SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 40
Week 6. The White Paper
Best Practices in Describing The Business Case For Tokenization
Roger Royse
rroyse@rroyselaw.com
www.rroyselaw.com
Research Assistant: Justin Sher
Stanford Continuing Studies FALL 2018 BUS 35
The Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
Week 6 July 29, 2019
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
1
Recap: Blockchain Economics: Strategic Value
in Private Blockchains (Week 5)
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
2
• Blockchain as foundational technology: Is it next Internet?
• Crypto Economics: economic incentive and crypto mechanism
• Network Effects in Blockchain: value for user vs. ownership potential
• Blockchain Market Strategies
• McKinsey insight – consider market dominance and availability to
influence standards and regulation
• Tapscott’s Seven Principles of a Blockchain Economy
Week 6. Blockchain Economics: Strategic
Value in Blockchain
I. Importance of a whitepaper
II. Elements of a white paper
• The problem
• The solution or product
• Commercialization
• Team
• Token Issues
III. Examples: Bitfinex, Bittorrent, Abyss Token,
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
3
Intro: What Is a White Paper?
• A White paper is a document that describes a blockchain project.
• Detailed description of the system architecture and its interaction
with users, including
• Current market data and growth anticipation.
• Requirements for the issuance and use of tokens.
• Project team members, investors and advisors.
• Without a proper modelling of a white paper it would be difficult for a
project team to perform a successful ICO procedure .
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
4
Initial Coin Offering (ICO)
• An ICO is a fundraising mechanism in which new projects sell their
underlying crypto tokens in exchange for bitcoin and ether.
• Similar to an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in which investors purchase
shares of a company.
• Based on tech like ERC20 Token Standard
• Investors send funds (usually bitcoin or ether) to a smart contract that
stores the funds and distributes an equivalent value in the new token
• Often “pre-sold” to raise money to build the platform
• Tokens may have “utility” or security
• Traded on exchanges
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
5
• Mostly widely used
contents in the past
12 months
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
6
I. Why important
Recent ICO Activity
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
$0
$200,000,000
$400,000,000
$600,000,000
$800,000,000
$1,000,000,000
$1,200,000,000
$1,400,000,000
Jul-18 Aug-18 Sep-18 Oct-18 Nov-18 Dec-18 Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19
Chart Title
Amount Raised Number of ICOs
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
7
Source: https://icobench.com/stats/
II. Elements of a White Paper
• The problem
• The solution or product
• Commercialization
• Team
• Token Issues
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
8
Crypto Funding: ICOs, IEOs, DAICOs and STOs
• https://hackernoon.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-next-generation-of-
crypto-funding-v-ico-ieo-daico-eto-sto-939909782da6
• ICOs
• Tokens offered to investors to participate in some aspect of a platform. All cryptocurrency is
received upfront by developers. Anyone with cryptocurrency can invest anonymously.
• IEOs
• Like ICOs but the token is sold by an exchange leading to better vetting, compliance,
marketing and liquidity.
• DAICOs
• Like ICOs, except the holders of tokens can vote to release money to developers or refund
money to shareholders over time.
• STOs
• Allows an offline regulated security to be sold on the blockchain. Can convey ownership to
shares in a company, precious metals, real estate, or debt functioning in a similar manner to a
corporate bond.
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
9
Crypto Funding: New models are replacing
ICOs
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
10
ICOs
• Developers create a token and sell it directly to anyone with cryptocurrency.
Investors can invest millions and be completely anonymous.
• Developers receive cryptocurrency immediately.
• Tokens are usually empowered to give the users rights to use a future platform.
• Many tokens become fully liquid on exchanges, but may have to pay listing fees.
• Used to raise billions in 2017 and 2018, but interest has significantly decreased
due to high loses for investors and regulatory action including outright bans in
several countries including China.
• https://www.bitcoinmarketjournal.com/ico-regulations/
• Can easily qualify as unregistered securities causing SEC enforcement actions:
• https://www.coindesk.com/the-sec-is-suing-kik-for-its-2017-ico
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
11
IEOs
• Similar to an ICO except a cryptocurrency exchange runs the token sale.
• Purchasers of the tokens must be vetted by the exchange’s AML/KYC
process.
• Exchange helps with marketing, regulatory compliance and vetting of the
company.
• Provides investors with more confidence because the exchange is putting
their reputation on the line for the company. The company is also
immediately listed on the exchange.
• Most IEO platforms are located outside the U.S. and don’t want U.S.
investors. Major platforms are located in Singapore, Malta, Hong Kong and
Seychelles.
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
12
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
13
Source: https://hackernoon.com/can-binances-initial-exchange-offering-ieo-platform-lead-the-next-crypto-wave-ce6b1c054213
DAICOs
• Proposed by Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin as a solution to the abuses
of ICOs.
• Allows ICO token owners to vote on releasing money to the project
developers based on milestones.
• In extreme cases, token owners can vote to return all money back to
investors. Thus, there is a significant risk that developers will not receive
all funds raised.
• Investors can be completely anonymous, but have more control of the
project.
• Have similar regulatory issues as ICOs.
• Abyss, a gaming platform, is one of the first DAICOs
• https://www.theabyss.com/daico
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
14
STOs
• Promoted by exchanges as a way to trade regulated securities on the
blockchain in compliance with all laws.
• Investors can only send/receive tokens from AML/KYC identified accredited
investors on the blockchain.
• Tokens are tied directly to real world securities held in custody by the
sponsoring exchange. Tokens can represent rights to stock, or assets such
as real estate or commodities.
• Offerings are highly supervised by and integrated into sponsoring
exchange.
• Cheaper alternative to an IPO, and unlike a VC round, investors get liquidity
among other accredited investors immediately.
• https://cointelegraph.com/explained/what-is-an-sto-explained
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
15
Tokenization and Crypto Funding
• International Markets for IEOs, ICOs and DAICOs
• Switzerland
• Singapore
• Malta
• Seychelles
• Hong Kong
• Gibraltar
• Cayman
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
16
8. Tokenization and Crypto Funding
• Tax
• Tax perspective: Is token equity?
• Presale and SAFT
• IRS view
• Legal
• Anti-money laundering and KYC
• Patent issues
• Securities
• Federal, foreign and state laws
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
17
• Regulation
• Is my token a security?
• A currency?
• A commodity?
• Privacy
• Data Ownership
The Problem To Be Solved
• The market/business
• The potential customers
• The advantage of solving the
problems
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
18
Source: cprop.io
The Product
• Product description
• Prototype data
• First users
• Development strategy
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
19
Commercialization and Roadmap
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
20
• A detailed technical description of the project and its future
development plans for the next 12-18 months
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto
Currencies, and Tokens 21
Team
• Blockchain experience
• Technical experience
• Track record
• Strong team with bad idea?
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
22
Token Issues
• Significance of cryptocurrency: value consensus
• Economic aspects (how token will offer benefits over time)
• Technical aspects (token creation period, number of tokens, expense)
• Distribution (method of dissemination, time)
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
23
Top 10 ICOs in 2018
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
24
Name
Amount
Raised
Start
Date
End
Date
Description
1 EOS $4,197,956,136
Jun 26,
2017
Jun 01,
2018
EOS has raised the highest amount of funds ever in it's ico, making over 4 billion dollars. EOS is a platform that supports decentralized apps. It aims
to make work easier for develops to make these apps. For these apps it will provide things like
2 Telegram ICO $1,700,000,000
Feb 28,
2018
Mar 31,
2018
Telegram's ICO aimed to use the funds generated from the token sale to expand its functionality via Blockchain technology beyond simple
messaging services. It is hoped that this extra functionality to increase telegrams user base beyond its current 200
3 Petro $735,000,000
Feb 20,
2018
Mar 19,
2018
The Venezuelan government have attempted to circumnavigate economic sanctions by creating their own cryptocurrency and using it as a
payment method for oil. This is the first officially government backed cryptocurrency.
4 TaTaTu $575,000,000
Jun 11,
2018
Jun 22,
2018
The TaTaTu platform aims to revolutionise social media and entertainment via their Blockchain platform. Consumers of content will be paid for
their viewership as well as for supplying it. Further features include using the accumulated TaTaTu token to pay
5 Dragon $420,000,000
Feb 15,
2018
Mar 15,
2018
Dragon Coin an ERC 20 token will be used to grant access at Casinos powered by Dragon's Blockchain. All the casinos facilities will be managed by
Dragon parter junkets.
6 HetaChain $190,051,316
Oct 01,
2018
Dec 10,
2018
HETACHAIN is a super-fast DPoS + BFT hybrid blockchain network focused on addressing the age-long scalability dilemma and pushing forth a truly
democratically governed platform built for industry scale transactions while also uniquely designed for private
7 Bankera $150,949,194
Nov 27,
2017
Mar 01,
2018
Bankera is a regulated bank for blockchain. Using a structure similar to a banking system, it allows itself to provide financial servicing like
payments, loans and deposits, and investments while being fully in support of cryptocurrencies.
8 tZERO (STO) $134,000,000
Dec 06,
2017
Aug 06,
2018
tZERO aims to create a front end trading system that provides itself as an alternative to the traditional securities market. Using features like risk
management it allows users to safely buy tokens without overspending or buying the wrong one.
8 Basis $133,000,000
Apr 18,
2018
Apr 18,
2018
Basis is a price stable cryptocurrency with an algorithmic central bank. It's goal is to develop monetary policies to make sure that cryptocurrencies
have purchasing limits and their prices do not have any more massive fluctuations.
9
Orbs (Private
Sale)
$118,000,000
Feb 15,
2018
May 15,
2018
Orbs is the first blockchain that will work with real world business. It aims to take cryptocurrency to a consumer level exchange. Large corporations
can comfortably use Obs to create apps that work on blockchain but also accomodate real world business la
10 KitToken $117,447,182
Jul 20,
2018
Aug 31,
2018
KitToken’s goal is to create security and sustainability within the blockchain environment. This new environment will provide features that
increase security from a blockchain based setting, it will also only charge a fraction of the large percenta
As of Jun 1, 2019. Source: https://www.coinschedule.com/stats/
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
25
Top 10 ICO in 2019
As of Jun 1, 2019. Source: https://www.coinschedule.com/stats/
Name
Amount Raised Start Date End Date Description
1 BITFINEX
$1,000,000,00
0
May 05, 2019 May 13, 2019
Bitfinex is a cryptocurrency exchange owned and operated by iFinex Inc., which is headquartered in Hong Kong and registered in
the British Virgin Islands. Since then iFinex, through its trading platforms, has become one of the best-known and recognized c
2 GCBIB $142,686,051 Oct 15, 2018 Jan 31, 2019
GCBIB (Genesis Crypto Blockchain Investment Bank) is primarily an investment bank, with a crypto to fiat exchange infrastructure
that helps bridge the gap between the emerging crypto market and existing financial services. Powered by a combination of Bl
3
Tron Game
Global
$80,000,000 Apr 16, 2019 May 31, 2019
TRON GAME GLOBAL PAY (GTP) is a project that is currently laying the foundation for Internet decentralization about GAME
BLOCKCHAIN.
4 Bolton Coin $67,830,000 Aug 20, 2018 Feb 28, 2019
BOLTON Coin (BFCL) offers a new amazing and unique approach to investing in the crypto sphere, generating aggregates profits
from tangible luxurious markets such as gold and diamonds mining, real estate, integrated by eco-sustainable energy and
extraordin
5 Kinesis $59,278,000 Feb 16, 2018 Mar 18, 2019
Kinesis is a yield-bearing digital currency based on 1:1 allocated physical gold and silver. The vision for Kinesis is to deliver an
evolutionary step beyond any monetary and banking system available today.
6 Thunder Token $50,500,000 May 09, 2019 May 09, 2019 Thunder Token is a new crypto token that has high throughput and confirms transactions in seconds.
7 BQT $37,000,000 Aug 18, 2018 Mar 18, 2019
BQT Exchange Platform provides secure, interactive and flexible Social Trading Environment and user-friendly interface for its
community to manage various types of transactions consisting of many crypto assets.
8 Shercoin $36,000,000 Feb 01, 2019 May 02, 2019
The SherCoin team has realized that the best way to create a good cryptocurrency that will achieve mass adoption is by creating a
multi-functional token that has more than one utility.
9 Percival $35,000,000 Mar 05, 2019 Mar 26, 2019
Percival is also focused on the security provision to keep participant’s property and right, and to make it a goal to maintain the
market stabilization.
10 IPUX $35,000,000 Jan 15, 2019 Apr 30, 2019
IPUX is not only successfully operating, and has blueprints to develop, e-commerce, agriculture, and health and wellness related
businesses in ASEAN, but we are also providing solutions leveraging blockchain technology, smart contracts, AI, big data and I
Example: CPROP
• White paper
• Professionally
formatted
• Company
brochure type
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
26
Vote Coin
• White paper
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
27
Maecenas
• White Paper
• Artistic format
• Professional contents
• Three-columns
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
28
Authentic ID
• White paper
• Web-page style
• Easy to read
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
29
MedicalChain
• White paper
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
30
Monetha
• Collected $37 million (95 000 ETH) in just 18
minutes.
• white paper contains all the abovementioned
sections.
• Including detailed description of the project’s
working plan, token economy, fund-using plans, and
also team members’ service record
• Showing previous business experience that raised
investments
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
31
Aeternity
• Collected $34 million
• White paper: Simple
research format
• A simple two-column
document
• Short: 10 pages
• Research article
format
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
32
Filecoin
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
33
• Collected $257 million
• No refinement,
following research
article format
State of the ICO Market
• The ICO market has reportedly dropped by 97% based on the amount
of attracted capital in Q1 2019 vs Q1 2018.
• in Q1 of 2019 there were almost 350 ICO projects, which is fewer
than in Q4 2018. The total volume of funds raised in Q1 reportedly
amounted to nearly $1 billion, however the number is lower by
roughly $0.5 billion compared to that of Q4 2018.
• a whopping 86 percent of the 110 ICOs that accounted for nearly 90
percent of funds raised during 2017 had lower valuations in 2018.
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
34
Sources:https://cointelegraph.com/news/research-ico-market-down-almost-100-from-a-year-ago-raised-40-million-in-q1-2019
https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/news/failed-expectations-why-86-of-icos-are-worth-less-than-when-they-started/
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
35
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
36
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
37
Takeaways
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
38
• A perfect white paper won’t help a bad project
• Whitepaper should suit the team and project
• Compare standard type (Monetha) vs. Research type (Filecoin)
• It is essential to take the public into account
• Who are you attracting to your ICO?
• Public vs. engineers & scientist
• You may create two versions
Week 7. Legal Issues
• Diverse legal issues in blockchain and cryptocurrency
• Legal structure of an initial coin or security coin offering (ICO) in the US
and globally, including the rules governing the sale of securities in the US
• Overview patent and intellectual property (IP) issues in blockchain
• Licensing agreements that provide protection to inventors while making
resources available for open innovation.
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
39
ROYSE LAW FIRM, PC
For questions , Contact
PALO ALTO
1717 Embarcadero Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303
LOS ANGELES
11150 Santa Monica Blvd.
Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90025
SAN FRANCISCO
135 Main Street
12th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Palo Alto Office: 650-813-9700
CONTACT US
www.rroyselaw.co
m
@RoyseLaw
MENLO PARK
149 Commonwealth Drive,
Suite 1001
Menlo Park, CA 94025
SANTA MONICA
520 Broadway
Suite 200
Santa Monica, CA 90401
SAN FRANCISCO
135 Main Street
12th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Menlo Park Office: 650-813-9700
CONTACT US
www.rroyselaw.com
@RoyseLaw
ORANGE COUNTY
135 S. State College Blvd
Suite 200
Brea, CA 92821
Research Assistant: Natalie Ryang
nryang@rroyselaw.com
Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of
Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens
40

More Related Content

More from Roger Royse

How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Investment
How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital InvestmentHow to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Investment
How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital InvestmentRoger Royse
 
How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Funding
How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Funding How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Funding
How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Funding Roger Royse
 
How to Negotiate with Venture Capitalists
How to Negotiate with Venture CapitalistsHow to Negotiate with Venture Capitalists
How to Negotiate with Venture CapitalistsRoger Royse
 
Startup Basics: Legal, Business and Financing Strategies in a Downturn
Startup Basics: Legal, Business and Financing Strategies in a DownturnStartup Basics: Legal, Business and Financing Strategies in a Downturn
Startup Basics: Legal, Business and Financing Strategies in a DownturnRoger Royse
 
F50 AG Tech Slides
F50 AG Tech SlidesF50 AG Tech Slides
F50 AG Tech SlidesRoger Royse
 
Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Investment
Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital InvestmentPrepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Investment
Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital InvestmentRoger Royse
 
How Your Company is Affected by the CARES Act and Related Legislation
How Your Company is Affected by the CARES Act and Related LegislationHow Your Company is Affected by the CARES Act and Related Legislation
How Your Company is Affected by the CARES Act and Related LegislationRoger Royse
 
How to Get Your Startup Ready for Venture Capital Funding (Idea To IPO)
How to Get Your Startup Ready for Venture Capital Funding (Idea To IPO)How to Get Your Startup Ready for Venture Capital Funding (Idea To IPO)
How to Get Your Startup Ready for Venture Capital Funding (Idea To IPO)Roger Royse
 
Legal Issues for Tech Startups
Legal Issues for Tech StartupsLegal Issues for Tech Startups
Legal Issues for Tech StartupsRoger Royse
 
Startup Basics: How to Split the Pie, Raise Money and Reward Contributors
Startup Basics: How to Split the Pie, Raise Money and Reward ContributorsStartup Basics: How to Split the Pie, Raise Money and Reward Contributors
Startup Basics: How to Split the Pie, Raise Money and Reward ContributorsRoger Royse
 
Startup Basics: Legal, Business, and Financing Strategies
Startup Basics: Legal, Business, and Financing StrategiesStartup Basics: Legal, Business, and Financing Strategies
Startup Basics: Legal, Business, and Financing StrategiesRoger Royse
 
Funding 101 for Tech Entrepreneurs & Startups
Funding 101 for Tech Entrepreneurs & StartupsFunding 101 for Tech Entrepreneurs & Startups
Funding 101 for Tech Entrepreneurs & StartupsRoger Royse
 
Pre-M&A Planning for Startup Founders
Pre-M&A Planning for Startup FoundersPre-M&A Planning for Startup Founders
Pre-M&A Planning for Startup FoundersRoger Royse
 
Tax Issues in App Development
Tax Issues in App DevelopmentTax Issues in App Development
Tax Issues in App DevelopmentRoger Royse
 
How to Split the Pie, Raise Money, and Reward Contributors (Idea To IPO)
How to Split the Pie, Raise Money, and Reward Contributors (Idea To IPO)How to Split the Pie, Raise Money, and Reward Contributors (Idea To IPO)
How to Split the Pie, Raise Money, and Reward Contributors (Idea To IPO)Roger Royse
 
Week 7 - Legal Issues in Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
Week 7 - Legal Issues in Blockchain and CryptocurrenciesWeek 7 - Legal Issues in Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
Week 7 - Legal Issues in Blockchain and CryptocurrenciesRoger Royse
 
Week 5 - Blockchain Economics: Strategic Value in Private Blockchain
Week 5 - Blockchain Economics: Strategic Value in Private Blockchain  Week 5 - Blockchain Economics: Strategic Value in Private Blockchain
Week 5 - Blockchain Economics: Strategic Value in Private Blockchain Roger Royse
 
Week 4 - DApps, Smart Contracts, and Decentralized Incentive Systems
Week 4 - DApps, Smart Contracts, and Decentralized Incentive SystemsWeek 4 - DApps, Smart Contracts, and Decentralized Incentive Systems
Week 4 - DApps, Smart Contracts, and Decentralized Incentive SystemsRoger Royse
 
Week 3 - Cryptocurrencies
Week 3 - CryptocurrenciesWeek 3 - Cryptocurrencies
Week 3 - CryptocurrenciesRoger Royse
 
Week 2 - Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Key Technical (and Historical) Conc...
Week 2 - Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Key Technical (and Historical) Conc...Week 2 - Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Key Technical (and Historical) Conc...
Week 2 - Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Key Technical (and Historical) Conc...Roger Royse
 

More from Roger Royse (20)

How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Investment
How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital InvestmentHow to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Investment
How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Investment
 
How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Funding
How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Funding How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Funding
How to Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Funding
 
How to Negotiate with Venture Capitalists
How to Negotiate with Venture CapitalistsHow to Negotiate with Venture Capitalists
How to Negotiate with Venture Capitalists
 
Startup Basics: Legal, Business and Financing Strategies in a Downturn
Startup Basics: Legal, Business and Financing Strategies in a DownturnStartup Basics: Legal, Business and Financing Strategies in a Downturn
Startup Basics: Legal, Business and Financing Strategies in a Downturn
 
F50 AG Tech Slides
F50 AG Tech SlidesF50 AG Tech Slides
F50 AG Tech Slides
 
Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Investment
Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital InvestmentPrepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Investment
Prepare Your Startup for Venture Capital Investment
 
How Your Company is Affected by the CARES Act and Related Legislation
How Your Company is Affected by the CARES Act and Related LegislationHow Your Company is Affected by the CARES Act and Related Legislation
How Your Company is Affected by the CARES Act and Related Legislation
 
How to Get Your Startup Ready for Venture Capital Funding (Idea To IPO)
How to Get Your Startup Ready for Venture Capital Funding (Idea To IPO)How to Get Your Startup Ready for Venture Capital Funding (Idea To IPO)
How to Get Your Startup Ready for Venture Capital Funding (Idea To IPO)
 
Legal Issues for Tech Startups
Legal Issues for Tech StartupsLegal Issues for Tech Startups
Legal Issues for Tech Startups
 
Startup Basics: How to Split the Pie, Raise Money and Reward Contributors
Startup Basics: How to Split the Pie, Raise Money and Reward ContributorsStartup Basics: How to Split the Pie, Raise Money and Reward Contributors
Startup Basics: How to Split the Pie, Raise Money and Reward Contributors
 
Startup Basics: Legal, Business, and Financing Strategies
Startup Basics: Legal, Business, and Financing StrategiesStartup Basics: Legal, Business, and Financing Strategies
Startup Basics: Legal, Business, and Financing Strategies
 
Funding 101 for Tech Entrepreneurs & Startups
Funding 101 for Tech Entrepreneurs & StartupsFunding 101 for Tech Entrepreneurs & Startups
Funding 101 for Tech Entrepreneurs & Startups
 
Pre-M&A Planning for Startup Founders
Pre-M&A Planning for Startup FoundersPre-M&A Planning for Startup Founders
Pre-M&A Planning for Startup Founders
 
Tax Issues in App Development
Tax Issues in App DevelopmentTax Issues in App Development
Tax Issues in App Development
 
How to Split the Pie, Raise Money, and Reward Contributors (Idea To IPO)
How to Split the Pie, Raise Money, and Reward Contributors (Idea To IPO)How to Split the Pie, Raise Money, and Reward Contributors (Idea To IPO)
How to Split the Pie, Raise Money, and Reward Contributors (Idea To IPO)
 
Week 7 - Legal Issues in Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
Week 7 - Legal Issues in Blockchain and CryptocurrenciesWeek 7 - Legal Issues in Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
Week 7 - Legal Issues in Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
 
Week 5 - Blockchain Economics: Strategic Value in Private Blockchain
Week 5 - Blockchain Economics: Strategic Value in Private Blockchain  Week 5 - Blockchain Economics: Strategic Value in Private Blockchain
Week 5 - Blockchain Economics: Strategic Value in Private Blockchain
 
Week 4 - DApps, Smart Contracts, and Decentralized Incentive Systems
Week 4 - DApps, Smart Contracts, and Decentralized Incentive SystemsWeek 4 - DApps, Smart Contracts, and Decentralized Incentive Systems
Week 4 - DApps, Smart Contracts, and Decentralized Incentive Systems
 
Week 3 - Cryptocurrencies
Week 3 - CryptocurrenciesWeek 3 - Cryptocurrencies
Week 3 - Cryptocurrencies
 
Week 2 - Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Key Technical (and Historical) Conc...
Week 2 - Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Key Technical (and Historical) Conc...Week 2 - Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Key Technical (and Historical) Conc...
Week 2 - Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Key Technical (and Historical) Conc...
 

Recently uploaded

The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdf
The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdfThe Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdf
The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdfEnterprise Knowledge
 
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptxHampshireHUG
 
What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?
What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?
What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?Antenna Manufacturer Coco
 
IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI Solutions
IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI SolutionsIAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI Solutions
IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI SolutionsEnterprise Knowledge
 
A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?
A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?
A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?Igalia
 
Exploring the Future Potential of AI-Enabled Smartphone Processors
Exploring the Future Potential of AI-Enabled Smartphone ProcessorsExploring the Future Potential of AI-Enabled Smartphone Processors
Exploring the Future Potential of AI-Enabled Smartphone Processorsdebabhi2
 
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024Rafal Los
 
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreterPresentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreternaman860154
 
Boost PC performance: How more available memory can improve productivity
Boost PC performance: How more available memory can improve productivityBoost PC performance: How more available memory can improve productivity
Boost PC performance: How more available memory can improve productivityPrincipled Technologies
 
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...Martijn de Jong
 
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024The Digital Insurer
 
🐬 The future of MySQL is Postgres 🐘
🐬  The future of MySQL is Postgres   🐘🐬  The future of MySQL is Postgres   🐘
🐬 The future of MySQL is Postgres 🐘RTylerCroy
 
Handwritten Text Recognition for manuscripts and early printed texts
Handwritten Text Recognition for manuscripts and early printed textsHandwritten Text Recognition for manuscripts and early printed texts
Handwritten Text Recognition for manuscripts and early printed textsMaria Levchenko
 
The Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptx
The Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptxThe Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptx
The Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptxMalak Abu Hammad
 
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024The Digital Insurer
 
TrustArc Webinar - Stay Ahead of US State Data Privacy Law Developments
TrustArc Webinar - Stay Ahead of US State Data Privacy Law DevelopmentsTrustArc Webinar - Stay Ahead of US State Data Privacy Law Developments
TrustArc Webinar - Stay Ahead of US State Data Privacy Law DevelopmentsTrustArc
 
Advantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your Business
Advantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your BusinessAdvantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your Business
Advantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your BusinessPixlogix Infotech
 
08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking Men08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking MenDelhi Call girls
 
A Call to Action for Generative AI in 2024
A Call to Action for Generative AI in 2024A Call to Action for Generative AI in 2024
A Call to Action for Generative AI in 2024Results
 
GenCyber Cyber Security Day Presentation
GenCyber Cyber Security Day PresentationGenCyber Cyber Security Day Presentation
GenCyber Cyber Security Day PresentationMichael W. Hawkins
 

Recently uploaded (20)

The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdf
The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdfThe Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdf
The Role of Taxonomy and Ontology in Semantic Layers - Heather Hedden.pdf
 
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx
04-2024-HHUG-Sales-and-Marketing-Alignment.pptx
 
What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?
What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?
What Are The Drone Anti-jamming Systems Technology?
 
IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI Solutions
IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI SolutionsIAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI Solutions
IAC 2024 - IA Fast Track to Search Focused AI Solutions
 
A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?
A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?
A Year of the Servo Reboot: Where Are We Now?
 
Exploring the Future Potential of AI-Enabled Smartphone Processors
Exploring the Future Potential of AI-Enabled Smartphone ProcessorsExploring the Future Potential of AI-Enabled Smartphone Processors
Exploring the Future Potential of AI-Enabled Smartphone Processors
 
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
The 7 Things I Know About Cyber Security After 25 Years | April 2024
 
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreterPresentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
Presentation on how to chat with PDF using ChatGPT code interpreter
 
Boost PC performance: How more available memory can improve productivity
Boost PC performance: How more available memory can improve productivityBoost PC performance: How more available memory can improve productivity
Boost PC performance: How more available memory can improve productivity
 
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
2024: Domino Containers - The Next Step. News from the Domino Container commu...
 
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Tata AIG General Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
 
🐬 The future of MySQL is Postgres 🐘
🐬  The future of MySQL is Postgres   🐘🐬  The future of MySQL is Postgres   🐘
🐬 The future of MySQL is Postgres 🐘
 
Handwritten Text Recognition for manuscripts and early printed texts
Handwritten Text Recognition for manuscripts and early printed textsHandwritten Text Recognition for manuscripts and early printed texts
Handwritten Text Recognition for manuscripts and early printed texts
 
The Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptx
The Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptxThe Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptx
The Codex of Business Writing Software for Real-World Solutions 2.pptx
 
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company - Insurer Innovation Award 2024
 
TrustArc Webinar - Stay Ahead of US State Data Privacy Law Developments
TrustArc Webinar - Stay Ahead of US State Data Privacy Law DevelopmentsTrustArc Webinar - Stay Ahead of US State Data Privacy Law Developments
TrustArc Webinar - Stay Ahead of US State Data Privacy Law Developments
 
Advantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your Business
Advantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your BusinessAdvantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your Business
Advantages of Hiring UIUX Design Service Providers for Your Business
 
08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking Men08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking Men
08448380779 Call Girls In Greater Kailash - I Women Seeking Men
 
A Call to Action for Generative AI in 2024
A Call to Action for Generative AI in 2024A Call to Action for Generative AI in 2024
A Call to Action for Generative AI in 2024
 
GenCyber Cyber Security Day Presentation
GenCyber Cyber Security Day PresentationGenCyber Cyber Security Day Presentation
GenCyber Cyber Security Day Presentation
 

Week 6 - The White Paper: Best Practices in Describing The Business Case For Tokenization

  • 1. Week 6. The White Paper Best Practices in Describing The Business Case For Tokenization Roger Royse rroyse@rroyselaw.com www.rroyselaw.com Research Assistant: Justin Sher Stanford Continuing Studies FALL 2018 BUS 35 The Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens Week 6 July 29, 2019 Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 1
  • 2. Recap: Blockchain Economics: Strategic Value in Private Blockchains (Week 5) Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 2 • Blockchain as foundational technology: Is it next Internet? • Crypto Economics: economic incentive and crypto mechanism • Network Effects in Blockchain: value for user vs. ownership potential • Blockchain Market Strategies • McKinsey insight – consider market dominance and availability to influence standards and regulation • Tapscott’s Seven Principles of a Blockchain Economy
  • 3. Week 6. Blockchain Economics: Strategic Value in Blockchain I. Importance of a whitepaper II. Elements of a white paper • The problem • The solution or product • Commercialization • Team • Token Issues III. Examples: Bitfinex, Bittorrent, Abyss Token, Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 3
  • 4. Intro: What Is a White Paper? • A White paper is a document that describes a blockchain project. • Detailed description of the system architecture and its interaction with users, including • Current market data and growth anticipation. • Requirements for the issuance and use of tokens. • Project team members, investors and advisors. • Without a proper modelling of a white paper it would be difficult for a project team to perform a successful ICO procedure . Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 4
  • 5. Initial Coin Offering (ICO) • An ICO is a fundraising mechanism in which new projects sell their underlying crypto tokens in exchange for bitcoin and ether. • Similar to an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in which investors purchase shares of a company. • Based on tech like ERC20 Token Standard • Investors send funds (usually bitcoin or ether) to a smart contract that stores the funds and distributes an equivalent value in the new token • Often “pre-sold” to raise money to build the platform • Tokens may have “utility” or security • Traded on exchanges Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 5
  • 6. • Mostly widely used contents in the past 12 months Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 6 I. Why important
  • 7. Recent ICO Activity 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 $0 $200,000,000 $400,000,000 $600,000,000 $800,000,000 $1,000,000,000 $1,200,000,000 $1,400,000,000 Jul-18 Aug-18 Sep-18 Oct-18 Nov-18 Dec-18 Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19 Chart Title Amount Raised Number of ICOs Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 7 Source: https://icobench.com/stats/
  • 8. II. Elements of a White Paper • The problem • The solution or product • Commercialization • Team • Token Issues Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 8
  • 9. Crypto Funding: ICOs, IEOs, DAICOs and STOs • https://hackernoon.com/a-comprehensive-guide-to-the-next-generation-of- crypto-funding-v-ico-ieo-daico-eto-sto-939909782da6 • ICOs • Tokens offered to investors to participate in some aspect of a platform. All cryptocurrency is received upfront by developers. Anyone with cryptocurrency can invest anonymously. • IEOs • Like ICOs but the token is sold by an exchange leading to better vetting, compliance, marketing and liquidity. • DAICOs • Like ICOs, except the holders of tokens can vote to release money to developers or refund money to shareholders over time. • STOs • Allows an offline regulated security to be sold on the blockchain. Can convey ownership to shares in a company, precious metals, real estate, or debt functioning in a similar manner to a corporate bond. Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 9
  • 10. Crypto Funding: New models are replacing ICOs Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 10
  • 11. ICOs • Developers create a token and sell it directly to anyone with cryptocurrency. Investors can invest millions and be completely anonymous. • Developers receive cryptocurrency immediately. • Tokens are usually empowered to give the users rights to use a future platform. • Many tokens become fully liquid on exchanges, but may have to pay listing fees. • Used to raise billions in 2017 and 2018, but interest has significantly decreased due to high loses for investors and regulatory action including outright bans in several countries including China. • https://www.bitcoinmarketjournal.com/ico-regulations/ • Can easily qualify as unregistered securities causing SEC enforcement actions: • https://www.coindesk.com/the-sec-is-suing-kik-for-its-2017-ico Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 11
  • 12. IEOs • Similar to an ICO except a cryptocurrency exchange runs the token sale. • Purchasers of the tokens must be vetted by the exchange’s AML/KYC process. • Exchange helps with marketing, regulatory compliance and vetting of the company. • Provides investors with more confidence because the exchange is putting their reputation on the line for the company. The company is also immediately listed on the exchange. • Most IEO platforms are located outside the U.S. and don’t want U.S. investors. Major platforms are located in Singapore, Malta, Hong Kong and Seychelles. Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 12
  • 13. Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 13 Source: https://hackernoon.com/can-binances-initial-exchange-offering-ieo-platform-lead-the-next-crypto-wave-ce6b1c054213
  • 14. DAICOs • Proposed by Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin as a solution to the abuses of ICOs. • Allows ICO token owners to vote on releasing money to the project developers based on milestones. • In extreme cases, token owners can vote to return all money back to investors. Thus, there is a significant risk that developers will not receive all funds raised. • Investors can be completely anonymous, but have more control of the project. • Have similar regulatory issues as ICOs. • Abyss, a gaming platform, is one of the first DAICOs • https://www.theabyss.com/daico Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 14
  • 15. STOs • Promoted by exchanges as a way to trade regulated securities on the blockchain in compliance with all laws. • Investors can only send/receive tokens from AML/KYC identified accredited investors on the blockchain. • Tokens are tied directly to real world securities held in custody by the sponsoring exchange. Tokens can represent rights to stock, or assets such as real estate or commodities. • Offerings are highly supervised by and integrated into sponsoring exchange. • Cheaper alternative to an IPO, and unlike a VC round, investors get liquidity among other accredited investors immediately. • https://cointelegraph.com/explained/what-is-an-sto-explained Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 15
  • 16. Tokenization and Crypto Funding • International Markets for IEOs, ICOs and DAICOs • Switzerland • Singapore • Malta • Seychelles • Hong Kong • Gibraltar • Cayman Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 16
  • 17. 8. Tokenization and Crypto Funding • Tax • Tax perspective: Is token equity? • Presale and SAFT • IRS view • Legal • Anti-money laundering and KYC • Patent issues • Securities • Federal, foreign and state laws Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 17 • Regulation • Is my token a security? • A currency? • A commodity? • Privacy • Data Ownership
  • 18. The Problem To Be Solved • The market/business • The potential customers • The advantage of solving the problems Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 18 Source: cprop.io
  • 19. The Product • Product description • Prototype data • First users • Development strategy Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 19
  • 20. Commercialization and Roadmap Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 20 • A detailed technical description of the project and its future development plans for the next 12-18 months
  • 21. Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 21
  • 22. Team • Blockchain experience • Technical experience • Track record • Strong team with bad idea? Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 22
  • 23. Token Issues • Significance of cryptocurrency: value consensus • Economic aspects (how token will offer benefits over time) • Technical aspects (token creation period, number of tokens, expense) • Distribution (method of dissemination, time) Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 23
  • 24. Top 10 ICOs in 2018 Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 24 Name Amount Raised Start Date End Date Description 1 EOS $4,197,956,136 Jun 26, 2017 Jun 01, 2018 EOS has raised the highest amount of funds ever in it's ico, making over 4 billion dollars. EOS is a platform that supports decentralized apps. It aims to make work easier for develops to make these apps. For these apps it will provide things like 2 Telegram ICO $1,700,000,000 Feb 28, 2018 Mar 31, 2018 Telegram's ICO aimed to use the funds generated from the token sale to expand its functionality via Blockchain technology beyond simple messaging services. It is hoped that this extra functionality to increase telegrams user base beyond its current 200 3 Petro $735,000,000 Feb 20, 2018 Mar 19, 2018 The Venezuelan government have attempted to circumnavigate economic sanctions by creating their own cryptocurrency and using it as a payment method for oil. This is the first officially government backed cryptocurrency. 4 TaTaTu $575,000,000 Jun 11, 2018 Jun 22, 2018 The TaTaTu platform aims to revolutionise social media and entertainment via their Blockchain platform. Consumers of content will be paid for their viewership as well as for supplying it. Further features include using the accumulated TaTaTu token to pay 5 Dragon $420,000,000 Feb 15, 2018 Mar 15, 2018 Dragon Coin an ERC 20 token will be used to grant access at Casinos powered by Dragon's Blockchain. All the casinos facilities will be managed by Dragon parter junkets. 6 HetaChain $190,051,316 Oct 01, 2018 Dec 10, 2018 HETACHAIN is a super-fast DPoS + BFT hybrid blockchain network focused on addressing the age-long scalability dilemma and pushing forth a truly democratically governed platform built for industry scale transactions while also uniquely designed for private 7 Bankera $150,949,194 Nov 27, 2017 Mar 01, 2018 Bankera is a regulated bank for blockchain. Using a structure similar to a banking system, it allows itself to provide financial servicing like payments, loans and deposits, and investments while being fully in support of cryptocurrencies. 8 tZERO (STO) $134,000,000 Dec 06, 2017 Aug 06, 2018 tZERO aims to create a front end trading system that provides itself as an alternative to the traditional securities market. Using features like risk management it allows users to safely buy tokens without overspending or buying the wrong one. 8 Basis $133,000,000 Apr 18, 2018 Apr 18, 2018 Basis is a price stable cryptocurrency with an algorithmic central bank. It's goal is to develop monetary policies to make sure that cryptocurrencies have purchasing limits and their prices do not have any more massive fluctuations. 9 Orbs (Private Sale) $118,000,000 Feb 15, 2018 May 15, 2018 Orbs is the first blockchain that will work with real world business. It aims to take cryptocurrency to a consumer level exchange. Large corporations can comfortably use Obs to create apps that work on blockchain but also accomodate real world business la 10 KitToken $117,447,182 Jul 20, 2018 Aug 31, 2018 KitToken’s goal is to create security and sustainability within the blockchain environment. This new environment will provide features that increase security from a blockchain based setting, it will also only charge a fraction of the large percenta As of Jun 1, 2019. Source: https://www.coinschedule.com/stats/
  • 25. Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 25 Top 10 ICO in 2019 As of Jun 1, 2019. Source: https://www.coinschedule.com/stats/ Name Amount Raised Start Date End Date Description 1 BITFINEX $1,000,000,00 0 May 05, 2019 May 13, 2019 Bitfinex is a cryptocurrency exchange owned and operated by iFinex Inc., which is headquartered in Hong Kong and registered in the British Virgin Islands. Since then iFinex, through its trading platforms, has become one of the best-known and recognized c 2 GCBIB $142,686,051 Oct 15, 2018 Jan 31, 2019 GCBIB (Genesis Crypto Blockchain Investment Bank) is primarily an investment bank, with a crypto to fiat exchange infrastructure that helps bridge the gap between the emerging crypto market and existing financial services. Powered by a combination of Bl 3 Tron Game Global $80,000,000 Apr 16, 2019 May 31, 2019 TRON GAME GLOBAL PAY (GTP) is a project that is currently laying the foundation for Internet decentralization about GAME BLOCKCHAIN. 4 Bolton Coin $67,830,000 Aug 20, 2018 Feb 28, 2019 BOLTON Coin (BFCL) offers a new amazing and unique approach to investing in the crypto sphere, generating aggregates profits from tangible luxurious markets such as gold and diamonds mining, real estate, integrated by eco-sustainable energy and extraordin 5 Kinesis $59,278,000 Feb 16, 2018 Mar 18, 2019 Kinesis is a yield-bearing digital currency based on 1:1 allocated physical gold and silver. The vision for Kinesis is to deliver an evolutionary step beyond any monetary and banking system available today. 6 Thunder Token $50,500,000 May 09, 2019 May 09, 2019 Thunder Token is a new crypto token that has high throughput and confirms transactions in seconds. 7 BQT $37,000,000 Aug 18, 2018 Mar 18, 2019 BQT Exchange Platform provides secure, interactive and flexible Social Trading Environment and user-friendly interface for its community to manage various types of transactions consisting of many crypto assets. 8 Shercoin $36,000,000 Feb 01, 2019 May 02, 2019 The SherCoin team has realized that the best way to create a good cryptocurrency that will achieve mass adoption is by creating a multi-functional token that has more than one utility. 9 Percival $35,000,000 Mar 05, 2019 Mar 26, 2019 Percival is also focused on the security provision to keep participant’s property and right, and to make it a goal to maintain the market stabilization. 10 IPUX $35,000,000 Jan 15, 2019 Apr 30, 2019 IPUX is not only successfully operating, and has blueprints to develop, e-commerce, agriculture, and health and wellness related businesses in ASEAN, but we are also providing solutions leveraging blockchain technology, smart contracts, AI, big data and I
  • 26. Example: CPROP • White paper • Professionally formatted • Company brochure type Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 26
  • 27. Vote Coin • White paper Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 27
  • 28. Maecenas • White Paper • Artistic format • Professional contents • Three-columns Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 28
  • 29. Authentic ID • White paper • Web-page style • Easy to read Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 29
  • 30. MedicalChain • White paper Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 30
  • 31. Monetha • Collected $37 million (95 000 ETH) in just 18 minutes. • white paper contains all the abovementioned sections. • Including detailed description of the project’s working plan, token economy, fund-using plans, and also team members’ service record • Showing previous business experience that raised investments Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 31
  • 32. Aeternity • Collected $34 million • White paper: Simple research format • A simple two-column document • Short: 10 pages • Research article format Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 32
  • 33. Filecoin Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 33 • Collected $257 million • No refinement, following research article format
  • 34. State of the ICO Market • The ICO market has reportedly dropped by 97% based on the amount of attracted capital in Q1 2019 vs Q1 2018. • in Q1 of 2019 there were almost 350 ICO projects, which is fewer than in Q4 2018. The total volume of funds raised in Q1 reportedly amounted to nearly $1 billion, however the number is lower by roughly $0.5 billion compared to that of Q4 2018. • a whopping 86 percent of the 110 ICOs that accounted for nearly 90 percent of funds raised during 2017 had lower valuations in 2018. Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 34 Sources:https://cointelegraph.com/news/research-ico-market-down-almost-100-from-a-year-ago-raised-40-million-in-q1-2019 https://www.financemagnates.com/cryptocurrency/news/failed-expectations-why-86-of-icos-are-worth-less-than-when-they-started/
  • 35. Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 35
  • 36. Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 36
  • 37. Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 37
  • 38. Takeaways Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 38 • A perfect white paper won’t help a bad project • Whitepaper should suit the team and project • Compare standard type (Monetha) vs. Research type (Filecoin) • It is essential to take the public into account • Who are you attracting to your ICO? • Public vs. engineers & scientist • You may create two versions
  • 39. Week 7. Legal Issues • Diverse legal issues in blockchain and cryptocurrency • Legal structure of an initial coin or security coin offering (ICO) in the US and globally, including the rules governing the sale of securities in the US • Overview patent and intellectual property (IP) issues in blockchain • Licensing agreements that provide protection to inventors while making resources available for open innovation. Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 39
  • 40. ROYSE LAW FIRM, PC For questions , Contact PALO ALTO 1717 Embarcadero Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 LOS ANGELES 11150 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 1200 Los Angeles, CA 90025 SAN FRANCISCO 135 Main Street 12th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 Palo Alto Office: 650-813-9700 CONTACT US www.rroyselaw.co m @RoyseLaw MENLO PARK 149 Commonwealth Drive, Suite 1001 Menlo Park, CA 94025 SANTA MONICA 520 Broadway Suite 200 Santa Monica, CA 90401 SAN FRANCISCO 135 Main Street 12th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105 Menlo Park Office: 650-813-9700 CONTACT US www.rroyselaw.com @RoyseLaw ORANGE COUNTY 135 S. State College Blvd Suite 200 Brea, CA 92821 Research Assistant: Natalie Ryang nryang@rroyselaw.com Stanford Continuing Studies BUS 35: Business Basics of Blockchain, Crypto Currencies, and Tokens 40