Bitcoin and Blockchain News May 10, 2016

Supply Chain Startup Fluent Raises $1.65 Million in Seed Funding -

Fluent, a startup focused on supply chain applications of the blockchain, has raised a new seed funding round. The round was led by ff Venture Capital, a New York-based venture firm with a portfolio that includes Indiegogo. Existing investor Draper Associates also participated.

Stan Higgins / May 10, 2016 01:44 pm

Gemini Trading Launch Does Little to Boost Ether Price -

Ether prices experienced only modest movements on 9th May despite its listing on major, New York-based exchange Gemini. The digital currency reached a high of $9.69, but even at its daily peak, it was only 1.44% above the session's opening value.

Charles Bovaird / May 09, 2016 11:26 pm

Private Digital Currency Founder Jailed for 20 Years -

The founder of Liberty Reserve, a private digital currency system that drew the ire of the US government for its alleged use by organized crime, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Arthur Budovsky was also ordered to pay a $500,000 fine.

Stan Higgins / May 09, 2016 09:36 pm

SWIFT: Blockchain Won't Remove All Third Parties in Securities Trade -

Blockchain technology may not replace trusted third-parties after all, based on research by SWIFT Institute from interview with experts at 75 companies. While two functions of trusted third parties in securities may be replaced by a blockchain, a third function — that of a notary — may still require a third-party.

Michael del Castillo / May 09, 2016 07:32 pm

Swiss City to Accept Bitcoin Payments for Government Services -

The city of Zug, Switzerland, has revealed it will pilot a bitcoin payments project that will allow local citizens to pay for services using the digital currency. A Swiss financial hub long associated with the country's tax haven reputation, Zug kicked off the initiative during a local government hearing on 3rd May.

Stan Higgins / May 09, 2016 05:25 pm

Is Blockchain the Key to User-Controlled Social Media? -

Blockchain industry startups are attempting to capitalize on a growing disillusionment with the traditional social media platforms, but will security, control and less exploitive content be enough to compel people to start over? CoinDesk speaks to some of the ecosystem's innovators to learn more.

Bailey Reutzel / May 09, 2016 04:00 pm

After Months of Tests, the Big Bid to Scale Bitcoin is Nearing Launch -

Since Segregated Witness was announced last December, it has been one of the most anticipated software releases across the bitcoin community given its promise to help resolve the long-simmering scaling debate. Now, after months of testing, the software upgrade is moving closer to launch.

Jacob Donnelly / May 09, 2016 03:16 pm

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