Remember that street food vendor in Bangkok? He was such a happy guy, despite all this heat he was always smiling and cooking the best Pad See Ew ever!! Now imagine that vendor, empowered by blockchain, directly sourcing the freshest ingredients, cutting out middleman markups, and offering loyalty rewards via a tokenized system. That’s the sort of promise this Asian startup's $150 million crypto funding round opens up to western investors. It’s not purely about the dollars — it’s about the people.

Asia's Moment, Seizing the Future

We've seen the headlines: $150 million injected into the crypto industry in June, resilience amidst volatility, blah, blah, blah. Let's cut through the noise. This is much more than another funding round, it’s another vote of confidence in Asian innovation. We can almost taste it, but we know that for too long, Asian founders have been forced to claw for crumbs. They’ve thrived despite a daunting and ever-changing regulatory environment, fought through the talent wars, even gone to battle with Goliaths packing bigger wallets. This funding communicates, “We see you. We believe in you.”

Think about it. Asia is a continent flush with many of the problems that blockchain can solve. From supply chain inefficiencies to the lack of financial inclusion, the potential is huge. Who else is better suited to address these issues than the folks who face them on a day-to-day basis? They know these obstacles in the bone marrow deep.

Beyond the Hype, Tangible Solutions

Alright, so where is this cash really flowing to. Then you’ve got Rails, a decentralized exchange platform – the essential connective tissue between the centralized and decentralized worlds. You've got Beam, expanding its stablecoin payment service to Latin America, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the EU – bringing financial access to underserved communities. Next up is Frachtis, this pre-seed fund with a small venture-like focus seeking to back the first teams developing decentralized AI, infrastructure and consumer apps.

Let’s not kid ourselves, the interesting story is not where that money is going, but rather what it is fixing. Are we really talking about the development of another NFT marketplace from scratch? Or are we interested in helping blockchain track pharmaceutical supply chains so that people living in the most rural of villages have access to life-saving care?

There's a critical distinction to be made. The combination of investor focus on infrastructure, and a growing sophistication around integrating AI, is a sure sign of maturity. We're moving beyond the speculative frenzy of 2021 and entering a phase of sustainable growth, building the foundational layers for real-world applications.

Asian Founders, Driving Real Change

I’ve personally talked with thousands of Asian founders who are creating amazing things. Just last month, I was having a conversation with a founder who is currently based in Singapore. They’re using blockchain technology to develop a transparent and verifiable carbon credit marketplace, directly empowering local communities to economically benefit from conservation efforts. Another from Jakarta is developing a decentralized identity solution, giving individuals control over their personal data and unlocking access to essential services.

These stories are more than just tech. They tell stories of empowerment and innovation ignited by demand as a continent awakens to meet its challenges.

This $150 million doesn’t just represent capital. It’s the fuel for these fires. For one, it’s a light for other investors—that you should get in on Asia. It’s a huge, overdue recognition of the incredible and tireless spirit of Asian founders. It’s a differencemaking opportunity to create a betterfuture — together.

Make no mistake, the labor is just getting started. These startups need our support. Beyond funding, they require access to talent, mentorship, and a supportive regulatory environment. They need us to lift up their stories and elevate their voices.

That’s why the future of blockchain as we know it is still being built in Asia. Are you an early-stage startup looking to join us? And if we do, the potential for awe and wonder truly is limitless.

  • Invest in Asian blockchain startups: Look beyond the headlines and find the companies that are solving real-world problems.
  • Mentor Asian founders: Share your expertise and help them navigate the challenges of building a successful business.
  • Advocate for policies that support innovation: Encourage governments to create a favorable environment for blockchain technology.
  • Tell their stories: Share their successes and inspire others to join the movement.

The future of blockchain is being built in Asia. Are you ready to be a part of it? The potential for awe and wonder is here, if we choose to see it.