5 Top Blockchain Stories of 2017

For many technology buffs, 2017 was a year that was highly anticipated.

Dubbed the Internet 2.0, blockchain technology consistently made headlines throughout the year and is a leading software platform for digital assets and the tool used to track cryptocurrency transactions.

From ICOs and VC investments, to private companies going public or transitioning to blockchain, excitement is already bubbling for what’s in store in 2018.

With that in mind, here the Investing News Network (INN) takes a look back at its most popular blockhain stories of 2017 that caught the attention of investors this year.

1. Loi Luu of KyberNetwork: Decentralized Exchanges are the Future of Cryptocurrency Exchanges

First on our top blockchain stories of 2017 is an interview INN conducted with Loi Luu, co-founder and CEO of KyberNetwork, from mid-August in anticipation of its September initial coin offering sale.

In the interview, Luu said KyberNetwork looks forward to making exchanges safe. “I think decentralized exchanges are going to become more and more popular in the future,” Luu said in our interview.

2. eXeBlock Begins Trading on the CSE

Our  second top blockcahin story of 2017 came a bit later in the year when Canadian company eXeBlock (CSE:XBLK) began trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).

On that note, it’s no surprise that this story ranks high on our list: the company is one of the first Canadian public companies that is focused on developing disruptive decentralized technologies through blockchain technology.

Founded in 2015, eXeBlock’s headquarters are in Nova Scotia, while its services include blockchain technology consulting, blockchain application development, and custom blockchain development.

3. Overstock Subsidiary tZERO Looks to Revolutionize Digital Coin Trading

Coming in middle of the pack on our top blockchain stories of 2017 is one you might not expect to see: Overstock.com (NASDAQ:OSTK), announced a joint venture  via its subsidiary, tZERO, with RenGen LLC and the Argon Group to create a digital tokens exchange.

“With ICO blockchain offerings surpassing traditional early stage VC funding and US regulators seeking legitimate venues to support security token offerings, with this JV tZERO continues to maintain its leading edge in blockchain financial technology,” Overstock CEO Patrick M. Byrne said in the release.

4. First Block Capital Becomes the First in Canada to be Approved for a Bitcoin Fund

Back to the Canadian blockchain market, INN had the opportunity to speak with First Block Capital CEO Sean Clark in mid-September following its announced FBC Bitcoin Trust.

As noted in the article, the FBC Bitcoin Trust officially became the first registered investment fund in Canada that’s solely dedicated to cryptocurrency investments.

The company, which was founded earlier in 2017 with a vision create an asset management company that “would connect institutional retail money with opportunities in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space.”

5. Veridium Labs to Bring Liquidity to the Natural Capital Market Through Blockchain

Closing out our 5 top blockcahin stories of the year is another interivew, this time with Veridum Labs co-founder Todd Lemons about the company’s plans to bring liquidity to the natural capital market.

Through the Veridium Network, Veridium Labs will create digital records over blockchain of the exact square meters of natural capital used.

In the interview, Lemons said the company’s token sale was slated for Q4 2017.

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Securities Disclosure: I, Jocelyn Aspa, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.