Back in 2014, Cryptolina launched its first expo featuring, among others, Vitalik Buterin the founder of a little known digital token blockchain startup. Few people knew about Bitcoin at that point, and even fewer understood blockchain technology and its implications for the society in which we live.
Fast forward four years— blockchain technology has become mainstream; cryptocurrency has exploded—by market cap alone, crypto has grown from a $10B market cap to around $800B (at its peak); and Cryptolina is back. Except this time, Vitalik Buterin’s little startup, Ethereum, is about to take over the world.
Cryptolina 2018 has attracted some huge names and organizations in the crypto and blockchain space, which in turn puts the spotlight on the Triangle and the innovators who call it home. The foresight of innovators such as Faruk Okcetin, Rich Spuller, and Eric Porper, who kicked off Cryptolina before blockchain became a buzzword, exemplifies why the Research Triangle is such a special place. Bringing attention to the Triangle is part of what’s needed to cultivate an area that many hope to one day call the Silicon Valley of the East Coast. By demonstrating an interest in technology and innovation, the Triangle continues to raise its profile in the eyes of the Apples and Amazons of the world.
Regardless of whether you are someone interested in blockchain or crypto, or just someone who would like to learn more and support the Triangle’s growing technology ecosystem, you should make time to attend Cryptolina 2018—you will not be disappointed. Give us a shout if you plan on attending. See you Friday!