What involves thoughts whenever you consider Gucci? Designer purses, vogue jewelry, elegant Swiss watches? What about fee integration with an ERC-20 governance and utility token that Web3 desires to energy? Rolls off your tongue, does not it? The enduring Italian vogue model introduced this week that it might broaden its fee choices to incorporate Bored Ape Yacht Membership-linked ApeCoin (APE) - however solely by way of BitPay. In different phrases, Gucci allows you to liquidate your APE in opposition to US {dollars} and spend the proceeds in its shops.
In the event you're shocked by the information, hold studying to be taught extra about Gucci's rising crypto ambitions. Whilst you're at it, keep tuned to this week's Crypto Biz as we analyze the newest information surrounding Michael Saylor and Robinhood. We go away you with a sobering evaluation of the Terra-induced crypto market meltdown from a prime Kraken exec.
Gucci is the primary main model to simply accept ApeCoin funds
In case you missed it, Gucci was formally the primary main model to simply accept APE funds by way of Bitpay. The transfer comes months after Gucci introduced it might settle for 12 crypto belongings as fee at greater than 100 North American shops. Holders of Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE) and different cryptos can now convert their digital belongings right into a $5,000 GUCCI tote bag. Past crypto funds, Gucci has launched two collections of non-fungible tokens (NFT) this 12 months, together with the SUPERGUCCI NFT sequence in February.
Michael Saylor will step down as CEO of MicroStrategy however will proceed to function Govt Chair
Bitcoin's chief evangelist Michael Saylor is cleansing up his calendar to focus nearly solely on selling the digital asset. This week, Saylor introduced that he was stepping down as CEO of MicroStrategy in favor of a brand new place as chairman of the board. Starting August 8, Saylor's new position will deal with MicroStrategy's "Bitcoin acquisition technique and associated initiatives to assist Bitcoin." A day after the announcement, MicroStrategy's share value rose to a three-month excessive. It seems like traders are proud of Saylor's place. We'll see how they really feel if the crypto winter lasts one other 12 months.
I need to focus extra on that in my subsequent job #Bitcoin.
— Michael Saylor⚡️ (@saylor) August 3, 2022
"It is on me" - CEO of Robinhood lays off 23% of staff after second-quarter loss
Robinhood's foray into crypto appeared nice over a 12 months in the past as we rode the bull market. Now that crypto, shares and the economic system are on the rocks, the low cost dealer has been compelled to put off almost 1 / 4 of its workforce. Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev broke the dangerous information shortly after the corporate reported dismal second-quarter outcomes that included a 44% year-over-year decline in internet revenue. Crypto-focused firms have seen widespread layoffs this 12 months as asset costs plummeted and buying and selling quantity dried up.
“Retiring Robinhoodies will likely be provided the chance to stay employed with Robinhood and obtain their common wage and advantages by way of October 1, 2022. They're additionally provided job search help (together with an non-obligatory Robinhood alumni expertise listing).”
— Nullhedge (@nullhedge) August 2, 2022
The contagion solely hit firms with “poor steadiness sheet administration” – chief of Kraken Aus
Terra Luna's epic collapse sparked an industry-wide contagion in crypto, finally resulting in a number of bankruptcies and trillions of {dollars} in misplaced market cap. However the one firms and protocols that went beneath have been these with "poor steadiness sheet administration" and an entire lack of expertise of how blockchain works. This sober evaluation was supplied by Jonathon Miller, managing director of Kraken Australia. He additionally defined why Ethereum has confirmed resilient within the face of chaos and why its guardian firm, Kraken, is poised to continue to grow.
Do not miss it! What's Subsequent for Bitcoin and Ether?
Bitcoin's efficiency over the previous week has shocked each bulls and bears. In the meantime, Ether has rebounded strongly from its lows as hype surrounding the upcoming merger mounts. However the prospects for each belongings are as clear as mud. On this week market report, I sat down with fellow analysts Marcel Pechman and Benton Yaun to debate an essential matter: have BTC and ETH bottomed but? You'll be able to watch a full replay of the present beneath.
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