Spark and Mint's primary focus is to help everyone interested in the Crypto, Web3, and tech industry to find the insights they were looking for with little to no effort.

That's why, most of the time, we simplify how complex information is delivered so that anyone in any stage of their Web3 or Crypto journey gets the point.

In this case, we're breaking down what's going on in Crypto Valley, how to stay up to date with Crypto and Web3 activity, and why keeping an eye on these projects is massively essential whenever it comes to detecting profitable opportunities.

That said…

Let's give it a go, shall we?

What is Crypto Valley, exactly?

Crypto Valley is an associated term for the digital, crypto, and blockchain-related industries (and overall digital environment) in Switzerland, as in some other European countries.

But, there's more to that.

Today, Crypto Valley is widely acknowledged as Europe's true crypto kingdom. Same as Silicon Valley, CA is for startup companies, Crypto Valley is pretty much paradise for any crypto and Web3-related business.

But why?

Because it's where the first attempt to normalize and incentivize cryptocurrencies took place.

According to Julius Baer, "Crypto Valley's origins date to 2013 when Bitcoin Suisse and Monetas, a 'digital notary,' put down roots. Critical mass was reached the next year, after a Russia-born, Canada-raised computer geek joined the scene. Inspired by the 2009 launch of Bitcoin, Vitalik Buterin broadened the blockchain behind the digital currency into a software that can be used in other currencies and in various non-currency applications. At only 20 years old, he moved from Toronto to the old town of Zug to start up the Ethereum Foundation. After that, the deluge: more and more companies piled in. One of the recent arrivals is the European headquarters of Beijing-based Bitmain, the world's largest supplier of Bitcoin mining-gear."

This means…

Crypto Valley's foundations come directly from Ethereum's nest. Vitalik Buterin, known as one of the Co-Founders of Ethereum, saw massive potential in Zug, a small town just outside of Zurich, to settle down and work its way to the top.

But there's a natural question that pops out of that…

Why Switzerland?

We can assure you that it was not because of their clocks, chocolate, or landscapes.

Even though it could have something to do with it.

But mostly because of their low taxes, decentralization, high-level of democracy, and a citizen-controlled political system that provides the security every Entrepreneur or Crypto-savvy person desires.

Like Crypto Valley's Foundation says:

"Crypto Valley is uniquely positioned to make the most of the decentralized Swiss political system and its matchless business environment. Zug offers a robust platform for global growth due to its pro-business philosophy and the openness and easy accessibility of its local government. Zug's low-tax, business-friendly environment and fantastic quality of life have attracted many of the world's leading companies, creating an international, cosmopolitan culture and easy access to powerful global networks."

Besides, it's a blue ocean for new companies and network-building opportunities. 

A new digital environment to keep an eye on if you're into Crypto, Web3, DeFi, or Metaverse projects.

What kind of projects are being developed right now?

We're on the verge of unveiling what the hottest projects being developed right now in the Crypto-space — especially in the Switzerland digital space are.

For that, we launch a monthly report dissecting those projects we believe are the most promising ones so that we can provide expert insights and bridge the DYOR gap of information for hyped users like yourself.

For our first report, we picked Switzerland because of its increasingly important environment of Blockchain, Crypto, Web3, and Metaverse projects being developed at the moment — but we're not exclusively talking about Crypto Valley for the future.

This report will touch base on Crypto projects from all around the world, giving away exposure to those exciting and innovative projects that are just at the edge of changing how we perceive the business world and how we do even the most minor things.

Want to get prepared for it?

You better. It's just a few days away. More exactly, July 13th, 2022.

To help you set the tone…

You can check out our latest blog entries on Web3 Design, The Power of DeFi, and Researching about Blockchain by clicking these highlighted links.

How to stay up to date with Crypto Valley?

Easy: Subscribing to our Newsletter!

We give away precious insights, reports, news, and everything Web3-related to our subscribers for free — with the utmost quality standard they should expect.

Besides, you won't want to miss this Crypto Valley report we're just about to launch.

Be the first to know!

So, sign up, and get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Form below!

Thanks,

- The Spark + Mint Team

Related News

Here’s how Crypto Wallets work… And why you should own one.
Aug 25, 2022
0
MIN READ
Crypto
Crypto

Crypto Wallets... You've probably heard of them. Even more now that the Web3, Blockchain, and Crypto Industries are booming.

Crypto Wallets… You've probably heard of them.

Even more now that the Web3, Blockchain, and Crypto industries are booming.

However… There are many questions you could have.

For example:

How do they work? 

Are they really that useful?

Is it hard to get one?

And many, many more. But hey, don't sweat it — that's what we're here for.

So sit tight for the next 5 minutes, and discover what a Crypto Wallet is, how it works, and the unparalleled advantages of owning one!

What is a Crypto Wallet, and how does it work?

According to Security.org:

"In its most basic form, a "wallet" is a piece of software you can use to prove that you are the owner of a particular crypto account or address.

You can use a wallet to store cryptocurrency securely or to authorize crypto payments to employees or merchants.

Because each crypto account is unique, a wallet can also be used to manage and verify your online identities. For example, you can use your wallet address instead of an email address to log in to a social media or instant messaging account."

This basically means that a Crypto Wallet is a piece of software that every user should have to prove ownership of a specific Crypto piece. And, just like a wallet would do, it's also used to 'store' Crypto assets safely.

And we use quote marks in 'store' because that's not the technical term.

You see, Crypto lives IN the Blockchain. So instead of storing your assets, a Crypto Wallet holds a private key to them.

Like Coinbase says:

"Unlike a normal wallet, which can hold actual cash, crypto wallets technically don't store your Crypto. Your holdings live on the Blockchain, but can only be accessed using a private key. Your keys prove your ownership of your digital money and allow you to make transactions. If you lose your private keys, you lose access to your money. That's why it's important to keep your hardware wallet safe or use a trusted wallet provider."

Meaning?

Crypto Wallets are convenient, safe, and perfect for any Crypto or Web3-savvy individual… Or for anyone who plans to own Crypto.

Now, let's talk about the two main types of Crypto Wallets.

Cold Wallets vs. Hot Wallets. What's the difference?

Let's talk about Hot Wallets first.

These wallets are stored on Internet-connected devices, such as desktops, laptops, or smartphones. 

This means that… If you're one of those individuals who do transactions more often than not, this might be a solid pick for you.

However, there's a catch.

If your device gets infected or hacked — you'll be in trouble. AKA, your Crypto could get stolen.

Now, this doesn't mean you shouldn't own one — but being aware of their pros and cons is critical for safe, responsible use and protection of your assets.

On the other hand, we have Cold Wallets.

These wallets are not connected to the Internet. You must connect them to a device with Internet access to use them.

It might be inconvenient for users who do more transactions than not, but it's hands down the safest option to keep your assets secure.

Why? Very, very simple:

The only way you could potentially get your Crypto stolen or breached is by losing your device.

That said, Cold Wallets are better for storing more significant amounts of Crypto than Hot Wallets.

Now, let's talk about the different types of Cold and Hot Wallets.

Types of Hot Wallets

There are Desktop Wallets, Web Wallets, and Mobile Wallets.

Desktop Wallets, according to Bitpay are those that "utilize encryption to keep a user's private keys securely stored on their computer hard drive."

Their pros are…

  • Excellent for securely conducting small crypto transactions using a computer
  • Free and easy to use
  • No third-party holds your private keys
  • Some can be used offline for cold storage

And their cons are…

  • Most are online anytime your computer is
  • Potentially vulnerable to malware or computer viruses
  • Anyone who has access to your computer could potentially access your Crypto

On the other hand, we have Web Wallets. These are provided by third parties (normally a Crypto Exchange) offering quick access to a user's holdings via the web.

Following up with Bitpay, their pros and cons are…

Their pros are…

  • Easy to use; generally favored by most crypto newcomers
  • Support a variety of transactions (buy, sell, swap etc.)
  • Account security outsourced to trusted third-party (exchange, etc.)

And their cons are…

  • Requires trusting a third party to secure your private keys
  • Potentially vulnerable to hackers
  • Computer used to access web wallet also subject to threats like viruses, malware and keyloggers

Finally, we have Mobile Wallets.

These wallets are accessible via smartphones. Typically using apps and Internet connection.

Their pros are…

  • Easily send or receive crypto payments on the go
  • Highly convenient and easy to use
  • One of the easiest ways to spend cryptocurrency

And lastly, their cons are…

  • Holdings are only as secure as your phone
  • Account could be compromised if device is lost or stolen
  • Like a computer, phones are potentially vulnerable to viruses and malware

Types of Cold Wallets

There are two types of Cold Wallets: Hardware Wallets and Paper Backup Wallets.

According to Security.org, Hardware Wallets are…

"USB devices that store your private key (I'll explain private keys in the next section). It has a PIN code lock to keep thieves from getting into it. To use a hardware wallet to do a transaction, you connect it to your PC.

The device sends a signature through the USB port, but it never sends the private key itself. Theoretically, this should prevent any malware on your PC from being able to steal your Crypto."

These Wallets are extra safe and can only be accessed through a secret PIN code you should care about with your life. 

On the other hand, Paper Backup Wallets are a bit more… Rustic.

And this is because it's just what it sounds like: A piece of paper.

Following up with Security.org here:

"When you first set up a desktop wallet, you'll be offered a set of seed words that can be used to access your accounts if your device crashes (again, we'll discuss this more in the next section). Under normal circumstances, these words are just used as a backup.

But you can also use these words as a form of long-term storage. Just take the following steps:

  1. Write your seed words on a piece of paper and store it somewhere safe and secure.
  2. Transfer crypto to your desktop wallet.
  3. Delete the wallet from your PC. (Make sure you've done step 1 first!)

Once you've done this, the Crypto is essentially stored on the piece of paper. This means that an attacker shouldn't be able to steal your Crypto even if they install malware on your PC (as long as it wasn't already infected). They would need to steal the piece of paper to get your Crypto."

And now that you know this… There's just one question left to answer:

"Which one should I choose?"

The general recommendation would be to always use a Cold Wallet.

Only because it's way safer than any Hot Wallet.

Yet…

The Web3 space is fast-paced as it gets. If you're into Blockchain, you'll be more than likely performing transactions more often than not.

So Hot Wallets might come in handier if that were the case.

Bottom line?

There's no better pick. It's up to you and your particular needs.

We know, we know… It could be a bummer.

But hey, we could help you decide!

The only thing you need to do is sign up for our Newsletter!

Because that way, we'll be able to send you weekly updates on everything about Web3 Wallets, Crypto, Blockchain, and anything else.

Click here, leave your email address, and you're all set!

Again, thanks for reading, dear Crypto enthusiast — let's catch up with another subject soon!

- The Spark + Mint Team

Here’s why Big Venture Capital Companies are opening Crypto funds
Aug 22, 2022
0
MIN READ
Crypto
Crypto

The world's most prominent Venture Capital firms are officially turning their heads on Blockchain technology... Opening Crypto funds. Why? Find out in today's blog post.

Great news for the Crypto community:

The world's most prominent Venture Capital firms are officially turning their heads on Blockchain technology… Opening Crypto funds.

Challenging the Crypto Winter panic, these big risk management and investment companies are making bold moves, making people wonder why.

But…

We believe that we have the answer. And it's backed up by numbers.

So, if you're here to discover why big Venture Capital companies are opening Crypto VC funds… You're certainly at the right place.

Now, sit tight, and let's get started. Shall we?

What is a VC?

Acronyms could get confusing. So let's explain this sophisticated term right away:

According to Investopedia, a VC (or Venture Capital) "is a form of private equity and financing that investors provide to start-up companies and small businesses that are believed to have long-term growth potential. Venture capital generally comes from well-off investors, investment banks, and other financial institutions. However, it does not always take a monetary form; it can also be provided in the form of technical or managerial expertise. Venture capital is typically allocated to small companies with exceptional growth potential, or to companies that have grown quickly and appear poised to continue to expand."

Meaning?

Venture Capital is not strictly referring to a specific type of company but is a form of investment. More specifically, an investment coming from private investors (AKA not listed on public stock exchanges.)

Some famous VCs include…

  • Tiger Global Management, from New York, USA
  • New Enterprise Associates, from Chevy Chase, MD, USA
  • Sequoia Capital, from Menlo Park, CA, USA

And more specifically, some Blockchain-savvy VC firms involved in Crypto VC Funds are…

  • Coinbase Ventures, from San Francisco, CA, USA — with 254+ Blockchain and Crypto deals
  • Digital Currency Group, from New York, USA — with 223+ Blockchain and Crypto deals
  • AU21 Capital, from San Francisco, CA, USA — with 212+ Blockchain and Crypto deals
  • NGC Ventures from Singapore — with 211+ Blockchain and Crypto deals
  • Pantera Capital from Menlo Park, CA, USA — with 171+ Blockchain and Crypto deals
  • LD Capital from Beijing, China — with 166+ Blockchain and Crypto deals

Why are more and more VC funds popping up in the Crypto space?

It's not a booming fashion. In fact, it's been a trend since way back in 2018.

Back then, VC funds acknowledged the potential of Blockchain technology. They were just not sure about how to make money from it.

Quoting an article from Vox:

"Venture capitalists over the last year have disagreed over how they should structure their firms to capitalize on a new type of investing they weren't set up to do.

VC firms, obviously, hold cash. They own stock in private start-ups and sometimes in public companies. But VC firms, typically, do not own cryptocurrencies like bitcoin or Ethereum, never mind potential, still-being-built cryptocurrencies.

So nearly all of the top tech investors over the last year have been meeting internally and reviewing documents to assess how they can equip themselves legally and financially to invest in ways that don't fit with their traditional business model."

There was a clear intention of deep-diving into Crypto. But, clearly, these VC Funds are cautious about where they put their money.

"Tech investors agree there is money to be made in cryptocurrency. They just don't agree on how to make it."

Fast forward to 2022…

They are opening more and more Crypto Funds.

So, what changed?

Or, in other words, the question itself would be…

Why is Venture Capital still looking up to opening more Crypto VC funds when Crypto Winter could have scared them off?

The answer is simpler than you might think…

There's a high chance that, according to these VCs' risk management experts, Crypto will recover its value sooner than later… 

And they don't want to get left behind.

Like Fortune says:

"As of last Friday (July 22, 2022), VC investments in the space have reached $18.3 billion so far in 2022. That's nearly triple the amount invested in 2020 and also on pace to exceed 2021's record haul of $32.4 billion, according to Steven Alexopoulos, an analyst at J.P. Morgan.

Some of the crypto fundraising rounds this year have been substantial in size. In January, Fireblocks, a digital-asset infrastructure start-up that has since partnered with the likes of BNP Paribas, raised $550 million at a valuation of $8 billion. In March, Yuga Labs, the company responsible for Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs, raised $450 million at a $4 billion valuation."

Again, meaning…

It's time for them to buy, just like TechCrunch explains further:

"For investors like us, it's time to buy," Miroshnik told TechCrunch. "Valuations have come in and great companies are now available at a more reasonable price."

"Generally, there is a big difference between people who are at the surface of understanding this space — those funds might take a backseat — but true crypto-native funds with conviction will continue to invest heavily," Saurabh Sharma, head of investments at Jump Crypto, said to TechCrunch. 

"This time is where we find the best long-term-thinking entrepreneurs."

That said, there's definitely a risk in any investment. But also several untapped benefits.

This leads us to the next topic, which is…

What are the risks and benefits of VCs in Crypto Communities?

Let's start off with a fact. Not a benefit nor a risk. It's a fact:

Whether it is a Crypto VC Fund or not, VC funds will greatly impact whether a community invests or even considers a project legitimate.

Why?

Because they trust big names. And they also trust that, in most cases, these VC Funds will have performed enough research to think whether an investment is safe or not.

However, that's not always the case.

This leads us to an imminent risk…

Due diligence.

For instance, according to the Coin Telegraph, most VC Funds were LUNAtics once.

"VCs look at cap tables and see who else invested. LUNA was widely considered a "blue chip" by then, leading among crypto analysts and then reputable institutions, such as Three Arrows Capital, Pantera Capital, and Coinbase Ventures. Pantera notably got its LUNA exit timing right, while Three Arrows Capital is in liquidation and has filed for bankruptcy.

Everyone wants to be the smartest guy in the room. "With the LUNA example, VC backers must be seeing something you don't, was the thought," according to that risk analyst.

"It always was a Ponzi, no point mincing words," he tells Magazine.

He argues that "VCs can distort everything, even who supports what L1 chains. It's a PR war; VCs turbocharge the machine. I call it the VC hunger games."

This is one high-profile example of the perils of VC funding for crypto communities."

Yet, on the other hand, there is a significant benefit of VC Funds getting involved more and more often with Crypto and Blockchain projects:

More protection for potential investors.

Following with the Coin Telegraph here as well:

"Lurie, founder of Shipyard Software, agrees that VCs can work hand in hand with decentralized governance and bring major benefits to the community. He argues that in Crypto, it's "necessary to decentralize governance because the community demands it. It is also a necessity to make the VC model work." VC funding is a competitive and a regulatory necessity to building a viable company, argues Lurie.

"Decentralized governance is a trade-off with nimbleness. It's tough to start a fully decentralized company from day one. You need to strike a balance. Start-ups are in a constant battle, and few people make it to the end of that journey." 

"One of the best reasons for VC-backing is governance — a partner on a deal will hold founders accountable," he says."

That said…

VC Funds opening up to the Crypto and Blockchain space has ups and downs. But what's more — several layers are left to explore that go way beyond risks and/or benefits.

And that's something we can't answer, sadly.

Why?

Because only time will tell. Yet, it helps to know what has happened and learn how to read the room to save up potential heartbreaks, such as the Luna incident.

Which, speaking of the devil…

There's another big question that begs a brief explanation:

"Do I need a VC to start an effective Crypto Business?"

Yes. And no.

The good ol' answer of "it depends" is applicable here.

The reasoning behind this is that… It truly depends on the structure, goals, and resources available for your Crypto business (or project if it's still in the works).

Entrepreneur says it best below, talking from a Start-Up approach to VC Funds:

"The traditional start-up approach of building a business plan, making market estimates and pulling funding from VCs is riddled with risk and misconceptions. In reality, less than 1 percent of start-ups have raised capital from VCs. Venture capitalists generally invest only 1 percent of their own funds. The rest is from investors. The majority of those investors fail to earn a profit after fees from the VC firm. Even successful VC firms generate 80 percent of their revenue from 20 percent of their investments."

However, the likes of Forbes believe that approaching VC is a must if you're plotting a Crypto Business move at scale:

"Despite the risk involved, you're going to have to be able to approach and persuade venture capital (VC) firms to invest in your project.

Equity financing isn't for you? There's always the initial coin offering (ICO) route if you're specifically interested in creating your own token. However, this comes with its own share of serious financial risks and legal liabilities that you have to be mindful of. 

The bottom line is that you're going to need people skills. Practicing public speaking and presentation skills will serve you greatly in your crypto entrepreneurship, as there are several blockchain-based VCs willing to lend their ear to your project."

Bottom line?

It's not strictly necessary to approach VC Funds. But hey… It helps a ton.

You can skip a lot of headaches by having a well-structured business plan, plus financing.

So, our take would be…

VC Funds are always helpful. But you're not going to die if you can't land one.

Spark + Mint's approach to Creative Capital:

You may be wondering…

"What's creative capital? And why does this even matter?"

So bear with us for a minute. Because this does matter if you're interested in attracting VC Funds for your next Crypto Project.

Creative Capital is nothing more than the capacity of an entity to design, implement, and express new and complex possibilities through creative action. 

Or, in other words, it's the human effort behind making a complex project comprehensive for uneducated audiences.

Why does this matter?

Because if you're an innovative company representing the Crypto space, you must know the main challenge in this Web3 space is to convey new ideas appealingly.

Both aesthetically and pragmatically speaking.

That's what we do at Spark + Mint.

We partner with Crypto, DeFi, DAOs, and Blockchain-related companies to bring their ideas to life with top-notch design, strategy, and copywriting.

We could blurb and say we are the best and that your project is in safe hands…

But we choose not to. We'd love to show you instead.

So, click here to book a call with our CEO, Jason Goodman, and let us explain how we could take your project to the next level with apples and pears.

And you can also sign up for our Newsletter now that you're here.

Yes, you can!

Our Newsletter goes out weekly with red-hot information about Crypto, VC Funds, Blockchain, Web3, and everything in between — explained objectively to appease the most knowledge-thirsty readers.

But that's not it…

If you need further information, got a Web3 project in mind but don't know where to start, or just want to discuss partnerships… Spark + Mint Invests!

Just click here to reach out to Jason Goodman, our CEO. Prepare your best pitch, and let's see what comes out!

Again, thanks for reading, and see you next time!

- The Spark + Mint Team

Crypto Winter is here. But, what does that mean for YOU?
Jul 25, 2022
0
MIN READ
Crypto
Crypto

Crypto Winter is a reality, and as soon as you understand what it is, you'll also know why you shouldn't panic. Most importantly, you'll discover this is a great opportunity....

Winter is coming. 

More like Crypto Winter is almost here — a term that has been trending lately. And no wonder why.

ICYMI, several cryptocurrencies have lost most of their value throughout 2022, and whether you are heavily invested in Crypto or not…

This could have huge implications for you, dear reader.

Regardless of your stand on cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Ethereum, the Federal Reserve's performance, or even who's Inflation's fault…

Crypto Winter is a reality, and as soon as you understand what it is, you'll also know why you shouldn't panic.

But, most importantly, you'll discover that this is a great opportunity — a natural cycle.

So, without further ado, let's talk about Crypto Winter objectively, shall we?

What is Crypto Winter?

In general terms, "Crypto Winter" is a widely renowned term derived from the definition of a Bear Market, which, according to Investopedia, is when "a market experiences prolonged price declines. It typically describes a condition in which securities prices fall 20% or more from recent highs amid widespread pessimism and negative investor sentiment."

In a nutshell…

It means a fraction of the time in which any cryptocurrency in general (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, to name a few) has poor performance in the market for an extended period.

Another great definition of Crypto Winter comes from Forbes:

"The phrase "crypto winter" likely came from the hit HBO series, "Game of Thrones." In the show, the motto of the House of Stark was "Winter Is Coming." It was considered a warning that ongoing conflict could descend on the land of Westeros at any time.

Similarly, an extended period of trouble may be settling over the crypto market. During this challenging time, you must remain vigilant and be prepared for chaos to sweep over the market without much warning.

Defining the phrase even more literally, crypto winter is when prices contract and remain low for an extended period. Analysts believe the wheels of the emerging crypto winter were set in motion earlier in 2022."

And, just like any sort of red flag sign, it affects the investment mentality of several other users, reaching a point of panic selling and weakening the Crypto Market as a unit.

Why? Well, because Winter is coming. And being prepared is a must.

But, what does Crypto Winter mean in plain English?

It means that right now, as things stand, your investing purposes should be more geared towards reducing risk rather than seeking it.

But hold your horses, because this aches for a disclaimer:

At Spark + Mint, we're all crypto enthusiasts. We live, breathe and dream of Web3 — it's our purpose to communicate and educate crypto enthusiasts in a non-biased, objective way.

But… Great power comes with great responsibility, citing the mighty Uncle Ben.

And we can't endorse you to purchase, sell, or hold any sort of Crypto or investment.

Roger that?

Alright, now that we addressed the elephant in the room, let's continue:

Crypto Winter became a trending topic also due to the huge layoff wave caused by the market's recoil.

As you may know by now…

Besides the layoffs, there was a freeze in many ongoing expansion efforts and hiring processes, causing big companies like Coinbase and Gemini to lose millions of dollars in value.

Because transparency and credibility are core values in this business (and in Web3 as a whole), and such a massive turn of events would have side effects.

Addressing the situation like champs, both Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss (whom you may know from Facebook) released a statement clarifying Gemini's situation:

"The crypto revolution is well underway and its impact will continue to be profound. But its trajectory has been anything but gradual or predictable. 

Its path can best be described as punctuated equilibrium — periods of equilibrium or stasis that are punctuated by dramatic moments of hypergrowth, followed by sharp contractions that settle down to a new equilibrium that is higher than the one before. This is where we are now, in the contraction phase that is settling into a period of stasis — what our industry refers to as "crypto winter." This has all been further compounded by the current macroeconomic and geopolitical turmoil. We are not alone.

To that end, we have asked team leaders to ensure that they are focused only on products that are critical to our mission and assess whether their teams are right-sized for the current, turbulent market conditions that are likely to persist for some time. After much thought and consideration, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to part ways with approximately 10% of our workforce."

And this leads us to lay out two possible scenarios for both avid Crypto Market followers and those who are not…

If you are heavily involved in the Crypto and Web3 market:

Just like The Skimm says…

"Maybe a lot, maybe a little. It will likely depend on how much exposure you have to cryptocurrency. If you work in cryptocurrency, it could mean facing layoffs in your industry or having a harder time finding new work as companies institute hiring freezes. If you're invested in Crypto, you might see the value of your portfolio shrink even further. Or see it rise. Unlike traditional markets, there's not a lot of precedence to base future predictions on."

This means: don't jump into assumptions.

Bear Markets are natural cycles — regardless of the Inflation rate affecting the world, keeping an eye on your assets is the clever thing to do.

If you're not heavily involved in the Crypto and Web3 market:

Believe it or not, you could still be affected.

Why?

Because big companies have invested in Crypto, most of them are losing money today.

This impacts hiring processes, future investments, and also stock market values.

This includes companies like Tesla, PayPal, Block, and Microstrategy…

So yeah, even if you're not a Crypto savvy person…

We're all in this together.

But don't panic — as mentioned above, it's a natural cycle. It happened first from 2018 to 2020 (even with the Pandemic at its golden age), and its value eventually soared higher than most of us thought.

So, what to do?

Wait it off.

The advantages of Crypto Winter?

Believe it or not, there are major advantages of a Crypto Winter.

And the most prominent one is…

Lower prices.

BTC (Bitcoin) averaged $22,000 in price by the time we published this blog post.

This same date last year (July 25th, 2021) BTC value was $40,000.

So, logically implies that in a Bear Market (or Crypto Winter) value… BTC still has much room for growth — thus creating an opportunity for both savvy and noob investors to get their piece of the cake.

For example…

Coindesk lays out a great example of BTC's advantages in a Crypto Winter: Diversification.

"Like gold, bitcoin is a monetary asset and store of value. Bitcoin shares the characteristic of scarcity that people love so much about gold.

But when measured against many of the most essential characteristics of money, bitcoin has several advantages over gold, including transferability, divisibility, whether it can be seized, security, and privacy.

Unlike the case with gold, we can send bitcoin electronically in unlimited amounts. We can easily divide it up into small increments, unlike a gold bar. While bitcoin is still nascent and not immune to cyberthreats, it can be held securely in an encrypted digital wallet as opposed to gold bars that are difficult to safeguard. And, unlike gold, bitcoin can be exchanged without banking and governmental intermediaries that directly monitor payments."

Still a fine way to invest?

We'd say it is. Especially if you're a big actor in the Web3 universe.

But if you're new to Crypto…

Perhaps waiting it off could be the safest route. Yet, safety doesn't mean it's better.

So… Where do we go?

The million dollar question: What to do?

According to the Cointelegraph, the answer is more tricky than just saying "turn right on the next block", and it involves both DeFi and CeFi protocols:

"With DeFi protocols, the risk of lock-ups to generate marginal yield is yet another major factor, as it limits an investor's ability to react quickly should the market adversely change. Moreover, strategies may carry additional risks. For instance, Lido liquid staking with stETH derivative contracts is vulnerable to price divergence from the underlying asset. 

Although CeFi such as Gemini and Coinbase, unlike multiple other such platforms, have demonstrated prudent user fund management with transparency, yield offerings on digital assets are insignificant. While staying within the risk management framework and not taking aggressive risks with the user's funds is beneficial, the returns are relatively low."

However, the true answer will come in the future, and that's not entirely up to us:

It's up to the entire Web3 and Crypto community to develop novel solutions—a new crypto cycle—that faces Inflation with relentlessness and innovation.

Up for that challenge?

If you're into Web3 and staying informed about these novel solutions for a new generation of Crypto…

Then, Spark + Mint is your place to go.

Apart from giving weekly updates on everything Web3 and Crypto, we release monthly reports on worldwide innovative projects, their benefits, their downfalls, and why they are important.

And you can get immediate access for free. Yeah, it only costs to give us your email, essentially.

So, click the link below, subscribe to our Newsletter, and get weekly updates about EVERYTHING Web3.

Hope you found value in today's post — we'll do our best to keep you in the loop in a non-biased, simple way.

Thanks for reading, and chill! Crypto Winter won't get you frozen. ;)

- The Spark + Mint Team

Text LinkText Link