World wants to re-open.

Few states in the US have already lifted the shelter-in place on selective businesses. Florida opened some beaches for people to walk (not to sun-bathe) while the health experts are warning about opening up too soon.

While the news channels are full blast on COVID-19, the blockchain and crypto space are marching on with their road map.

Zoom integrates crypto payments to help small businesses and entrepreneurs

“Zoom SmartSessions allow instructors, therapists and any service provider to socially distribute and manage registration, payments, and access to their services offered via Zoom,” thanks to the 2key SmartSessions app integrated into Zoom. SmartSessions will integrate smart contracts seamlessly into Zoom sessions so that only those who have paid for the session are able to join. Although the payment is in crypto, users can purchase the crypto with the credit card directly. Due to the paywall the recent Zoom video bombing will not be an issue for those setting up a payment to enter, according to Zoom.

Dole to implement blockchain on all Dole divisions by 2025

“Implement blockchain product-tagging technology and/or advanced traceability solutions in all Dole divisions by 2025,” read Dole’s Sustainability report. The report further claims that blockchain helps cut the average time in investigating food safety investigations. “Dole has teamed up with Walmart, IBM and other partners to demonstrate the potential for blockchain – a technology that has been used by financial institutions for years – to bring about a step change in food safety,” report said.

Bitcon mining chip producer, Ebang, files for an IPO

Ebang International Holdings Inc., has filed an IPO application. Company hopes to raise $100 Million through the IPO. The application states that the company will use proceeds to “strive to expand into the upstream and downstream markets of the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry value chain to diversify our offerings and achieve a more stable financial performance. We intend to start with the cryptocurrency mining and farming business and explore applying blockchain technology into non-cryptocurrency industries, such as the financial services and healthcare industries. We believe our extensive experience in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry positions us well in our future endeavors.” Company has reported net losses of $11.8 Million in 2018 and $41.1 Million in 2019, respectively.

Renaissance Technologies, $75B hedge fund, gets OK for bitcoin futures

The Medallion Funds, operated by Renaissance Technologies has got the approval to conduct Bitcoin Futures transactions. The form filed with the SEC shows reads “The Medallion Funds are permitted to enter into bitcoin futures transactions, which Renaissance will limit to cash-settled futures contracts traded on the CME.” The Medallion Funds has been the talk of the town with their massive ROI performance. It is interesting that the same fund is now entering the Bitcoin Futures market.

Chinese Digital Yuan pilot list includes McDonald’s, Subway and Starbucks

China is moving forward with its pilot of Chinese Digital Yuan. They have released an initial list of 19 companies to participate – including – Starbucks, McDonald’s, Subway etc., The race for digital currency has been heating up between the US and China although the US seems to have some catching up to do. The US has recently hinted that they will introduce digital dollars to distribute the stimulus payouts.

Vertalo and tZero tokenize $300 Million Real Estate on Tezos Blockchain

Advantage Blockchain partners with Vertalo to tokenize a $300 Million using tZero platform using Tezos blockchain. The parties involved in this transaction include Advantage Blockchain, Prime Trust, tZERO ATS, and Vertalo, in addition to Tezos blockchain technology. Vertalo stated that “by partnering with Advantage, Vertalo will lay the groundwork for commercial real estate’s tokenization and technology infrastructure.” This combination of Real Estate & Blockchain could open a $228 Trillion Real Estate market to benefit from blockchain to reduce costs and create more reliable and instantly verifiable real estate contracts.

Bundle aims to be Venmo of South Africa, a Binance spinoff

Binance spinoff, Bundle, is looking to become Venmo of South Africa to bridge the traditional economy with the Bitcoin economy. Forbes reported “The new app lets users send, receive and spend bitcoin, ether, and Nigerian naira with little more than the recipient’s phone number. Unlike Square though, Bundle will also let users spend Binance coin (BNB), the exchange’s native cryptocurrency, which has been doled out to loyal and active traders using its crypto exchange. In the near future they’ll be able to spend and (more importantly) save Binance U.S. dollars (BUSD), stablecoins backed by U.S. dollars and regulated in the United States.”

For the compilation of cryptocurrency news from 2017, please follow the link.

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