BitAngels Pitch Event at Tokenize! During Puerto Rico Blockchain Week 2024
Discover groundbreaking blockchain initiatives at the BitAngels Pitch Competition, held at the historic MADmi Museum in Miramar, showcasing a fusion of innovation and history.
Introduction: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
December 11, 2024: As the tropical sun rose over the picturesque landscape of Puerto Rico, the prestigious BitAngels Pitch Event began, setting the stage for a day dedicated to blockchain innovation. Held at the iconic MADmi Museum in San Juan's historic Miramar neighborhood, known for its well-preserved Spanish-style architecture. Miramar exudes a quaint yet sophisticated atmosphere dotted with ornate, pastel-colored buildings and lush, verdant gardens. This setting was a perfect venue for a gathering that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of innovation and history, where past and future converge and grow together.
A Grand Opening: Thought Leaders Setting the Stage
The day started with opening speeches from Michael Terpin, Alyze Sam, and Adryenn Ashley, each bringing unique insights to the stage.
Michael Terpin, hailed as ‘The Godfather of Crypto,’ is a pioneering force in the blockchain space, famous for founding numerous blockchain enterprises and continuing to tirelessly promote blockchain technology today. His recent book, "Bitcoin Supercycle: How the Crypto Calendar Can Make You Rich," offers profound insights into the cyclical trends of the crypto markets.
Alyze Sam, the Global Director of BitAngels, is celebrated for her ethical leadership. She is an esteemed leader and advocate within the blockchain community, renowned for her commitment to integrating technology with social good. She works tirelessly to create inclusive networks that foster innovation and community engagement. Her extensive background in healthcare and her personal journey as a resilient and unstoppable survivor drives her passionate advocacy for projects that deliver tangible social impact.
Adryenn Ashley, celebrated for her advocacy for women in blockchain and named the #1 Woman in Blockchain Influencer in 2019 and 2022, recently received the BitAngels Special Award for Most Spirited at the BitAngels Pitch Competition in Puerto Rico! Known for her boundless energy and empowering presence, she continues to inspire with her passion and enthusiasm. Adryenn is also the dynamic founder of Slay Ventures, a firm investing in cutting-edge tech startups that drive blockchain adoption.
Together, these luminaries underscored the groundbreaking potential of blockchain to empower creators and innovators worldwide, setting a visionary tone for the event ahead.
Insightful Panels: Deep Dives into Blockchain’s Potential
The afternoon was rich with discussions, from a special screening of the first Web3 documentary, to a series of panels exploring the depths of DeFi and the future of tokenization. The Meet the Money panel featured venture capitalists like Chris Miglino, Roc Zacharias, and Mike Zajko discussing the evolution of funding in blockchain, while the Bitcoin Season II panel delved into the nuances of Bitcoin's market dynamics and future prospects. Tim Draper, Jamie Fin, John Devine, Trevor Owens, Isabel Foxen Duke, Alec Taggert, Donny Clutterbuck, Michael Terpin, and Dan Moorehead were all revered speakers with much wisdom. Josh Zemel, Josh Krueger, Mark Friedler, and Josh Lawler discussed DeFi.
The Pitch Winners: Showcasing Tomorrow's Leaders
The pitch session included startups carefully selected by BitAngels, Tokenize! And DNA Fund from a long list of promising projects. The segment featured a blend of seasoned entrepreneurs and innovative new voices in quantitative trading, blockchain compliance, virtual reality, digital identity protection, energy distribution, decentralized marketplaces, and social impact initiatives, culminating in the announcement of the winners!
First Place: MonoQuant - Presented by its visionary team, MonoQuant is revolutionizing quantitative trading with a no-code platform that allows investors to craft, backtest, and deploy sophisticated trading strategies. Their platform combines intuitive SaaS capabilities with advanced machine learning algorithms, making complex trading tools accessible to all investors.
Second Place: Chintai - Josh Gordon showcased Chintai's compliance-focused Layer 1 private blockchain, licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Chintai offers Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) technology for issuers of tokenized asset classes and traditional finance products, standing out as a leader in regulatory-compliant blockchain solutions.
Third Place: OkayBet - Benjamin Scheinberg introduced a game-changing prediction market platform, Okay Bet, which enhances betting experiences with features like social media integration and innovative leveraged products like parlays.
All winners received subscriptions to Crypto EQ, providing them with valuable analytics and insights as they continue to develop their groundbreaking projects.
Special Recognition: Beacon of Hope Award
Resilient Labs: A company for social good committed to developing applications that combat cybercrimes emerging from social media and other digital platforms, including human trafficking and extortion. Their project, named as a tribute to the resilience of crime victims, highlights the transformative societal impact possible through blockchain. They emphasize, “Sextortion victims are often voiceless, as cybercrimes go largely unprosecuted. Our community-driven, decentralized blockchain application, Cryptonym Web3 App, aims to change this reality.”
Rich Kopcho: Rich has been deeply engaged in the blockchain community, leveraging his vast experience to guide Web3 companies. His involvement extends to mentoring roles at Web3 Techstars Accelerators and advising aspiring college student entrepreneurs, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators. Rich's seasoned perspective and leadership illuminate paths forward, making him a guiding light and a trusted advisor in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.
Honorable Mentions:
Quai: Quai Network is a set of EVM-compatible blockchains that achieves 50k+ TPS without compromising decentralization. The first decentralized energy dollar on the only scalable and programmable Proof-of-Work blockchain.
MatterFi: MatterFi develops new security infrastructure for software/hardware wallets and custody systems, providing safe, accessible, and trustworthy financial rails with convenience inspired by legacy finance apps.
The winners were determined by an esteemed panel of judges: Josh Lawler, known for his legal acumen in blockchain technologies; Sheldon Weisfeld, founder of CryptoEQ and successful cryptoprenuer; Roc Zacharias, CEO of Lunar Digital Assets and co-founder of Quickswap; and Taco, a crypto super-connector and visionary influencer. Their expertise and enthusiasm for nurturing new ideas were evident as they provided valuable insights and feedback to the competitors.
Closing Celebrations: Yachts and Healing Sound Waves
As the discussions concluded, attendees were treated to a transformative sound bath healing ceremony thoughtfully arranged by Sheldon Weisfeld. Known for his generosity and commitment to BitAngels, Sheldon organized a profoundly relaxing experience that combined the healing tones of singing bowls and gongs. This gift was a memorable experience that balanced the intellectual vigor of the day with spiritual and emotional wellness. These moments of leisure and reflection not only rounded out an event characterized by ambitious discussions and groundbreaking ideas but also reinforced the community's commitment to fostering environments where creativity and health go hand in hand.
Following Sheldon's transformative sound bath, attendees shifted from tranquility to revelry as they embarked on a luxurious yacht party. Set against the calming backdrop of the ocean, this elegant gathering offered the perfect ambiance for guests to mingle and unwind. The lapping of waves complemented the lively discussions about the day’s events, making for an unforgettable evening of connection and celebration.
The BitAngels Pitch Event at the MADmi Museum transcended a mere gathering; it was a vibrant celebration of the relentless spirit of innovation that fuels the blockchain community. This event not only marked a significant day of insights and advancements but also promised to leave an enduring imprint on all who attended, heralding new journeys in the blockchain renaissance.
Apply to pitch at a future event here: https://bitangels.network/apply-to-pitch
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. The views expressed are not intended to endorse or recommend any specific investment or financial product. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.