Cryptocurrency
How blockchain is transforming fundraising for startups and entrepreneurs
![](https://letizo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/how-blockchain-is-transforming-fundraising-for-startups-and-entrepreneurs_64c7baaa27ce3.jpeg)
The venture capital world has long been known for its traditional approach to funding and investing in startups. However, the emergence of blockchain technology can potentially disrupt this industry and revolutionize the way venture capital operates.
One significant aspect of this disruption is the tokenization of assets. Blockchain enables the creation of digital tokens representing ownership in assets or companies.
This tokenization allows for fractional ownership and liquidity of traditionally illiquid assets, such as real estate or early-stage startups. It expands investment opportunities, enabling a wider range of investors to participate in ventures by owning tokens, even with small amounts of capital.
Another key aspect is the use of smart contracts. These self-executing contracts with predefined rules and conditions are encoded on the blockchain. Smart contracts can eliminate the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
![](https://s3.cointelegraph.com/uploads/2023-07/022bc574-d620-455e-8e84-87f6a5e92342.png)
Investors and entrepreneurs can create and execute investment agreements directly on the blockchain, streamlining the investment process and fostering participant trust.
By eliminating intermediaries, blockchain democratizes access to funding, empowering entrepreneurs globally and attracting investment from a wider pool of investors.
Blockchain technology’s global accessibility transcends geographical boundaries, connecting investors and entrepreneurs worldwide. Startups and investors in emerging markets, where traditional venture capital may be limited, now have greater opportunities.
Blockchain-based platforms also facilitate the creation of secondary markets, allowing investors to trade their tokens representing ownership in ventures.
Alex Strześniewski, founder and CEO of AngelBlock — a decentralized fundraising platform — told Cointelegraph, “With blockchain-based fundraising, tokens representing equity or debt can be traded on secondary markets, allowing investors to exit their investment at any time.” He added:
“This enhances the attractiveness of venture capital investments by providing liquidity and reducing the risk associated with long-term investments.”
Secondary markets provide liquidity to early-stage investors who traditionally had to wait for exit events, such as acquisitions or initial public offerings (IPOs), to realize their investment returns. The ability to trade tokens on a secondary market enhances the overall attractiveness of venture capital investments.
Rachid Ajaja, founder and CEO of decentralized finance (DeFi) platform AllianceBlock, told Cointelegraph, “Traditional venture capital investments involve a higher level of risk and longer lock-up periods for investments, making them less appealing to some investors. Secondary markets allow investors to have the option to exit their positions earlier if they desire, mitigating some of the traditional risks.”
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Ajaja continued, saying, “Investors are more likely to be interested in participating in the fundraising process when there is a possibility of trading their tokens on secondary markets. This liquidity factor creates a more active and dynamic investment ecosystem, attracting a broader range of investors, which can positively impact a project’s value and utility.”
Blockchain-based fundraising platforms
Blockchain-based fundraising platforms are decentralized platforms that enable users to invest in projects directly. The process usually works by investors depositing tokens into a smart contract that will send a project’s native token to each participating wallet.
For example, if Project A sells Project A tokens (PAT) for USD Coin (USDC) at a 3:1 ratio, an investor will receive 3 PAT tokens to their wallet if they deposit 1 USDC.
![](https://s3.cointelegraph.com/uploads/2023-07/a42b424f-0230-44a7-91d3-54ea6ec43200.jpg)
Although these platforms operate in a decentralized manner, certain platforms may still necessitate users to verify their identity to adhere to regulatory requirements and safeguard the interests of investors.
This verification process mitigates fraudulent activities and bolsters the platform’s overall credibility.
Some platforms also take additional measures to improve security and trust for users. For instance, noncustodial fundraising platform AngelBlock has a milestone-based compensation strategy with built-in governance measures. Investments are based on whether investors believe a startup has reached a set of predetermined goals.
When these requirements are satisfied, the funds will be released. The platform’s governance is made more democratic by this technique, which encourages user participation.
The protocol employs an on-chain vesting and token distribution method to ensure that tokens are not accidentally transmitted to the incorrect addresses.
Utilizing decentralized fundraising platforms can foster a sense of community and collective objective by enabling direct interaction between a project’s proprietors and its backers.
Several blockchain fundraising platforms integrate governance structures and voting mechanisms. Tokenholders can engage in decision-making procedures using voting, thereby exerting influence over project-related determinations such as the allocation of funds, the direction of the project or significant governance modifications.
Implementing decentralized decision-making processes empowers the community and fosters the alignment of interests among stakeholders.
Strześniewski told Cointelegraph, “Integrating governance structures and voting mechanisms in blockchain fundraising platforms brings a new level of community involvement and transparency to the process. It empowers the community by giving tokenholders a voice in key decision-making processes, such as project development milestones and budget allocations.”
Strześniewski continued, “This aligns stakeholder interests as everyone has a say in the project’s direction and success, creating a mutually beneficial environment where the project’s success directly translates to the success of its investors.”
Democratizing fundraising in the Web3 sector
Democratizing fundraising in the Web3 sector holds immense significance for various reasons. Firstly, it promotes inclusion and access by providing investment opportunities to individuals and communities previously excluded from traditional funding channels.
This democratization breaks down barriers, fostering diversity and innovation by enabling a broader range of projects to receive financial support.
Furthermore, democratized fundraising empowers entrepreneurs by granting them greater control over their fundraising efforts. Instead of relying solely on traditional venture capital firms or angel investors, entrepreneurs can directly engage with a global network of supporters who are genuinely interested in their projects.
This shift in power dynamics allows entrepreneurs to maintain ownership and independence while aligning their goals and values with the interests of their community of supporters.
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AllianceBlock’s Ajaja said, “Involving a broader community in the fundraising process has multiple advantages. First, it serves as a form of validation. If a large number of diverse investors show interest in a project, it is a strong indication of its potential.”
The CEO continued, “It also contributes to community engagement, as investors are more likely to promote a project they have invested in, creating a network effect that can significantly boost a project’s visibility and reach.”
“In this way, the fundraising process becomes a collaborative effort between the project and its community, driving mutual growth and success.”
Cryptocurrency
Ripple v. SEC Lawsuit Updates, Cardano (ADA) Price Predictions, and More: Bits Recap Feb 7
![](https://letizo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ripple-v-sec-lawsuit-updates-cardano-ada-pricepredictions-and-more-bits-recap-feb-7_67a5fd39846fc.jpeg)
TL;DR
- The legal battle between Ripple and the SEC continues, but recent changes in the regulator’s leadership may favor the company.
- Analysts predict a parabolic rally for Cardano (ADA), with strong fundamentals and rising adoption signaling a possible breakout despite recent price declines.
- Whales accumulated 750 million DOGE during the dip, and analysts see $0.17 as a potential bottom before a major price surge.
More Changes at the SEC
Over the past few years, Ripple secured some vital partial court wins that seemingly positioned the regulator as the underdog in the legal tussle. Most recently, the SEC enforced some amendments to its leadership, which could also be interpreted as good news for the company.
As CryptoPotato reported, the agency moved Jorge Tenreiro to its computer systems management department. The law expert joined the agency 11 years ago and signed the SEC’s notice of appeal in its case against Ripple.
The plea was submitted in October last year, challenging Judge Torres’ 2023 decision. At that time, she ruled that Ripple’s sales of XRP to retail investors through centralized exchanges did not violate securities regulations.
Earlier this year, the SEC’s former Chairman, Gary Gensler, stepped down. The agency had a quite hostile approach towards the cryptocurrency industry during his tenure, and somewhat expectedly, the XRP community cheered his resignation.
His role was succeeded by Mark Uyeda, who is pro-crypto and even criticized the SEC’s previous leadership for launching a war on the sector.
ADA Bull Run in the Cards?
Cardano’s native token suffered the consequences of the market decline at the start of the business week and is currently deep in the red on a 7-day scale, trading at approximately $0.71 (per CoinGecko’s data).
However, many industry participants believe a fresh resurgence could be just around the corner. Such is the case with Ali Martinez, who observed ADA’s performance in the past years and assumed that it might be “at the very beginning of a monster parabolic rally.”
The X user Lucky was also bullish, telling his over 2 million followers on the social media platform that “strong fundamentals and rising adoption make Cardano a solid bet before the next big move.”
DOGE Price Predictions
Last but not least, we will touch upon the OG meme coin – Dogecoin (DOGE). Similar to ADA, it has also sank by double digits in the past week, but some factors signal a potential reversal.
Martinez recently disclosed that whales accumulated 750 million tokens during the correction, describing the move as “a strong sign of confidence in the market.”
For their part, the X users AMCrypto and KALEO outlined predictions for the near future. The former envisioned a potential decline to as low as $0.17 before a bull run to a new all-time high.
KALEO claimed that the current price level of $0.25 is “a solid entry and practically free compared to where we’ll see it a few months from now.”
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Cryptocurrency
Berachain Community Members Show Mix Reactions Following BERA Airdrop
![](https://letizo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/berachain-community-members-show-mix-reactions-followingbera-airdrop_67a5fd2e799c3.jpeg)
The Berachain team has finally released BERA airdrops to community members following the successful launch of the proof-of-liquidity layer-1 network.
However, the airdrops have received mixed reactions from community members, with users complaining that the allocation to certain groups was not fair.
BERA Airdrop Allocations
According to the Berachain tokenomics and airdrop overview, market participants eligible for the airdrops include testnet users, community members who deposited capital in the Boyco program, and holders of Berachain ecosystem non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Additionally, Binance Coin (BNB) holders, strategic partners, successful recipients of the Request for Broposal programs, holders of the Bong Bears NFTs who bridge their collectibles to Berachain, and users who constructively engaged with Berachain on X and Discord are eligible.
The Berachain Foundation, a non-profit organization piloting the affairs of the layer-1 network, allocated 1.65% BERA to testnet users, 2.35% BERA to Request for Broposal recipients, 2% to Boyco depositors, and 0.25% to X and Discord commentators. Holders of Berachain ecosystem NFTs received 0.25% of the amount, while the Berachain Foundation allocated 6.9% BERA to Bong Bears NFT holders. Strategic partners have been given 0.4% BERA, while BNB holders are to receive 2% BERA.
Notably, the airdrop makes up 15.75% of Berachain’s 500 million total supply. Although 107.48 million tokens are currently in circulation, the remaining will be released according to a linear vesting schedule over the next three years.
Mixed Reaction From Community
Berachain community members on X are complaining that the airdrop allocations are not fair. Some insist it is not right for testnet users, who have engaged with the network for years, to receive way fewer tokens than Bong Bears NFT holders. Some users revealed that they received substantial allocations, while others said they got none despite consistently interacting with the protocol over time.
Although pseudonymous Berachain co-founder Smokey the Bera explained that it is nearly impossible to target people perfectly during airdrops, community members are still voicing their grievances in the comment section. The pseudonymous crypto trader Jarzombek asserted that Smokey and the Berachain team members “rugged the most loyal community” by allocating 0.25% to holders of ecosystem NFTs.
Amid this chaos, the price of BERA has corrected a bit after rallying 1,346% to $14.46 after launch. Data from CoinMarketCap shows the token changing hands at $7.36 at the time of writing.
Meanwhile, the Berachain ecosystem has three main tokens: BERA, BGT, and HONEY. BERA is the native gas and staking token of the network, BGT is for governance and economic incentives, while HONEY is the chain’s native stablecoin.
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Cryptocurrency
3 Reasons That Ripple (XRP) Is Preparing for a Major Rally
![](https://letizo.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/3-reasons-that-ripple-xrp-is-preparing-for-a-majorrally_67a5fd2882392.jpeg)
TL;DR
- Spot XRP ETF filings from well-known financial players could boost institutional and retail investment in the asset if approved.
- Whales accumulated millions of tokens during the dip, and the RSI briefly dropped below 30, suggesting a potential price rebound.
The Potential Catalysts
Ripple’s XRP did not start the business week on the right foot, briefly tanking below $2 during the market correction witnessed on February 3. In the following days, the bulls reclaimed some lost ground, but the price remains deep in the red on a weekly scale, currently trading at around $2.37 (per CoinGecko’s data).
Despite the bearish environment, some essential factors hint that a move to the upside could be incoming. On February 6, Cboe BZX Exchange lodged 19b-4 filings on behalf of Canary Capital, WisdomTree, 21Shares, and Bitwise. The well-known asset managers seek to list the first spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the USA.
The filings represent a formal request submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The agency must approve or reject the application, often within 240 days.
A potential green light would grant American investors additional options to gain exposure to Ripple’s native token, which could create upward pressure on its price.
The whales’ activity is another factor worth observing. The popular X user Ali Martinez revealed that large investors had accumulated 520 million XRP (worth over $1.2 billion at current rates) during the latest dip.
Whales seized the opportunity during the recent dip, buying 520 million $XRP! pic.twitter.com/v2Lu4uBMgm
— Ali (@ali_charts) February 6, 2025
Such actions reduce the circulating supply of the asset, possibly setting the stage for a rally (should demand keep its level or rise).
Last but not least, we will focus on XRP’s Relative Strength Index (RSI), which measures the speed and change of price movements. The technical analysis tool varies from 0 to 100, with readings below 30 indicating oversold conditions and a potential for a bounce. Earlier this week, the ratio plunged below the bullish mark, currently set at around 35.
Bonus: Garlinghouse and Trump
The president of the USA, Donald Trump, started his second term at the White House with a bang, signing numerous executive orders and doubling down on his focus on the cryptocurrency industry. He reportedly plans to establish a crypto advisory council that may be comprised of some well-known names.
One of the people who could find a place there is Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse. The advisors’ main role will be to design a comprehensive regulatory framework for the sector and work closely with Trump and David Sacks (whom the president tapped to serve as cryptocurrency and AI “czar”).
Garlinghouse’s possible connection with the White House could have a significant impact on Ripple’s native token. He might advocate for clearer regulations surrounding the asset, which has faced scrutiny from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for years.
Ripple’s CEO and the American president have shown a close connection to each other, having a dinner meeting at the Mar-a-Lago estate earlier this year.
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