A revolution is underway in companies
Blockchain will contribute to the growth of companies by directly involving customers and suppliers. This local contribution will generate an economy similar to it.
In recent years, blockchain-related applications have been treated like the Aesop legend, in which the shepherd jokes about the arrival of the wolf, in disbelief, until the day the wolf stormed. This is a well-known mechanism for some technologies that have high expectations, but it takes longer than expected to be finally adopted. This is the case of the blockchain.
Two Swiss Crypto Banks
Consequently, venture capital funding for blockchain startups reached over $25 billion in 2021, an increase of more than 700% compared to 2020. These investments continue to grow in 2022 with a jump in crypto and token (NFT) startups and DeFi and Web 3.0, which now account for more than 4% of venture capital globally, up from 1% in 2020.
In Switzerland too, Blockchain projects Attracting money from investors. Among the beneficiaries are SEBA Bank and Sygnum Banktwo Swiss crypto banks, recently raised $200 million as a result of obtaining banking licenses from FINMA in 2019.
“It is the emergence of new, scalable, and decentralized corporate governance, made possible by distributed technology.”
These companies have specialized in the field of trading digital assets (stocks and financial instruments compatible with the blockchain). Thus, SEBA launched the first digital tokens that allow you to own physical gold in digital form, while Sygnum implemented a process similar to the coding of a Picasso plate.
Geneva company at the beginning
Another actor joining the revolution in the movement, MagicTomato. Regarded as a leader in the delivery of fresh produce in French-speaking Switzerland, this company has developed trust between its customers and the artisans who supply their high-quality products. Using decentralized blockchain technology, it has unlocked its capital to allow thousands of artisanal customers and suppliers to become directly part of the business. Thus, MagicTomato creates the most innovative model of community governance and collective ownership.
The Results of this digital stock sale It greatly exceeds expectations for a fairly traditional company. With the help of pioneers in the field, Geneva-based firm Taurus and law firm Lenz & Staehlelin, MagicTomato has used the latest technological advances and Swiss blockchain regulations To open its capital and boost its growth.
This investment model promises consumers and artisans to become players in an economy like themselves. It is the emergence of a new corporate governance, expanded and decentralized, made possible by distributed technology. In the process, Vaudois subsidiary QoQa has followed the same path by addressing its committed and demanding community.
However, stock digitization is not a substitute for listing in traditional stock markets, which is difficult to replace, but asserts itself as a complementary method where shareholders are open to long-term investments made for the benefit of financial interests, but also contribute to the growth of the company by taking a direct stake .
Expected call for air
It should be borne in mind that, if the digital shares are resold, through a secondary market, exists and evolves, is still relatively complex. However, this aspect is still less common due to the different nature of buyers of these shares who, in general, are not financial players and prefer the long-term development of the company.
By identifying the huge potential for success and change enabled by pervasive ownership, MagicTomato and QoQa led the way. We expect to see new business step into the breach.
Antonio Gambardella He is the Director of the Fongit Foundation, Geneva for Technology Innovation, an expert at Innosuisse and a member of the board of directors of several companies.
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