TY - JOUR T1 - Blockchain Start-Ups to Venture Out from Venture Capital! <em>Are ICOs Here to Stay?</em> JF - The Journal of Investing DO - 10.3905/joi.2019.1.078 SP - joi.2019.1.078 AU - Susan Akbarpour Y1 - 2019/03/06 UR - https://pm-research.com/content/early/2019/03/05/joi.2019.1.078.abstract N2 - Blockchain, cryptocurrency, and ICOs have been all over the news lately. This disruptive technology has been changing and is going to continue changing the world in a profound number of ways. One of the most promising ways for blockchain and cryptocurrency driven start-ups to impart innovation is through the initial coin offering (ICO). ICOs, which are like initial public offerings (IPOs) of traditional securities using cryptocurrencies, have the potential to revolutionize how startups raise capital and cross the chasm. While startups have traditionally had to rely on venture capital to raise funds and grow, the ICO presents a more decentralized and democratic alternative. The crowdfunding power of the ICO is most transformative for the most innovative startups. The birth of this new means of raising capital will usher a renaissance of innovative, well-funded, and independent startups. ER -