A Look Back at Futurist 2023
Introduction
The first and second times I attended Futurist Conference were both different experiences. During my initial visit, I was introduced to the conference by my best friend John MacPherson who is a veteran in the blockchain industry with over a decade of experience, something that is hard to come by these days in such a new industry. John recognized the potential of Bitcoin and Blockchain early back in 2011 when I had not yet grasped its implications. From around 2014 and on I went to a few meet ups and conferences with John and I learned a-lot about the blockchain space from some of the pioneering professionals working within it which gave talks at blockchain events, such as Michael Perklin, Anthony Di Iorio, Peter Todd, and even John MacPherson who worked alongside Vitalik, Anthony and others during Ethereum’s earlier days.
During this year’s Futurist 23 conference, I learned that there were over 6,000 attendees. The space has grown so much through the years that they may need a bigger venue eventually, however, the present venue has that special touch of inside décor with outside scenery by the water.
Previously, I had attended to help a project I was working on with their business development and community management activities. My goal there before was to find more developers for that project since there is a major Ethereum hackathon there. Not long after this conference, I began a new position in Community Management at Aptos, a next generation blockchain with the mission to bring the next billion users to Web3 and blockchain.
It is with Aptos that I’ve felt the most excited about Blockchain and Web3 since I started working in the space. This is due to its vibrant global community, world class development and research team, cutting edge blockchain technology and a broad range of specialist professionals in different sectors of the industry from GameFi, to Sports, to NFTs, Entertainment and more working together to grow and expand the Aptos Ecosystem and in turn, bring state of the art technology to the way we deal with assets in the world online and offline.
Since the last article I wrote about Futurist in August of 2022, the addresses on both of the most popular and well known blockchains have increased by a little, not as much as they had when I wrote the Futurist 2022 article. Nonetheless, interest in the space from more traditional areas has continued, such as a Bitcoin ETF being discussed by regulatory authorities, as well news of an Ethereum ETF being approved and possibly on the horizon. The world of blockchain appears to be rising from its more tech savy userbase into the greater market of minds globally. With countries like El Salvador making Bitcoin legal tender in September of 2021, more are becoming open to the idea of blockchain and cryptocurrencies as well as with the ways they can improve how we transact assets and value. Speed, security, affordability are but three of the many benefits that blockchain technology can offer everyday businesses and clients.
Blockchain Futurist Conference 2023
As we arrived at the conference, the weather in the region was a bit cloudy but still warm as the event happens during the last part of summer. The event is held on the shores of Lake Ontario in one of the top venues in the city of Toronto. We arrived at the conference a bit later than usual to avoid the large line ups on the warm day outside.
On the outside of the conference was a Bitcoin Mining set up by Digital Shovel, which is a company specializing in the design and manufacture of Crypto Mining Containers for the efficient mining of cryptocurrencies. This is a resource intensive procedure so proper storage of hardware is essential for the maximum output as well as proper heat distribution.
In the following clip, Scot Johnson from Digital Shovel gives some insights as to how their specialized crypto mining containers work. Canada has been innovative when it comes to cryptocurrencies since some of the most noted luminaries in the space such as Vitalik Buterin and Anthony Di Iorio, who met in Toronto in 2012, have worked in the city throughout the development of the blockchain industry. We therefore see a-lot of innovation in the city and this is displayed prominently at the yearly Futurist conference which is the largest blockchain conference in Canada.
It's hard to tell from the outside that there were over 6,000 people in attendance at this year’s conference. This is because we arrived a bit later to avoid the large line. However, once inside it is quite busy as all manner of professionals in the blockchain industry swoop in from all over the globe to showcase their projects as well as to learn about other projects that are being developed.
Once inside the conference, we were greeted with the awesome venue and all the decorations and set up. The event organizers Untraceable have done an excellent job over the last several years since they started hosting the amazing Futurist conference.
I have to give thanks to the Founder and Co-Founder of Untraceable, Tracy Leparulo and Mahyar Akhbari for organizing and hosting a very well organized event. From the speakers, to the entertainment, to the food, to all the top notch projects present, there is much to see in the event over the two days that it is held in the month of August.
The outside of the conference is always a nice contrast because the location is situated by Lake Ontario, therefore the scenery is always nice whether it is day or night. It also helps to get some fresh air from time to time as it can get quite busy due to how much interest this topic has raised over the last few years.
Upstairs was the Nakamoto Upper Stage where were bounty workshops from groups like ETHToronto & ETHWomen, Web3 and Developer Panels along with mentorship and a Female Founder Showcase. The outside balcony area can be found where visitors can take in the beautiful Toronto city skyline.
Selected Futurist 2023 Sponsors and Attendees
1.) VirgoCX
Founded in 2018, VirgoCX is one of the regulated cryptocurrency exchanges in Ontario, Canada. It aims to simplify and secure cryptocurrency assets for Canadians. The platform emphasizes user-friendly experience, employing advanced technologies to safeguard both funds and personal information. VirgoCX differentiates itself through transparency, with no hidden deposit or commission fees and straightforward pricing. The company is externally audited and asserts a high standard of legal compliance and ethical business conduct.
VirgoCX had a game this year where participants were given a short amount of time to pick up as many bills as they could and these bills were denominated in Satoshis. I wasn’t fast enough to get as many as I wanted, but I got a couple. They were also giving away some nice charging packs with their VirgoCX Wealth logo on it which is VirgoCX’s OTC branch.
2.) WonderFi
This year’s Futurist Conference showcased many projects, and one of the Title sponsors was WonderFi. They’re gearing up to be the only Canadian-registered crypto marketplace listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), which is major given that it is Canada’s oldest and largest exchange. Until now, TSX had only U.S.-based and unregulated Voyager Digital in the crypto corner. WonderFi CEO Ben Samaroo thinks listing on the TSX could attract more mature investors. They’ve noticed the age of crypto investors is rising, and older investors are interested in more assets . So, for a space that’s seeing more mature participants, WonderFi’s move could be a game-changer.
Here is a shot of the booth that belonged to WonderFi, which became the largest regulated Canadian cryptocurrency exchange due to having merged earlier in the year with other major Canadian exchanges BitBuy, Coinsquare and CoinSmart. The much publicized merger made waves in the Canadian crypto industry and it showed how much the industry in Canada has evolved over time and continues to do so.
In the landscape of crypto exchange platforms at this year’s Futurist Conference, NDAX is one of this year’s Title sponsors and a local player in the Canadian and global blockchain space. They’re not just about trading; they aim to give Canadians the power to do everything from acquiring and staking to tracking their digital assets effortlessly. NDAX ticks many of the sought after boxes for both newbie investors and seasoned participants, offering a range of digital currencies and transparent, low fees. When it comes to playing by the rules, NDAX is one of the several exchanges that have applied for registration status and are awaiting it under the current status of pre-registration undertaking. For those looking for a crypto platform that is feature-rich, NDAX is one to learn about. I got lucky enough to win a couple of branded NDAX cups. The swag at Futurist conference is one of the reasons to attend, along with the great education concerning the many attending projects in the space.
4.) ShibPreme
SHIBPREME, in collaboration with Loot 8, aims to revolutionize the NFT market by introducing compound NFTs that bundle both digital and physical assets, addressing challenges like security risks, scalability, and real-world utility that have plagued the NFT space. SHIBPREME’s decentralized platform offers tools for NFT creators and collectors to launch, trade, and derive value from this new NFT class. At the core of the platform is Loot 8, an NFT social network app, which enables targeted digital marketing, trend alerts, and large-scale community engagement.
The project also integrates DeFi elements, allowing NFT staking and token rewards through their DAO system, creating new revenue streams and customer engagement opportunities for businesses. SHIBPREME’s technology, including advanced NFC chips for asset verification, aims to make these NFTs not just collectibles, but “productive digital assets” with real-world applications in sectors like e-commerce, gaming, and entertainment. Their Genesis NFT drop offers long-term voting and financial incentives, making early adopters stakeholders in the platform’s future. The entire ecosystem aims to serve as an all-in-one solution for NFT creation, trading, and utility, setting the stage for the next phase of digital ownership.
Invest Hong Kong is a governmental department of the Hong Kong SAR focused on attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investment. Established on July 1, 2000, and originally led by Director General Michael Rowse, the agency supports overseas businesses in establishing and growing their operations in Hong Kong. Organized into nine specialized sector teams, Invest HK caters to a wide range of industries including Financial Services, FinTech, Innovation & Technology, and more. The Director-General of Investment Promotion, who leads Invest HK, reports directly to the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, highlighting the department’s crucial role in the region’s economic strategy.
The organization aims to solidify Hong Kong as Asia’s top international business hub. InvestHK’s services, guided by values like integrity and innovation, cater to overseas and Mainland companies looking to establish or grow their business in Hong Kong, offering free advisory and support services from planning to expansion.
6.) Coinbase
Coinbase, one of the leading crypto platforms, has officially launched in Canada as part of its global expansion strategy. The move follows the appointment of Lucas Matheson as the Country Director for Canada and emphasizes Coinbase’s commitment to regulatory compliance. Canada was selected due to its status as one of the world’s most crypto-aware nations and its evolving tech ecosystem. To enhance the user experience, Coinbase has introduced features like Interac payment rails for seamless deposits and withdrawals, and a complimentary 30-day trial of Coinbase One, which offers various benefits. Future plans include enabling direct bank transfers over EFT. The company has also collaborated with Canadian regulators and financial institutions to contribute to the country’s crypto regulatory framework. With nearly 200 full-time local employees, Canada is now Coinbase’s largest tech hub outside the U.S. Through Coinbase Ventures, the company has invested in local startups like Dapper Labs and Minerva AI, aiming to further innovation in Canada’s tech ecosystem. The expansion marks a significant step in Coinbase’s mission to foster economic empowerment through crypto globally.
7.) Shib
At this year’s Futurist Conference, the Shibarium blockchain was one of the Title sponsors as can be seen on Futurist’s home page. On Wednesday August 16th, the second day of Futurist 2023, Shib launched the Ethereum Layer-2 Shibarium blockchain. This Ethereum Layer-2 network is all set to give Shiba Inu coin, once known as a meme project — a more notable spot in the DeFi universe. Shibarium aims to be a low-cost hub for both finance and gaming, with its token lineup not just the well-known SHIB but also including BONE, TREAT, and LEASH. They will be focusing on aspects of finance, gaming, the metaverse, NFTs, and more. Run by a “DoggyDAO”, it is already boasting 21 million wallets from its test phase. This proof-of-stake blockchain aims to bring both community and decentralization to the forefront.
Below can be seen several phygital items which were physical items with NFTs attached to them which made them a more enhanced form of a collectible with an on-chain presence.
8.) Cardano and Charles Hoskinson
In 2022, Cardano along with its parent company IOHK reached several critical milestones that bolstered its standing in the growing blockchain industry. Notably, the long-awaited Vasil hardfork went live, introducing Plutus 2.0 to enhance smart contract efficiency and gaining support from major crypto exchanges like Binance and Coinbase. The launch of Milkomeda C1 marked another important advance, enabling Ethereum-based dApps to run on Cardano and thereby bridging two major blockchains. Beyond the technical, Cardano’s ecosystem grew to host over 1,000 dApps, heavily focusing on NFTs, and even gained celebrity endorsements from Snoop Dogg and his son, Champ Medici, who brought their music content to Cardano’s NFT space.
In 2023, Cardano saw significant growth across multiple metrics, affirming its expanding influence in the blockchain space. Average daily transactions on its decentralized applications (dapps) surged by 49% quarter-over-quarter, fueled not only by Minswap’s exceptional growth but also by the introduction of new dapps. Additionally, its Total Value Locked (TVL) in USD increased 9.7% QoQ and an astounding 198.6% year-to-date, propelling Cardano from 34th to 21st place (presently 14th) in TVL rankings across all blockchain platforms. Developments like Hydra Head and Milkomeda C1, along with collaborations with Midnight and Wanchain, showcased Cardano’s commitment to scalability, interoperability, and ecosystem diversification.
Charles Hoskinson was one of the main speakers for the entire conference on the main stage. He had a discussion about the intersection between era defining technologies such as blockchain, A.I and more. The entire talk can be found linked below.
9.) RNS.ID
RNS.ID, a digital Web3 ID system developed in Palau, combines three groundbreaking features: on-chain legal ID, digital residency, and location-independent governance. This is the world’s first digital residency program. The on-chain legal ID offers a range of real-world applications, from identification and background checks to democratic voting and buying insurance. As for digital residency, the platform has a comprehensive roadmap that includes unique services like a Palau address with a US zip code, digital banking, and even establishing e-Corporations. The geography-agnostic governance feature aims to eliminate location-based constraints, enabling services such as global intellectual property registries and remote corporate operations. Overall, RNS is poised to be a versatile solution that could redefine digital identity and governance on a global scale.
Below is an example of one of the cards that was being given away at the RNS.ID booth.
10.) Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs is a blockchain analytics platform dedicated to democratizing access to blockchain investigation tools. Founded by Lorne Lantz after his own experience of being scammed by an ICO, Breadcrumbs aims to offer low-cost, intuitive analytics tools to a wide audience. Whether you’re a journalist, an auditor, an ICO investor, or just a crypto enthusiast, the platform has tools designed to assist you. Operating under values of transparency, accessibility, and community engagement, Breadcrumbs not only offers a free version of its tools but also actively involves the crypto community in crowdsourcing attribution data. The platform stands as an ally in helping users navigate the complex landscape of blockchain, encouraging informed decisions and fostering a community that self-regulates and polices against bad actors.
That’s a wrap ! This was my third time attending Futurist Conference in Toronto. I thank Untraceable and its founders Mahyar and Tracy for such a great event full of innovative people doing innovative things in the Canadian and global technology sector. These ideas are shaping the way we interact with the internet as well as with the world around us slowly but surely as more and more companies and people use Web3 and blockchain technologies.
