‘Another one?’ Bankers react to Facebook’s digital currency Next decade is set to be transformative for small business finance PwC...
In the FT’s big read they take an in-depth look at the boom of initial coin offerings (ICOs) and the potential bubble they are causing; ICOs have thus far raised over $1.8bn worldwide and have shown no signs of slowing; the bigger question is will international financial regulators clamp down to kill the market or provide it more structure. Source
The Venture Capital industry has seen some early signs of positive change when it comes to gender discrimination and diversity; though some still believe there is no issue and that they cannot do anything to effect change; brave women like Ellen Pao and Susan Fowler have helped others to share their stories and men in power have been forced to leave and policies at firms have changed; you are starting to see VC’s hire more women and require companies they fund to show diversity among their executive ranks; there is still a ways to go for VC’s and Silicon Valley overall, though change is happening. Source.
The Plug and Play Tech Center in Silicon Valley has created a program to connect 30 of the largest insurance companies with insurtech startups; these insurance companies are seeking insurtech innovation for improving user experience, risk assessment and underwriting, prevention of loss and cost reduction; additionally, large insurance companies are reporting that they seek access to a range of innovative solutions across all industries. Source