Web3 startups kick off Cointelegraph Accelerator second cohort

Cointelegraph Accelerator, a startup booster that leverages Cointelegraph’s capabilities as a media and strategic partner, announced its second cohort launching in October 2023 for up-and-coming Web3 startups.

Selected from over 1000 startup applications, the 16 participants of the second cohort of the Cointelegraph Accelerator program represent a wide array of Web3 verticals, including decentralized finance (DeFi), fintech, wallets, entertainment, social, and GameFi.

By joining Cointelegraph’s accelerator program, Web3 startups will get marketing strategy expertise, access to Cointelegraph media products, and mentorship programs with industry experts on key start-up development…

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Fed continues to explore ‘CBDC payments backbone:’ Barr

The Federal Reserve is not any closer to making a decision on a central bank digital currency (CBDC), the Fed’s Michael Barr said in a speech on Friday.

The Vice Chair for Supervision added that — as companies and central banks continue to mull stablecoins and CBDCs — “we must carefully weigh the benefits and risks of different uses of these new technologies.”

Barr reiterated that the Fed continues to explore and research “emerging technologies that might support a CBDC payments backbone, or for other purposes in the existing payments system.”

“The research is currently focused on end-to-end system architecture, such as how ledgers that record ownership of and…

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Treasury urges crypto companies to ‘prevent’ terrorist financing

The US Treasury’s Deputy Secretary, Wally Adeyemo, has warned crypto firms to ensure that terrorist organizations are not able to use crypto to raise funds.

“Our expectation is that financial institutions and digital asset companies and others in the virtual currency ecosystem will take steps to prevent terrorists from being able to access resources. If they do not act to prevent illicit financial flows, the United States and our partners will,” Adeyemo said in a speech in London on Friday.

The Treasury Department’s deputy secretary added that it’s “committed to engaging” with crypto firms on the steps needed to prevent organizations like Hamas from moving funds.

“But,…

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Bitcoin Price On This Day: 27 October

2023: ↑ $34,050*

2022: ↓ $20,699

2021: ↑ $59,405

2020: ↑ $13,354

2019: ↑ $9,456

2018: ↑ $6,406

2017: ↑ $5,825

2016: ↑ $680

2015: ↓ $293

2014: ↑ $354

2013: ↑ $188

2012: ↑ $10

2011: ↑ $3

2010: ↑ $0.17

Every October 27th tells a tale. From Bitcoin’s humble $0.17 origins in 2010 to its breathtaking ascent to $59,405 by 2021, it’s a saga of meteoric rises and unexpected tumbles. 2022’s sharp dip to $20,699 was a reminder of crypto’s volatile dance. Yet, by 2023, at $34,050, Bitcoin reaffirms its resilience and mystique. It’s a 13-year odyssey of financial ambition, challenges, and undeniable tenacity.

Who Funds Hamas? Debunking Cryptocurrency Myths

“Who funds Hamas?” — The question that is making headlines right now, received many claims from mainstream media that Palestinian militant group Hamas gathered $130 million in funds using cryptocurrencies. A report shows that these numbers maybe highly exaggerated.

Who Funds Hamas? Are They Using Cryptocurrencies?

The global community has been abuzz with controversial headlines suggesting substantial cryptocurrency funding funneled towards Hamas. The militant group has been in the limelight due to its activities following the events of October 7, 2023 by launching a major attack against Israel. But how much of these headlines reflect the actual state of…

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Bitcoin beats S&P 500 in October as $40K BTC price predictions flow in

Bitcoin (BTC) surfed $34,000 at the Oct. 27 Wall Street open as attention turned to BTC price performance against macro assets.

BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: TradingViewBitcoin range faces weekly, monthly close

Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC/USD holding steady, preserving its early-week gains.

The largest cryptocurrency avoided significant volatility as the weekly and monthly closes — a key moment for the October uptrend — drew ever nearer.

“I think Bitcoin will hang around this range for some time,” popular trader Daan Crypto Trades told X subscribers in one of several posts on the day.

“Roughly $33-35K is what I’m looking at as a range. Eyes on… Read more on Cointelegraph

Bitmain Launches Antminer T21, Ready to Ship in January 2024

Renowned Bitcoin Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) manufacturer Bitmain has made a significant announcement by unveiling its latest air-cooled bitcoin miner, the Antminer T21, set to hit the market for shipping in January 2024.

ANTMINER T21 World Premiere!A big hit of T21!19J/T 190TAdjustable from NEM to HEMTolerant to ambient temp. 45°C!Flexible paymentPrice protectionContact BD for more details pic.twitter.com/6HVWC1NsEc

— BITMAIN (@BITMAINtech) October 25, 2023

The global premiere of the Antminer T21 took place at the Blockchain Life 2023 Forum in Dubai, where Bitmain held the title of “diamond sponsor.” This new miner, announced via Bitmain’s official…

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NEW: Former BitMex CEO Arthur Hayes Urges Investment in Bitcoin Amidst Financial Turmoil

Renowned cryptocurrency expert Arthur Hayes, former BitMex CEO, has reiterated the significance of Bitcoin in today’s turbulent financial landscape. Hayes highlighted the negative real interest rates in the U.S., showcasing the -1.1% real rate by subtracting 3Q23 nominal GDP growth (6.3%) from the one-year Treasury yield (5.4%). He urged caution against government-driven losses and advised investing in technology stocks, gold, and Bitcoin to protect purchasing power. Despite a previous formula error in his essays, Hayes remains steadfast in his call to embrace Bitcoin, emphasizing its role as a hedge against global inflation and economic uncertainty.

‘A lot of people got hurt’

Defense attorneys representing Sam “SBF” Bankman-Fried questioned the former FTX CEO in front of a jury for the first time as they prepared to rest their case.

According to reports from the New York courtroom on Oct. 27, Bankman-Fried denied defrauding FTX customers during his time leading the crypto exchange. The former CEO reportedly said he knew “basically nothing” about digital assets when launching crypto hedge fund Alameda Research.

“FTX declared bankruptcy,” said SBF in response to a question from his lawyer Mark Cohen. “A lot of people got hurt.”

This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.

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Sam Bankman-Fried to take the stand in front of a jury: SBF trial live blog

FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried faces seven federal charges in a criminal trial taking place in Manhattan. The former crypto exchange exec is accused of misappropriating billions of dollars of customer funds for real estate, donations, political contributions and investments. 

The current state of play: Bankman-Fried took the stand on Thursday, though no jury were present. He’s expected to take the stand yet again today, this time in front of the jury. After SBF wraps up his testimony, the defense’s case is pretty much wrapped, which means the jury can mull over the case before delivering a verdict. Read more here.

10 am ET: Sam Bankman-Fried is supposed to retake the stand… Read more on Blockworks