Blockchain Companies to Watch - May 16, 2018

These NYC blockchain startups are reinventing vital services

May 16, 2018 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

These NYC blockchain startups are reinventing vital services

On Monday night, Tech:NYC, NYCEDC, and IBM hosted the first Blockchain 101 Policy Labs, in conjunction with Blockchain Week. The evening featured an overview of blockchain technology, how it works, and what potential it holds for policymakers. We were also joined by Assemblymember Clyde Vanel, who has committed to introducing blockchain technology to government and making New York the best city for fintech companies.Additionally, our members CoverUS, Kadena, and OpenLaw presented their inventive blockchain applications to the room. We featured these three companies and two others in the most recent edition of our companies to watch series.Below is a shortened version of our look into these companies that are rethinking and remaking important services, including healthcare, legal, real estate, and fashion. Read the whole post to see more.

CoverUSWhat does your company do?CoverUS Co-Founders Andrew Hoppin and Christopher Sealey: CoverUS helps close financial gaps in healthcare by helping patients earn a royalty stream from their health data. Consumers capture and share real-world data into a blockchain-powered decentralized health data exchange that they directly own and control, earning cryptocurrency rewards funded by data buyers.Why did you found your company in NYC?AH & CS: CoverUS was founded in NYC because it's a place where the smartest and most accomplished people in the world still have to wait for a table at a restaurant. Moving with humility matters if you're audacious enough to build a business like CoverUS that you hope will change the world.

What does your company do?

Kadena Co-Founders Will Martino and Stuart Popejoy: Kadena is a blockchain platform provider with both a private and public blockchain and an open-source, purpose-built smart contract language. Our mission is to become the universal, one-stop shop for blockchain by providing platforms built for entrepreneurs and ready for enterprise.

What gives New York a unique angle for approaching a new territory of technology?

WM & SP: New York's diversity and vibrancy, but also legacy of experience in business and industry set it apart from other areas and makes for a great place to develop technology for real widespread adoption.

What does your company do?

LOOMIA CEO Janett Liriano: We design and manufacture soft, flexible circuitry that can heat, light, sense, and store data within everyday clothes. We also allow users to transfer their data to a desktop app that allows them to manage and sell their data to market researchers via blockchain.

Is blockchain vital to the future of fashion?

JL: Blockchain is an important part of any industry that handles transactions and information. It will be an important component from supply chain management and a user trust perspective. The future of fashion is garments becoming responsive and materials that are better tailored to advance products.

What does your company do?OpenLaw Co-Founder Aaron Wright: OpenLaw creates legal, enforceable agreements that interact with the blockchain.Why did you found your company in NYC?AW: We’re based in New York because this is the epicenter of blockchain technology. When it comes to finance and legal agreements, this city is the center of the world and it made sense for the next chapter of those industries to be occurring here.

UrbanrWhat does your company do?Urbanr Co-Founder Gabriel Altus: Urbanr brings financial technology to the real estate market creating a more cost-effective model for renting property. For owners, the system mediates inefficiencies and relays the data required to derive financial-history based decisions. For tenants, Urbanr represents not only the cheapest way to find rentals but also a powerful tool for wealth creation and upward social mobility.Where would you like to see blockchain go next?GA: I’d like to see a group of hard-core developers and entrepreneurs build away from the hype. That means staying away from crypto fundraising temptations, any sort of trading platform, or SaaS platform for Bitcoin/Ethereum/Litecoin. We need to refocus the community on solving business problems in the unique way that blockchain can.NYC Tech Community EventsMay 17: To celebrate the launch of the new women.nyc initiative, women from all over NYC will be gathering to “take over” Washington Square Park. The event starts at 8 p.m. and will feature a special performance by Fogo Azul, a female Brazilian drum troupe, and calls to action by other great NYC women. Join us tomorrow at Washington Square Park!May 21: The Women In Innovation (W.IN) Forum NY is back for its third year with the theme "Diversity Powers Innovation.” At it, you’ll get the chance to meet and network with successful founders in beauty, food, finance, media, tech, and more. Ticket sale proceeds will go to the East Harlem Tutorial Program. Use the code “TECHNYCWIN” to get a ticket for 70% off a full-price ticket!May 23: Join Tech:NYC, SAP, and Startup Guide for a discussion about the future of the NYC startup ecosystem. We will go in-depth on what happened in the past year, current data, success stories, and more. There will also be time for networking with the startup community with drinks and snacks. Register here.June 7: NYCx, a program in the Mayor's Office of the Chief Technology Officer, will host Accelerator Office Hours and panel discussions focused on inclusive entrepreneurship at Northside Festival from 2:30 pm - 7:00 pm. Up to 20 early stage startups with high-growth potential will be selected to meet one-on-one with leaders from New York City tech accelerators. Register here.July 10-11: The eighth annual New York Venture Capital Summit will let you connect with and hear talks from more than 100 top VCs, including Future\Perfect Ventures’ Jalak Jobanputra, SoGal Ventures’ Elizabeth Galbut, and Salesforce Ventures’ Meredith Finn. Use the code “TECHNYCVIP” for 10% off.Join Us

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