Today we are launching a Blockchain Initiative that is focused on identifying and supporting companies that are building out the decentralized ecosystem. We believe this technology has the power to transform numerous industries and drive unprecedented impact — creating a smarter and more inclusive economy.
Historically, traditional power structures have been exclusionary – concentrating financial opportunity and strategic input in elite circles. Blockchain technologies have the potential to change the role of economic gatekeepers by offering new and innovative options for financial infrastructure, while simultaneously revolutionizing the future of economic engagement. We see a number of blockchain applications which promise to expand access to critical functions, such as the financial system, for those who are underserved or altogether excluded by the current system.
This technology puts the power in the hands of the user, meaning solutions built on blockchain technology will be driven by how they impact the full diversity of stakeholders, not just how they impact shareholder returns. Given our history of investing in companies that we actively utilize to build a more inclusive and creative economy, blockchain-based projects provide a fundamental value fit with our organization.
The technology can be applied to all initiatives promoting agency among the underserved, underbanked, and underestimated. For this reason we plan to invest in companies that drive adoption of blockchain technology. The more ubiquitous the technology becomes, the better poised we are to experience true economic inclusion.
Access Ventures has a history of catalyzing adoption of new technologies in new markets. Whether it’s our history with Kiva and building an ecosystem in which the platform is a critical component of the capital stack, or beta-testing Ethic’s value-defined ETFs and opening it up to billions of investment dollars across registered investment advisor platforms. We expect to approach our blockchain investments with a similar passion and commitment to driving adoption.
We are excited to be launching this new blockchain initiative with new invstments into Flexa and Basis. Flexa is designing a network which allows consumers to spend their cryptocurrencies at traditional retail stores and Basis is developing a price-stable cryptocurrency as a critical infrastructure component for the decentralized economy. To learn moe about our blockchain investments please visit www.accessventures.org/blockchain.
