Blockchain is a revolutionary internet technology whose basic code is free online as open-source material that can be adapted for just about any digital application involving secure, transparent record-keeping. Evolving use cases include identity verification, health care, insurance, energy distribution, supply chains, security exchanges, online gaming, e-commerce, financial services and banking.
Blockchain is the vehicle for cryptocurrency, so all cryptocurrency ventures broadly involve blockchain — but all blockchain ventures don't involve cryptocurrency. Among the early-stage blockchain applications are those concerning cloud storage, infrastructure, exchanges for digital tokens and peer-to-peer (P2P) uses of the internet.
Specialized investment firms, most of them formed or refocused on blockchain in the past few years, are gathering capital attracted by blockchain's sudden renown as disruptive technology. Prominent firms include:
- A prominent player in this terrain is Pantera Capital, which started as a hedge fund in 2003 and in 2013 changed its focus to blockchain. Pantera currently manages three venture funds and four cryptocurrency hedge funds invested in more than 70 entities. The firm's funds have invested in a wide range of early-stage blockchain companies involved in infrastructure projects, banking, online gaming, exchanges like ABRA, and the Bakkt bitcoin futures and custody exchange.
- Blockchain Capital. Founded in 2013, this firm is one of the first dedicated venture funds to invest in early-stage crypto and blockchain companies. It was the first to tokenize ownership in a VC fund by issuing its BCAP token in 2017. (Tokenization is the splintering of the value of just about any asset into tradable tokens representing a sliver of ownership — an equity distribution method that's already being applied to works of fine art.) BCAP tokens trade on OpenFinance, a digital securities exchange. SpiceVC, another crypto/blockchain VC firm, tokenized itself in 2018. As the holding periods of both tokens have expired, they can now be traded by non-accredited investors.
- Andreessen Horowitz (also known as a16z). The renowned VC firm not only has a portfolio of more than 20 blockchain companies (both crypto and non-crypto blockchain ventures), but has also recently announced a mentoring role through a free seven-week crypto startup school, whose live sessions in Silicon Valley are designed to help accelerate the development of new projects. The course will include material on existing applications, development tools, business models, compliance and fundraising.
Advisors who develop a basic understanding of blockchain investment avenues (few have) can alert HNW clients to the range available opportunities. But the universe of firms seeking capital is expanding so fast that it's difficult for even knowledgeable, adroit advisors to navigate the rapidly growing ranks of investment firms.
When encountering resistance from clients regarding blockchain's investment potential, advisors could effectively liken blockchain to the internet in its early stages — a relatable analogy for baby boomers. Basic blockchain tech is free, and so was the embryonic internet when Google and Amazon started up with what were essentially applications.
Unavoidably, advisors bringing up blockchain investments with clients will encounter resistance because of phobias about cryptocurrency. Though cryptocurrency has acquired some notoriety, it has matured greatly since its inception in 2009 with the first digital currency, Bitcoin, and is now regarded as an investable asset as it has, along with blockchain, attracted growing investment from large institutional investors.
Moreover, risk management for digital assets is now a rapidly developing area, in which expertise is being touted by digital asset managers such as Darma. (This firm embraces the concept of Web. 3.0 — the decentralization of the current web, fostering what's known as DeFi, which seeks to democratize financial services through P2P transactions.)
What will eventually happen in the blockchain gold rush is anybody's guess. About the only thing that's certain is that picking likely winners among the various ventures and the firms investing in them on clients' behalf is a daunting challenge reminiscent of the chaotic early years of the internet. Advisors entering this realm should keep in mind that serving clients responsibly requires no small amount of effort to catch up and stay current.
Eric C. Jansen is the founder, president and chief investment officer of Finivi Financial Advisors. He founded BlockSocial.com, an online resource designed to help people better understand and capitalize on blockchain technology, digital assets and the coming decentralized world.
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