#HCPP18 - Interview with Pavel from SimpleCoin Bitcoin and Altcoin Exchange #LIVE

## Podcast Episode Summary: Interview with Pavel from SimpleCoin

This episode of the #HCPP18 podcast features an in-depth interview with Pavel, representing SimpleCoin, a cryptocurrency exchange primarily serving the Czech Republic and expanding into Europe. Founded five years ago during Bitcoin’s early dominance, SimpleCoin has grown to become the largest exchange in the Czech Republic. The platform prioritizes simplicity and ease of use, aiming to provide a user-friendly entry point to the world of cryptocurrency for everyday users, rather than advanced traders. Pavel emphasizes the importance of local exchanges, highlighting the value of native language support, familiar systems, and readily available customer service – a stark contrast to the perceived distance of larger, global platforms.

SimpleCoin facilitates the exchange of fiat currency (Czech Koruna and Euro) for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies including Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Rekpoel, and Ethereum. The platform operates as a classical exchange, trading against larger exchanges and avoiding long-term cryptocurrency holdings. They’re currently focused on expanding their services, with plans to introduce limit orders within a month, necessitating a cold storage solution. Looking ahead, SimpleCoin intends to open-source the client-side of their platform, while maintaining the backend as proprietary for security reasons, and will offer API and template frontends for partners. A key partnership with the Italian company Train Block is enabling this expansion, with Train Block providing local client relations, KYC, and language support while SimpleCoin provides the underlying technology.

Main Topics Discussed:

• Simplecoin's Origin & Services: Founding story, exchange functionality, supported cryptocurrencies, and geographic focus (Czech Republic, Europe).
• User Experience & Accessibility: Emphasis on simplicity, ease of use, mobile optimization, anonymous trading options, and user education.
• Customer Support: Strong customer support including phone support, ticketing systems, and weekend availability.
• Local Cryptocurrency Adoption: The importance of localized exchanges and support.
• Partnerships & Expansion: Collaboration with Train Block to expand into new markets.
• Security & Future Development: Prioritizing security, implementing 2FA, planning for cold storage, core wallet integration, and open-sourcing the client-side.
• Community Outreach: Advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate programs.
• Collaboration in the Crypto Space: Importance of open-source principles and a rising tide lifting all boats.

Key Quotes:

• "Simplecoin is actually crypto exchange. It's not a coin itself." – Pavel, clarifying SimpleCoin's role.
• "We are like the oldest exchange the biggest one [in Czech Republic]." – Pavel, highlighting SimpleCoin’s market position.
• "It's actually where we are best in because we have the phone you can really call us..." – Pavel, emphasizing SimpleCoin’s customer service.
• "I'd like to do it the second part [safely] especially when it's my money or my friends money or my family's money on the line." – Pavel, underscoring the importance of security.

People Mentioned:

• Pavel (from SimpleCoin, Interviewee)
• Thomas (Podcast Host)
• John Light (Mentioned in passing)

Bitcoin Prices: No specific Bitcoin prices were mentioned during the interview.

Website/Contact: simplecoin.eu