I am new to the Steemit community, and would like to share my thoughts on the current crypto-market, and how this all translates to other emerging technologies. My main goal with my weekly stories would be user engagement and feedback on the topics I will go into.

Background

I have been actively involved in the Blockchain world for over a year now, and am only now starting to grasp the actual potential that this technology has on multiple industries.

I am currently running two startups, one of which is called Cygnal, and relates to crypto-index tracking and investment. We are targeting emerging markets, and since I am based in South Africa, we are seeing a huge market / demand for alternative option that can provide a more stable currency. I believe that cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether would have the biggest impact on emerging markets, since it provides a great solution to slow economic growth and hyperinflation risks.

The other startup is called Butter, which aims to provide people with a more secure mail and browsing interface. We want to eliminate / reduce spam, while also providing people with a cleaner / smoother experience that protects their personal data while also ensuring that their email addresses cannot be stolen. I believe this is vital, especially in a world where companies are actively tracking your every move, and selling your data. We want to give people more options, and incentivize them if they decided to share their anonymous data with companies. Companies however, will need to pay up. The idea behind this is to give people alternative ways to earn. This will particularly be the best option as we are heading into a world where Ai is said to eliminate 40% of jobs by 2030. We believe that Ai will only improve the way we live, by allowing us to work less.

Cryptocurrency Potential

Like I mentioned before.. Cryptocurrencies will have the biggest impact on emerging markets. It is estimated that the global unbanked population is 2 billion. This is almost 30% of the world population.

Bitcoin / Ether have the potential to disrupt these markets, by offering a digital substitute to cash, since cash it mostly what the countries involved uses. Cash also creates the problem where not all individuals in these countries pay tax. Cash cannot be controlled by the governments. This in turn creates an endless cycle. If sufficient tax is not received, the governments cannot improve that state of the economies, and cannot build banks. Cash is also the biggest motivator for fraud.

If a few of these blockchain startups can find a way to enter these markets, and provide solutions for crypto payments, transactions, and loans, it leaves a really big market. The total GDP in Africa alone is $2 Trillion.

We are trying to address some of these problems with cygnal, but it will take a much wider effort.

Survival of the Fittest

At the end of the day, only a few cryptocurrencies will survive. My bets are on the most popular Bitcoin and Ether. There are however a few other potentially great alternatives, which also shows promise. I think the cryptocurrencies that targets specific geographic regions, will also succeed. e.g Africa Coin (Just an example)

When it comes to ICO's and Altcoins / Tokens, I do think their is room for them. I see tokens as simply taking the place of "Equity" markets. There are however multiple scams involving altcoins, and I would tread lightly. I believe that with increased regulation and better structuring, this will continue to be a great option for promising companies trying to raise funds, and also for more people to be involved in global startups. This however would need to be regulated in some way or another, otherwise anyone could just create an ICO and run of with the cash.

The US has taken steps toward this, but I think the blockchain community as a whole need to propose ways of better regulating this. It should still be treated separately from FIAT / Equity, and be more accessible to all, but just in a better controlled manner.

Conclusion

Exciting times lie ahead. There will be many winners, but also many losers. This almost takes me back to the 90's and the .com bubble, however, while many expect a bubble, i'm not so sure. This tech shows a lot of promise, if it is handled correctly.

I would like your take on on the following:

• The Cryptocurrencies that excite you the most
• The Altcoins that excite you the most
• Suggestions on how to identify poor ICO's
• Sharing anonymous data in exchange for a monthly salary. Would you consider this?