AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wanchain, the distributed financial infrastructure powered by cross-blockchain smart contracts with privacy protection, today announced it has teamed with multiple Austin companies to form the Austin Blockchain Collective (ABC). With a mission to advance blockchain-based education to the local community and grow the ecosystem, ABC will engage with policymakers as it strives to advance Austin as a hub for blockchain innovation.

Initial participants of the ABC include Wanchain, Multicoin Capital, Capital Factory, Lighthouse Partners, Laurence Ventures, Factom, Decred, Steemit, TEN Capital Group, DecentraNet, AMSYS Blockchain, Austin.city, Algebraix Data, Williams Technology Group, SeriesX, UlaHealth, Kilroy Blockchain, Chain Business Insights, GovernanceChain, Hatch Crypto and Windmill Enterprise.

The ABC Executive Committee includes Pete Harris, Principal of Lighthouse Partners; Dustin Byington, President of Wanchain; Tushar Jain, Managing Partner of Multicoin Capital and Tiana Laurence, Managing Partner of Laurence Ventures.

“The founding participants of the Austin Blockchain Collective recognize the value of a thriving local blockchain ecosystem,” said Dustin Byington, President of Wanchain and Executive Committee Member of ABC. “Bringing Austin’s blockchain builders and businesses together is a foundational step towards making Austin the global blockchain force we know it can be.”

Austin boasts a unique combination of technological and cognitive assets, including a diversified tech ecosystem, a business-friendly environment, a socially-conscious government and excellent transport links. Less than a year ago, there were approximately a dozen blockchain companies in Austin. Today that number is more than 50 and growing. The University of Texas at Austin recently added blockchain content to its graduate programs with plans to host a conference in April 2018.

“Austin has significant blockchain activity,” said Pete Harris, Principal of Lighthouse Partners and Executive Director of ABC. “The next step is to coordinate our efforts into a singular force that makes Austin a blockchain hub of international significance. The collective will increase community engagement with blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, growing a network of peers who will galvanize Austin’s leadership in the crypto space.”

Benefits of participating in the Austin Blockchain Collective will include prospective increase in sales and lead gen activity, increased investor awareness and market awareness.

“Blockchain is currently in its infancy and innovation is required for it to fulfill its expectations,” said Josh Baer, Founder and Executive Director of Capital Factory. “Forming the Austin Blockchain Collective—much like Capital Factory’s Blockchain $100,000 Challenge—puts our money where our mouth is and supports the local blockchain ecosystem. It brings together the best minds and showcases our leadership capabilities to the world.”

About Austin Blockchain Collective

The Austin Blockchain Collective is a group of Austin-based blockchain technology and cryptocurrency companies that work together to advocate for the adoption of blockchain innovation at the local level and for the larger global ecosystem. The collective’s mission is to provide blockchain education while fostering connections across business and consumer-focused applications. Initial financial support for the Austin Blockchain Collective is provided by Wanchain. More information is available at www.austinblockchaincollective.com.

About Wanchain

Wanchain is rebuilding the financial services industry using private cross-blockchain smart contracts. Built in China and headquartered in Austin, TX, Wanchain unites East and West as the digital currency-agnostic platform for global financial services. Registered in Singapore as a non-profit organization, the Wanchain Foundation was initially funded by Wanglu Tech, a for-profit enterprise with investors including River Capital and Fenbushi Capital. To learn more, visit wanchain.org, @wanchain_org (#rebuildingfinance) and our Facebook page.