The Breakdown

To celebrate the official end of summer and beginning of fall, I asked 15 top crypto VCs, entrepreneurs and content creators including Jill Carlson, Ari Paul, Kyle Samani, Marty Bent and more 4 questions:

• What did we learn this Summer?
• What are your predictions for the Fall? 
• What is one thing we're not talking about? 
• What is the price of BTC at the end of the year? (Up/Down/Sideways)

These are their responses, and together they tell the story of an interesting moment in crypto. 

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto

To celebrate the official end of summer and beginning of fall, I asked 15 top crypto VCs, entrepreneurs and content creators including Jill Carlson, Ari Paul, Kyle Samani, Marty Bent and more 4 questions:

What did we learn this Summer?

What are your predictions for the Fall? 

What is one thing we're not talking about? 

What is the price of BTC at the end of the year? (Up/Down/Sideways)

These are their responses, and together they tell the story of an interesting moment in crypto.

In the game of coins, you [replace the USD as the world's reserve currency or at least shore up your sovereign currency's position in the new global mix] or you die. 

Over the last few months, we've seen China accelerate work on its digital currency; Binance launch Venus, a regional alternative to Libra; Tether (reportedly) working on a China yuan pegged stablecoin; and now, one of the world's best known central bankers has proposed a "synthetic hegemonic currency" to replace the USD as the world's global reserve currency. What does it all mean? 

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto

In the game of coins, you [replace the USD as the world's reserve currency or at least shore up your sovereign currency's position in the new global mix] or you die. Over the last few months, we've seen China accelerate work on a digital currency; Binance launch Venus; Tether (reportedly) working on a China yuan pegged stablecoin; and now, one of the world's best known central bankers has proposed a "synthetic hegemonic currency" to replace the USD as the world's global reserve currency.

Libra Association on the verge of losing members? That's the report from FT as members get spooked by EU antitrust proceedings. Over in the trade war, Trump ratchets up the rhetoric against China, and we explore both how it might drive Chinese innovation and what it means for the BTC safe haven narrative. Finally, we do a quick recap of Berlin Blockchain Week so far, including the anti-surveillance forces and furries alike. 

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto

Libra Association on the verge of losing members? That's the report from FT as members get spooked by EU antitrust proceedings. Over in the trade war, Trump ratchets up the rhetoric against China, and we explore both how it might drive Chinese innovation and what it means for the BTC safe haven narrative. Finally, we do a quick recap of Berlin Blockchain Week so far, including the anti-surveillance forces and furries alike. 

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto

What do Palestinian bitcoin brokers, bitcoin rewards via hangover deliveries and a Russian spy scandal have to do with one another? It's all on today's 3@3. First, we look at the return of the crypto crime FUD narrative, with the specter of terrorism and US OFAC action against Chinese opioid kingpins. Then, we look at whether reports of legitimate use by Palestinians, legitimate use by US consumers, or chain analysis tools for law enforcement can counteract that narrative. Finally, we look at Patrick Byrne's resignation from Overstock and its blockchain initiatives after his embroilment in a Russian spy scandal. 

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto

What do Palestinian bitcoin brokers, bitcoin rewards via hangover deliveries and a Russian spy scandal have to do with one another? First, the return of the crypto crime FUD narrative, with the specter of terrorism and US OFAC action against Chinese opioid kingpins. Then, we look at what might be able to counteract that narrative. Finally, we look at Patrick Byrne's resignation from Overstock and its blockchain initiatives after his embroilment in a Russian spy scandal.

Well that didn't take long. The European Union has already started looking into antitrust action on Facebook around Libra. In other regulatory news, US Sec of State Mike Pompeo says crypto should be regulated like SWIFT, India central bank fights for crypto ban, and the SEC announced a settlement with an ICO rating site that was paid by projects. It's all about the incentives, ultimately. Finally, we close with a look the way the Hong Kong protests are creating tension between independent private businesses and the Chinese government. Featuring commentary from longtime bitcoiner and HK resident Leo Weese. 

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto

Well that didn't take long. The European Union has already started looking into antitrust action on Facebook around Libra. In other regulatory news, US Sec of State Mike Pompeo says crypto should be regulated like SWIFT, India central bank fights for crypto ban, and the SEC announced a settlement with an ICO rating site that was paid by projects. Finally, a look at how Hong Kong protests are creating tension between private businesses and China. Feat commentary from bitcoiner & HK resident Leo Weese.