Author: Michelle Lazo

Blockchain protocol Alkimiya has introduced a groundbreaking tool that allows users to hedge against the volatility of Bitcoin transaction fees. This Ethereum-based solution aims to provide a robust and efficient marketplace for trading Bitcoin transaction fees, catering to traders, mining pools, and foundations.

Navigating Bitcoin Maximalist Resistance

One of the significant challenges Alkimiya faces is convincing Bitcoin maximalists—those loyal to Bitcoin’s native infrastructure—to adopt an Ethereum-based solution. Despite this, Alkimiya’s founder and CEO, Leo Zhang, remains focused on the protocol’s benefits. “While we recognize that Bitcoin maxis may initially hesitate to use an Ethereum-based solution, our primary focus is on creating the most robust and efficient marketplace for trading Bitcoin transaction fees,” Zhang explained in an interview with CoinDesk.

The Need for Hedging Solutions

The necessity of a hedging solution like Alkimiya’s is evident. In April, the launch of Casey Rodarmor’s Runes protocol, which mints fungible tokens on Bitcoin, caused transaction fees to spike from $4.80 to $125 per transaction. This volatility presents a significant challenge for Bitcoin mining companies, which face high operating costs and need hedging instruments to protect against such fluctuations.

Strong Backing and Development

Founded in 2021, Alkimiya is supported by notable investors, including Dragonfly, Castle Island Ventures, 1KX, GMR, Coinbase Ventures, Circle Ventures, Tribe Capital, and Robot Ventures. The project raised $7.2 million in funding in January 2023 and went live on a test network in April.

Bitcoin, designed as a peer-to-peer payments network, has been around since 2009. Many users are loyal and skeptical of non-native solutions. However, Bitcoin lacks the programmability that Ethereum offers, which was introduced in 2015 by developers, including Vitalik Buterin, who previously worked on Bitcoin. Alkimiya leverages Ethereum’s capabilities to bring advanced functionality to Bitcoin transactions.

How Alkimiya Works

Alkimiya’s protocol involves users entering Buy and Sell positions for any pool, represented by NFTs (ERC-1155) called Long and Short shares. Long shares from the same pool have the same tokenId and are fungible, while those from different pools have different tokenIds and are non-fungible. The same applies to Short shares. This system allows users to hedge against transaction fee volatility effectively.

An ERC-1155 is a smart-contract interface standard that can represent and control any number of fungible and non-fungible token types, according to the Ethereum Foundation.

Zhang mentioned that Alkimiya is “actively monitoring” the development of Ethereum-compatible layer-2 solutions atop the Bitcoin blockchain, as well as “UTXO-based approaches.” A UTXO (unspent transaction output) is a key element of Bitcoin’s architecture, differing from Ethereum’s account-based approach.

Challenges and Future Plans

Currently, developing on Bitcoin is challenging due to the lack of decentralized approaches. “Given that we cannot currently develop on Bitcoin, developing on Ethereum is the most decentralized approach available, which aligns with our commitment to decentralization and avoiding a centralized approach,” Zhang noted.

Alkimiya’s goal is to create seamless integration pathways, making it easy for Bitcoin users to access and use the platform without managing multiple wallets or interfaces. This vision aims to bridge the gap between Bitcoin’s robust network and Ethereum’s programmable capabilities, offering a comprehensive solution for hedging transaction fees.

Conclusion

Alkimiya’s launch represents a significant advancement in managing Bitcoin transaction fee volatility. By leveraging Ethereum’s capabilities, Alkimiya provides an innovative hedging solution that addresses the needs of traders, mining pools, and foundations. Despite initial resistance from Bitcoin maximalists, Alkimiya’s focus on creating a robust and decentralized marketplace is poised to transform how Bitcoin transaction fees are managed. As the protocol evolves, it promises to integrate more seamlessly with Bitcoin’s network, enhancing accessibility and functionality for users.

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Bitlayer Labs, a Bitcoin layer-2 blockchain, has successfully raised $11 million in a Series A funding round, achieving a valuation of $300 million. The round was led by ABCDE and Franklin Templeton, a prominent asset manager known for issuing a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund in the U.S. This investment signals the increasing interest of traditional finance in the advancements of decentralized finance.

Strategic Investment and Traditional Finance Involvement

The participation of Franklin Templeton, a trillion-dollar asset manager, underscores the growing recognition and involvement of traditional financial institutions in the DeFi space. Kevin Farrelly, managing principal at Franklin Templeton Digital Assets, expressed confidence in Bitlayer’s innovative approach, stating, “We believe that Bitlayer’s unique approach and technology has the potential to unlock new use cases and opportunities for Bitcoin.”

Bitlayer’s Technological Edge: BitVM Paradigm

Bitlayer’s layer-2 solution is built on the BitVM paradigm, introduced last October. This technology aims to bring Ethereum-style smart contracts to the Bitcoin blockchain, enhancing its utility without compromising security. BitVM enables Turing completeness on the Bitcoin network, providing all the tools required to perform any calculation or execute any program, thereby increasing its versatility and potential applications.

Turing completeness is a critical milestone for blockchain technology, indicating that the system can support complex and varied computations. This advancement positions Bitlayer to significantly contribute to the Bitcoin ecosystem by enabling more sophisticated decentralized applications and smart contracts on the original blockchain.

Funding to Accelerate Development and Adoption

The $11 million raised in the Series A funding round will be pivotal in accelerating Bitlayer’s development and adoption. The funds will likely be used to enhance the platform’s capabilities, expand its user base, and foster partnerships within the blockchain and DeFi ecosystems. This financial boost is expected to propel Bitlayer toward becoming a key player in the blockchain space, particularly in facilitating advanced smart contract functionalities on the Bitcoin network.

Implications for the Bitcoin Ecosystem

Bitlayer’s development has significant implications for the Bitcoin ecosystem. By introducing Ethereum-like smart contracts and Turing completeness, Bitlayer enhances Bitcoin’s utility beyond its traditional role as a store of value and medium of exchange. This evolution could lead to a new wave of innovation and adoption, attracting developers and users looking to leverage Bitcoin’s robust security and decentralized nature for more complex applications.

Moreover, the involvement of a major financial institution like Franklin Templeton could pave the way for further investments from traditional finance into blockchain technologies. This trend could bridge the gap between traditional financial markets and the burgeoning DeFi space, fostering greater integration and collaboration.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

The successful funding round and the technological advancements spearheaded by Bitlayer are poised to make a lasting impact on the blockchain industry. As the platform continues to develop and gain traction, it could set new standards for what is possible on the Bitcoin blockchain, encouraging other projects to explore similar innovations.

In the broader context, Bitlayer’s progress highlights the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. With significant investments and technological breakthroughs, the industry is likely to see continued growth and diversification of applications, driving mainstream adoption and transforming various sectors.

Conclusion

Bitlayer’s $11 million Series A funding round, led by Franklin Templeton, marks a significant milestone for the Bitcoin layer-2 blockchain project. The introduction of the BitVM paradigm and the achievement of Turing completeness promise to enhance Bitcoin’s utility and open up new possibilities for decentralized applications. As traditional finance takes notice and invests in these advancements, the future of blockchain technology looks increasingly promising, with Bitlayer at the forefront of this exciting evolution.

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Tesla CEO and billionaire Elon Musk has recently sparked speculation that he may attend the upcoming Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The buzz began when Musk changed his profile picture on X (formerly known as Twitter) to laser eyes, a symbol often associated with cryptocurrency enthusiasts. This change has led many to wonder if the longtime Dogecoin promoter will join the event, especially alongside former President Donald Trump.

Hints and Teases

David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc., the parent company of Bitcoin Magazine and the annual Bitcoin conference, added fuel to the fire with a cryptic tweet on July 19. Bailey’s tweet, “apologizing in advance for breaking the internet,” seemed to tease Musk’s possible attendance at the Nashville conference. This has excited the crypto community, eager to see what Musk’s presence might bring to the event.

Musk has been a prominent supporter of Dogecoin, often sharing humorous and supportive posts about the cryptocurrency on social media. This behavior has led to a lawsuit from Dogecoin investors in 2022, accusing him of market manipulation. Musk has denied these claims, with his lawyers arguing that tweeting about a legitimate cryptocurrency with a significant market cap is not unlawful.

Trump and Musk: A Potential Joint Appearance

Former President Donald Trump is set to be the headline speaker at the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, and there is mounting anticipation that Musk may share the stage with him. On social media, crypto industry analysts have pointed out Musk’s vocal support for Trump, including a claim that Musk pledged to donate $45 million a month to Trump’s presidential campaign.

Over the weekend, Trump, while in Michigan, expressed his admiration for Musk. “Elon. I love Elon Musk. Do we love him?” Trump asked his audience. “I love him.” He continued, “We have to make life good for our smart people like Musk.” Trump also mentioned, “I read — I didn’t even know this, he didn’t even tell me about it, but he gives me $45 million a month.”

The Crypto Community Reacts

The potential appearance of Elon Musk at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference has generated significant excitement within the cryptocurrency community. Musk’s involvement in the crypto world has been both influential and controversial. His tweets and public statements have previously caused substantial price movements in various cryptocurrencies, most notably Dogecoin. If Musk does attend, it could have notable implications for the market and the conference’s overall impact.

Additionally, the prospect of Musk and Trump appearing together has intrigued many, given their high profiles and influential positions. Their joint presence at a major crypto event could signal strong support for the cryptocurrency industry from both a technological and political perspective.

Future Implications

If confirmed, Musk’s participation in the Bitcoin 2024 Conference could bolster the event’s significance, attracting more attention and attendees. It would also highlight the growing intersection between technology, finance, and politics in the cryptocurrency space. Musk’s support for Trump and his active engagement in the crypto world could further solidify his influence on both fronts.

The conference, already set to be a significant event with Trump as a speaker, could reach new heights with Musk’s involvement. It may also encourage other prominent figures in technology and politics to engage more openly with the cryptocurrency industry.

Conclusion

The speculation surrounding Elon Musk’s potential attendance at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference has created a buzz in the crypto community. With David Bailey’s teasing tweet and Musk’s recent social media activity, the anticipation continues to build. If Musk joins Trump on stage, it could mark a notable moment for the cryptocurrency industry, blending high-profile support from both the tech and political arenas. As the conference approaches, all eyes will be on whether Musk’s laser eyes truly signify his presence in Nashville.

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Swan Bitcoin, a notable Bitcoin financial services firm, has announced significant strategic shifts, including the cancellation of its initial public offering plans, discontinuation of its managed mining unit, and substantial staff reductions across several units. This move reflects the company’s response to the evolving challenges within the Bitcoin mining industry and its broader financial strategy.

Cancellation of IPO Plans

Swan Bitcoin’s decision to cancel its IPO was officially communicated by CEO Cory Klippsten via social media. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Klippsten explained that without the expectation of significant near-term revenue from their Managed Mining unit, the firm decided to withdraw its plans to go public in the near future. This pivot comes at a critical time when the firm had previously announced intentions to go public within the next 12 months.

“Without the expectation of significant near-term revenue from our Managed Mining unit, we are pulling our plans to IPO in the near future,” Klippsten stated. This decision underscores the need for Swan Bitcoin to recalibrate its financial strategies in light of changing market conditions.

Shutting Down Managed Mining Unit

The managed mining unit, which had been a significant part of Swan Bitcoin’s operations, is being shut down. This unit had boasted considerable computing power, with 160 megawatts (MW) or 4.5 exahash per second (EH/s) of computing capacity. Despite this substantial infrastructure, the recent Bitcoin halving, which reduced block rewards by half, has made the mining landscape increasingly competitive and less profitable.

Moreover, the emergence of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds  has shifted investor interest away from direct mining operations, further squeezing profitability for miners. As a result, Swan Bitcoin’s managed mining unit, despite institutional backing and substantial investments, including support from Tether, could not sustain its operations.

Impact on Workforce and Business Strategy

The cessation of the managed mining unit and the cancellation of IPO plans have led to significant staff cuts across various functions within Swan Bitcoin. Klippsten acknowledged the difficult decisions made, stating, “Swan is pulling back from our accelerated spending plan for our core financial services business. Unfortunately, this includes staff cuts across many functions.”

These staff reductions are part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on core financial services. Swan Bitcoin will continue to offer Bitcoin financial services and free Bitcoin education, as reaffirmed by Klippsten. This strategic pivot aims to consolidate the company’s strengths in financial services while navigating the current challenges in the mining sector.

Industry Context and Future Outlook

The decision by Swan Bitcoin comes amidst a challenging period for the Bitcoin mining industry. The recent Bitcoin halving has halved block rewards, increasing competition and reducing profitability for miners. Additionally, the availability of Bitcoin ETFs has diverted capital away from traditional mining operations. Many miners are now exploring alternative revenue streams, such as pivoting their infrastructure to support artificial intelligence and cloud computing services.

Despite the harsh conditions, several private miners are still pursuing IPOs, spurred by Bitcoin’s record highs earlier this year. Companies like Genesis Digital Assets and units of Northern Data are reportedly planning to go public, indicating that the industry still holds opportunities for growth and investment.

For Swan Bitcoin, the focus will be on stabilizing its core business and leveraging its expertise in Bitcoin financial services. The company’s ability to adapt to market changes and strategically pivot its operations will be crucial in maintaining its position in the evolving crypto landscape.

Conclusion

Swan Bitcoin’s decision to cancel its IPO, shut down its managed mining unit, and reduce its workforce marks a significant shift in its business strategy. The firm is refocusing on its core financial services amidst challenging industry conditions. As the company navigates these changes, its commitment to providing Bitcoin financial services and education remains steadfast. The future success of Swan Bitcoin will depend on its adaptability and strategic decisions in the face of an evolving market.

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Superstate, a crypto firm specializing in tokenizing conventional financial services, has launched its new Crypto Carry Fund. This innovative fund is designed to capitalize on the arbitrage opportunities between the spot and futures markets for Bitcoin and Ethereum, providing high yield returns for wealthy investors. The fund, issued as an Ethereum ERC-20 token, marks a significant step in making sophisticated financial strategies more accessible and liquid.

Arbitrage Opportunity in Crypto Markets

For years, savvy investors have capitalized on the spread between Bitcoin prices in the futures market and the spot market. This strategy, known as the cash-and-carry or basis trade, typically yields a premium due to the more bullish nature of futures prices. However, this approach requires considerable time and attention, making it less accessible for many traders.

Superstate, founded by Robert Leshner, aims to simplify this process. Leshner, renowned in the crypto community for his success with the DeFi platform Compound, explained that the new Crypto Carry Fund tokenizes the arbitrage trade, making it easier and more liquid for investors. The tokens, known as USCC, can be traded among investors, enhancing their liquidity.

Fund Structure and Investment Strategy

The Superstate Crypto Carry Fund will primarily invest in arbitrage opportunities involving Bitcoin and Ethereum. During periods when the spread does not present a profitable opportunity, the fund will allocate investments to safer assets such as Treasury Bills. Unlike traditional hedge funds, Superstate’s fund does not have a lock-in period, allowing investors to access returns on a daily basis.

Jim Hiltner, Superstate’s co-founder, highlighted the cost advantages of the fund. Charging a fee of 75 basis points, the fund is more economical than typical hedge funds, which often charge a two-and-twenty rate. Additionally, the fund is designed to be resilient against margin calls and maintains a cash buffer for added security.

Investor Accessibility and Market Impact

Currently, the Superstate Crypto Carry Fund is available only to qualified purchasers with assets of $5 million or more, and the minimum buy-in is set at $100,000. While this limits the initial accessibility, the founders hope to broaden the availability over time. Despite this restriction, the fund is groundbreaking in its full compliance with U.S. regulations, setting a precedent for future financial products in the crypto space.

In a broader context, Superstate is at the forefront of a growing trend in the crypto industry: tokenizing conventional assets. This approach is gaining traction as Wall Street increasingly embraces blockchain technology. Major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs are planning to launch tokenization projects, indicating a significant shift towards integrating traditional finance with the crypto world.

Future Prospects and Industry Trends

Superstate’s first fund, launched earlier this year, has already accumulated $100 million in assets. This success underscores the growing interest and acceptance of tokenized financial products. Leshner noted that some prominent names from traditional finance are expected to join an industry council focused on tokenizing real-world assets, further solidifying the integration of conventional and crypto finance.

“We’re getting exactly the traction we wanted,” Leshner said. “More important than AUM is that intermediaries such as prime brokers are getting wired into crypto.”

As Superstate continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the Crypto Carry Fund represents a significant milestone in bridging the gap between traditional financial strategies and the burgeoning crypto market. By making sophisticated arbitrage trades accessible through tokenization, Superstate is paving the way for more mainstream adoption of crypto-based financial products.

Conclusion

The launch of Superstate’s Crypto Carry Fund for Bitcoin and Ethereum arbitrage marks a pivotal development in the financial industry. By leveraging the efficiencies of blockchain technology and addressing the needs of sophisticated investors, Superstate is set to play a crucial role in the evolving landscape of finance. As the fund grows and potentially becomes more accessible, it exemplifies the innovative potential of merging traditional financial strategies with the crypto market.

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