Las Vegas CoinAgenda Winners: Zebpay, Factom, and Rivetz Stand Out in Startup Competition

Celebrating Innovation: The CoinAgenda Competition

The CoinAgenda conference in Las Vegas brought together some of the brightest minds in the startup world, and the competition didn’t disappoint. Out of 20 semifinalists, three startups were crowned winners, showcasing groundbreaking technology in the cryptocurrency space.

First Prize: Zebpay

Taking home the top honors, Zebpay introduced a mobile wallet that aims to make transactions as simple as sending a text message. Imagine sending Bitcoin to a friend just by using their phone number! Sandeep Goenka, co-founder of Zebpay, likened their service to WhatsApp, bringing cryptocurrencies into the hands of the masses without the headache of complex addresses and wallets.

Why Zebpay Stood Out

Zebpay’s unique selling point is its off-blockchain wallet, which promises instant transaction confirmations done through their own servers. Goenka emphasizes that the ease of use is key, as traditional methods can be cumbersome and confusing for regular Joe. With the goal of targeting everyday users, Zebpay could be to Bitcoin what Netflix is to boring cable, or the avocado toast to brunch, transforming how we handle digital currencies.

Second Prize: Factom

Claiming the second position was Factom, a service facilitating document storage on the blockchain with just a single hash. Peter Kirby, the President of Factom, explained that this allows users to securely log and access various types of documents, making it a giant leap forward in data management.

The Tech Behind Factom

Factom operates on a model that doesn’t require a thousand nodes to verify transactions, which is almost like asking everyone on your contact list to confirm you made breakfast. Instead, they utilize federated decentralized servers to streamline the process. This can make accessing vital information a breeze and revolutionizes how businesses store their data. Think of it as a massive filing cabinet, but way cooler and way more secure.

Third Prize: Rivetz

Rounding out the winners, Rivetz focuses on trusted execution environments that enable applications to run securely on devices without prying eyes or malicious meddling. Imagine being able to open a crypto wallet that’s like a Fort Knox for your digital assets.

How Rivetz Works

By creating a separate execution space, Rivetz ensures that private keys are generated and secured directly on the device, away from potential malware lurking in the shadows of the main operating system. This robust layer of security is essential for anyone serious about safeguarding their cryptocurrencies and is a critical factor as we move toward a digital future.

What Judges Looked For

While the specific criteria for selections weren’t disclosed, the caliber of pitches and innovations surely dazzled the judges, including prominent VCs from the likes of Tally Capital and Pantera Capital. Michael Terpin, the co-founder of BitAngels and CoinAgenda, highlighted how impressed the panel was, proving that this competition wasn’t just a popularity contest; it was about groundbreaking ideas and real-world applications.

Conclusion: The Future Looks Bright

The BitAngels competition at CoinAgenda not only showcased these winning startups but also highlighted the potential of cryptocurrencies to evolve and democratize financial transactions. As we gear up for more innovations, these winners are just the beginning of what’s to come. Who knows, the next pitch could be the next big thing!