of more than $60.81 billion, with BTC trading for approximately $3,400 on Bitstamp, and roughly $3,500 on Bitfinex.

XRP Capitalization Retains Slight Lead Over ETH

XRP has slightly extended its lead over ETH as the largest altcoin by capitalization, with ripple market dominance gaining more than half a percent from 10.57% to 11.15% over the last two days.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
XRP/USD – Bitfinex – 1HR

XRP currently has a market cap of $12.68 billion, with XRP trading for more than $0.31 each as of this writing. Ripple reclaimed approximately 2.5% against BTC today, with XRP currently trading for 0.000089 BTC.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
XRP/BTC – Bitfinex – 1D

Ethereum (ETH) dominance gained roughly 0.10% over the last two days, with ETH currently posting a dominance of 9.87% and a market cap of $11.24 billion.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
ETH/USD – Bitfinex – 1HR

Ethereum gained nearly 3.5% over the dollar today, bouncing off $106 to currently trade for nearly $110. When measured against BTC, ETH gained approximately 1.75% today to trade for 0.031 BTC as of this writing.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
ETH/BTC – Bitfinex – 1HR

TRX Retraces Following Bittorrent Token Airdrop

Tron was among the most traded crypto assets of January, gaining more than 50% across the first four weeks of the month.

Since Jan. 28, TRX has lost approximately 13.5% against the dollar, with today’s market action appearing to confirm a break below the ascending trendline that has guided price action since mid-December. The sell-off coincided with the completion of the bittorrent token (BTT) airdrop. TRX is currently trading for roughly $0.026.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
TRX/USD – Bitfinex – 1D

When measured against BTC, TRX has lost nearly 11% since Jan. 28 to currently trade for roughly 0.0000075 BTC.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
TRX/BTC – Bitfinex – 1D

XEM Plummets Amid Nem ‘Budget Decisions’

Nem has experienced a significant sell-off following an announcement from the NEM Foundation that it is “facing challenging budget decisions” and must “act quickly” in order to “ensure the longevity of the NEM Foundation ecosystem and development.” Reports surfaced quickly following the announcement claiming that the NEM Foundation is considering seeking to raise $7.5 million from the NEM community through the sale of 160 million tokens.

The announcement triggered a nearly 14.5% drop in the price of XEM yesterday, cementing a 63% slide in the crypto asset’s value since mid-November. XEM is currently trading for roughly $0.042.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
XEM/USD (Calculated by Tradingview) – Bittrex – 1W

XEM also fell 14% against BTC yesterday, with the markets having since recovered roughly 2.50% to currently trade for nearly 0.000012 BTC.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
XEM/BTC – Bittrex – 1D

The heavy selling pressure has seen XEM rank as the 25th worst-performing crypto market of the last seven days, losing 25.5% against the dollar.

Holochain Breaks into Top 30 by Market Cap

Holochain (HOT) is among the strongest performing of the top-ranked cryptocurrencies by market cap during January so far, gaining approximately 240% since the start of the year from 11 satoshis to currently trade for approximately 37 sats.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
HOT/BTC – Binance – 4HR

When calculated against the dollar, HOT has gained roughly 200% since the start of the year, rallying from $0.00043 to roughly $0.0013 since Jan. 1. The rally has seen holochain grow from the 62nd largest crypto asset as of the end of December 2018 to rank 30th by market cap today.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
HOT/USD (Calculated by Tradingview) – Binance – 4HR

Do you think 2019 will see the cryptocurrency markets produce lower lows than 2018? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!


Images courtesy of Shutterstock, Tradingview


At Bitcoin.com there’s a bunch of free helpful services. For instance, have you seen our Tools page? You can even lookup the exchange rate for a transaction in the past. Or calculate the value of your current holdings. Or create a paper wallet. And much more.

The post Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2TuLgtK Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate

#Blockchain Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate

The cryptocurrency meta-trend has seen most leading markets continue to grind sideways at key support zones, though there has been a slight bounce in the last few hours. Among the weakest performing major markets in recent days are tron (TRX), which has broken a critical ascending trendline following the bittorrent token (BTT) airdrop, and nem (XEM) which has experienced heavy selling pressure following reports that the NEM Foundation is attempting to raise $7.5 million to stay operational.

Also Read: Crypto Startups Push Swiss VC Investments to a Record $1.25B

BCH Gains 5% in 4 Hours, Reclaims Top 5 Ranking by Market Cap

Bitcoin cash (BCH) produced a significant pop over the last several hours, gaining more than 5% in four hours. The move comes following a full retrace of the gains posted during Jan. 30, with BCH bouncing off support at $110 to currently trade for approximately $115.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
BCH/USD – Kraken – 1HR

When measured against BTC, the recent bounce saw BCH gain approximately 3%, with BCH trading for 0.0335 BTC as of this writing.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
BCH/BTC – Bittrex – 1HR

BCH currently has a market cap of $2.06 billion, ranking bitcoin cash as the fifth largest crypto asset market.

BTC Consolidates Near $3,500 Area

BTC has continued to consolidate sideways with low volatility, with bitcoin core only gaining 1% while other markets popped over the last several hours.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
BTC/USD – Bitfinex – 1HR

Bitcoin core currently has a market capitalization of more than $60.81 billion, with BTC trading for approximately $3,400 on Bitstamp, and roughly $3,500 on Bitfinex.

XRP Capitalization Retains Slight Lead Over ETH

XRP has slightly extended its lead over ETH as the largest altcoin by capitalization, with ripple market dominance gaining more than half a percent from 10.57% to 11.15% over the last two days.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
XRP/USD – Bitfinex – 1HR

XRP currently has a market cap of $12.68 billion, with XRP trading for more than $0.31 each as of this writing. Ripple reclaimed approximately 2.5% against BTC today, with XRP currently trading for 0.000089 BTC.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
XRP/BTC – Bitfinex – 1D

Ethereum (ETH) dominance gained roughly 0.10% over the last two days, with ETH currently posting a dominance of 9.87% and a market cap of $11.24 billion.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
ETH/USD – Bitfinex – 1HR

Ethereum gained nearly 3.5% over the dollar today, bouncing off $106 to currently trade for nearly $110. When measured against BTC, ETH gained approximately 1.75% today to trade for 0.031 BTC as of this writing.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
ETH/BTC – Bitfinex – 1HR

TRX Retraces Following Bittorrent Token Airdrop

Tron was among the most traded crypto assets of January, gaining more than 50% across the first four weeks of the month.

Since Jan. 28, TRX has lost approximately 13.5% against the dollar, with today’s market action appearing to confirm a break below the ascending trendline that has guided price action since mid-December. The sell-off coincided with the completion of the bittorrent token (BTT) airdrop. TRX is currently trading for roughly $0.026.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
TRX/USD – Bitfinex – 1D

When measured against BTC, TRX has lost nearly 11% since Jan. 28 to currently trade for roughly 0.0000075 BTC.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
TRX/BTC – Bitfinex – 1D

XEM Plummets Amid Nem ‘Budget Decisions’

Nem has experienced a significant sell-off following an announcement from the NEM Foundation that it is “facing challenging budget decisions” and must “act quickly” in order to “ensure the longevity of the NEM Foundation ecosystem and development.” Reports surfaced quickly following the announcement claiming that the NEM Foundation is considering seeking to raise $7.5 million from the NEM community through the sale of 160 million tokens.

The announcement triggered a nearly 14.5% drop in the price of XEM yesterday, cementing a 63% slide in the crypto asset’s value since mid-November. XEM is currently trading for roughly $0.042.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
XEM/USD (Calculated by Tradingview) – Bittrex – 1W

XEM also fell 14% against BTC yesterday, with the markets having since recovered roughly 2.50% to currently trade for nearly 0.000012 BTC.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
XEM/BTC – Bittrex – 1D

The heavy selling pressure has seen XEM rank as the 25th worst-performing crypto market of the last seven days, losing 25.5% against the dollar.

Holochain Breaks into Top 30 by Market Cap

Holochain (HOT) is among the strongest performing of the top-ranked cryptocurrencies by market cap during January so far, gaining approximately 240% since the start of the year from 11 satoshis to currently trade for approximately 37 sats.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
HOT/BTC – Binance – 4HR

When calculated against the dollar, HOT has gained roughly 200% since the start of the year, rallying from $0.00043 to roughly $0.0013 since Jan. 1. The rally has seen holochain grow from the 62nd largest crypto asset as of the end of December 2018 to rank 30th by market cap today.

Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate
HOT/USD (Calculated by Tradingview) – Binance – 4HR

Do you think 2019 will see the cryptocurrency markets produce lower lows than 2018? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!


Images courtesy of Shutterstock, Tradingview


At Bitcoin.com there’s a bunch of free helpful services. For instance, have you seen our Tools page? You can even lookup the exchange rate for a transaction in the past. Or calculate the value of your current holdings. Or create a paper wallet. And much more.

The post Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2TuLgtK Markets Update: TRX and NEM Post Significant Losses While Most Cryptos Consolidate

#Blockchain Cottonwood Becomes Second Cryptocurrency ATM Operator to Receive Bitlicense

U.S.-based cryptocurrency ATM operator Cottonwood Vending has been granted regulatory approval to operate in the state of New York. As such, Cottonwood has become the second cryptocurrency ATM operator to receive a Bitlicense by the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).

Also Read: Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations 

Cottonwood Granted Virtual Currency License by New York Regulator

On Jan. 31, the NYDFS announced that it had granted a Virtual Currency License to Cottonwood Vending, tweeting that the company is advancing “responsible innovation” in New York’s fintech sector.

The licensing makes Cottonwood the second cryptocurrency ATM operator to receive regulatory approval in New York, and the 21st cryptocurrency project to receive the so-called Bitlicense.

Cottonwood Becomes Second Cryptocurrency ATM Operator to Receive Bitlicense

The Virtual Currency License will allow Cottonwood to operate as a legitimate money transmitter and digital currency exchange. To sustain the license, Cottonwood will be required to demonstrate that robust anti-money laundering and cyber securities processes are in place, and maintain transaction records for 10 years.

Cottonwood operates the largest cryptocurrency ATM network in New York, with almost 100 machines currently in place. The company generated $35 million in revenue during 2018.

In November 2018, the world’s largest cryptocurrency ATM operator, Coinsource, became the first crypto ATM operator to receive a Virtual Currency License from New York.

Number of Operational Cryptocurrency ATMs Exceeds 4,000 Worldwide

Despite the bearish market trend, the number of cryptocurrency ATMs in operation has continued to increase in recent months. Last week, Atlanta-based Lux Vending announced that it had deployed 30 machines in the Chicago area since the start of 2019.

Cottonwood Becomes Second Cryptocurrency ATM Operator to Receive Bitlicense

Earlier this month, Coinatmradar assayed that the number of cryptocurrency ATMs operational worldwide has exceeded 4,000 for the first time, estimating a daily growth of 4.9 new machines globally. As of this writing, Coinatmradar estimates that there are 4,271 crypto ATMs that are operational worldwide.

Are you surprised by the increasing number of cryptocurrency ATMs despite the recent market conditions? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!


Images courtesy of Shutterstock


At Bitcoin.com there’s a bunch of free helpful services. For instance, have you seen our Tools page? You can even lookup the exchange rate for a transaction in the past. Or calculate the value of your current holdings. Or create a paper wallet. And much more.

The post Cottonwood Becomes Second Cryptocurrency ATM Operator to Receive Bitlicense appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2TlLMtM Cottonwood Becomes Second Cryptocurrency ATM Operator to Receive Bitlicense

#UK MoD fuels Marshall success as £35m Boeing liaison continues to take wing

//

Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group in Cambridge is to supply the MoD with fuel tanks that will allow aircraft to hunt for submarines for long periods, the Minister for Defence Procurement Stuart Andrew has revealed.

During a visit to the UK company, the Minster said  that the first of the Boeing P-8A aircraft featuring the tanks will be ready for use in a year’s time.

Speaking to staff he said: “I’ve been truly impressed by this company and I think the work that you’re doing is really is superb. The design and manufacture of these vital parts could not be in the hands of a more trusted partner.

“It marks another important milestone for this very important programme. They will provide crucial global protection to NATO and our allies as well as enhancing maritime search and rescue capability.

“The Ministry of Defence is the defence industry’s largest customer, creating a global and thriving competitive defence industry. The P-8A is the latest chapter in our successful partnership and it will be setting the tone for our working relationship for many decades to come.”

Speaking to Business Weekly about the contract he said: “Marshalls are not backward in coming forward and going for new business. It’s a company that has had a long working relationship with the MoD to ensure that our armed forces get the capability they need, which is why it’s been really good to come here to see what they’re doing.”

He also praised Marshall for its commitment to apprenticeships. “What’s great about this company is that even when apprenticeships weren’t fashionable they were still doing them. There are a lot of lessons that other companies can learn about how Marshall have been doing things.”

On the inevitable subject of Brexit he said: “We are used to working with companies on a global scale, not just within the EU. We’re listening to industry but I see there are real opportunities for us in the future as we go forward whether that’s with us leaving with a deal or without. 
“I can see us having greater prosperity in the future if we take advantage of every opportunity that exists if we leave on March 29.”

Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group CEO CEO Alistair McPhee added: “This is a programme in which the company has invested a lot of effort and money for quite some time; we have provided these fuel tanks for US aircraft, for Australian aircraft, Indian aircraft and for many other fleets. It’s a proud moment to be actually doing this for our own RAF aircraft.”

Speaking to Business Weekly he added that the deal was part of ongoing work with Boeing that generates about £35 million a year and provides employment for around 65 people.

The group will also be taking on around 50 apprentices this year. McPhee said: “We’ve had an unbroken apprenticeship scheme for 98 years, which is down to the Marshall family and their commitment to young people.”

The RAF’s Air Commodore Ian Gale, who is responsible for the PA8 Programme spoke to staff of the importance of the aircraft:  “It’s a challenging place out there, primarily from Russia, but there are other people who have high interest in challenging our security.

“I’m really impressed when I come here with a number of things that you do, the way you do it and that you are a proper all-British company.  I’m delighted what you are doing with apprenticeships here at Marshalls.

“We value the work you are doing and are looking forward to seeing your fuel tanks in our aeroplanes.”

Anna Keeling, MD of Boeing Defence UK, outlined the value of the Marshall team to the global aviation giant. She said: “You are such a key supplier to Boeing. These tanks are going on a multi-mission, maritime control aircraft – one that is really proving itself every single day around the globe. When it arrives it will really provide the UK unparalleled capability.”

from Business Weekly http://bit.ly/2G1ci8Q

Posted in #UK

#Blockchain The Daily: Bitcoin Carnivory, Dapps & DEXs, Quadrigacx Claims Insolvency

The Daily curates stories from the eclectic and often bizarre world of Bitcoin. Today’s roundup demonstrates just how varied that world can be, taking in Bitcoin carnivory, decentralized apps, and a new price comparison tool for token traders. We begin in Canada though, with confirmation that Quadrigacx exchange has bitten the dust.

Also read: Coincheck Registers 1.7M New Users Since Resuming Operations Last October

Canadian Exchange Searches for Lost Cold Wallets

The Daily: Bitcoin Carnivory, Dapps & DEXs, Quadrigacx Claims InsolvencyTroubled Canadian exchange Quadrigacx, which ceased trading this week, has filed for insolvency. Its website now consists of a short message from its board of directors informing customers that it has filed for an application for creditor protection in Nova Scotia Supreme Court to address “significant financial issues.” It appears that the exchange was essentially operating a fractional reserve system for weeks, in a move reminiscent of Italy’s Bitgrail exchange, which folded in similar circumstances.

Most concerning is the acknowledgement that Quadrigacx has apparently misplaced the cold wallets containing customer funds. The short notice on its website speaks of “very significant cryptocurrency reserves held in cold wallets” that it has been unsuccessful in tracking down. A third-party auditor has now been called in to assist.

New Dapp Report Dives Deep

An exhaustive new survey from Fluence Labs provides an insight into the dapp development ecosystem. Having polled 160 dapp developers and project teams, it’s assembled a plethora of statistics that attest to the work being done across multiple blockchains. Key findings from the survey include:

  • The majority of dapp projects were started in 2018 and self-funded.
  • Approximately 50 percent of projects use a centralized cloud backend and centralized tools like Infura to connect to the Ethereum blockchain.
  • Most projects monetize through transaction fees.
  • The biggest impediment to major Dapp adoption is the onboarding process for new users.

The Daily: Bitcoin Carnivory, Dapps & DEXs, Quadrigacx Claims Insolvency

The report also notes that Ethereum still accounts for the bulk of all dapps (77 percent), followed by EOS (19 percent) and Tron (8 percent). In related news, an open source tool called Dex Index has just launched that enables traders to find the best price for ERC20 tokens across the leading decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Developed by the Airswap team, it features a simple but clean design and data sourced from DEXs such as Bancor, Radar Relay, IDEX, and Kyber Network.

The Daily: Bitcoin Carnivory, Dapps & DEXs, Quadrigacx Claims Insolvency
Dex Index

Bitcoiners ‘Fork’ Jimmy Song’s BTC BBQ

Bitcoin Carnivory Club is hosting a dinner at a Brazilian restaurant in London on Feb. 7. It will feature Bitcoin Core developer Jimmy Song and trader Tone Vays as guests of honor – plus a whole lot of barbecued meat. Not everyone in the Bitcoin community is enamored with the concept, however, with some believing that such events contribute to the elitism that deters new entrants. “Bitcoin literally has nothing to do with eating meat,” tweeted Cobra Bitcoin.

A group of London Bitcoiners has now “forked” the carnivorous event. Its alternative dinner will take place in nearby Thai Square, with organizer Theo Goodman telling Decrypt: “There will be no leaders, no celebrity status and it doesn’t cost $500 to sit at the table.” Vegetarian options will also be available for those who don’t relish chewing meat all evening. Tickets for the Song and Vays hosted event, meanwhile, are priced at $262. Eventbrite listed 26 tickets as being available when Song tweeted about the dinner on Jan. 28. That figure now stands at 24.

What are your thoughts on the stories in today’s news roundup? Let us know in the comments section below.


Images courtesy of Shutterstock.


Need to calculate your bitcoin holdings? Check our tools section.

The post The Daily: Bitcoin Carnivory, Dapps & DEXs, Quadrigacx Claims Insolvency appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2Rrp5Tj The Daily: Bitcoin Carnivory, Dapps & DEXs, Quadrigacx Claims Insolvency