Author Archives: Startup365

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 !

#Asia #Japan An Inside Look at Japan’s Curious Coding Bootcamps

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The developed world is facing a severe programmer shortage. Around the world, coding boot camps have stepped into this gap to teach newcomers basic programming skills quickly.

But in like so many other areas, Japan is different.

Coding boot camps have been slow to take off here, and programmers are taught by a patchwork of academic degrees, on the job training, and informal meetups and study sessions.

Kani Munidasa, the co-founder of Code Chrysalis, is changing that. He’s started one of the first Western-style coding boot camps in Japan, and the ecosystem is already seeing the results. Code Chrysalis has an amazing placement rate with grads receiving above-average starting salaries, but there is something more going on here as well.

Kani and I talk about how the job market for programmers is changing in Japan and, more important perhaps, how their place in society is changing as well.

It’s a great conversation, and I think you’ll enjoy it.

Show Notes

Why Japanese engineers don’t participate in open source projects
The differences between Japanese and US junior developers
Divisristiy on a programming team does not main what you think it doe
How to learn to learn
Why Code Chrysalis turns down 80% of its applicants
Why Japanese enterprises are getting behind boot camps
Why developer pay in Japan is so low
Why so many engineers want to come to Japan anyway
How to overcome the need for degrees and certificates

Links from the Founder

Everything you wanted to know about Code Chrysalis
The Code Chrysalis blog
Friend Kani on Facebook
Follow him on Twitter @munidk
A research-based approach to coding education
How to Get Into Code Chrysalis

Leave a comment
Transcript
 Welcome to Disrupting Japan, straight talk from Japan’s most successful entrepreneurs.

I’m Tim Romero and thanks for joining me.

One of the most important developments in Japan over the past 10 years and perhaps, the most important way that things are different for startups today than they were 20 years ago is the existence of a startup ecosystem. Now, let me explain that because it’s not obvious, especially to younger entrepreneurs who have never had to run a startup the absence of a startup ecosystem.

A startup ecosystem is not just a group of startups that operate in the same city. We had that during the dotcom era. There were even VC investments, occasional meet ups, and some mentoring, but we didn’t really have an ecosystem back then. We had a community for sure, but not that ecosystem.

An ecosystem comes into being when startups start buying from and selling it to each other. When startups can target other startups with their innovative products, where our pool of employees move from startup to startup, taking their ideas and best practices, and work ethic with them. When an ecosystem developed, it’s an amazing cross-pollination of innovation and growth that is just awesome to be a part of. This is happening in Japan. It’s a relatively new and it’s fantastic.

Today, I’d like you to meet Kani Munidasa, co-founder of Code Chrysalis, a startup that can only exist within a healthy startup ecosystem but also one that any healthy startup ecosystem needs in order to grow. Code Chrysalis is a coding boot camp where over 12 weeks, students learn of the skills they need to get jobs as programmers in Tokyo and as you will soon see, they are really getting jobs.

In fact, after our conversation, there is something I want to ask you and I mean you, personally because it’s something that you might understand better than I do. I would ask you right now, but the question won’t really make a lot of sense until after you sit in on the conversation with me and Kani, and we cover a lot of ground.

We talk about how to get a programming job in Tokyo, how to ramp up skills quickly, and why diversity in programming might not mean what you think it does. But you know,

from Disrupting Japan: Startups and Innovation in Japan http://bit.ly/2CB5aM5

#Asia #Japan An inside look at Japan’s curious coding bootcamps

Posted on by

//

The developed world is facing a severe programmer shortage. Around the world, coding boot camps have stepped into this gap to teach newcomers basic programming skills quickly.

But in like so many other areas, Japan is different.

Coding boot camps have been slow to take off here, and programmers are taught by a patchwork of academic degrees, on the job training, and informal meetups and study sessions.

Kani Munidasa, the co-founder of Code Chrysalis, is changing that. He’s started one of the first Western-style coding boot camps in Japan, and the ecosystem is already seeing the results. Code Chrysalis has an amazing placement rate with grads receiving above-average starting salaries, but there is something more going on here as well.

Kani and I talk about how the job market for programmers is changing in Japan and, more important perhaps, how their place in society is changing as well.

It’s a great conversation, and I think you’ll enjoy it.

Show Notes

Why Japanese engineers don’t participate in open source projects
The differences between Japanese and US junior developers
Divisristiy on a programming team does not main what you think it doe
How to learn to learn
Why Code Chrysalis turns down 80% of its applicants
Why Japanese enterprises are getting behind boot camps
Why developer pay in Japan is so low
Why so many engee4ers want to come to Japan anyway
How to overcome the need for degrees and certificates

Links from the Founder

Everything you wanted to know about Code Chrysalis
The Code Chrysalis blog
Friend Kani on Facebook
Follow him on Twitter @munidk
A research-based approach to coding education
How to Get Into Code Chrysalis

Leave a comment
Transcript
 Welcome to Disrupting Japan, straight talk from Japan’s most successful entrepreneurs.

I’m Tim Romero and thanks for joining me.

One of the most important developments in Japan over the past 10 years and perhaps, the most important way that things are different for startups today than they were 20 years ago is the existence of a startup ecosystem. Now, let me explain that because it’s not obvious, especially to younger entrepreneurs who have never had to run a startup the absence of a startup ecosystem.

A startup ecosystem is not just a group of startups that operate in the same city. We had that during the dotcom era. There were even VC investments, occasional meet ups, and some mentoring, but we didn’t really have an ecosystem back then. We had a community for sure, but not that ecosystem.

An ecosystem comes into being when startups start buying from and selling it to each other. When startups can target other startups with their innovative products, where our pool of employees move from startup to startup, taking their ideas and best practices, and work ethic with them. When an ecosystem developed, it’s an amazing cross-pollination of innovation and growth that is just awesome to be a part of. This is happening in Japan. It’s a relatively new and it’s fantastic.

Today, I’d like you to meet Kani Munidasa, co-founder of Code Chrysalis, a startup that can only exist within a healthy startup ecosystem but also one that any healthy startup ecosystem needs in order to grow. Code Chrysalis is a coding boot camp where over 12 weeks, students learn of the skills they need to get jobs as programmers in Tokyo and as you will soon see, they are really getting jobs.

In fact, after our conversation, there is something I want to ask you and I mean you, personally because it’s something that you might understand better than I do. I would ask you right now, but the question won’t really make a lot of sense until after you sit in on the conversation with me and Kani, and we cover a lot of ground.

We talk about how to get a programming job in Tokyo, how to ramp up skills quickly, and why diversity in programming might not mean what you think it does. But you know,

from Disrupting Japan: Startups and Innovation in Japan http://bit.ly/2CB5aM5

#Blockchain Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

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Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrencies

An idea to allow companies from certain sectors and in some regions to use cryptocurrencies is gaining traction in Russia. The proposal has been included in a draft law prepared by the Economy Ministry, a high-ranking parliamentarian has voiced his support, and big business is discussing its implementation.

Also read: No Reason to ‘Bury’ Cryptocurrencies, Russian PM Medvedev Says

Draft Law Offers to Create Regulatory Sandboxes in Russian Regions

Select entities from the IT sector and the blockchain industry may be permitted to utilize digital assets in their financial transactions, Russian media reported. The experimental regulatory regime is to be implemented in some regions of the vast country, according to a draft law put forward by the Ministry of Economic Development.

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

The State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, supports the idea of “pilot regions” where the circulation of cryptocurrencies can be tested, the chairman of the parliamentary Financial Markets Committee, Anatoly Aksakov, told the business outlet Izvestia. Efforts to regulate the crypto space continue in several directions, he added, and the establishment of regulatory sandboxes is one of them. Aksakov further detailed:

The law on the regulatory sandbox, which I hope we’ll adopt during the spring [parliamentary] session, will allow either individual companies or a given industry to use crypto instruments in their economic turnover and business operations in certain regions.

The Economy Ministry said its bill is still under discussion. The potential regions and corporate entities for the program have not been determined yet but according to its representatives, businesses working with cross-cutting information technologies will be eligible to participate. This includes not only blockchain firms but also businesses developing quantum technologies and artificial intelligence products.

Local authorities and companies based in the Russian regions of Kaliningrad Oblast and the Republic of Tatarstan have already expressed a desire to be part of the implementation of the proposed regulatory regime. Other regions such as Primorsky Krai, Omsk Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Saint Petersburg, the capital Moscow, and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea are also potential candidates.

Businesses Affected by Sanctions May Use Cryptocurrencies

Major Russian companies are currently discussing the proposal within the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). The leading industry organization has already created a special advisory board which is looking into related matters, RSPP vice president Sergey Mytenkov told Izvestia. He believes it’s necessary to authorize about a dozen companies to operate with financial crypto instruments in order to make an assessment of the possible legal and economic risks.

Another group of businesses that might be interested in the crypto regulatory sandboxes are those Russian entities that maintain an international presence and have been forced to deal with foreign sanctions and restrictions. Mytenkov said that cryptocurrencies and asset-backed digital tokens can be used by these companies to attract capital and make payments.

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

The latest regulatory development concerning cryptocurrencies in Russia comes before the second reading in the Duma of a package of draft laws designed to regulate the crypto space. The bills were voted on first reading in May 2018 but their adoption was postponed many times and now lawmakers are expected to review them again in February.

Since last spring, the original texts have been revised significantly and references to cryptocurrency, tokens, mining, and smart contracts have been dropped. Under pressure from the industry, Russian lawmakers recently broadened the legal definition of “digital financial assets” to cover cryptocurrencies. However, Russian media reported last week that the Presidential Council for Codification has criticized the legislation. The Kremlin’s negative assessment means more changes may be on the way.

What do you think of the proposal to allow Russian companies to operate with cryptocurrencies? Share your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below.   

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

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 Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2AUUVT5 Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

#Blockchain Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

Posted on by

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrencies

An idea to allow companies from certain sectors and in some regions to use cryptocurrencies is gaining traction in Russia. The proposal has been included in a draft law prepared by the Economy Ministry, a high-ranking parliamentarian has voiced his support, and big business is discussing its implementation.

Also read: No Reason to ‘Bury’ Cryptocurrencies, Russian PM Medvedev Says

Draft Law Offers to Create Regulatory Sandboxes in Russian Regions

Select entities from the IT sector and the blockchain industry may be permitted to utilize digital assets in their financial transactions, Russian media reported. The experimental regulatory regime is to be implemented in some regions of the vast country, according to a draft law put forward by the Ministry of Economic Development.

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

The State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, supports the idea of “pilot regions” where the circulation of cryptocurrencies can be tested, the chairman of the parliamentary Financial Markets Committee, Anatoly Aksakov, told the business outlet Izvestia. Efforts to regulate the crypto space continue in several directions, he added, and the establishment of regulatory sandboxes is one of them. Aksakov further detailed:

The law on the regulatory sandbox, which I hope we’ll adopt during the spring [parliamentary] session, will allow either individual companies or a given industry to use crypto instruments in their economic turnover and business operations in certain regions.

The Economy Ministry said its bill is still under discussion. The potential regions and corporate entities for the program have not been determined yet but according to its representatives, businesses working with cross-cutting information technologies will be eligible to participate. This includes not only blockchain firms but also businesses developing quantum technologies and artificial intelligence products.

Local authorities and companies based in the Russian regions of Kaliningrad Oblast and the Republic of Tatarstan have already expressed a desire to be part of the implementation of the proposed regulatory regime. Other regions such as Primorsky Krai, Omsk Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Saint Petersburg, the capital Moscow, and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea are also potential candidates.

Businesses Affected by Sanctions May Use Cryptocurrencies

Major Russian companies are currently discussing the proposal within the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). The leading industry organization has already created a special advisory board which is looking into related matters, RSPP vice president Sergey Mytenkov told Izvestia. He believes it’s necessary to authorize about a dozen companies to operate with financial crypto instruments in order to make an assessment of the possible legal and economic risks.

Another group of businesses that might be interested in the crypto regulatory sandboxes are those Russian entities that maintain an international presence and have been forced to deal with foreign sanctions and restrictions. Mytenkov said that cryptocurrencies and asset-backed digital tokens can be used by these companies to attract capital and make payments.

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

The latest regulatory development concerning cryptocurrencies in Russia comes before the second reading in the Duma of a package of draft laws designed to regulate the crypto space. The bills were voted on first reading in May 2018 but their adoption was postponed many times and now lawmakers are expected to review them again in February.

Since last spring, the original texts have been revised significantly and references to cryptocurrency, tokens, mining, and smart contracts have been dropped. Under pressure from the industry, Russian lawmakers recently broadened the legal definition of “digital financial assets” to cover cryptocurrencies. However, Russian media reported last week that the Presidential Council for Codification has criticized the legislation. The Kremlin’s negative assessment means more changes may be on the way.

What do you think of the proposal to allow Russian companies to operate with cryptocurrencies? Share your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below.   

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

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 Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2AUUVT5 Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

#Blockchain Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

Posted on by

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrencies

An idea to allow companies from certain sectors and in some regions to use cryptocurrencies is gaining traction in Russia. The proposal has been included in a draft law prepared by the Economy Ministry, a high-ranking parliamentarian has voiced his support, and big business is discussing its implementation.

Also read: No Reason to ‘Bury’ Cryptocurrencies, Russian PM Medvedev Says

Draft Law Offers to Create Regulatory Sandboxes in Russian Regions

Select entities from the IT sector and the blockchain industry may be permitted to utilize digital assets in their financial transactions, Russian media reported. The experimental regulatory regime is to be implemented in some regions of the vast country, according to a draft law put forward by the Ministry of Economic Development.

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

The State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, supports the idea of “pilot regions” where the circulation of cryptocurrencies can be tested, the chairman of the parliamentary Financial Markets Committee, Anatoly Aksakov, told the business outlet Izvestia. Efforts to regulate the crypto space continue in several directions, he added, and the establishment of regulatory sandboxes is one of them. Aksakov further detailed:

The law on the regulatory sandbox, which I hope we’ll adopt during the spring [parliamentary] session, will allow either individual companies or a given industry to use crypto instruments in their economic turnover and business operations in certain regions.

The Economy Ministry said its bill is still under discussion. The potential regions and corporate entities for the program have not been determined yet but according to its representatives, businesses working with cross-cutting information technologies will be eligible to participate. This includes not only blockchain firms but also businesses developing quantum technologies and artificial intelligence products.

Local authorities and companies based in the Russian regions of Kaliningrad Oblast and the Republic of Tatarstan have already expressed a desire to be part of the implementation of the proposed regulatory regime. Other regions such as Primorsky Krai, Omsk Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Saint Petersburg, the capital Moscow, and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea are also potential candidates.

Businesses Affected by Sanctions May Use Cryptocurrencies

Major Russian companies are currently discussing the proposal within the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). The leading industry organization has already created a special advisory board which is looking into related matters, RSPP vice president Sergey Mytenkov told Izvestia. He believes it’s necessary to authorize about a dozen companies to operate with financial crypto instruments in order to make an assessment of the possible legal and economic risks.

Another group of businesses that might be interested in the crypto regulatory sandboxes are those Russian entities that maintain an international presence and have been forced to deal with foreign sanctions and restrictions. Mytenkov said that cryptocurrencies and asset-backed digital tokens can be used by these companies to attract capital and make payments.

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

The latest regulatory development concerning cryptocurrencies in Russia comes before the second reading in the Duma of a package of draft laws designed to regulate the crypto space. The bills were voted on first reading in May 2018 but their adoption was postponed many times and now lawmakers are expected to review them again in February.

Since last spring, the original texts have been revised significantly and references to cryptocurrency, tokens, mining, and smart contracts have been dropped. Under pressure from the industry, Russian lawmakers recently broadened the legal definition of “digital financial assets” to cover cryptocurrencies. However, Russian media reported last week that the Presidential Council for Codification has criticized the legislation. The Kremlin’s negative assessment means more changes may be on the way.

What do you think of the proposal to allow Russian companies to operate with cryptocurrencies? Share your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below.   

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

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 Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2AUUVT5 Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

#Blockchain Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

Posted on by

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrencies

An idea to allow companies from certain sectors and in some regions to use cryptocurrencies is gaining traction in Russia. The proposal has been included in a draft law prepared by the Economy Ministry, a high-ranking parliamentarian has voiced his support, and big business is discussing its implementation.

Also read: No Reason to ‘Bury’ Cryptocurrencies, Russian PM Medvedev Says

Draft Law Offers to Create Regulatory Sandboxes in Russian Regions

Select entities from the IT sector and the blockchain industry may be permitted to utilize digital assets in their financial transactions, Russian media reported. The experimental regulatory regime is to be implemented in some regions of the vast country, according to a draft law put forward by the Ministry of Economic Development.

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

The State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, supports the idea of “pilot regions” where the circulation of cryptocurrencies can be tested, the chairman of the parliamentary Financial Markets Committee, Anatoly Aksakov, told the business outlet Izvestia. Efforts to regulate the crypto space continue in several directions, he added, and the establishment of regulatory sandboxes is one of them. Aksakov further detailed:

The law on the regulatory sandbox, which I hope we’ll adopt during the spring [parliamentary] session, will allow either individual companies or a given industry to use crypto instruments in their economic turnover and business operations in certain regions.

The Economy Ministry said its bill is still under discussion. The potential regions and corporate entities for the program have not been determined yet but according to its representatives, businesses working with cross-cutting information technologies will be eligible to participate. This includes not only blockchain firms but also businesses developing quantum technologies and artificial intelligence products.

Local authorities and companies based in the Russian regions of Kaliningrad Oblast and the Republic of Tatarstan have already expressed a desire to be part of the implementation of the proposed regulatory regime. Other regions such as Primorsky Krai, Omsk Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Saint Petersburg, the capital Moscow, and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea are also potential candidates.

Businesses Affected by Sanctions May Use Cryptocurrencies

Major Russian companies are currently discussing the proposal within the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). The leading industry organization has already created a special advisory board which is looking into related matters, RSPP vice president Sergey Mytenkov told Izvestia. He believes it’s necessary to authorize about a dozen companies to operate with financial crypto instruments in order to make an assessment of the possible legal and economic risks.

Another group of businesses that might be interested in the crypto regulatory sandboxes are those Russian entities that maintain an international presence and have been forced to deal with foreign sanctions and restrictions. Mytenkov said that cryptocurrencies and asset-backed digital tokens can be used by these companies to attract capital and make payments.

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

The latest regulatory development concerning cryptocurrencies in Russia comes before the second reading in the Duma of a package of draft laws designed to regulate the crypto space. The bills were voted on first reading in May 2018 but their adoption was postponed many times and now lawmakers are expected to review them again in February.

Since last spring, the original texts have been revised significantly and references to cryptocurrency, tokens, mining, and smart contracts have been dropped. Under pressure from the industry, Russian lawmakers recently broadened the legal definition of “digital financial assets” to cover cryptocurrencies. However, Russian media reported last week that the Presidential Council for Codification has criticized the legislation. The Kremlin’s negative assessment means more changes may be on the way.

What do you think of the proposal to allow Russian companies to operate with cryptocurrencies? Share your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below.   

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

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 Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2AUUVT5 Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

#Blockchain Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

Posted on by

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrencies

An idea to allow companies from certain sectors and in some regions to use cryptocurrencies is gaining traction in Russia. The proposal has been included in a draft law prepared by the Economy Ministry, a high-ranking parliamentarian has voiced his support, and big business is discussing its implementation.

Also read: No Reason to ‘Bury’ Cryptocurrencies, Russian PM Medvedev Says

Draft Law Offers to Create Regulatory Sandboxes in Russian Regions

Select entities from the IT sector and the blockchain industry may be permitted to utilize digital assets in their financial transactions, Russian media reported. The experimental regulatory regime is to be implemented in some regions of the vast country, according to a draft law put forward by the Ministry of Economic Development.

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

The State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, supports the idea of “pilot regions” where the circulation of cryptocurrencies can be tested, the chairman of the parliamentary Financial Markets Committee, Anatoly Aksakov, told the business outlet Izvestia. Efforts to regulate the crypto space continue in several directions, he added, and the establishment of regulatory sandboxes is one of them. Aksakov further detailed:

The law on the regulatory sandbox, which I hope we’ll adopt during the spring [parliamentary] session, will allow either individual companies or a given industry to use crypto instruments in their economic turnover and business operations in certain regions.

The Economy Ministry said its bill is still under discussion. The potential regions and corporate entities for the program have not been determined yet but according to its representatives, businesses working with cross-cutting information technologies will be eligible to participate. This includes not only blockchain firms but also businesses developing quantum technologies and artificial intelligence products.

Local authorities and companies based in the Russian regions of Kaliningrad Oblast and the Republic of Tatarstan have already expressed a desire to be part of the implementation of the proposed regulatory regime. Other regions such as Primorsky Krai, Omsk Oblast, Novosibirsk Oblast, Saint Petersburg, the capital Moscow, and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea are also potential candidates.

Businesses Affected by Sanctions May Use Cryptocurrencies

Major Russian companies are currently discussing the proposal within the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP). The leading industry organization has already created a special advisory board which is looking into related matters, RSPP vice president Sergey Mytenkov told Izvestia. He believes it’s necessary to authorize about a dozen companies to operate with financial crypto instruments in order to make an assessment of the possible legal and economic risks.

Another group of businesses that might be interested in the crypto regulatory sandboxes are those Russian entities that maintain an international presence and have been forced to deal with foreign sanctions and restrictions. Mytenkov said that cryptocurrencies and asset-backed digital tokens can be used by these companies to attract capital and make payments.

Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

The latest regulatory development concerning cryptocurrencies in Russia comes before the second reading in the Duma of a package of draft laws designed to regulate the crypto space. The bills were voted on first reading in May 2018 but their adoption was postponed many times and now lawmakers are expected to review them again in February.

Since last spring, the original texts have been revised significantly and references to cryptocurrency, tokens, mining, and smart contracts have been dropped. Under pressure from the industry, Russian lawmakers recently broadened the legal definition of “digital financial assets” to cover cryptocurrencies. However, Russian media reported last week that the Presidential Council for Codification has criticized the legislation. The Kremlin’s negative assessment means more changes may be on the way.

What do you think of the proposal to allow Russian companies to operate with cryptocurrencies? Share your thoughts on the subject in the comments section below.   

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

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 Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2AUUVT5 Russian Institutions Back Proposal to Let Companies Use Cryptocurrency

#Blockchain Peer-to-Peer Trading Platform Bitquick Implements Bitcoin Cash Support

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Peer-to-Peer Trading Platform Bitquick Implements Bitcoin Cash Support

Over-the-counter marketplace Bitquick has announced the company is now supporting multiple cryptocurrencies and has officially added bitcoin cash (BCH) to the platform. Now cryptocurrency users can purchase BCH in as little three hours as traders buy and sell coins in a peer-to-peer fashion.

Also Read: Regulations Have Ruined the Physical Bitcoin Industry

Bitquick Exchange Adds BCH Support

Peer-to-Peer Trading Platform Bitquick Implements Bitcoin Cash SupportBitcoin cash fans were pleased to hear the marketplace Bitquick.co has integrated BCH support into the over-the-counter (OTC) marketplace. Bitquick was established in August of 2013 and is now owned and operated by the cryptocurrency ATM network Athena Bitcoin. Bitquick also made headlines in 2014 by being the first cryptocurrency marketplace to provide proof of reserves after the Mt. Gox scandal. The application is comparable to the peer-to-peer platform Localbitcoins as it allows buying and selling of bitcoin core (BTC) and now BCH by following a few straightforward steps. Bitquick has been used by traders to convert both digital assets to fiat or fiat to crypto in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Russia, and Australia. The company also operated an OTC cryptocurrency operation called Altquick.co but closed the business three years ago.  

“We’re glad to announce that we are now supporting multiple cryptos again; please welcome bitcoin cash to the platform,” Bitquick explained in its blog post this week.

In order to buy BCH using the platform, simply select which cryptocurrency you want to purchase via the quick buy form. Alternatively, browse the filters on the buy page to find available BCH offers on Bitquick. The company references the price from the Bitcoin Average data site and charges an additional 3 percent fee for BCH buys, which is included in the BTC/BCH exchange. Bitquick has detailed the buying process is no different to the traditional method, except users need to provide a receiving BCH address. After reserving a BCH purchase, the buyer then proceeds to make the payment and needs to provide proof of payment from the financial institution or a receipt photo. As soon as the payment confirmation is verified, users receive the BCH within three hours or less, although Bitquick payments made with Moneygram or Western Union can take up to 24 hours.

Peer-to-Peer Trading Platform Bitquick Implements Bitcoin Cash Support

Multi-Signature Escrow and Less Regulation

Bitquick is considered ‘relatively decentralized’ as it offers a multi-signature escrow system like Localbitcoins which means in the U.S. it isn’t subject to draconian regulatory requirements. But the organization says it strictly follows KYC requirements and tiered transaction limits to prevent bad actors from trying to game the Bitquick system. The business is allowed to operate in 49 states in the U.S., but does not operate in New York. Bitquick doesn’t keep clients’ private keys on the platform’s servers and they are generated through the escrow settlement.

Peer-to-Peer Trading Platform Bitquick Implements Bitcoin Cash SupportBitquick purports to be less of a target for hackers as they do not store the client’s private keys. The only time that Bitquick has funds is when they are completing an escrow transaction. The company also claims to be one of the first OTC platforms to introduce P2SH (Pay To Script Hash) multi-signature addresses which allow customers to trade up to $250,000.

Peer-to-Peer Trading Platform Bitquick Implements Bitcoin Cash Support

After adding BCH to the Bitquick platform and support for multiple cryptocurrencies, the company is looking for feedback for the next coin it will support. The firm has constructed a survey for traders to fill out if they are interested in selling cryptos other than BTC and BCH on Bitquick. The platform joins another Localbitcoins alternative for BCH investors called Localbitcoincash.org. Localbitcoincash launched in October 2017 and also offers an online cryptocurrency swap system that’s similar to the Shapeshift application.

What do you think about Bitquick adding bitcoin cash (BCH) to the OTC platform? Let us know what you think about this subject in the comments section below.

Disclaimer: Readers should do their own due diligence before taking any actions related to the mentioned companies or any of their affiliates or services. Bitcoin.com and the author is 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.

Images via Shutterstock, and Bitquick. 

At Bitcoin.com there’s a bunch of free helpful services. For instance, have you seen our Tools page? You can even look up 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 Peer-to-Peer Trading Platform Bitquick Implements Bitcoin Cash Support appeared first on Bitcoin News.

from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2sBrXmx Peer-to-Peer Trading Platform Bitquick Implements Bitcoin Cash Support

#Blockchain ICOs Produce Slow Start to 2019

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ICOs Produce Slow Start to 2019

During the first two weeks of 2019, initial coin offerings (ICOs) raised roughly $90 million, according to data published by Icobench. Of the total funds raised this year so far, $80.2 million can be attributed to the Chelle Coin ICO.

Also Read: How US Government Shutdown Affects Bitcoin ETF Approval

Slow Start to 2019 for Initial Coin Offerings

47 ICOs launched during the first week of January, bringing the total number of ongoing initial coin offerings to 424. Despite the large number of ongoing ICOs, only $6 million was collectively raised between Jan. 1 and Jan. 7, comprising the smallest combined weekly total raised by ICOs since 2017.

ICOs Produce Slow Start to 2019

During the second week of January, the total raised by initial coin offerings jumped substantially after Chelle Coin, an ICO for an “investment platform backed by performing North American True Estate,” generated $80.2 million from Canadian investors. Excluding Chelle Coin, the combined total raised by ICOs between Jan. 7 and Jan. 15 was $3 million.

ICOs Post Steep Decline in Fundraising During Second Half of 2018

The slow start to 2019 follows a significant decline in the average performance of initial coin offerings during the final six months of 2018.

ICOs Produce Slow Start to 2019After averaging a monthly total of $1.45 billion collectively during the first half of 2018, the combined monthly average raise by ICOs fell by 65 percent to just $500 million in the second half of the year. Additionally, the combined total raised by initial coin offerings fell short of 2017’s monthly average of roughly $850 million for the entire second half of last year.

The average sum raised by each individual ICO also fell by more than 50 percent year-over-year, dropping from $24.4 million in 2017 to nearly $11 million in 2018. Despite the decline in the average performance of ICOs, the collective total raised by ICOs increased last year, with 413 offerings raising $10.06 billion in 2017 versus 1,012 offerings raising $11.59 billion in 2018.

Singapore Comprises Leading Nation for ICO Fundraising During 2018

Nearly $1.54 billion was raised by Singapore-based ICOs during last year, equating to 13 percent of the fundraising total. The total was raised from 275 offerings, making Singapore the second most popular destination for ICO issuers.

ICOs Produce Slow Start to 2019

While the United States hosted the largest number of ICOs during 2018, the 288 U.S.-based offerings accounted for $1.22 billion in raised funds last year, or 11 percent of the global total. The United Kingdom ranked third by collective total raised and number of ICOs, with 222 offerings generating $945 million.

The Cayman Islands hosted the fourth largest total raised by the ninth largest number of offerings, with $917 million raised by just 56 offerings. Switzerland ranked fifth by combined fundraising and number of ICOs, hosting 136 offerings that generated $845 million. These five countries accounted for 47 percent of the combined global sum raised by ICOs in 2018.

Do you expect that initial coin offerings will continue to recede? Are you expecting capital to shift towards security token offerings instead? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Images courtesy of Shutterstock, Icobench

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from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2MkwZga ICOs Produce Slow Start to 2019

#Blockchain The Daily: Bitmain Reflects on 2018, Memo Releases Mobile App

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The Daily: Bitmain Reflects on 2018, Memo Releases Mobile App

In today’s edition of The Daily, we cover a reflection on the passing year by the cryptocurrency mining technology giant Bitmain, a mobile app released by social network Memo and new turnover figures from a Bitcoin ATM network in Australia.

Also Read: South Africa Wants to Mandate Registration of Crypto Services

Bitmain Reflects on 2018

Bitmain, the Beijing-headquartered bitcoin mining technology giant, has been the topic of many discussions recently relating to its IPO application process, downsizing and more. A lengthy new blog post the company published today touches on these subjects and highlights some of the milestones the company has achieved in 2018. These achievements include the development of a 7nm ASIC chip for SHA-256 mining, launching hardware for powering artificial intelligence applications, investing in Circle and funding open-source projects.

The Bitmain team explains that the consolidating actions they took recently were done to make the company leaner, more focused and to streamline the business in preparation for the challenges of the future. “Our wide portfolio and varied lines of work have expanded to a point where we have the problem of choice and this year was the time to choose. We started to optimize the business and streamline our flows to focus back on the core missions and activities that best rally behind our vision. We as a company will be lean and more focused towards our goals and we look forward to a 2019 where we can see what our collective efforts can achieve in this manner.”

The company also made this comment about the contentious BSV fork: “It goes without saying that the BCH and BSV split was a significant topic within the global cryptocurrency space last year. It was exciting to see different passions clash for the future and betterment of cryptocurrencies without the purported ‘hash war’ being fought. Having ourselves been through a similar (but much longer!) conflict over the future of Bitcoin just about 18 months back, we understand the BSV community’s decision to split and freely pursue its own dream. Adoption will come through power, flexibility and sophistication of the ecosystem and we look forward to what 2019 has in store for cryptocurrencies.”

Memo Releases Mobile App

BCH-based social media network Memo.cash has released a mobile app on Sunday. The first app is designed for Android devices but the developers promise that an iOS version is coming soon too. Reactions to the announcement on the platform itself are positive and so are the few reviews already on the Google Play store.

The Daily: Bitmain Reflects on 2018, Memo Releases Mobile App

If you are not yet familiar with it, Memo.cash is a decentralized app powered by Bitcoin Cash blockchain technology. It gives users the ability to create a profile and post messages, images and videos using hashtags as well as to give tips instead of just likes. With Twitter being infected with scammers and bots, supporters hope that the growing platform will be able to provide an alternative and releasing a mobile app is a step forward in the long road that it will take.

Australian ATM Network Sees ‘Insane’ Turnover

According to a newspaper report from down under, a local Bitcoin ATM network with only about 30 machines is now handling volumes of $2 million a month. This is despite the fact that the company failed to raise a targeted $30 million in an initial coin offering (ICO) due to the market cool-down.

The Daily: Bitmain Reflects on 2018, Memo Releases Mobile App

“We raised just shy of $2 million, so just over 5 per cent of our initial goal – the rollout didn’t work out as we hoped,” Sam Karagiozis, the founder of Auscoin, told Daily Mail Australia. “But we currently have 31 Auscoin ATMs in Australia… and our turnover is $500,000 a week, which is just insane considering how much the price of Bitcoin has dropped. It just shows there really is a market for it and cryptocurrency is seen as a way of the future for many.”

What do you think about today’s news tidbits? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.

Verify and track bitcoin cash transactions on our BCH Block Explorer, the best of its kind anywhere in the world. Also, keep up with your holdings, BCH and other coins, on our market charts at Satoshi’s Pulse, another original and free service from Bitcoin.com.

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from Bitcoin News http://bit.ly/2AXSLSv The Daily: Bitmain Reflects on 2018, Memo Releases Mobile App