This WCN episode covered several major developments and community events in the Bitcoin space, focusing on market adoption, institutional failures, and venture capital activity.
Main Topics Discussed:
* Bitcoin Black Friday: The increasing merchant adoption of Bitcoin, with over 1200 merchants accepting it (double the previous year).
* Western Union Scrutiny: The community mocked Western Union for its high fees and limited promotion, leading to a viral "Streisand effect" when the company tried to remove comparison images.
* Mt. Gox Liquidation: Bitcoin Exchange Kraken was selected to assist in the liquidation of Mt. Gox and investigate the whereabouts of 800,000 missing Bitcoins.
* Goal Miners Controversy: A conflict arose when Coin Fire reported on Goal Miners' alleged false partnerships, leading to threats from Goal Miners CEO Josh Garza.
* Draper Family Investment: Adam Draper (Draper Junior) is refocusing his VC accelerator program solely on Bitcoin, committing to fund 100 Bitcoin companies.
Key Quotes:
1. "We've decided to volunteer our resources and expertise in an attempt to minimise damage to creditors, restore faith in the Bitcoin community, and demonstrate trusted leadership in the industry." (Jesse Powell)
2. "we made a promise to the Bitcoin community to back 100 Bitcoin companies in the next three years." (Adam Draper)
People Mentioned:
Jesse Powell (Kraken CEO), Adam Draper (Draper Junior), Josh Garza (Goal Miners CEO), Mark Upellers (Mt. Gox), DJ Booth (Host).
Bitcoin Price:
Not mentioned.