Stelian Balta, the billionaire and co-founder of the digital asset management firm Hyperchain Capital, has said that while bitcoin is indeed a volatile asset it nonetheless helps to diversify and align an investment portfolio with digital trends. The top crypto asset’s high-return possibilities also “makes it an intriguing option for national and corporate financial portfolios,” Balta asserted.

Embracing BTC Enhances a Corporation’s Image

In his written answers sent to Bitcoin.com News, the billionaire also argued that as regulations around crypto assets become clearer, the top crypto asset’s perceived risks will slowly dissipate thus “making it a more viable option.” Furthermore, when corporations embrace BTC, this enhances their respective images as “modern and innovative” organizations. Balta suggested that this alone may be enough to attract new customers or “investors interested in advanced technologies.”

Meanwhile, the Hyperchain Capital founder has characterized some institutional investors’ bet on digital assets as a mutually beneficial move. For institutional investors, digital assets create growth opportunities while the Web3 industry benefits by way of more credibility and legitimacy.

Overall, institutional investors’ dabbling with digital assets potentially helps hasten the development of new technologies and Web3 apps. This, in turn, could also result in more people and businesses embracing Web3 technologies, Balta added. In his answers sent to Bitcoin.com News via Telegram, the billionaire also explained why he sees the blockchain as a technology that will reshape finance. He also offered advice on how budding entrepreneurs can emulate him and become equally successful.

Below are all of Balta’s answers to the questions sent.

Bitcoin.com News (BCN): Are traditional finance (Tradfi) and decentralized finance (defi) converging and in what ways could blockchain technology help Tradfi and reshape the future of finance?

Stelian Balta (SB): I think Tradfi and defi are starting to blend together, thanks to the enticing features of blockchain technology. This merger is making financial transactions quicker and more transparent, while also boosting security against fraud and cyber threats. However, this integration faces challenges, like navigating complex regulations and the need for traditional financial institutions to adapt both culturally and operationally to these new technologies. In short, blockchain is paving the way for a more efficient, secure, and inclusive financial future.

BCN: What makes you believe that nations and corporations would integrate Bitcoin into their financial strategies, especially considering it’s still a highly volatile asset?

SB: Nations and corporations are already considering adding bitcoin into their financial strategies for several reasons. Bitcoin offers a way to diversify assets, which can help manage risks differently from traditional financial markets. It’s often seen as a hedge, similar to digital gold, which can be appealing for protecting value in uncertain economic times. Bitcoin, though historically volatile, has also demonstrated a capacity for significant returns in the past.

The growing interest in blockchain technology and the shift towards digital finance also make bitcoin an attractive option. It aligns with the evolution towards more digital, innovative financial solutions. There’s also increasing consumer and investor interest in bitcoin, and by integrating it, countries and companies can meet this demand and stay competitive.

As regulations around cryptocurrencies become clearer and more established, the risks associated with bitcoin might reduce, making it a more viable option. Additionally, embracing bitcoin can enhance a corporation’s image as modern and innovative, potentially attracting new customers or investors interested in advanced technologies.

While bitcoin is indeed volatile, its potential for diversification, alignment with digital trends, and high-return possibilities make it an intriguing option for national and corporate financial portfolios. However, I believe it’s important to carefully weigh these benefits against the risks and evolving regulatory landscape.

BCN: After what is undoubtedly a brutal bear market, it now appears like the industry is on the cusp of a bull run as reflected by investor sentiment and crypto prices. Can you talk about your investment thesis for 2024 and beyond?

SB: Our focus has always been on long-term investments. Our investment thesis for 2024 and beyond centers on identifying and supporting big-vision projects with strong fundamentals and innovative technology. We don’t chase narratives and trends.

Looking back at our experience since 2013, we’ve seen the crypto market go through lots of ups and downs, with losses as big as 98% and gains up to 40,000%.

This has really shown us how important it is to think long-term through multiple cycles. Our early investments in Ethereum, Cosmos, Fantom, and many more, starting from 2016, 2017, and 2018 respectively, prove that we’re dedicated to sticking with this long-term strategy.

In summary, our investment thesis is rooted in a long-term approach, focusing on high-quality projects that demonstrate potential for enduring value. This strategy, we believe, will allow us to navigate future market cycles effectively and capitalize on the growth opportunities that the evolving crypto landscape presents.

Moving forward, our focus will be on investing in projects led by teams that are not only strong and loyal but also have a clear vision and mission.

BCN: You have been a vocal supporter of the Fantom network, which recently launched the Sonic Labs accelerator program and is anticipated to introduce the Sonic tech stack upgrade in 2024. What unique attributes of Fantom strengthen your conviction in the project?

SB: A core aspect of the Fantom ecosystem is its dedication to supporting its endemic creators across gamefi, defi, and more. One of the distinctive features for builders within Fantom is the direct monetization avenues such as gas monetization, which gives dApps a share of the gas fees they generate. This empowers Fantom-based builders to earn more compared to deploying on any other network, offering them a key edge over their competition.

Another unique feature of Fantom is its growing, grassroots community of creators. They are at the forefront of engaging experiences for users to jump into gaming with Estfor Kingdom, or explore within Fantom’s defi ecosystem with Beethoven-X, Equalizer, and more.

BCN: What factors are driving institutional investors to explore the digital asset space, and how would the growing institutional adoption impact the Web3 industry?

SB: I think institutional investors are diving into the digital asset space mainly because it’s a new and evolving area with lots of potential. They’re attracted by the opportunity to diversify their investments with something different from traditional stocks and bonds. Plus, the digital asset market is growing rapidly, offering exciting opportunities for growth. The improvement in how these assets are managed and clearer rules around them also make it easier and safer for these big investors to get involved.

As more and more institutional investors get into digital assets, I believe it’s going to have a big impact on the industry. Their involvement adds a level of credibility and might lead to a more stable and mature market. With more money flowing in, we can expect to see faster development of new technologies and applications in the Web3 space. This could also encourage more people and businesses to start using Web3 technologies.

In short, the growing interest from big investors is set to really shape and boost the world of Web3.

BCN: It is said that you began your entrepreneurial journey with nothing at the age of 16 and became a millionaire at 24. What would be your advice to Web3 builders starting their entrepreneurial journey in 2024?

SB: Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey in the Web3 space in 2024, my key advice, drawn from my own tough journey filled with countless failures, revolves around three fundamental principles: obsessive hard work, persistent curiosity, and being consistently driven by a clear vision.

Firstly, embrace obsessive hard work. Success in the rapidly evolving world of Web3 demands more than just effort, it requires an all-consuming passion for your work. My path was filled with challenges, teaching me the importance of dedication. Be prepared to dedicate countless hours, often at the expense of other pursuits, because in this field, the difference between success and failure often hinges on the extra mile you’re willing to go.

Secondly, nurture your curiosity relentlessly. The landscape of Web3 is ever-changing, with new technologies and possibilities emerging constantly. Stay hungry for knowledge and new experiences. This insatiable curiosity, which I maintained despite numerous setbacks, will not only keep you informed but also inspire innovative ideas and solutions that can set you apart in a crowded market.

Lastly, always be driven by a strong, clear vision. In the world of startups and especially in Web3, bear or bull markets, distractions and challenges will be plentiful. It’s your vision that will guide you, keep you focused, and motivate you during tough times. This vision should be the beacon that lights your path and the anchor that keeps you grounded, as it was for me through my difficult journey.

In summary, as you step into the entrepreneurial arena, let obsessive hard work be your daily mantra, curiosity your constant companion, and a clear vision your guiding star.

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