CrowdCrypto Newsletter

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• Facebook plans to launch their own cryptocurrency in the next few months for users of Facebook-owned WhatsApp. The launch will encourage the sending and receiving of the new cryptocurrency to friends and family (New York Times)

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• As Binance continues to develop their decentralized exchange, they’ve launched a new incentive for those willing to test the exchange by offering $100K in tokens for their “testnet trading competition” (Coindesk)

• The class action suit filed against Ripple must stay in federal district court, a judge found this week, which may bode well for the crypto firm facing claims of selling unregistered securities. As a corporate defendant, Ripple fought hard to stay in federal court as corporate defendants are historically more successful (Coindesk)

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• Stablecoins are on the rise, with the recent launch of JPMorgan’s JPM stablecoin adding to notoriety of this asset class. Are they set to face the SEC and CFTC for regulatory approval? (Coindesk)

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• The legislature of Rhode Island moves to exempt some blockchain tokens from their securities rules with the filing of House Bill 5595 which would allow for tokens that are exchangeable for goods or services to avoid securities regulations (Coindesk)

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• Warren Buffett still hates bitcoin, but loves blockchain. The billionaire investor sat down with CNBC’s Becky Quick and continued to deride cryptocurrency, but reiterated his belief that blockchain technology is valuable as global markets continue to diversify (CNBC)

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• StartEngine Founder's Summit is on April 12th in Santa Monica and will feature many players in the crowdfunding startup field while providing three distinct tracks for those interested in Regulation Crowdfunding, Regulation A+, and a track for those who have previously worked with StartEngine.

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• Check out the ON:chain19 event, featuring investment professionals and industry leaders engaging in robust discussions about the impact of blockchain on financial markets, institutional transactions, portfolio construction, and consumer behavior. We'll be speaking! May 23 in Newport Beach, CA.

• Crypto no more ... you no longer need to use cryptocurrency to buy HTC’s Exodus 1 blockchain phone. Upon launch last year, the phone could only be pre-ordered with cryptocurrency, but as sales were lower than expected,  fiat will now be accepted (Gizmodo)

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• Tech and database giant Oracle has quietly been working on a multi-year blockchain project to appeal to the ever-growing market of banks and financial institutions wishing to integrate blockchain technology (Forbes)

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• Auditing and consulting firm PriceWaterhouseCooper has begun trials of its blockchain-powered verification system for employee credentials, with plans to offer the service which stores and shares digital certificates containing employees' professional qualifications (Coin Telegraph)

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• Blockchain startup Pledgecamp has launched to protect crowdfunding investors, using smart contracts to ensure that both startups and investors have a clearer, more legitimate picture as to project goals and fundraising efforts (Coin Telegraph)

• Equity crowdfunding platforms have grown as investors seek to find the next Apple or Facebook (Financial Times)

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• Female founders have historically struggled to have their startups fully funded, but investors Lisa Blau and Amanda Elian, who founded the Able Partners fund, realized that when women hold the money, startups helmed by women can succeed (New York Times)