"Crowdfunding & Blockchain: The Game Changers" is the title of the conference that will bring together experts and industry professionals to the University of the Republic of San Marino on Thursday, November 30, to discuss the prospects offered by the digital economy. Among the coordinators of the initiative, organized by the University in partnership with Pragmata Institute at the Ancient Monastery of Santa Chiara, is Alberto Giusti. In addition to his in-depth knowledge of the sector, Giusti is the founder of Guanxi, an international digital strategy consulting firm that received the Google Award as preferred partner in Italy in 2015.
An event is approaching, featuring over a dozen speakers to explore the possibilities offered by large-scale fundraising for high-tech companies and the use of the electronic currency known as Bitcoin. What is it?
Crowdfunding could become an increasingly popular form of financing in the near future, not only for startups but also for development projects within traditional companies. It's also a tool for companies to reduce the risk of launching new products and services. It represents an extraordinary support in the new world we live in: everyone will undoubtedly use it, but it's best to start early to avoid missing out on opportunities.
What is the trend affecting this sector globally?
Crowdfunding is surpassing venture capital as a fundraising tool. And it's estimated to continue doubling. Bitcoin recently hit $8, the value of one unit of this electronic currency. I think these two simple figures illustrate the scope of the changes underway.
What role can San Marino play in this context, and what opportunities does it offer?
This could represent a unique opportunity for San Marino. From a regulatory and legislative standpoint, crowdfunding and blockchain are not internationally regulated, as their true potential is not yet understood. San Marino, along with a few other countries around the world such as Singapore and Estonia, could become a center of excellence where technologies are tested in the field. Being a "first mover" is crucial in the digital world.
Could returns not strictly tied to the world of finance also emerge, for example in the tourism sector?
Of course. Giving all businesses in San Marino the ability to receive payments in Bitcoin, for example, could be a differentiating factor and attract the curiosity of a different and unexplored type of tourism. It's like saying: come and live a Bitcoin experience, take a vacation to understand the tourism of tomorrow. Furthermore, crowdfunding is a source of financing for projects in the tourism sector: an area yet to be developed.
The event "Crowdfunding & Blockchain: the Game Changers" will begin at 10:00 a.m. and is made possible thanks to the support of Banca CIS – Credito Industriale Sammarinese and the patronage of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education and Culture, as well as the Associazione Nuove Idee Nuove Imprese. The Order of Chartered Accountants and Accounting Experts of San Marino has accredited the initiative for the professional training of its members. To attend the free event, please register by following the procedure available on the University's homepage, www.unirsm.sm.
