Why are we building Stake?\n\nWe believe Real Estate is a fantastic investment buying it is anything but fantastic

Stake

stake

After filling at the Long Beach Grand Prix, McLaren is to give the junior another race in IndyCar.

McLaren to give Stake F1 junior second chance | RacingNews365

The investment will be used to boost Plenary&#x27;s strategy across its global assets

Abu Dhabi's ADQ enters Australia with acquisition of 49% stake in Plenary Group

Founders and some executives of the infrastructure investor will receive a windfall after getting a cash injection from the Abu Dhabi investment group.

Plenary Group sells 49 percent stake to sovereign wealth fund ADQ in $1 billion deal

(Bloomberg) -- Silchester International Investors, a London-based firm that has advocated for corporate change in Japan, disclosed it has taken a <strong>stake</strong> in Nikon Corp., pushing the shares up by the most in almost three years.Most Read from BloombergTaylor Swift Is Proof That How We Critique ...

London Investor Discloses Stake in Nikon, Pushing Shares Up 11%

Cybercriminals are now attacking larger organizations for bigger payouts. With ransom demands doubling between the first and fourth quarters of 2022, as demonstrated in Fig 1, they currently exceed $1 million, making it crucial for enterprises to bolster their defenses. Notably, this trend where larger organizations are getting targeted for higher ransoms by attackers comes when these firms have increased their reliance on remote work, digitalized control, and cloud-based operations, adopting lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are various steps you can take to safeguard your organization from this growing cybersecurity threat. They include employee training and awareness, data backups, regular software and application updates, antimalware software, network segmentation, optimized email protections, application allowlisting, access protection, and regular penetration testing. How to Safeguard Your Organization Against Ransomware Attacks How to Safeguard Your Organization Against Ransomware Attacks Employee Training and Awareness Employee Training and Awareness The first step in safeguarding your organization against ransomware attacks is employee training. All workers must understand ransomware attacks as part of their cybersecurity awareness campaigns. Make sure to enlist the assistance of renowned organizational cybersecurity companies to engage in both online and physical training. Employees must know and understand the risk points, ransomware response frameworks, developments in ransomware attacks, and how to react to suspicious online and offline activity. Proper training and awareness ensure your organization and its employees are ready for attacks. Backup All Critical Data Backup All Critical Data Backing up all critical data using the 3-2-1 methodology protects an organization's data against attackers, making recovery from attacks easier and faster. The 3-2-1 methodology entails saving all critical organizational data as three separate copies in two different types of data storage and ensuring one copy is always offline and air-gaped. Consider using high-tech, solid-state, large-capacity portable hard disks with encryption capabilities for offline storage. Also, cloud-based storage complements hard disks, and I am considering working with reputable companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Egnyte Business Storage, and Tresorit Business Cloud Storage. Always prescribe for business packages when dealing with cloud storage options because they have higher security functionalities and offer high-capacity, immutable storage. Keep all Software, User Passwords, and Systems Updated Keep all Software, User Passwords, and Systems Updated Various malware like viruses and ransomware evolve to evade aging cybersecurity systems and software. Therefore, you should continuously update your systems to the latest version to benefit from in-built cybersecurity features. Also, an organization elevates its ransomware protection by updating its software regularly to keep abreast of ransomware mutations. The 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack, which crippled the UK's healthcare infrastructure, Spanish telecoms giant Telefonica, and Taiwanese tech giant TSMC was caused by laxity in updating cybersecurity software and the Microsoft operating systems. User Passwords are common access points through which ransomware makes its way into organizational networks that rely on remote access. According to socradar.io, up to 21% of all ransomware attacks in 2020 were attributable to weak passwords in the access management systems of organizations, as demonstrated in the infographic in Fig 2. Therefore, one must consider teaching password management practices like creating long, multi-symbolic alphanumeric passwords that can only be used for a limited period. If the user fails to update their password, they are locked out of the system. After creating a new, similarly strong password, they must utilize multiple-factor authentication to access the network. Phishing attacks rely on weak passwords and other reckless practices in weak access management systems. Also, combining biometric information with card-based passwords makes cards useless when their verifiable owners are absent. socradar.io Install and Use Renowned Firewalls and Antivirus Software Install and Use Renowned Firewalls and Antivirus Software Firewalls are the first defense against attacks targeting online software and hardware. It would help if you sourced the latest firewalls from reputable companies like Sophos, pfSense, and FortiGate. Always seek firewalls designed for business applications because they have advanced ransomware defense capabilities. Also, VPN-specific ransomware detection functionalities should be included to protect businesses that rely on remote access operations and cloud-based storage. Combine high-level firewalls with reputable antivirus software for enterprises like Norton, ESET, and Bitdefender. The IT technicians serving your company or organization must set these two levels of ransomware defenses to scan the entire system daily. Weekly full system scans are advisable as they take longer and may interrupt operations. Segment Your Network Segment Your Network Network segmentation entails dividing the organization’s operational environment and infrastructure into smaller tiers or sub-networks that are wholly isolated but work in coordination. This ransomware mitigation strategy aims to reduce the access and damage attacks can render to the organization. Ransomware attacks rely on network integration to spread from their entry point into other hardware and software components. Network segmentation isolates the malware to certain levels of the organization’s systems and infrastructure, reducing damage and improving recovery from the attack. One of the best implementations of network segmentation is physical architecture, where individual hardware items are maintained in separate subnets. However, physical architecture may limit operational efficiency due to the difficulty of remotely managing the isolated physical components. Physical segmentation may incorporate static IP addresses and advanced features at the levels of switches and routers to isolate external access attempts. An emerging trend in organizational protection is intent-based segmentation, where network semantics dictate why the network has segmented itself from the central system. This form of network segregation benefits small and more significant business organizations with additional security features like zero-trust network principles. This segmentation approach is also essential in organizations with discrete operations that rely on need-to-know data requiring higher security levels, even from internal operators. Micro-segmentation is also taking off as an advanced form of network segmentation that incorporates virtual local area networks (VLANs) and access control lists to dictate segment access in conjunction with intent-based protocols. Update Email Protections Update Email Protections Emails are integral to how ransomware accesses business organizations through downloadable suspicious email attachments, links to infected software, and social engineering. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), emails are the leading entry methods for ransomware into business organizations, accounting for more than 54% of all ransomware attacks in 2020. Therefore, consider updating the organization's email protections to protect yourself from email risk points. First, employees should never open emails from unknown senders. This includes clicking on the email’s bodies, and they should report such emails immediately to the IT department personnel and management. Secondly, constantly update client email applications to benefit from high-level cybersecurity features. Thirdly, establish Sender Policy Frameworks (SPFs), which entail designating specific servers from which client emails can only come for additional security. Fourth, establish DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), which involves digital signatures and an encryption key for emails from verified and known senders. Finally, email protection must include Domain Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC), which combines SPF and DKIM functionalities in a dynamic package, as demonstrated below in Fig 3. Application Whitelisting Application Whitelisting Application whitelisting is a network security feature that designates which applications a network can download, open, and use in its functionalities and infrastructure. Malware ordinarily piggybacks on legitimate applications, imitating appearance, authentication, and functionalities. Other malware used in ransomware attacks utilize macros to trick unsuspecting or reckless organizational personnel into downloading trojans and viruses by hiding in MS Word documents. Whitelisting prevents such malware from executing through advanced detection processes. Ransomware morphs at a very rapid rate to avoid detection and imitate various legitimate applications. However, regardless of how fast such malware morphs to avoid detection, if it is not on the application whitelist serving the network’s cybersecurity purposes, it cannot gain access to data or systems. Applications whitelisting best practices dictate that whitelisted applications gain access to the network using zero-trust architecture. Also, only authorized network administrators who require access to such applications and network sections or functionalities are allowed to use such applications on the network. One of the most common whitelisting apps is Windows AppLocker, which could enable the user to benefit from additional Microsoft ransomware detection and management functionalities. End-User Device and Access Privilege Protections End-User Device and Access Privilege Protections End-user protection during ransomware mitigation entails detection and authenticating end-user access to protected networks. Herein, your organization must be able to detect all forms of access, whether through laptops, smartphones, tablets, flash disks, or hard drives, physically or remotely. Consider employing advanced End Point Detection and Response (EDR) services and applications like Bitdefender EDR and Cisco Advanced Malware Protection for Endpoints in your organization, as they provide continuous monitoring, detection, and response to network access and suspicious hardware or software activities. Standard EDR tools combine antimalware, data encryption, intrusion detection, mobile and desktop security, and web browser security with real-time notification and alert functionalities. Notably, least privilege strategies of access management can also contribute to safeguarding your organization against ransomware attacks. This strategy entails providing authenticated and verified users on the network with only access and data necessary to perform predetermined activities. Also, the Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) policy helps prevent ransomware through access and end-user management. Only verified users with specific roles are granted access to data and systems relevant to their intended and reported activities in the network. These strategies for access control are complemented by multi-factor authentication (MFA) and zero-trust architecture. Regular Intrusion and Readiness Testing Regular Intrusion and Readiness Testing Regular intrusion and readiness testing is the final safeguard against ransomware attacks. This strategy entails simulating breaches using various known and cutting-edge ransomware strategies in discrete and random tests to test personnel readiness, system preparedness, and mitigation strategy performance. In addition, organizations must consider regularly re-evaluating access points and user privileges, identifying new or mutated system vulnerabilities, and creating new security protocols in keeping with the best industry standards. Regular intrusion and readiness testing also involves retraining all organizational personnel on common points of risk like regular password changing with solid alternatives, safe web surfing, and browsing, implementation of robust VPNs by avoiding public Wi-Fi zones, and recognition of suspicious and malicious files or online content. The organization must also regularly train its personnel on the most up-to-date social engineering practices. It is best practice to engage renowned organizational cybersecurity firms periodically in training and retraining activities to understand the developments and needs of the firm fully. Conclusion In conclusion, ransomware attacks are increasingly growing and targeting larger organizations in what is now known as 'big fish hunting.' The frequency of such cyberattacks is increasing, as are the ransom amounts demanded by the attacks. This unfortunate cybersecurity trend coincides with the post-COVID-19 pandemic, where most medium and large organizations have adopted additional online functionalities and embraced remote working. However, you can safeguard your organization from ransomware through employee training and awareness, data backups, regular software and application updates, antimalware software, network segmentation, optimized email protections, application whitelisting, access protection, and regular penetration testing. References References https://www.coveware.com/blog/2023/4/28/big-game-hunting-is-back-despite-decreasing-ransom-payment-amounts
https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/ransomware-wannacry
https://socradar.io/top-five-causes-of-ransomware-attacks/
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/enterprise-networks/enterprise-network-security/intent-based-network-security-aag.html#:~:text=Intent-based network security is,the distributed network it exists.
https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-releases-the-internet-crime-complaint-center-2020-internet-crime-report-including-covid-19-scam-statistics
https://blog.mdaemon.com/dmarc-best-practices-securing-your-email-communications
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/malware/macro-malware
https://www.digitalguardian.com/blog/what-role-based-access-control-rbac-examples-benefits-and-more https://www.coveware.com/blog/2023/4/28/big-game-hunting-is-back-despite-decreasing-ransom-payment-amounts https://www.coveware.com/blog/2023/4/28/big-game-hunting-is-back-despite-decreasing-ransom-payment-amounts https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/ransomware-wannacry https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/ransomware-wannacry https://socradar.io/top-five-causes-of-ransomware-attacks/ https://socradar.io/top-five-causes-of-ransomware-attacks/ https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/enterprise-networks/enterprise-network-security/intent-based-network-security-aag.html#:~:text=Intent-based network security is,the distributed network it exists. https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collateral/enterprise-networks/enterprise-network-security/intent-based-network-security-aag.html#:~:text=Intent-based network security is,the distributed network it exists https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-releases-the-internet-crime-complaint-center-2020-internet-crime-report-including-covid-19-scam-statistics https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-releases-the-internet-crime-complaint-center-2020-internet-crime-report-including-covid-19-scam-statistics https://blog.mdaemon.com/dmarc-best-practices-securing-your-email-communications https://blog.mdaemon.com/dmarc-best-practices-securing-your-email-communications https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/malware/macro-malware https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/defender-endpoint/malware/macro-malware https://www.digitalguardian.com/blog/what-role-based-access-control-rbac-examples-benefits-and-more https://www.digitalguardian.com/blog/what-role-based-access-control-rbac-examples-benefits-and-more

The High Stakes of Big Game Hunting in Cybersecurity

Agile is a Balancing Act. Stakeholders Want Everything. Your Team Can’t Do It All. Agile is a tightrope walk. One moment, you’re helping the team hit their sprint goal. The next, a stakeholder drops in with a "quick request" that could throw everything off balance. If you push back, you risk frustrating them. If you say yes, you overload the team and compromise quality. Sound familiar? If you work in an agile environment—especially as a BA, PM, or Scrum Master—you know the drill. You’re constantly managing expectations, juggling priorities, and, let’s be honest, playing defense against scope creep. If you don’t learn to push back strategically, you’ll either: ✅ End up in "yes-mode", where every new request delays progress. ❌ Be labeled as "the blocker", even though you’re just keeping things under control. Neither is great. But here’s the good news: you can say no—without making enemies or derailing projects. Saying No is Hard, But Saying Yes to Everything is Worse Let’s face it: no one enjoys being told “no.” Especially stakeholders who: Think everything is top priority.
Believe adding “just one more thing” is simple (spoiler: it’s usually not).
Have leadership breathing down their necks for faster delivery. But here’s the reality: Saying yes to everything means missed deadlines, exhausted teams, and a bloated product roadmap.
Saying no the wrong way makes people feel ignored—or worse, they escalate their request to leadership. Your job isn’t to reject ideas outright—it’s to manage them strategically so the team stays focused on what truly matters. The Right Way to Push Back (Without Sounding Like a Roadblock) 🔥 Tactical Framework: The “A.R.O” Method (Align, Redirect, Offer) 🔥 Instead of just shutting down requests, use this three-step approach to keep things positive and solution-focused: 1️⃣ Align → Show You Understand Their Request Before you push back, acknowledge the request. Make the stakeholders feel heard. ✅ “That’s a great idea—I see how that could help [business goal].” ✅“I get why this is important, and I know it would improve [specific use case].” 🎯 Why? Because people hate being dismissed. A little validation goes a long way in keeping the conversation productive. A stakeholder once requested a custom email template/update to an existing template in the middle of a sprint. Instead of shutting it down, I responded: ✔“Customizing text makes the template more relevant and effective—I see why this matters. (ALIGN)." ✔“Right now, we’re focused on completing the current tasks in the sprint, and adding this would delay that release. (REDIRECT)." ✔“But we can review this in backlog refinement and see where it fits best. (OFFER).” They didn’t love the answer—but they understood the trade-off, and that’s what mattered. 2️⃣ Redirect → Shift Focus to Priorities & Constraints Once they feel heard, gently guide the conversation back to the team’s existing commitments. ❌ Instead of: “We don’t have time for this.” ✅ Say: “Right now, we’re committed to [priority feature], and adding this would push back that timeline.” OR, if leadership is involved: ✅“I’d love to explore this! But based on our roadmap, it would require shifting priorities. Would you like to discuss what we can trade-off?” 🎯 Why? Because this turns the conversation into a prioritization discussion instead of a hard rejection. 3️⃣ Offer → Find a Path Forward (That Doesn’t Derail Everything) Stakeholders don’t just want an answer—they want options. Even if you can’t say yes, offer a reasonable next step. ✔ “We can look at this for the next sprint.” ✔“If we deprioritize [X], we might be able to fit this in. Is that an option?” ✔“We can do a lightweight version now and expand on it later. Would that work?” 🎯 Why? Because this keeps the conversation collaborative rather than combative. Handling Difficult Stakeholders (Because Some Won’t Take No for an Answer) Even if you use this approach, some stakeholders will still push back. Here’s how to handle the most common scenarios: 📌 Scenario 1: “I need this ASAP.” 🚀 Your Response: “I hear you. Let’s look at trade-offs—what are you okay with delaying so we can fit this in?” 👉Forces them to recognize the impact of their request instead of assuming it can just be added in. I once had a feature request to add/copy over an existing feature for a different set of users right before the launch of the application. Instead of rejecting it, I asked: ✔“If we prioritize this, it means delaying the feature your team requested in the last sprint. Do you want to make that trade?” Once they realized the impact, they backed off. 📌 Scenario 2: They Go Around You to Leadership. 💡 Your Response: “I understand why this is important. Let’s get leadership involved so we can collectively decide how to prioritize it.” 👉This keeps the conversation structured instead of turning it into a conflict. 📌 Scenario 3: They Keep Changing Requirements Mid-Sprint. ⏳ Your Response: “I get that priorities shift, but once a sprint starts, any changes need to be considered for the next sprint so we don’t disrupt progress. Let’s queue this up for the backlog.” 👉This reinforces that agile is structured, not an on-the-fly request system. Your Playbook for Handling Stakeholders Like a Pro Want to make these conversations easier? Set expectations before they become a problem. ✅ Create a Transparent Roadmap→ If stakeholders know what’s planned, they’re less likely to demand last-minute changes. ✅Use Data, Not Just Words → Instead of “We don’t have time,” say “This request would take ~4 weeks, which would push back [X].” ✅Make Prioritization a Shared Responsibility → If they want to add something, they should help decide what gets cut. Final Thoughts: Saying No is About Protecting Value, Not Rejecting Ideas Agile BAs aren’t note-takers—they’re decision facilitators. ✅ Your job isn’t to say no—it’s to make sure the right things get built at the right time. ✅ The more strategic you are in these conversations, the more respect you earn from both stakeholders and your team. ✅ Saying no isn’t rejection—it’s guiding stakeholders toward better decisions. Your Turn: I know every BA has a war story about pushing back on a wild stakeholder request. What’s yours? What’s the toughest ‘no’ you’ve ever had to deliver? Let’s hear it in the comments! Agile is a Balancing Act. Stakeholders Want Everything. Your Team Can’t Do It All. Agile is a Balancing Act. Stakeholders Want Everything. Your Team Can’t Do It All. Agile is a tightrope walk. One moment, you’re helping the team hit their sprint goal. The next, a stakeholder drops in with a "quick request" that could throw everything off balance. "quick request" If you push back, you risk frustrating them. If you say yes, you overload the team and compromise quality. Sound familiar? If you work in an agile environment—especially as a BA, PM, or Scrum Master—you know the drill. You’re constantly managing expectations, juggling priorities, and, let’s be honest, playing defense against scope creep. If you don’t learn to push back strategically , you’ll either: defense push back strategically ✅ End up in "yes-mode" , where every new request delays progress. "yes-mode" ❌ Be labeled as "the blocker" , even though you’re just keeping things under control. "the blocker" Neither is great. But here’s the good news: you can say no—without making enemies or derailing projects. you can say no—without making enemies or derailing projects. Saying No is Hard, But Saying Yes to Everything is Worse Saying No is Hard, But Saying Yes to Everything is Worse Let’s face it: no one enjoys being told “no.” Especially stakeholders who: no one enjoys being told “no.” Think everything is top priority. Believe adding “just one more thing” is simple (spoiler: it’s usually not). Have leadership breathing down their necks for faster delivery. Think everything is top priority . top priority Believe adding “just one more thing” is simple (spoiler: it’s usually not). Have leadership breathing down their necks for faster delivery. But here’s the reality: Saying yes to everything means missed deadlines, exhausted teams, and a bloated product roadmap. Saying no the wrong way makes people feel ignored—or worse, they escalate their request to leadership. Saying yes to everything means missed deadlines, exhausted teams, and a bloated product roadmap. yes to everything missed deadlines, exhausted teams, and a bloated product roadmap. Saying no the wrong way makes people feel ignored—or worse, they escalate their request to leadership. no the wrong way Your job isn’t to reject ideas outright —it’s to manage them strategically so the team stays focused on what truly matters. reject ideas outright manage them strategically The Right Way to Push Back (Without Sounding Like a Roadblock) The Right Way to Push Back (Without Sounding Like a Roadblock) 🔥 Tactical Framework: The “A.R.O” Method (Align, Redirect, Offer) 🔥 Tactical Framework: The “A.R.O” Method Instead of just shutting down requests , use this three-step approach to keep things positive and solution-focused: shutting down requests three-step approach 1️⃣ Align → Show You Understand Their Request 1️⃣ Align → Show You Understand Their Request Before you push back, acknowledge the request. Make the stakeholders feel heard. ✅ “That’s a great idea—I see how that could help [business goal].” “That’s a great idea—I see how that could help [business goal].” ✅“I get why this is important, and I know it would improve [specific use case].” 🎯 Why? Because people hate being dismissed. A little validation goes a long way in keeping the conversation productive. Why? goes a long way A stakeholder once requested a custom email template/update to an existing template in the middle of a sprint. Instead of shutting it down, I responded: a custom email template/update to an existing template ✔“Customizing text makes the template more relevant and effective—I see why this matters. (ALIGN)." ✔“Right now, we’re focused on completing the current tasks in the sprint, and adding this would delay that release. (REDIRECT)." ✔“But we can review this in backlog refinement and see where it fits best. (OFFER).” They didn’t love the answer—but they understood the trade-off, and that’s what mattered. 2️⃣ Redirect → Shift Focus to Priorities & Constraints 2️⃣ Redirect → Shift Focus to Priorities & Constraints Once they feel heard, gently guide the conversation back to the team’s existing commitments. gently guide the conversation back to the team’s existing commitments. ❌ Instead of: “We don’t have time for this.” “We don’t have time for this.” ✅ Say: “Right now, we’re committed to [priority feature], and adding this would push back that timeline.” “Right now, we’re committed to [priority feature], and adding this would push back that timeline.” OR, if leadership is involved: ✅“I’d love to explore this! But based on our roadmap, it would require shifting priorities. Would you like to discuss what we can trade-off?” 🎯 Why? Because this turns the conversation into a prioritization discussion instead of a hard rejection. Why? this turns the conversation into a prioritization discussion 3️⃣ Offer → Find a Path Forward (That Doesn’t Derail Everything) 3️⃣ Offer → Find a Path Forward (That Doesn’t Derail Everything) Stakeholders don’t just want an answer—they want options . Even if you can’t say yes, offer a reasonable next step . options a reasonable next step ✔ “We can look at this for the next sprint.” “We can look at this for the next sprint.” ✔“If we deprioritize [X], we might be able to fit this in. Is that an option?” ✔“We can do a lightweight version now and expand on it later. Would that work?” 🎯 Why? Because this keeps the conversation collaborative rather than combative. Why? collaborative Handling Difficult Stakeholders (Because Some Won’t Take No for an Answer) Handling Difficult Stakeholders (Because Some Won’t Take No for an Answer) Even if you use this approach, some stakeholders will still push back. Here’s how to handle the most common scenarios: will still push back. 📌 Scenario 1: “I need this ASAP.” 📌 Scenario 1: “I need this ASAP.” 🚀 Your Response: “I hear you. Let’s look at trade-offs—what are you okay with delaying so we can fit this in?” Your Response: “I hear you. Let’s look at trade-offs—what are you okay with delaying so we can fit this in?” 👉Forces them to recognize the impact of their request instead of assuming it can just be added in. I once had a feature request to add/copy over an existing feature for a different set of users right before the launch of the application. Instead of rejecting it, I asked: ✔“If we prioritize this, it means delaying the feature your team requested in the last sprint. Do you want to make that trade?” Once they realized the impact, they backed off. they backed off. 📌 Scenario 2: They Go Around You to Leadership. 📌 Scenario 2: They Go Around You to Leadership. 💡 Your Response: “I understand why this is important. Let’s get leadership involved so we can collectively decide how to prioritize it.” Your Response: “I understand why this is important. Let’s get leadership involved so we can collectively decide how to prioritize it.” 👉This keeps the conversation structured instead of turning it into a conflict. 📌 Scenario 3: They Keep Changing Requirements Mid-Sprint. 📌 Scenario 3: They Keep Changing Requirements Mid-Sprint. ⏳ Your Response: “I get that priorities shift, but once a sprint starts, any changes need to be considered for the next sprint so we don’t disrupt progress. Let’s queue this up for the backlog.” Your Response: “I get that priorities shift, but once a sprint starts, any changes need to be considered for the next sprint so we don’t disrupt progress. Let’s queue this up for the backlog.” 👉This reinforces that agile is structured, not an on-the-fly request system. Your Playbook for Handling Stakeholders Like a Pro Your Playbook for Handling Stakeholders Like a Pro Want to make these conversations easier? Set expectations before they become a problem. Set expectations before they become a problem. ✅ Create a Transparent Roadmap → If stakeholders know what’s planned, they’re less likely to demand last-minute changes. Create a Transparent Roadmap ✅ Use Data, Not Just Words → Instead of “We don’t have time,” say “This request would take ~4 weeks, which would push back [X].” Use Data, Not Just Words “We don’t have time,” “This request would take ~4 weeks, which would push back [X].” ✅ Make Prioritization a Shared Responsibility → If they want to add something, they should help decide what gets cut. Make Prioritization a Shared Responsibility Final Thoughts: Saying No is About Protecting Value, Not Rejecting Ideas Final Thoughts: Saying No is About Protecting Value, Not Rejecting Ideas Agile BAs aren’t note-takers—they’re decision facilitators . aren’t note-takers—they’re decision facilitators ✅ Your job isn’t to say no—it’s to make sure the right things get built at the right time. ✅ The more strategic you are in these conversations, the more respect you earn from both stakeholders and your team. ✅ Saying no isn’t rejection—it’s guiding stakeholders toward better decisions. Saying no isn’t rejection—it’s guiding stakeholders toward better decisions. Your Turn: Your Turn: I know every BA has a war story about pushing back on a wild stakeholder request. What’s yours? What’s the toughest ‘no’ you’ve ever had to deliver? Let’s hear it in the comments!

The Art of 'No': Navigating Stakeholder Expectations in Agile Teams

Ritesh Lad is an expert in strategic proposal writing, specializing in crafting competitive proposals for government and commercial tenders in IT, consulting, financial services, and digital marketing. Currently, he serves as a Senior Proposal Writer at Talantage LLC (USA), where he is responsible for developing and managing tender documentation for government and corporate clients. Having worked on numerous large-scale, global, and complex multi-million-dollar opportunities with an impressive 96% success rate, Ritesh has seen firsthand that a well-crafted proposal is a powerful marketing tool in itself. It’s not just about securing a contract, it’s about establishing credibility, building client trust, and reinforcing brand’s authority in the industry. In this interview, Ritesh shares his insights on what it takes to achieve a high success rate in proposals, how he navigates challenges, and why a creative approach is essential in proposal writing. Ritesh, you initially studied Computer Engineering, but later on, your career path shifted towards Marketing, Business Analysis, and Proposal Management. Why did you choose these fields? My career has been an evolution of skills and interests rather than a shift. When I pursued Computer Engineering, I was fascinated by the power of technology, how systems are built, and the logic that drives them. But as I delved deeper into the industry, I realized that technology alone is not enough, it needs a compelling story, a strategy, and a market-driven approach to truly create an impact. That’s where my interest in the fields you mentioned started taking shape. That curiosity led me to pursue an MBA in Information Technology, where I refined my ability to connect technical solutions with business needs. How did your career develop further? During my early career in IT services and consultancy, I became deeply involved in proposal writing and business development. I enjoyed not just working with technology but translating it into real business value, helping clients understand why a particular solution was the best fit for them. Later, my Master’s in Marketing further strengthened my understanding of brand positioning, sales enablement, and digital marketing in the IT space. Now, my role revolves around crafting winning proposals that don’t just check compliance boxes but tell a compelling, persuasive, and strategic story. I believe that marketing in the IT sector is about more than just promotion. It’s about understanding market trends, client pain points, and how technology can solve real-world problems in a way that resonates with decision-makers. Can you please tell us more about your current role of a Senior Proposal Writer? At Talantage LLC, we specialize in talent solutions, business consulting, and workforce strategy. My role as a Senior Proposal Writer is to develop proposals that secure high-value contracts, particularly in the public and commercial sectors. My job is not just about writing responses to RFPs but about crafting market-driven narratives that align our capabilities with the client’s needs in a persuasive and strategic manner. I work closely with leadership to identify win themes, position solutions effectively, and ensure that our proposals are not just compliant but truly compelling. It’s a mix of strategic marketing, business development, and content expertise, and it allows me to leverage both my technical background and marketing skills in a way that drives real business results. You have worked on large projects across multiple industries. What are the most significant projects you have contributed to, and what role did you personally play in their implementation? I’ve had the privilege of working on high-stakes, multi-million-dollar proposals where the difference between winning and losing is often in the details. One of the most significant projects I worked on was a $50M+ digital transformation initiative for a Fortune 500 company. The challenge was to demonstrate why our IT solution was superior, not just in terms of technology but also in terms of cost-effectiveness, scalability, and long-term ROI. My role was to develop a strong win theme, create persuasive messaging, and align our proposal with the client’s strategic priorities. Through targeted storytelling and data-backed insights, we successfully secured the contract. Another major success was a $30M proposal in the financial services sector. The client was hesitant due to concerns about regulatory compliance and integration risks. My approach was to simplify complex technical jargon into business-friendly language and reinforce our proposal with real-world case studies and competitive differentiators. By focusing on how our solution improved operational efficiency and reduced risk, we won the contract. What do you believe contributed to the high success rate? What solutions did you propose to achieve these results? The key to these wins was my ability to blend marketing strategy with proposal development, ensuring that every response was not just a document but a strategic business tool that convinced decision-makers. A crucial factor in achieving a high success rate in proposals is a combination of data-driven decision-making, competitive analysis, and marketing-oriented storytelling. Every proposal I work on starts with a deep dive into market research and client insights. Understanding the client's challenges and aligning our solutions with their business goals and industry trends is essential. One of the most impactful strategies I use is value-driven messaging. Instead of simply listing technical features, I frame our solutions in terms of their business impact, how they improve efficiency, reduce costs, or drive innovation. For example, in IT transformation projects, I integrate benchmarking data, industry best practices, and customer success stories to reinforce credibility. Another major factor is compliance without compromise. Many companies focus so much on meeting RFP requirements that they miss the opportunity to differentiate themselves. I ensure that proposals are not just compliant but also engaging, visually appealing, and strategically positioned to highlight competitive advantages. Can you share a specific proposal or project where you had to overcome significant challenges to achieve success? One of the most challenging proposals I worked on was a one of the high-stakes government bank RFP in India for a digital transformation initiative. The project was particularly complex because it involved strict compliance regulations, aggressive deadlines, and a highly competitive bidding process. The biggest challenge, however, was that the client was skeptical about security and cost efficiency in transitioning their legacy systems into a cloud-based infrastructure. Time was against us, we had less than three weeks to put together a proposal that not only met technical and compliance requirements but also convinced the client of the long-term business value of our solution. To tackle this, I took a marketing-driven approach to the proposal. Rather than focusing solely on technical specifications, I emphasized ROI projections, operational efficiency gains, and real-world case studies demonstrating successful cloud migrations. I collaborated with our cybersecurity experts to develop a risk-mitigation strategy, detailing how our solution adhered to security standards. I also integrated interactive visual storytelling elements into the executive summary, infographics, security framework diagrams, and comparative cost-benefit analyses to simplify complex concepts for non-technical stakeholders. Despite the tight deadline, the proposal was submitted on time and with precision. The client was highly impressed by how clearly we articulated both technical feasibility and business benefits. The result? We won the contract, and the client later praised our approach as one of the most comprehensive and compelling proposals they had reviewed. What knowledge and skills should a Proposal Writer have today to succeed in the market? One of the most crucial skills is the ability to analyze market trends and customer needs. Clients today are looking for more than just technical specifications; they want to understand the business impact of a solution. This means a successful Proposal Writer must be able to translate complex IT solutions into compelling business cases that highlight ROI, competitive advantages, and innovation. Another essential skill is data-driven decision-making. The use of AI, automation tools, and CRM systems like Salesforce has changed the way we approach proposals. Today’s Proposal Writers must leverage data analytics to optimize proposals, ensuring they align with client expectations, industry benchmarks, and past proposal performance. Additionally, digital transformation has led to an increased focus on visual storytelling. Static, text-heavy proposals are becoming outdated. Instead, organizations are incorporating infographics, interactive elements, and video summaries to make proposals more engaging. This means Proposal Writers must also have a basic understanding of design principles, content marketing strategies, and digital engagement tactics. How do you think this role will evolve in the near future? Looking ahead, I see it evolving further with AI-generated content, hyper-personalized proposals, and real-time collaboration platforms that will make the proposal process even more dynamic. The writers who will stand out are those who can strategically integrate technology, storytelling, and marketing insights to create proposals that not only comply with requirements but also leave a lasting impact. What helps you stay creative in your work? Creativity in proposal writing is about finding innovative ways to capture attention, engage decision-makers, and tell a compelling story. I stay creative by constantly exploring new storytelling techniques, design strategies, and digital marketing trends. Inspiration comes from advertising campaigns, brand storytelling, and even behavioral psychology, all of which help me craft proposals that stand out. Can you give an example of a time when you had to develop a creative solution to meet a client’s needs? One example was a strategy I developed for a highly competitive IT services proposal where the client was overwhelmed with vendor responses. Instead of submitting a traditional PDF proposal, I suggested creating an interactive digital experience. We built a customized landing page for the proposal that included video testimonials and interactive infographics to visualize the solution’s benefits. This approach allowed decision-makers to explore key content at their own pace, making the proposal not just informative but also engaging. The client was highly impressed, and we won the contract, primarily because we differentiated ourselves through an innovative, client-focused approach.

“Winning and Losing is Often in the Details.” Ritesh Lad on the Art of High-stakes Proposal Writing

How P2P.org Manages $10B+ in Staked Assets: An Interview with CRO Alex Loktev

Cómo P2P.org gestiona más de 10 mil millones de dólares en activos en stake: entrevista con el director de inversiones Alex Loktev

P2P.org が 100 億ドル以上のステーク資産を管理する方法: CRO アレックス・ロクテフ氏へのインタビュー

Ny fomba hitantanan'ny P2P.org ny $10B+ amin'ny fananana staked: Resadresaka nifanaovana tamin'i CRO Alex Loktev

P2P.org 10 тэрбум долларын хөрөнгө оруулалтыг хэрхэн удирддаг вэ: CRO Alex Loktev-тэй хийсэн ярилцлага

P2P.org ले कसरी $१० अर्ब+ को स्ट्याक गरिएको सम्पत्ति व्यवस्थापन गर्छ: CRO एलेक्स लोकतेभसँगको अन्तर्वार्ता

Kamoo P2P.org Laola $ 10B + ka Staked Matlotlo: Poledišano le CRO Alex Loktev

Imaynatachus P2P.org $10B+ kaqmanta Apuestas kaqpi kamachin: CRO Alex Loktev kaqwan rimanakuy

Cum gestionează P2P.org peste 10 miliarde USD în activele pariate: un interviu cu CRO Alex Loktev

Nigute P2P.org icunga $ 10B + mumitungo ifunze: Ikiganiro na CRO Alex Loktev

Sida P2P.org u maamusho $10B+ ee Hantida Saaran: Wareysi lala yeeshay CRO Alex Loktev

Paano Pinamamahalaan ng P2P.org ang $10B+ sa Staked Assets: Isang Panayam kay CRO Alex Loktev

ILawula njani i-P2P.org yeedola ezili-10B+ kwii-Asethi eziSetyenzisiweyo: Udliwano-ndlebe kunye ne-CRO Alex Loktev

**HONG KONG, Hong Kong, February 20th, 2025/Chainwire/--**Hong Kong-based investment group Avenir Group has emerged as a major institutional player in the digital asset market, with its recent disclosure revealing a significant $599 million investment in Bitcoin ETFs. This strategic move not only underscores Avenir's confidence in the future of digital assets but also marks a pivotal moment in its brand evolution and business strategy. Avenir Group holds 11.3 million shares of IBIT, valued at approximately $599 million Leading Institutional Investment in Bitcoin ETFs Avenir Group's latest 13F filing revealed a significant increase in Bitcoin ETF exposure, positioning it as Asia's largest institutional holder of Bitcoin ETFs. As of December 31, Avenir owns 11.3 million shares of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), valued at approximately $599 million. This strategic investment makes Avenir the largest holder of Bitcoin ETFs in Asia, highlighting its commitment to digital assets and financial innovation. Institutional Surge in Bitcoin ETFs Accelerates Mainstream Adoption The latest SEC 13F filings reveal a growing institutional appetite for Bitcoin ETFs. According to K33 Research, institutional investors held 25.4% of spot Bitcoin ETF assets by Q4 2024, totaling $26.8 billion. Throughout the quarter, major institutions—including investment firms, hedge funds, banks, and pension funds—significantly increased their holdings. Originally established as Li Lin’s family office, Avenir Group has evolved into a leading investment group specializing in financial innovation and emerging technologies. The firm’s multi-asset, multi-strategy approach spans quantitative trading, public markets, private equity, and digital asset investments. Under its umbrella, DeepTrading operates independently as a high-frequency trading team, while the Avenir Foundation focuses on technology education and innovation. Avenir Group firmly believes that the convergence of digital assets with traditional finance, alongside the fusion of financial innovation and emerging technologies, will redefine global markets. Committed to compliance and globalization, Avenir is strategically positioning itself to drive long-term, sustainable growth in the industry. With deep industry insights, exceptional investment performance, proprietary data models, and robust risk management systems, Avenir Group continues to pioneer new frontiers in Web3 and digital asset investments. Demonstrating a Commitment to the Crypto Ecosystem Avenir’s increased investment in Bitcoin ETFs aligns with its strategic initiatives to drive innovation in the digital asset market. In September 2024, the firm launched the $500 million Crypto Partnership Program to collaborate with top-tier quantitative trading teams worldwide. This program empowers high-performing teams with advanced technology to tackle key challenges in crypto trading. By fostering a technology-driven, highly efficient trading ecosystem, Avenir reinforces its commitment to the long-term growth and evolution of the global digital asset market. About Avenir Group Avenir Group, founded by Li Lin and named after the French word for "a better future," is a pioneering investment group specializing in investments in financial innovation and emerging technologies. With a global presence spanning the U.S., U.K., Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, the firm leverages deep industry insights, outstanding performance, and self-developed data models and risk management systems, and maintains a leading position in the Web3 and digital asset sectors. The group also operates its sub-brand DeepTrading, which focuses on high-frequency trading in the cryptocurrency market and runs the Avenir Foundation, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting technology education and innovation, fostering global technological development, and talent cultivation.  For more information, users can visit https://avenir.hk/. Contact Brand Representative Shawn Su Avenir Group shawn.su@avenir.hk This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here **HONG KONG, Hong Kong, February 20th, 2025/Chainwire/--**Hong Kong-based investment group Avenir Group has emerged as a major institutional player in the digital asset market, with its recent disclosure revealing a significant $599 million investment in Bitcoin ETFs. This strategic move not only underscores Avenir's confidence in the future of digital assets but also marks a pivotal moment in its brand evolution and business strategy. Avenir Group holds 11.3 million shares of IBIT, valued at approximately $599 million Leading Institutional Investment in Bitcoin ETFs Avenir Group's latest 13F filing revealed a significant increase in Bitcoin ETF exposure, positioning it as Asia's largest institutional holder of Bitcoin ETFs. As of December 31, Avenir owns 11.3 million shares of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), valued at approximately $599 million. This strategic investment makes Avenir the largest holder of Bitcoin ETFs in Asia, highlighting its commitment to digital assets and financial innovation. 13F filing 13F filing Institutional Surge in Bitcoin ETFs Accelerates Mainstream Adoption The latest SEC 13F filings reveal a growing institutional appetite for Bitcoin ETFs. According to K33 Research, institutional investors held 25.4% of spot Bitcoin ETF assets by Q4 2024, totaling $26.8 billion. Throughout the quarter, major institutions—including investment firms, hedge funds, banks, and pension funds—significantly increased their holdings. Originally established as Li Lin’s family office, Avenir Group has evolved into a leading investment group specializing in financial innovation and emerging technologies. The firm’s multi-asset, multi-strategy approach spans quantitative trading, public markets, private equity, and digital asset investments. Under its umbrella, DeepTrading operates independently as a high-frequency trading team, while the Avenir Foundation focuses on technology education and innovation. Avenir Group firmly believes that the convergence of digital assets with traditional finance, alongside the fusion of financial innovation and emerging technologies, will redefine global markets. Committed to compliance and globalization, Avenir is strategically positioning itself to drive long-term, sustainable growth in the industry. With deep industry insights, exceptional investment performance, proprietary data models, and robust risk management systems, Avenir Group continues to pioneer new frontiers in Web3 and digital asset investments. Demonstrating a Commitment to the Crypto Ecosystem Avenir’s increased investment in Bitcoin ETFs aligns with its strategic initiatives to drive innovation in the digital asset market. In September 2024, the firm launched the $500 million Crypto Partnership Program to collaborate with top-tier quantitative trading teams worldwide. This program empowers high-performing teams with advanced technology to tackle key challenges in crypto trading. By fostering a technology-driven, highly efficient trading ecosystem, Avenir reinforces its commitment to the long-term growth and evolution of the global digital asset market. About Avenir Group Avenir Group , founded by Li Lin and named after the French word for "a better future," is a pioneering investment group specializing in investments in financial innovation and emerging technologies. With a global presence spanning the U.S., U.K., Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, the firm leverages deep industry insights, outstanding performance, and self-developed data models and risk management systems, and maintains a leading position in the Web3 and digital asset sectors. Avenir Group Avenir Group The group also operates its sub-brand DeepTrading, which focuses on high-frequency trading in the cryptocurrency market and runs the Avenir Foundation, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting technology education and innovation, fostering global technological development, and talent cultivation.  For more information, users can visit https://avenir.hk/ . https://avenir.hk/ https://avenir.hk/ Contact Brand Representative Shawn Su Avenir Group shawn.su@avenir.hk This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here here here

Avenir Group Solidifies Position As Asia's Largest Bitcoin ETF Holder With $599 Million Stake

አቬኒር ግሩፕ እንደ እስያ ትልቁ የቢትኮይን ኢቲኤፍ ያዥ በ599 ሚሊዮን ዶላር ቦታ ያፀናል

Avenir Group consolida su posición como el mayor accionista de ETF de Bitcoin de Asia con una participación de 599 millones de dólares

קבוצת אווניר מגבשת את העמדה כמחזיקת תעודות הסל הביטקוין הגדולה באסיה עם החזקה של 599 מיליון דולר

एवेनिर ग्रुप ने 599 मिलियन डॉलर की हिस्सेदारी के साथ एशिया के सबसे बड़े बिटकॉइन ईटीएफ धारक के रूप में अपनी स्थिति मजबूत कर ली है

Grupa Avenir učvršćuje poziciju najvećeg držatelja Bitcoin ETF-a u Aziji s udjelom od 599 milijuna dolara

アベニール・グループ、5億9900万ドルの保有でアジア最大のビットコインETF保有者としての地位を固める

ກຸ່ມ Avenir ແຂງກະດ້າງຕໍາແຫນ່ງເປັນຜູ້ຖື Bitcoin ETF ທີ່ໃຫຍ່ທີ່ສຸດຂອງອາຊີດ້ວຍເງິນ 599 ລ້ານໂດລາ.

Avenir Group umacnia swoją pozycję jako największy posiadacz Bitcoin ETF w Azji, posiadając udziały o wartości 599 milionów dolarów

د ایونیر ګروپ د ۵۹۹ ملیون ډالرو ونډې سره د آسیا ترټولو لوی بټ کوین ETF لرونکی په توګه خپل دریځ پیاوړی کوي

Itsinda rya Avenir Rishimangira Umwanya Nka Aziya Nini ya Bitcoin ETF ifite imigabane ingana na miliyoni 599

அவெனிர் குழுமம் $599 மில்லியன் பங்குகளுடன் ஆசியாவின் மிகப்பெரிய பிட்காயின் ETF வைத்திருப்பவராக நிலையை உறுதிப்படுத்துகிறது.

Avenir Group 持股 5.99 亿美元，巩固亚洲最大比特币 ETF 持有者地位

BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (“BTCS” or the “Company”), a leader in blockchain infrastructure and technology, is pleased to announce its partnership with Figment Inc. (“Figment”), one of the world’s foremost blockchain infrastructure providers, for the launch of its Staker Protection Plan. This solution is designed to enhance transaction inclusion and state preservation, addressing a critical pain point for traders and end-users who demand greater certainty for their high-value and time-sensitive transactions. WonderFi Technologies Inc. (TSX: WNDR) (OTCQB: WONDF) (“WonderFi”), a top digital asset company, will join as Figment's first customer in the pilot program. Partnership and Pilot Program Highlights This collaboration underscores BTCS and Figment’s shared commitment to advancing the blockchain ecosystem by addressing critical challenges in wider adoption. With WonderFi’s participation, stakers on the WonderFi-owned Bitbuy and Coinsquare platforms will be the first to enjoy the benefits of the program. The pilot program is anticipated to go live on mainnet in March 2025 in connection with Ethereum’s Pectra update. The Staker Protection Plan program is designed to deliver key benefits, including: Providing end-users with greater confidence that their transactions will be included in a particular block.
Addressing complexities and heightened risks of high-value transactions in cross-chain and cross-venue operations, ensuring timely and predictable trading outcomes.
Optimizing staking rewards rate (SRR) for stakers through improved compliance and performance. Stakers interested in participating in this solution, which is designed to meet applicable regulatory requirements and benefit from increased SRR can contact Figment’s customer success team. End-users seeking information about transaction execution and enhanced features can reach out to the BTCS team for more information. Charles Allen, CEO of BTCS, stated: “By partnering with Figment and integrating WonderFi as the first participant, we are laying a strong foundation for staker empowerment and ecosystem growth. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to delivering solutions that foster revenue growth and operational excellence.” https://www.youtube.com/embed/k3Ct7-XR8kQ Lorien Gabel, CEO of Figment, added: “At Figment, we are committed to driving innovation in blockchain infrastructure to enhance the Ethereum ecosystem and increase adoption. Our partnership with BTCS on this innovative solution demonstrates our dedication to addressing critical challenges in staking operations. By providing solutions that ensure fairness and enhance transaction inclusion, we are fostering a more reliable and fair network for all participants.” Dean Skurka, CEO of WonderFi, stated: “Participating in BTCS’s Staker Protection Plan pilot is a natural extension of our commitment to innovation and growth. We believe that this program will not only enhance our validator operations but also increase revenue for our shareholders and ultimately, higher staking rewards to our customers. We’re excited to be at the forefront of initiatives that have the potential to redefine validator strategies.” About BTCS BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) is a U.S.-based blockchain infrastructure technology company currently focused on driving scalable revenue growth through its Ethereum blockchain infrastructure operations. BTCS has honed its expertise in Ethereum network operations, particularly in block building and validator node management. Its branded block-building operation, Builder+, leverages advanced algorithms to optimize block construction for on-chain validation, thus maximizing gas fee revenues. BTCS also supports other blockchain networks by operating validator nodes and staking its crypto assets across multiple proof-of-stake networks, allowing crypto holders to delegate assets to BTCS-managed nodes. In addition, the Company has developed ChainQ, an AI-powered blockchain data analytics platform, which enhances user access and engagement within the blockchain ecosystem. Committed to innovation and adaptability, BTCS is strategically positioned to expand its blockchain operations and infrastructure beyond Ethereum as the ecosystem evolves. Users can explore how BTCS is revolutionizing blockchain infrastructure in the public markets by visiting www.btcs.com. For more information, users can follow on: Twitter: https://x.com/NasdaqBTCS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasdaq-btcs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NasdaqBTCS About Figment Figment is the leading provider of staking infrastructure. Figment provides the complete staking solution for over 700 institutional clients and $15B in assets staked across asset managers, exchanges, wallets, foundations, custodians, and banks, to earn rewards on their digital assets. For more information, users can visit www.figment.io. Partnering with BTCS for the Staker Protection Plan exemplifies Figment’s dedication to innovation in the ecosystem and empowerment of stakers. About WonderFi WonderFi is the largest regulated crypto trading platform in Canada and a global leader in centralized and decentralized financial services and products. With over $2.2B in assets under custody, WonderFi is well-positioned to service crypto participants on a global scale with trading, payments, and decentralized products, including purpose-built blockchains and non-custodial wallet applications. Designed to provide investors with diversified investment exposure across the global digital asset ecosystem, the Company has a proven track record of launching new products and obtaining applicable licenses. It is also the owner of market-leading brands, including Bitbuy, Coinsquare, SmartPay and Tetra Trust. As the world continues to move on-chain, WonderFi is strategically placed to capture both market and wallet share through ongoing innovation within the digital asset space. For more information, users can visit www.wonder.fi Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding our anticipated launch on mainnet and revenue growth. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation regulatory issues, unexpected issues with the Staker Protection Plan and launch as well as issues with Ethereum’s planned Pectra update, as well as risks set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed on March 21, 2024. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. BTCS Investor Relations: Charles Allen – CEO X (formerly Twitter): @Charles_BTCS Email: ir@btcs.com Figment Contact: Email: marketing@figment.io WonderFi Investor Relations: Charlie Aikenhead Email: Invest@wonder.fi This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS ) (“BTCS” or the “Company”), a leader in blockchain infrastructure and technology, is pleased to announce its partnership with Figment Inc. (“Figment”), one of the world’s foremost blockchain infrastructure providers, for the launch of its Staker Protection Plan. BTCS BTCS This solution is designed to enhance transaction inclusion and state preservation, addressing a critical pain point for traders and end-users who demand greater certainty for their high-value and time-sensitive transactions. WonderFi Technologies Inc. (TSX: WNDR) (OTCQB: WONDF) (“WonderFi”), a top digital asset company, will join as Figment's first customer in the pilot program. Partnership and Pilot Program Highlights This collaboration underscores BTCS and Figment’s shared commitment to advancing the blockchain ecosystem by addressing critical challenges in wider adoption. With WonderFi’s participation, stakers on the WonderFi-owned Bitbuy and Coinsquare platforms will be the first to enjoy the benefits of the program. The pilot program is anticipated to go live on mainnet in March 2025 in connection with Ethereum’s Pectra update. The Staker Protection Plan program is designed to deliver key benefits, including: Providing end-users with greater confidence that their transactions will be included in a particular block. Addressing complexities and heightened risks of high-value transactions in cross-chain and cross-venue operations, ensuring timely and predictable trading outcomes. Optimizing staking rewards rate (SRR) for stakers through improved compliance and performance. Providing end-users with greater confidence that their transactions will be included in a particular block. Addressing complexities and heightened risks of high-value transactions in cross-chain and cross-venue operations, ensuring timely and predictable trading outcomes. Optimizing staking rewards rate (SRR) for stakers through improved compliance and performance. Stakers interested in participating in this solution, which is designed to meet applicable regulatory requirements and benefit from increased SRR can contact Figment’s customer success team. End-users seeking information about transaction execution and enhanced features can reach out to the BTCS team for more information. Charles Allen, CEO of BTCS, stated: “By partnering with Figment and integrating WonderFi as the first participant, we are laying a strong foundation for staker empowerment and ecosystem growth. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to delivering solutions that foster revenue growth and operational excellence.” Charles Allen, CEO of BTCS, stated: “By partnering with Figment and integrating WonderFi as the first participant, we are laying a strong foundation for staker empowerment and ecosystem growth. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to delivering solutions that foster revenue growth and operational excellence.” https://www.youtube.com/embed/k3Ct7-XR8kQ https://www.youtube.com/embed/k3Ct7-XR8k Q https://www.youtube.com/embed/k3Ct7-XR8k Lorien Gabel, CEO of Figment, added: “At Figment, we are committed to driving innovation in blockchain infrastructure to enhance the Ethereum ecosystem and increase adoption. Our partnership with BTCS on this innovative solution demonstrates our dedication to addressing critical challenges in staking operations. By providing solutions that ensure fairness and enhance transaction inclusion, we are fostering a more reliable and fair network for all participants.” Lorien Gabel, CEO of Figment, added: “At Figment, we are committed to driving innovation in blockchain infrastructure to enhance the Ethereum ecosystem and increase adoption. Our partnership with BTCS on this innovative solution demonstrates our dedication to addressing critical challenges in staking operations. By providing solutions that ensure fairness and enhance transaction inclusion, we are fostering a more reliable and fair network for all participants.” Dean Skurka, CEO of WonderFi, stated: “Participating in BTCS’s Staker Protection Plan pilot is a natural extension of our commitment to innovation and growth. We believe that this program will not only enhance our validator operations but also increase revenue for our shareholders and ultimately, higher staking rewards to our customers. We’re excited to be at the forefront of initiatives that have the potential to redefine validator strategies.” Dean Skurka, CEO of WonderFi, stated: “Participating in BTCS’s Staker Protection Plan pilot is a natural extension of our commitment to innovation and growth. We believe that this program will not only enhance our validator operations but also increase revenue for our shareholders and ultimately, higher staking rewards to our customers. We’re excited to be at the forefront of initiatives that have the potential to redefine validator strategies.” About BTCS BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) is a U.S.-based blockchain infrastructure technology company currently focused on driving scalable revenue growth through its Ethereum blockchain infrastructure operations. BTCS has honed its expertise in Ethereum network operations, particularly in block building and validator node management. Its branded block-building operation, Builder+, leverages advanced algorithms to optimize block construction for on-chain validation, thus maximizing gas fee revenues. BTCS Inc. BTCS Inc. BTCS also supports other blockchain networks by operating validator nodes and staking its crypto assets across multiple proof-of-stake networks, allowing crypto holders to delegate assets to BTCS-managed nodes. In addition, the Company has developed ChainQ, an AI-powered blockchain data analytics platform, which enhances user access and engagement within the blockchain ecosystem. Committed to innovation and adaptability, BTCS is strategically positioned to expand its blockchain operations and infrastructure beyond Ethereum as the ecosystem evolves. Users can explore how BTCS is revolutionizing blockchain infrastructure in the public markets by visiting www.btcs.com . For more information, users can follow on: www.btcs.com www.btcs.com Twitter: https://x.com/NasdaqBTCS https://x.com/NasdaqBTCS https://x.com/NasdaqBTCS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasdaq-btcs https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasdaq-btcs https://www.linkedin.com/company/nasdaq-btcs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NasdaqBTCS https://www.facebook.com/NasdaqBTCS https://www.facebook.com/NasdaqBTCS About Figment Figment is the leading provider of staking infrastructure. Figment provides the complete staking solution for over 700 institutional clients and $15B in assets staked across asset managers, exchanges, wallets, foundations, custodians, and banks, to earn rewards on their digital assets. For more information, users can visit www.figment.io . Partnering with BTCS for the Staker Protection Plan exemplifies Figment’s dedication to innovation in the ecosystem and empowerment of stakers. Figment Figment www.figment.io www.figment.io About WonderFi WonderFi is the largest regulated crypto trading platform in Canada and a global leader in centralized and decentralized financial services and products. With over $2.2B in assets under custody, WonderFi is well-positioned to service crypto participants on a global scale with trading, payments, and decentralized products, including purpose-built blockchains and non-custodial wallet applications. WonderFi WonderFi Designed to provide investors with diversified investment exposure across the global digital asset ecosystem, the Company has a proven track record of launching new products and obtaining applicable licenses. It is also the owner of market-leading brands, including Bitbuy, Coinsquare, SmartPay and Tetra Trust. As the world continues to move on-chain, WonderFi is strategically placed to capture both market and wallet share through ongoing innovation within the digital asset space. For more information, users can visit www.wonder.fi www.wonder.fi www.wonder.fi Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding our anticipated launch on mainnet and revenue growth. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation regulatory issues, unexpected issues with the Staker Protection Plan and launch as well as issues with Ethereum’s planned Pectra update, as well as risks set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed on March 21, 2024. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. BTCS Investor Relations: Charles Allen – CEO X (formerly Twitter): @Charles_BTCS @Charles_BTCS @Charles_BTCS Email: ir@btcs.com ir@btcs.com ir@btcs.com Figment Contact: Email: marketing@figment.io marketing@figment.io marketing@figment.io WonderFi Investor Relations: Charlie Aikenhead Email: Invest@wonder.fi Email: Invest@wonder.fi Invest@wonder.fi Invest@wonder.fi This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here here here

BTCS Unveils Strategic Partnership With Figment And WonderFi Leading Its Staker Protection Plan

BTCS раскрывае стратэгічнае партнёрства з Figment і WonderFi, якія ўзначальваюць план абароны стакераў

BTCS otkriva strateško partnerstvo sa Figmentom i WonderFi-jem koji predvode svoj plan zaštite stekera

Το BTCS αποκαλύπτει τη στρατηγική συνεργασία με το Figment και το WonderFi να ηγείται του σχεδίου προστασίας Staker

BTCS revela una asociación estratégica con Figment y WonderFi para liderar su plan de protección de los participantes

BTCS presenta unha asociación estratéxica con Figment e WonderFi que lideran o seu plan de protección de staker

BTCS חושפת שותפות אסטרטגית עם Figment ו-WonderFi שמובילים את תוכנית ההגנה על המעריצים שלה

बीटीसीएस ने फिगमेंट और वंडरफाई के साथ रणनीतिक साझेदारी का खुलासा किया, जो इसके स्टेकर प्रोटेक्शन प्लान का नेतृत्व करेगा

BTCS、ステーカー保護計画を主導するFigmentおよびWonderFiとの戦略的パートナーシップを発表

BTCS ເປີດເຜີຍການຮ່ວມມືຍຸດທະສາດກັບ Figment ແລະ WonderFi ນໍາພາແຜນການປົກປ້ອງ Staker ຂອງຕົນ

BTCS ले आफ्नो स्टेकर सुरक्षा योजनाको नेतृत्व गर्दै फिगमेन्ट र वन्डरफाइसँग रणनीतिक साझेदारीको अनावरण गर्‍यो

BTCS e Utolla Selekane sa Togamaano Le Figment Le WonderFi e Eteletšego Pele Leano la Yona la Tšhireletšo ya Batšeakarolo

BTCS Yashyize ahagaragara Ubufatanye Bw’ibishushanyo na WonderFi Biyobora Gahunda Yayo yo Kurinda

The TechBeat: EIP-7002:  A Better Way To Stake On Ethereum (1/27/2025)

Tailor Your Data Visualization Design Choices for Key Stakeholders to Create Organizational Buy-In

Adapteu les vostres opcions de disseny de visualització de dades per a les parts interessades clau per crear una acceptació organitzativa

Adapte sus opciones de diseño de visualización de datos a las partes interesadas clave para generar aceptación organizacional

Adaptez vos choix de conception de visualisation de données aux principales parties prenantes afin de susciter l'adhésion de l'organisation

התאם את אפשרויות עיצוב הדמיית הנתונים שלך לבעלי עניין מרכזיים כדי ליצור רכישה ארגונית

Adapte chwa konsepsyon vizyalizasyon done w yo pou moun ki gen enterè kle yo pou kreye yon acha òganizasyonèl

Sesuaikan Pilihan Desain Visualisasi Data Anda untuk Pemangku Kepentingan Utama guna Menciptakan Dukungan Organisasi

主要な利害関係者に合わせてデータ視覚化デザインの選択肢を調整し、組織の賛同を得る

Pritaikykite savo duomenų vizualizavimo dizaino pasirinkimą pagrindinėms suinteresuotosioms šalims, kad sukurtumėte organizacijos įpirką

Willayta Rikuchiy Diseño Akllanakunaykita ruway llalliq interesadokunapaq Organizacional rantiyta ruwanapaq

Shushanya amakuru yawe Yerekana Igishushanyo mbonera Guhitamo Abafatanyabikorwa Bingenzi Kurema Ishirahamwe-Kugura

Tailor Yako Dhata Kuona Dhizaini Sarudzo dzeVabatiri Vakakosha Kugadzira Sangano Kutenga-In

Përshtatni zgjedhjet e dizajnit të vizualizimit të të dhënave tuaja për palët kryesore të interesit për të krijuar një blerje organizative

The latest AI developments turn empathy into just another product for sale, raising questions about ethics and regulation. Imagine your customer service chatbot isn’t just solving your problem – it’s listening, empathizing, and sounding eerily human. It feels like it cares. But behind the friendly tone and comforting words, that ‘care’ is just a product, finetuned to steer your emotions and shape your decisions. Welcome to the unsettling reality of empathetic AI, where emotions are mimicked – and monetized. In 2024, empathetic AI took a leap forward. Hume.AI gave large language models voices that sound convincingly expressive and a perceptive ear to match. Microsoft’s Copilot got a human voice and an emotionally supportive attitude, while platforms like Character.ai and Psychologist sprouted bots that mimic therapy sessions. These developments are paving the way for a new industry: Empathy-as-a-Service, where emotional connection isn’t just simulated, it’s a product: packaged, scaled, and sold. This isn’t just about convenience – it’s about influence. Empathy-as-a-Service (EaaS), an entirely hypothetical but now plausible product, could blur the line between genuine connection and algorithmic mimicry, creating systems where simulated care subtly nudges consumer behavior. The stakes? A future where businesses profit from your emotions under the guise of customer experience. And for consumers on the receiving end, that raises some deeply unsettling questions. A Hypothetical but Troubling Scenario Take an imaginary customer service bot. One that helps you find your perfect style and fit – and also tracks your moods and emotional triggers. Each conversation teaches it a little more about how to nudge your behavior, guiding your decisions while sounding empathetic. What feels like exceptional service is, in reality, a calculated strategy to lock in your loyalty by exploiting your emotional patterns. Traditional loyalty programs like the supermarket club card or rewards card pale in comparison. By analyzing preferences, moods, and triggers, empathetic AI digs into the most personal corners of human behavior. For businesses, it’s a goldmine; for consumers, it’s a minefield. And it raises a new set of ethical questions about manipulation, regulation, and consent. The Legal Loopholes of Empathetic AI Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), consumer preferences are classified as personal data, not sensitive data. That distinction matters. While GDPR requires businesses to handle personal data transparently and lawfully, it doesn’t extend the stricter protections reserved for health, religious beliefs, or other special categories of information. This leaves businesses free to mine consumer preferences in ways that feel strikingly personal – and surprisingly unregulated. The EU AI Act, introduced in mid-2024, goes one step further, requiring companies to disclose when users are interacting with AI. But disclosure is just the beginning. The AI Act doesn’t touch using behavioral data or mimicking emotional connection. Joanna Bryson, Professor of Ethics & Technology at the Hertie School, noted in a recent exchange: “It’s actually the law in the EU under the AI Act that people understand when they are interacting with AI. I hope that might extend to mandating reduced anthropomorphism, but it would take some time and court cases.” Anthropomorphism, the tendency to project human qualities onto non-humans, is ingrained in human nature. Simply stating that you’re interacting with an AI doesn’t stop it. The problem is that it can lull users into a false sense of trust, making them more vulnerable to manipulation. Empathy-as-a-Service could transform customer experiences, making interactions smoother, more engaging, and hyper-personalised. But there’s a cost. Social media already showed us what happens when human interaction becomes a commodity – and empathetic AI could take that even further. This technology could go beyond monetizing attention to monetizing emotions in deeply personal and private ways. A Question of Values As empathetic AI becomes mainstream, we have to ask: are we ready for a world where emotions are just another digital service – scaled, rented, and monetized? Regulation like the EU AI Act is a step in the right direction, but it will need to evolve fast to keep pace with the sophistication of these systems and the societal boundaries they’re starting to push. The future of empathetic AI isn’t just a question of technological progress – it’s a question of values. What kind of society do we want to build? As we stand on the edge of this new frontier, the decisions we make today will define how empathy is shaped, and sold, in the age of AI. Lead image credit: Adobe Stock | #681726866 The latest AI developments turn empathy into just another product for sale, raising questions about ethics and regulation. The latest AI developments turn empathy into just another product for sale, raising questions about ethics and regulation. Imagine your customer service chatbot isn’t just solving your problem – it’s listening, empathizing, and sounding eerily human. It feels like it cares. But behind the friendly tone and comforting words, that ‘care’ is just a product, finetuned to steer your emotions and shape your decisions. Welcome to the unsettling reality of empathetic AI, where emotions are mimicked – and monetized. In 2024, empathetic AI took a leap forward. Hume.AI gave large language models voices that sound convincingly expressive and a perceptive ear to match. Microsoft’s Copilot got a human voice and an emotionally supportive attitude, while platforms like Character.ai and Psychologist sprouted bots that mimic therapy sessions. These developments are paving the way for a new industry: Empathy-as-a-Service, where emotional connection isn’t just simulated, it’s a product: packaged, scaled, and sold. This isn’t just about convenience – it’s about influence. Empathy-as-a-Service (EaaS), an entirely hypothetical but now plausible product, could blur the line between genuine connection and algorithmic mimicry, creating systems where simulated care subtly nudges consumer behavior. The stakes? A future where businesses profit from your emotions under the guise of customer experience. And for consumers on the receiving end, that raises some deeply unsettling questions. A Hypothetical but Troubling Scenario A Hypothetical but Troubling Scenario Take an imaginary customer service bot. One that helps you find your perfect style and fit – and also tracks your moods and emotional triggers. Each conversation teaches it a little more about how to nudge your behavior, guiding your decisions while sounding empathetic. What feels like exceptional service is, in reality, a calculated strategy to lock in your loyalty by exploiting your emotional patterns. Traditional loyalty programs like the supermarket club card or rewards card pale in comparison. By analyzing preferences, moods, and triggers, empathetic AI digs into the most personal corners of human behavior. For businesses, it’s a goldmine; for consumers, it’s a minefield. And it raises a new set of ethical questions about manipulation, regulation, and consent. The Legal Loopholes of Empathetic AI The Legal Loopholes of Empathetic AI Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), consumer preferences are classified as personal data, not sensitive data. That distinction matters. While GDPR requires businesses to handle personal data transparently and lawfully, it doesn’t extend the stricter protections reserved for health, religious beliefs, or other special categories of information. This leaves businesses free to mine consumer preferences in ways that feel strikingly personal – and surprisingly unregulated. The EU AI Act, introduced in mid-2024, goes one step further, requiring companies to disclose when users are interacting with AI. But disclosure is just the beginning. The AI Act doesn’t touch using behavioral data or mimicking emotional connection. Joanna Bryson, Professor of Ethics & Technology at the Hertie School, noted in a recent exchange: “It’s actually the law in the EU under the AI Act that people understand when they are interacting with AI. I hope that might extend to mandating reduced anthropomorphism, but it would take some time and court cases.” Anthropomorphism, the tendency to project human qualities onto non-humans, is ingrained in human nature. Simply stating that you’re interacting with an AI doesn’t stop it. The problem is that it can lull users into a false sense of trust, making them more vulnerable to manipulation. Empathy-as-a-Service could transform customer experiences, making interactions smoother, more engaging, and hyper-personalised. But there’s a cost. Social media already showed us what happens when human interaction becomes a commodity – and empathetic AI could take that even further. This technology could go beyond monetizing attention to monetizing emotions in deeply personal and private ways. A Question of Values A Question of Values As empathetic AI becomes mainstream, we have to ask: are we ready for a world where emotions are just another digital service – scaled, rented, and monetized? Regulation like the EU AI Act is a step in the right direction, but it will need to evolve fast to keep pace with the sophistication of these systems and the societal boundaries they’re starting to push. The future of empathetic AI isn’t just a question of technological progress – it’s a question of values. What kind of society do we want to build? As we stand on the edge of this new frontier, the decisions we make today will define how empathy is shaped, and sold, in the age of AI. Lead image credit: Adobe Stock | #681726866 Lead image credit: Adobe Stock | #681726866 Adobe Stock | #681726866

Empathy-as-a-Service: When AI Feels Too Human, What’s at Stake?

EIP-7002:  A Better Way To Stake On Ethereum

Stakeholder Management: Your Secret Weapon in the AI Era

إدارة أصحاب المصلحة: سلاحك السري في عصر الذكاء الاصطناعي

Stakeholder-Management: Ihre Geheimwaffe im KI-Zeitalter

Gestión de las partes interesadas: su arma secreta en la era de la IA

Gestion des parties prenantes : votre arme secrète à l’ère de l’IA

हितधारक प्रबंधन: एआई युग में आपका गुप्त हथियार

Управление заинтересованными сторонами: ваше секретное оружие в эпоху ИИ

High-Speed Internet and High-Stakes Piracy

**SINGAPORE, SIngapore, June 6th, 2024/Chainwire/--**Dora Factory, the pioneering infrastructure of decentralized governance technology and public good funding, announces the gas fee airdrop of its native token, $DORA, to all ATOM stakers on June 5, 2024. Over one million addresses are eligible to receive $DORA token, with the airdrop campaign inviting the Cosmos community to participate in the governance of its democratic public goods funding program, the ATOM Economic Zone Quadratic Funding, on DoraHacks.io. With 1.04 million addresses whitelisted, the privacy voting round implemented by the Dora team will be the largest MACI (Minimum Anti Collusion Infrastructure) voting round ever. 1.04 Million ATOM Stakers Are Eligible For The Airdrop On June 5, all ATOM stakers have received $DORA tokens in their wallets. $DORA is the native token of Dora Vota, a decentralized governance application chain developed by the Dora Factory using the Cosmos SDK. This airdrop is one of the largest in history. With over one million addresses, Dora Factory aims to mobilize the Cosmos community, known for its passion for decentralized governance, to participate in a crucial public goods governance experiment for the community. Empowering Community With AEZ Funding And MACI Voting After receiving the airdrop, Cosmos communities can participate in the ATOM Economic Zone (AEZ) quadratic funding initiative jointly launched by DoraHacks, Dora Factory, and ATOM Accelerator DAO. They can use ATOM to vote for and donate to public goods teams they value, support early-stage developers, and determine the distribution of an 80,000 ATOM and $200,000 USDC matching pool across 10 rounds of AEZ Quadratic Funding and MACI voting. The smart contracts for this quadratic voting round are deployed on the Dora Vota network, and the community can use $DORA to cover gas fees. This campaign goes beyond merely distributing the reward pool to early-stage projects and essential public goods in AEZ in the first round; it is a democratic governance experiment designed to mobilize community power in supporting public goods and promising early-stage developers. The quadratic funding mechanism ensures that even small donations from community members have a substantial impact. MACI Voting With Enshrined Privacy Dora Factory invites community members to participate in MACI (Minimal Anti-Collusion Infrastructure) privacy voting, distributing a $20,000 USDC prize pool to selected teams. Unlike traditional quadratic voting, this method allows voters to express their opinions on public goods without revealing their identity (address). Addresses with more ATOM staked will receive more Voice Credits (voting power). Through MACI voting, Dora Factory aims to introduce cutting-edge privacy-enabled voting technology to the Cosmos community. This initiative marks the beginning of integrating secure, private, and anti-collusion technologies into a wider range of governance use cases in the future. Dora Factory's Dedication To ensure every community member can participate in MACI voting without concerns, Dora Factory will implement Dora Vota's native Gas Station feature to cover all voting fees for the MACI voting round. This fee subsidy represents Dora Factory's commitment to the community outlined in Cosmos Governance Proposal 917. A Historical Community Governance Ceremony With the quadratic funding module now natively implemented on Dora Vota for the Cosmos Hub, Cosmos has the potential to become one of the largest on-chain communities that supports public goods. The first round of the two-year quadratic funding plan for the ATOM Economic Zone commencing in June 2024 has attracted numerous outstanding projects and awaits the attention and support of community members. The Largest Privacy-Preserving Governance Experiment MACI implementation is a groundbreaking step for the Cosmos community, as its first privacy voting attempt. Dora Factory has whitelisted over 1 million addresses, setting a new record for the largest whitelist, and marking the largest voting experiment in MACI's history. The Dora Factory team is excited to invite the Cosmos community to create a historic moment collectively. About Dora Factory Dora Factory is at the forefront of decentralized governance protocol stacks, providing governance and long-term incentives for the global hacker movement, open-source communities, and decentralized organizations through Public Good Staking and Dora Vota. The platform has pioneered the development of public good staking infrastructure, revolutionizing the way developers are funded long-term in the PoS ecosystem. Additionally, Dora Vota offers a comprehensive decentralized governance platform, enabling users to create programmable governance mechanisms such as MACI and quadratic voting through its open platform. This reduces the cost of decentralized governance, laying a solid foundation for its widespread adoption. To better understand and try the products of Dora Factory, users can visit DoraFactory.org. Users can visit Dora Research Blog for more details: research.dorahacks.io Contact Contributor Chris Lee Dora Factory winniedrinkwater@gmail.com This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. **SINGAPORE, SIngapore, June 6th, 2024/Chainwire/--**Dora Factory, the pioneering infrastructure of decentralized governance technology and public good funding, announces the gas fee airdrop of its native token, $DORA, to all ATOM stakers on June 5, 2024. Over one million addresses are eligible to receive $DORA token, with the airdrop campaign inviting the Cosmos community to participate in the governance of its democratic public goods funding program, the ATOM Economic Zone Quadratic Funding, on DoraHacks.io. With 1.04 million addresses whitelisted, the privacy voting round implemented by the Dora team will be the largest MACI (Minimum Anti Collusion Infrastructure) voting round ever. 1.04 Million ATOM Stakers Are Eligible For The Airdrop On June 5, all ATOM stakers have received $DORA tokens in their wallets. $DORA is the native token of Dora Vota, a decentralized governance application chain developed by the Dora Factory using the Cosmos SDK. This airdrop is one of the largest in history. With over one million addresses, Dora Factory aims to mobilize the Cosmos community, known for its passion for decentralized governance, to participate in a crucial public goods governance experiment for the community. Empowering Community With AEZ Funding And MACI Voting After receiving the airdrop, Cosmos communities can participate in the ATOM Economic Zone (AEZ) quadratic funding initiative jointly launched by DoraHacks , Dora Factory, and ATOM Accelerator DAO . DoraHacks DoraHacks ATOM Accelerator DAO ATOM Accelerator DAO They can use ATOM to vote for and donate to public goods teams they value, support early-stage developers, and determine the distribution of an 80,000 ATOM and $200,000 USDC matching pool across 10 rounds of AEZ Quadratic Funding and MACI voting. The smart contracts for this quadratic voting round are deployed on the Dora Vota network, and the community can use $DORA to cover gas fees. This campaign goes beyond merely distributing the reward pool to early-stage projects and essential public goods in AEZ in the first round; it is a democratic governance experiment designed to mobilize community power in supporting public goods and promising early-stage developers. The quadratic funding mechanism ensures that even small donations from community members have a substantial impact. MACI Voting With Enshrined Privacy Dora Factory invites community members to participate in MACI (Minimal Anti-Collusion Infrastructure) privacy voting, distributing a $20,000 USDC prize pool to selected teams. Unlike traditional quadratic voting, this method allows voters to express their opinions on public goods without revealing their identity (address). Addresses with more ATOM staked will receive more Voice Credits (voting power). Through MACI voting, Dora Factory aims to introduce cutting-edge privacy-enabled voting technology to the Cosmos community. This initiative marks the beginning of integrating secure, private, and anti-collusion technologies into a wider range of governance use cases in the future. Dora Factory's Dedication To ensure every community member can participate in MACI voting without concerns, Dora Factory will implement Dora Vota's native Gas Station feature to cover all voting fees for the MACI voting round. This fee subsidy represents Dora Factory's commitment to the community outlined in Cosmos Governance Proposal 917 . Cosmos Governance Proposal 917 Cosmos Governance Proposal 917 A Historical Community Governance Ceremony With the quadratic funding module now natively implemented on Dora Vota for the Cosmos Hub, Cosmos has the potential to become one of the largest on-chain communities that supports public goods. The first round of the two-year quadratic funding plan for the ATOM Economic Zone commencing in June 2024 has attracted numerous outstanding projects and awaits the attention and support of community members. The Largest Privacy-Preserving Governance Experiment MACI implementation is a groundbreaking step for the Cosmos community, as its first privacy voting attempt. Dora Factory has whitelisted over 1 million addresses, setting a new record for the largest whitelist, and marking the largest voting experiment in MACI's history. The Dora Factory team is excited to invite the Cosmos community to create a historic moment collectively. About Dora Factory Dora Factory is at the forefront of decentralized governance protocol stacks, providing governance and long-term incentives for the global hacker movement, open-source communities, and decentralized organizations through Public Good Staking and Dora Vota. Dora Factory Dora Factory The platform has pioneered the development of public good staking infrastructure, revolutionizing the way developers are funded long-term in the PoS ecosystem. Additionally, Dora Vota offers a comprehensive decentralized governance platform, enabling users to create programmable governance mechanisms such as MACI and quadratic voting through its open platform. This reduces the cost of decentralized governance, laying a solid foundation for its widespread adoption. To better understand and try the products of Dora Factory, users can visit DoraFactory.org . DoraFactory.org DoraFactory.org Users can visit Dora Research Blog for more details: research.dorahacks.io research.dorahacks.io research.dorahacks.io Contact Contributor Chris Lee Dora Factory winniedrinkwater@gmail.com This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here . here here

Dora Factory Announces $DORA Airdrop To Over 1 Million ATOM Stakers In Largest MACI Voting Round

While artificial intelligence (AI) shows potential to increase profitability across most industries, its adoption is also resulting in a widening global skills gap, making upskilling workforces in AI and machine learning (ML) imperative for progress. A report by KPMG shows that among leading businesses prioritizing technology investment for profitability, a resounding 68% identify AI and machine learning as indispensable to their short-term plans. This means the need for AI skilling is such that it requires employees, employers, business organizations, and educational institutions all to pitch in. In short, building the AI-skilled workforce has to be a truly global effort. Enhancing skills in AI and Machine Learning is no longer optional but a necessity
Ruban Phukan, co-founder and CEO of GoodGist “Enhancing skills in AI and Machine Learning is no longer optional but a necessity,” Ruban Phukan, co-founder and CEO of GoodGist, an autonomous learning startup, told The Tech Panda. And the reason for this necessity, he says, is that AI saves time. “In an era where time is the scarcest resource and the boundaries between work and personal life increasingly blur, leveraging AI to optimize time is one of the most significant steps individuals can take to boost both their professional and personal productivity. This reality underscores the importance of upskilling,” Phukan explains. According to a Slack survey, workplace adoption of AI tools has sped up 24% over the previous quarter, with one out of four desk workers saying they have used AI tools at their work as of January 2024, as compared to one in five as of September 2023. “Upskilling, however, transcends mere familiarity with AI usage. It’s a critical response to the profound shifts in the business landscape and job market triggered by the rapid evolution of technology,” he adds. According to the World Economic Forum, nearly 1 billion people worldwide will need to upskill by 2030, with Korn Ferry warning that failing to do so could result in an $8.5 trillion loss in potential revenue. This is a stark backdrop to McKinsey’s projection that 87% of companies will experience a skills gap in the coming years, making upskilling not just imperative but urgent as time is of the essence here. Job postings for AI are high, but where is the talent? As AI gets integrated into all kinds of sectors, companies are starting to compete for AI talent. AI job postings surged 42% since ChatGPT’s debut, as Big Tech companies like Amazon, Google, Apple, and others like global logistics firm UPS, are beginning to shift resources to channel money into hiring machine learning engineers and data scientists. Companies are actively in search of skilled professionals to fill roles from technical leadership to applied research. These include eBay, Krutrim, Accenture, Dentsu, Gramener and others. According to an AIM report on generative AI salaries in India, large companies are offering INR 1 crore or more annually for senior roles, while startups and mid-size companies are ready to give out approx. INR 30-40 lakh. However, are these companies finding the talent they seek? As per new research, about three in four employers are struggling to hire for the AI skills they seek even though they are willing to boost salaries 43% in marketing and 35-42% across HR, finance, and legal roles. In fact, with the acceleration in AI adoption, companies are beginning to rely on education partnerships and gig work to reach the talent required. This is why skilling programs in AI are afoot. In March, IIM Lucknow and Emeritus launched the “Digital Transformation and AI for Business Leaders” Program to shape the next generation of AI leaders, an 11-month program designed to help leaders gain comprehensive insights into the intricacies of digital transformation and AI. Similarly, Physics Wallah (PW), an Indian EdTech platform, launched PW Institute of Innovation (PW IOI), a four-year residential program in Computer Science and AI to address the critical challenges faced by the Indian software industry, strategically located in Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India. The significant increase in the demand-supply gap for skilled AI and data science professionals further highlights the need for a comprehensive transformation in the learning approach
Vishwa Mohan, CIO at PW & President of PW IOI Vishwa Mohan, CIO at PW & President of PW IOI, said, “It is indeed concerning that despite the exponential growth witnessed in the Indian software industry, the employability rate of Indian engineering graduates has remained relatively low, with only marginal improvement over the years. Additionally, the significant increase in the demand-supply gap for skilled AI and data science professionals further highlights the need for a comprehensive transformation in the learning approach.” Employees want AI skilling from employers At the same time, employee expectations are starting to include skilling and training in AI. According to a study by EPAM India, 93% of modern engineers seek upskilling opportunities in AI, Cloud, and other new-age technologies, while 92% look for opportunities to enhance their problem-solving skills to identify and implement the best solutions. Also, 91% of respondents stated that future developmental and on-job training opportunities are their top expectations from their workplaces. Regarding their perspective for the future, 68% and 46% of modern engineers, respectively, believe that Data Analytics and AI will be the demand in the future, enabling enhancing consumer experience and collaboration. Some companies have started working on these expectations in a bid to retain talent. For example, Findability Sciences, an enterprise AI solution has trained over 100 of its data analysts and scientists across its Boston, India, and Japan operations with intensive training in problem formulation and prompt design and engineering skills. Empowering our team with these new skills is a strategic move that will pay dividends for our clients and the company. The future of AI is generative, and we are now more than ready to take it head-on
Mandar Kulkarni, AVP of Pre-sales Mandar Kulkarni, AVP of Pre-sales, said, “Empowering our team with these new skills is a strategic move that will pay dividends for our clients and the company. The future of AI is generative, and we are now more than ready to take it head-on.”?? The aim is to arm its team with the latest skills to cater to the evolving requirements of its existing and incoming customers in the generative AI arena. “This training is more than an investment in our team; it’s an investment in our clients,” says Anurag Srivastava, the Global Delivery Head. In a tech-driven business landscape, AI and machine learning expertise empower professionals to navigate disruption and contribute significantly to short-term viability and long-term success, hence its necessity as a skill is becoming inevitable. Every ecosystem has to pool in resources to meet the AI demand that will only go up in the future. Navanwita Sachdev, Editor, The Tech Panda While artificial intelligence (AI) shows potential to increase profitability across most industries, its adoption is also resulting in a widening global skills gap, making upskilling workforces in AI and machine learning (ML) imperative for progress. artificial intelligence A report by KPMG shows that among leading businesses prioritizing technology investment for profitability, a resounding 68% identify AI and machine learning as indispensable to their short-term plans. report by KPMG This means the need for AI skilling is such that it requires employees, employers, business organizations, and educational institutions all to pitch in. In short, building the AI-skilled workforce has to be a truly global effort. Enhancing skills in AI and Machine Learning is no longer optional but a necessity Ruban Phukan, co-founder and CEO of GoodGist Enhancing skills in AI and Machine Learning is no longer optional but a necessity Enhancing skills in AI and Machine Learning is no longer optional but a necessity Enhancing skills in AI and Machine Learning is no longer optional but a necessity Ruban Phukan, co-founder and CEO of GoodGist “Enhancing skills in AI and Machine Learning is no longer optional but a necessity,” Ruban Phukan , co-founder and CEO of GoodGist , an autonomous learning startup, told The Tech Panda . And the reason for this necessity, he says, is that AI saves time. Ruban Phukan GoodGist The Tech Panda “In an era where time is the scarcest resource and the boundaries between work and personal life increasingly blur, leveraging AI to optimize time is one of the most significant steps individuals can take to boost both their professional and personal productivity. This reality underscores the importance of upskilling,” Phukan explains. According to a Slack survey , workplace adoption of AI tools has sped up 24% over the previous quarter, with one out of four desk workers saying they have used AI tools at their work as of January 2024, as compared to one in five as of September 2023. a Slack survey “Upskilling, however, transcends mere familiarity with AI usage. It’s a critical response to the profound shifts in the business landscape and job market triggered by the rapid evolution of technology,” he adds. According to the World Economic Forum , nearly 1 billion people worldwide will need to upskill by 2030, with Korn Ferry warning that failing to do so could result in an $8.5 trillion loss in potential revenue. This is a stark backdrop to McKinsey’s projection that 87% of companies will experience a skills gap in the coming years, making upskilling not just imperative but urgent as time is of the essence here. According to the World Economic Forum Korn Ferry warning McKinsey’s projection Job postings for AI are high, but where is the talent? Job postings for AI are high, but where is the talent? As AI gets integrated into all kinds of sectors, companies are starting to compete for AI talent. AI job postings surged 42% since ChatGPT’s debut, as Big Tech companies like Amazon, Google, Apple, and others like global logistics firm UPS, are beginning to shift resources to channel money into hiring machine learning engineers and data scientists. AI job postings Companies are actively in search of skilled professionals to fill roles from technical leadership to applied research. These include eBay, Krutrim, Accenture, Dentsu, Gramener and others. According to an AIM report on generative AI salaries in India, large companies are offering INR 1 crore or more annually for senior roles, while startups and mid-size companies are ready to give out approx. INR 30-40 lakh. These include an AIM report However, are these companies finding the talent they seek? As per new research , about three in four employers are struggling to hire for the AI skills they seek even though they are willing to boost salaries 43% in marketing and 35-42% across HR, finance, and legal roles. In fact, with the acceleration in AI adoption, companies are beginning to rely on education partnerships and gig work to reach the talent required. research This is why skilling programs in AI are afoot. In March, IIM Lucknow and Emeritus launched the “Digital Transformation and AI for Business Leaders” Program to shape the next generation of AI leaders, an 11-month program designed to help leaders gain comprehensive insights into the intricacies of digital transformation and AI. IIM Lucknow Emeritus Similarly, Physics Wallah (PW), an Indian EdTech platform, launched PW Institute of Innovation (PW IOI), a four-year residential program in Computer Science and AI to address the critical challenges faced by the Indian software industry, strategically located in Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India. Physics Wallah The significant increase in the demand-supply gap for skilled AI and data science professionals further highlights the need for a comprehensive transformation in the learning approach Vishwa Mohan, CIO at PW & President of PW IOI The significant increase in the demand-supply gap for skilled AI and data science professionals further highlights the need for a comprehensive transformation in the learning approach The significant increase in the demand-supply gap for skilled AI and data science professionals further highlights the need for a comprehensive transformation in the learning approach The significant increase in the demand-supply gap for skilled AI and data science professionals further highlights the need for a comprehensive transformation in the learning approach Vishwa Mohan, CIO at PW & President of PW IOI Vishwa Mohan, CIO at PW & President of PW IOI, said, “It is indeed concerning that despite the exponential growth witnessed in the Indian software industry, the employability rate of Indian engineering graduates has remained relatively low, with only marginal improvement over the years. Additionally, the significant increase in the demand-supply gap for skilled AI and data science professionals further highlights the need for a comprehensive transformation in the learning approach.” Employees want AI skilling from employers Employees want AI skilling from employers At the same time, employee expectations are starting to include skilling and training in AI. According to a study by EPAM India, 93% of modern engineers seek upskilling opportunities in AI, Cloud, and other new-age technologies, while 92% look for opportunities to enhance their problem-solving skills to identify and implement the best solutions. Also, 91% of respondents stated that future developmental and on-job training opportunities are their top expectations from their workplaces. study Regarding their perspective for the future, 68% and 46% of modern engineers, respectively, believe that Data Analytics and AI will be the demand in the future, enabling enhancing consumer experience and collaboration. Some companies have started working on these expectations in a bid to retain talent. For example, Findability Sciences , an enterprise AI solution has trained over 100 of its data analysts and scientists across its Boston, India, and Japan operations with intensive training in problem formulation and prompt design and engineering skills. Findability Sciences Empowering our team with these new skills is a strategic move that will pay dividends for our clients and the company. The future of AI is generative, and we are now more than ready to take it head-on Mandar Kulkarni, AVP of Pre-sales Empowering our team with these new skills is a strategic move that will pay dividends for our clients and the company. The future of AI is generative, and we are now more than ready to take it head-on Empowering our team with these new skills is a strategic move that will pay dividends for our clients and the company. The future of AI is generative, and we are now more than ready to take it head-on Empowering our team with these new skills is a strategic move that will pay dividends for our clients and the company. The future of AI is generative, and we are now more than ready to take it head-on Mandar Kulkarni, AVP of Pre-sales Mandar Kulkarni, AVP of Pre-sales, said, “Empowering our team with these new skills is a strategic move that will pay dividends for our clients and the company. The future of AI is generative, and we are now more than ready to take it head-on.”?? The aim is to arm its team with the latest skills to cater to the evolving requirements of its existing and incoming customers in the generative AI arena. “This training is more than an investment in our team; it’s an investment in our clients,” says Anurag Srivastava, the Global Delivery Head. In a tech-driven business landscape, AI and machine learning expertise empower professionals to navigate disruption and contribute significantly to short-term viability and long-term success, hence its necessity as a skill is becoming inevitable. Every ecosystem has to pool in resources to meet the AI demand that will only go up in the future. Navanwita Sachdev, Editor, The Tech Panda Navanwita Sachdev, Editor, The Tech Panda Navanwita Sachdev, Navanwita Sachdev, Navanwita Sachdev, Editor, The Tech Panda

The Talent Quest: Companies' High Stakes in the AI Workforce Race

How to Stake ETH by StakingFarm: The Ultimate Guide

কিভাবে StakingFarm দ্বারা ETH অংশীদার: চূড়ান্ত গাইড

So staken Sie ETH mit StakingFarm: Der ultimative Leitfaden

Cómo apostar ETH mediante SatingFarm: la guía definitiva

Comment miser de l'ETH par StakingFarm : le guide ultime

स्टेकिंगफार्म द्वारा ETH को कैसे स्टेक करें: अंतिम गाइड

StakingFarmによるETHのステーキング方法：究極のガイド

StakeFarm을 통해 ETH를 스테이킹하는 방법: 최고의 가이드

Como apostar ETH por StakingFarm: o guia definitivo

Как стейкать ETH от StakeFarm: полное руководство

StakingFarm ile ETH Nasıl Stake Edilir: Nihai Kılavuz

Cách đặt cược ETH bằng StakeFarm: Hướng dẫn cơ bản

如何通过 StakingFarm 质押 ETH：终极指南

If you thought the days of Windows 98 wizards were gone with the 1990s, think again. Thanks to the power of memes, blockchain technology has revived them. Today, we present the UNICORN Airdrop, which stands out for its unconventional approach to Web3. If you’re seeking a distinctive project for your portfolio, this might be it. The Cultural Revolution of Crypto: Why Memes Are Key to Success To fully grasp this project, an understanding of online memes is essential. Assuming you are quite active on the internet, you know that memes communicate messages swiftly and effectively. This explains why crypto enthusiasts frequently use memes to market tokens. Memes transcend language barriers and cultural differences, making them a potent medium of communication within the cryptocurrency realm. They are more than just funny images with witty captions; they are tools for social commentary and satire, challenging the traditional mindset of corporate-like crypto projects. UNICORN, the first proof-of-stake meme chain in crypto, leverages memes for communication and branding, fostering a strong community among its followers. Beyond entertainment, memes also simplify complex crypto topics, making them more relatable and easier to understand. Choose Wisely: Why Investing in "Meme Rotators" Over "Code Cels" is the Future UNICORN’s documentation may seem unusual if you are accustomed to serious, technical crypto whitepapers. The team adopts a meme-inspired tone, likely familiar if you’ve participated in crypto-focused Telegram or Discord groups. The terms "meme rotators" and "code cels" represent two investing mindsets in the crypto market. "Meme rotators" appreciate crypto as a cultural phenomenon, focusing on community building and using memes to drive change and attract attention to projects. Conversely, "code cels" prioritize creating technically advanced blockchains, often overlooking the significance of community and culture. Investing in "meme rotators" is advised because the future isn’t just about technology or potential gains; it's about building a supportive community. Technology alone can fail without community support, which "meme rotators" excel in fostering. Claim Your Share: How to Join the Unicorn Airdrop in Just a Few Simple Steps "Airdrop" is a key term on UNICORN's website, referring to the free distribution of digital assets to holders of specific cryptocurrencies. UNICORN offers an airdrop for holders of Cosmos, Ethereum, and Solana assets. Here’s how it works: Ensure you have a Cosmos wallet using Keplr or Leap.
Connect your Cosmos wallet to the Unicorn website to import your Unicorn Chain.
Connect your Phantom wallet or Metamask.
If eligible, paste your UNICORN addressâ€”a unique string of charactersâ€”into the airdrop input box on the website.
Claim your airdrop. Tokens will be transferred to your designated wallet at 9 PM UTC on weekdays. This process is straightforward, and over 30 crypto communities have already participated. UNICORN promotes inclusivity, inviting all crypto enthusiasts to partake in the airdrop. Wrapping Up - Joining the Unicorn Revolution UNICORN is the first proof-of-stake meme chain that has gained significant attention through word-of-mouth and social media. It prides itself on a fully organic launch with no VC involvement, representing a genuine grassroots blockchain initiative. The cross-chain airdrop involving the Solana, Ethereum, and Cosmos ecosystems has seen enthusiastic participation from various communities. The increasing claim rate of NFTs and memecoins by communities like Remilios and Miladies is a testament to its success. To learn more about this innovative project and its airdrop campaign, visit its website and follow the social links below. X (Twitter) | Discord | Telegram Editor’s note: Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital. If you thought the days of Windows 98 wizards were gone with the 1990s, think again. Thanks to the power of memes, blockchain technology has revived them. Today, we present the UNICORN Airdrop, which stands out for its unconventional approach to Web3. If you’re seeking a distinctive project for your portfolio, this might be it. UNICORN UNICORN The Cultural Revolution of Crypto: Why Memes Are Key to Success To fully grasp this project, an understanding of online memes is essential. Assuming you are quite active on the internet, you know that memes communicate messages swiftly and effectively. This explains why crypto enthusiasts frequently use memes to market tokens. Memes transcend language barriers and cultural differences, making them a potent medium of communication within the cryptocurrency realm. They are more than just funny images with witty captions; they are tools for social commentary and satire, challenging the traditional mindset of corporate-like crypto projects. UNICORN, the first proof-of-stake meme chain in crypto, leverages memes for communication and branding, fostering a strong community among its followers. Beyond entertainment, memes also simplify complex crypto topics, making them more relatable and easier to understand. Choose Wisely: Why Investing in "Meme Rotators" Over "Code Cels" is the Future UNICORN’s documentation may seem unusual if you are accustomed to serious, technical crypto whitepapers. The team adopts a meme-inspired tone, likely familiar if you’ve participated in crypto-focused Telegram or Discord groups. The terms "meme rotators" and "code cels" represent two investing mindsets in the crypto market. "Meme rotators" appreciate crypto as a cultural phenomenon, focusing on community building and using memes to drive change and attract attention to projects. Conversely, "code cels" prioritize creating technically advanced blockchains, often overlooking the significance of community and culture. Investing in "meme rotators" is advised because the future isn’t just about technology or potential gains; it's about building a supportive community. Technology alone can fail without community support, which "meme rotators" excel in fostering. Claim Your Share: How to Join the Unicorn Airdrop in Just a Few Simple Steps "Airdrop" is a key term on UNICORN's website, referring to the free distribution of digital assets to holders of specific cryptocurrencies. UNICORN offers an airdrop for holders of Cosmos, Ethereum, and Solana assets. Here’s how it works: Ensure you have a Cosmos wallet using Keplr or Leap. Connect your Cosmos wallet to the Unicorn website to import your Unicorn Chain. Connect your Phantom wallet or Metamask. If eligible, paste your UNICORN addressâ€”a unique string of charactersâ€”into the airdrop input box on the website. Claim your airdrop. Tokens will be transferred to your designated wallet at 9 PM UTC on weekdays. Ensure you have a Cosmos wallet using Keplr or Leap. Connect your Cosmos wallet to the Unicorn website to import your Unicorn Chain. Unicorn website Unicorn website Connect your Phantom wallet or Metamask. If eligible, paste your UNICORN addressâ€”a unique string of charactersâ€”into the airdrop input box on the website. Claim your airdrop. Tokens will be transferred to your designated wallet at 9 PM UTC on weekdays. This process is straightforward, and over 30 crypto communities have already participated. UNICORN promotes inclusivity, inviting all crypto enthusiasts to partake in the airdrop. Wrapping Up - Joining the Unicorn Revolution UNICORN is the first proof-of-stake meme chain that has gained significant attention through word-of-mouth and social media. It prides itself on a fully organic launch with no VC involvement, representing a genuine grassroots blockchain initiative. The cross-chain airdrop involving the Solana, Ethereum, and Cosmos ecosystems has seen enthusiastic participation from various communities. The increasing claim rate of NFTs and memecoins by communities like Remilios and Miladies is a testament to its success. To learn more about this innovative project and its airdrop campaign, visit its website and follow the social links below. website website X (Twitter) | Discord | Telegram X (Twitter) X (Twitter) Discord Discord Telegram Telegram Editor’s note: Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital. Editor’s note: Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital. Editor’s note: Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.

UNICORN: The First Proof of Stake Meme Chain in Crypto

ইউনিকর্ন: ক্রিপ্টোতে স্টেক মেম চেইনের প্রথম প্রমাণ

UNICORN: Die erste Proof of Stake-Meme-Kette in Krypto

UNICORNIO: La primera cadena de memes de prueba de participación en criptomonedas

LICORNE : la première chaîne de mèmes de preuve d'enjeu dans la crypto

यूनिकॉर्न: क्रिप्टो में पहली प्रूफ ऑफ स्टेक मीम चेन

UNICORN: 暗号通貨における最初のプルーフ・オブ・ステーク・ミームチェーン

UNICORN: 암호화폐 업계 최초의 스테이크 밈 체인 증명

UNICORN: A primeira prova de cadeia de meme de aposta em criptografia

UNICORN: первая цепочка мемов Proof of Stake в криптовалюте

UNICORN: Kriptoda İlk Proof of Stake Meme Zinciri

UNICORN: Chuỗi meme bằng chứng cổ phần đầu tiên trong tiền điện tử

UNICORN：加密货币中第一个权益证明模因链

In recent years, Ethereum transitioned to the Proof-of-Stake (PoS) model, moving away from its initial Proof-of-Work consensus. This new PoS model changes how transactions are verified on Ethereum and how new blocks are added to the network. Instead of the energy-heavy mining required in Proof-of-Work, PoS works by selecting validators based on the amount of cryptocurrency they hold and are willing to risk as security. This method is more energy-efficient and aims to improve network security and fairness in participation. However, switching to PoS introduced challenges, especially in maintaining network decentralization and ensuring secure validation. For example, security is a paramount concern in blockchain networks, especially for validators who participate in consensus mechanisms and have access to significant funds. Traditional if a validator's private key is compromised, it can lead to serious consequences such as slashing or loss of staked ETH. single-node validator configurations pose a risk; Ethereum has introduced Distributed Validator Technology (DVT) to tackle these issues. DVT spreads out the tasks and risks related to the validation process in Ethereum's PoS system. It works by dividing and sharing a validator's key responsibilities among several entities, decreasing the chances of centralized control and eliminating single points of failure. In this system, a validator's private key is fragmented and distributed across a network, forming a strong cluster. These clusters work together, ensuring the complete key is never fully available on any computer. This method enhances network security and guarantees uninterrupted validation, even if some nodes in the cluster are compromised or fail. Alon Muroch, Founder of the SSV.Network's core team broke it down saying, "Distribuited-Validator-Tech (DVT) is a protocol for delegating validator operations to a group of independent operators (cluster). DVT combines 2 core technologies: a BFT consensus protocol and threshold signatures. Cluster members reach a consensus, every epoch, on what duty data to sign, and then sign it using t-of-n BLS threshold." "Each operator in a cluster holds a key share, those shares can be split from an existing validator using Shamir-Secret-Sharing or by some distributed-key-generation (DKG) protocol." "Cluster members require consensus before signing, removing single point of failure setups in which a hacked or compromised service provider compromises the entire validator. DVT overcomes those challenges by using a fault tolerant consensus protocol (QBFT)." DVT's integration into Ethereum's PoS framework is crucial for a more decentralized and secure blockchain network. By reducing the risks of centralized power and enhancing the security of the validation process, DVT significantly bolsters the integrity and reliability of Ethereum's network. It ensures that the power to validate and create new blocks is spread across a broader group of participants, not concentrated among a few. This paper will examine how DVT strengthens Ethereum's decentralization, exploring its mechanisms and impact on the future of blockchain security and integrity. Understanding Ethereum's Proof-of-Stake and the Need for Decentralization was motivated by the need to improve the inefficiencies and environmental issues linked to PoW. Ethereum's transition from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) PoS, is more energy-efficient and accessible, reducing the heavy computational demand of PoW. which selects validators based on their cryptocurrency holdings and risk commitment, Decentralization is a key aspect of PoS, vital for network security and resilience. Unlike PoW, where the high computational demands can lead to a few entities dominating mining power, PoS provides a fairer system for participation. Decentralization is important in PoS to avoid any single group having too much control over the network, which helps reduce the risk of unfair tactics like the 51% attack, where someone controls most of the mining power. A decentralized network is also more robust, less prone to specific points of failure, whether technical, geographical, or political. Yet, achieving true decentralization in standard PoS models has its challenges. One main concern is the risk of wealth concentration, where wealthier stakeholders might have too much influence, potentially leading to a plutocracy. There's also the issue of centralization through staking pools, where smaller stakeholders combine their resources to increase their chances of being chosen as validators, unintentionally leading to a concentration of validation power. These issues underscore the importance of systems like DVT, which aim to distribute the validation process more evenly across the network, reinforcing the decentralized nature of PoS. Addressing these obstacles, PoS systems aim to more closely adhere to the fundamental tenets of blockchain technology, striving towards an authentically decentralized and secure network. The Basics of Distributed Validator Technology ) is an innovative method that transforms how blockchain networks validate transactions, especially in Ethereum's Proof-of-Stake system. DVT's main goal is to boost security and promote decentralization by spreading the tasks and powers of a single validator among many nodes. Distributed Validator Technology (DVT It does this by dividing the validator's private key into parts, each handled by different nodes in the network. These nodes work together to do the jobs of a single validator, like proposing and checking blocks, without ever having the full private key in one place. This greatly lowers the risk of someone getting unauthorized access to the key. DVT relies on several critical cryptographic techniques. First is , which splits the private key into multiple pieces. Each piece is given to different nodes, and only a certain number of these pieces can put the original key back together. This setup means no single node has total control or knowledge of the private key, making the system more secure. Shamir's Secret Sharing Another key part is the Threshold Signature Scheme. This scheme decides how many key pieces are needed to perform a task, like making a signature. For example, in a 3-out-of-5 setup, three of the five pieces can create a valid signature. This ensures the system keeps working even if some nodes are down or compromised, as long as enough nodes are active and working together. Distributed Key Generation (DKG) is used to create these key pieces. It's a complex method that makes sure each participant gets a part of the key, without any single participant seeing the whole key. This step is crucial when first setting up a DVT system. Multiparty Computation (MPC) is also important in DVT. It allows multiple parties to jointly calculate something while keeping their inputs secret. In DVT, MPC helps nodes work together to make signatures, without sharing their key pieces. Lastly, the consensus protocol in DVT is essential for making decisions in the network. It determines how nodes, each with a part of the validator's key, agree on actions like confirming blocks or approving transactions. This protocol ensures that even though the validation duties are spread out, the network runs smoothly and in sync, with all nodes aiming for the same goal. This protocol handles the usual blockchain operations and adapts to DVT's unique features, ensuring the system's distributed nature strengthens security without losing efficiency or unity. A Closer Look at Distributed Validator Technology in Ethereum's SSV Network The SSV Network, employing Secret Shared Validator (SSV) or Distributed Validator Technology (DVT), introduces a novel method for Ethereum staking. This technology facilitates establishing a decentralized and open-source network for staking ETH. The SSV Ethereum staking network, recently rolled out its unrestricted mainnet. The primary function of SSV is to , allowing the operation of an Ethereum validator across various non-trusting nodes. This division aims to improve the security and redundancy of validator keys, potentially impacting individual stakers, the Ethereum network, and staking services. divide a validator key into multiple KeyShares SSV operates similarly to a multi-signature wallet with an additional consensus layer. It interfaces between a beacon node and a validator client to streamline the staking process. Its operation involves Distributed Key Generation, where operators collaboratively create a shared public and private key set. Each operator controls a private key segment, preventing total control by a single party. The network uses the Shamir Secret Sharing method for reassembling validator keys, based on a specific threshold of KeyShares. Notably, each KeyShare alone cannot sign duties, yet the entire set is unnecessary if some are faulty, as indicated by the formula n≥3f+1. The flexibility is enhanced through BLS signatures, enabling the combination of multiple signatures to form a validator key signature. This integration aids in the distribution and assembly of keys as required. SSV incorporates Multi-Party Computation (MPC) to secure KeyShares distribution among operators and decentralized computation of validator duties. This process ensures that the validator key is not reconstructed on a single device. To reach a network-wide consensus, even when certain operators are offline or malfunctioning, the Istanbul Byzantine Fault Tolerance (IBFT) Consensus process is employed. The SSV Network ecosystem consists of stakers, operators, and DAO members. Stakers, including individual ETH holders or services, utilize SSV/DVT technology to enhance the security and decentralization of their validators, compensating operators with SSV tokens. Operators provide hardware support and manage the SSV protocol, ensuring the network remains robust and functional. The DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) plays a significant role in governing the SSV Network protocol and managing its treasury, with decisions made through governance functions and token holder votes. The native token of the SSV Network, $SSV, is primarily used for payments and governance. Stakers pay operators $SSV; the token also enables participation in network decision-making. As more ETH is staked, operators and the DAO's treasury receive higher fees, potentially creating a cycle promoting network growth. Muroch said, "Such an important public good like DVT needs to have the right governance to ensure it's aligned with the greater ethereum ethos. An active and prominent DAO empowers the ssv community to make decisions and drive innovation." "The ssv DAO decides everything that happens within the ssv protocol: protocol params, contract upgrades, resource allocation and more. We believe that a powerful DAO must be the driving force for ssv to serve ethereum and help make it more secure and decentralized." Diva's Approach to Distributed Validator Technology Diva, an Ethereum Liquid Staking protocol, utilizes Distributed Validator Technology to enhance Ethereum's Proof of Stake system. It introduces novel features for two types of participants: Liquid Stakers and Operators. Liquid Stakers interact with Diva by depositing Ethereum (ETH). , a unique Liquid Staking Token. This token represents the initial ETH stake and accumulates Ethereum Staking Rewards over time. The distinct aspect of divETH is its liquidity; unlike traditional staking where assets are locked, divETH can be freely transferred or traded, maintaining its value and rewards. In return, they receive divETH Additionally, divETH is dynamic, with its balance regularly updating to reflect accrued rewards or penalties. This token also has versatility in the DeFi ecosystem, as it's an ERC20 token and can be used for various purposes like lending or bridging. For those who prefer a stable balance, divETH can be converted into wdivETH. Operators in the Diva ecosystem have a different role. They run nodes that are essential for the network's validation process, staking their divETH as collateral. This collateral secures the network and entitles them to Operator Rewards, supplementing the standard Staking Rewards that divETH generates. The system incentivizes Operators to perform their duties correctly; because if they fail to do so, it can lead to penalties on their collateral. The more divETH an Operator stakes, the greater their potential rewards, as they can receive more Key Shares, which are crucial for the validation process. What sets Diva apart, particularly for Operators, is its non-custodial approach. Operators never handle the actual funds or private keys. Instead, the Diva Smart Contract acts as a mediator, handling ETH deposits and setting up validators within Ethereum's Consensus Layer. A unique feature of Diva is its use of Distributed Key Generation and Boneh–Lynn–Shacham (BLS) threshold signatures, ensuring secure and decentralized validation. Each Ethereum validator in this system is controlled by multiple Key Shares, distributed among various Operators. A consensus of two-thirds of these Key Shares is necessary for any validator action, ensuring reliability and security. Diva's architecture offers a more accessible and flexible staking option than traditional Ethereum staking. While Ethereum requires a significant commitment of 32 ETH and the operation of a node, Diva allows Liquid Stakers to stake any amount of ETH without running a node. Operators, on the other hand, can lock smaller amounts of divETH and still participate in node operation, often finding it more advantageous than operating a solo Ethereum validator. This approach simplifies the staking process and aggregates rewards from the entire network, leading to smoother and more predictable returns for all participants. How Lido Utilized DVT Lido's project involving Distributed Validator Technology (DVT) is a bit like a big experiment in teamwork for computers that handle cryptocurrency transactions, specifically Ethereum. They worked with a group called the SSV Network from April to July to test this out. The involvement to include solo stakers, community stakers, and various professional organizations. This diversity of participants is crucial for a robust test of the DVT system. extended beyond Lido's existing Node Operators Imagine a group of people (or in this case, computers) who need to agree on something before taking action. In Lido's test, they created teams, or "clusters," each with a different number of members. Some teams needed most members to agree before acting, while others required nearly all members to agree. Each team had a leader responsible for organizing things and ensuring everyone was ready to work together. These teams comprised different types of participants – some were experienced with Lido's system, while others were new and came from the wider community. The main task for these teams was to handle Ethereum transactions. They had to set up their systems following specific instructions and then work together to process transactions. Despite some initial challenges, most teams did well, showing they could handle transactions reliably and quickly. The results were encouraging. After fixing some early problems, the teams worked better, showing that this method could be reliable in the long run. Lido plans to improve this system and eventually use it in the real world, not just in tests. They want to make the process more secure and efficient and invite more people to join in future tests. This could lead to changes in how Ethereum transactions are handled, making the process more decentralized – not controlled by just one computer or a small group. DVT in the Broader Context of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Distributed Validator Technology (DVT) offers a notable departure from traditional validator models in blockchain networks, representing a significant advancement in blockchain security and decentralization. In many blockchain systems, especially those using a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism, individual nodes or a small group of nodes often handle validation. While these conventional models are somewhat effective, they tend to concentrate power and responsibility in a few hands, leading to potential centralization issues. This concentration can create security risks and uneven distribution of rewards and governance influence. DVT changes this by spreading the validator's duties across several nodes, diluting the influence of any single validator and leading to a more democratic, decentralized network. This approach improves security by minimizing failure points and creates a fairer system with wider participation. The implementation and success of DVT in Ethereum could profoundly impact other cryptocurrencies and the future of blockchain technology. As blockchain networks grow and need to become more secure, efficient, and decentralized, DVT offers a model for enhancing these aspects. Its adoption might inspire new blockchain innovations, leading to more advanced, secure decentralized systems. The principles and methods of DVT could be adapted in various ways across different blockchain designs, possibly setting a new standard for validator operations in the broader blockchain field. The wider implications of DVT for the cryptocurrency ecosystem and stakeholder trust are significant. In a field where trust is crucial and concerns about centralization and security are common, DVT presents a practical solution to some key issues. By promoting a more decentralized and secure validation process, DVT boosts the overall trustworthiness of the network. This can increase confidence among stakeholders, not just in Ethereum but across the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. Knowing that they are part of a securely and fairly managed system is invaluable for users, investors, and developers. This increased trust and security could lead to broader adoption, more innovation, and a stronger, more resilient cryptocurrency ecosystem. Therefore, DVT is more than a technological advance; it marks a critical step in the growth and development of the blockchain and cryptocurrency world.

Distributed Validator Technology: Decentralizing Ethereum's Proof-of-Stake

Let's say you're planning to throw an awesome party. Sounds fun, right? But how will you make sure it is successful? The indicator of success can be the profit you generate by attracting a large number of attendees to the party. Additionally, you would want to ensure that attendees will return for future parties. Who do you need to work with to coordinate all of this? At a minimum, you may want to involve: Venue owner DJ Security Bartender Promo manager Designer ...and this may not be an exhaustive list. All of these individuals will have a vested interest in the successful completion of the party. However, they may not necessarily have identical needs and expectations. For instance, the venue owner may desire to generate income by renting out the space and anticipate the venue to be cleaned without any noticeable harm after the party. Meanwhile, the DJ, for instance, anticipates an audience that will value his artistic expression, and an increase in his followers on , , etc. Spotify Instagram , meaning they are parties with a vested interest in the project. → All these individuals will be your stakeholders How to categorize your stakeholders? By classifying stakeholders into different subgroups, you will be able to develop strategies around: Communications (when and how to inform) Decision-making (who and when to involve) Project work (how to cultivate ownership and engagement in the project). Typically, stakeholders are categorized based on their , , and occasionally their . interest influence behavior/attitude Let's consider, for instance, a bartender who isn't particularly concerned about the success of the party. For him, the priority is to attract a large number of attendees and receive a commission from the bar sales. Therefore, the bartender has a low interest in the overall goal and a small level of influence, as his presence or absence does not determine whether the party will take place or not. When it comes to behavior, the bartender can sometimes act as a blocker. For instance, they might refuse to work until they have an XL shaker, stating that it is impossible to work without such equipment. While they may be correct, a bartender with a more positive work attitude would make an effort to assist in finding a solution to the problem. Based on the bartender profile and using a stakeholder categorization matrix, we can create a plan outlining how we will work with them, for example: Due to low influence, we will not include the bartender in making decisions regarding the party, such as the location, DJ, etc. Due to low interest, we are unlikely to inform the bartender about all the decisions related to the party, possibly only those that concern the bar. Knowing that there may be issues with the bartender, we will try to avoid them in advance to prevent disagreements from arising a day before the event. When working with people involved in organizing the party, you will be engaged in . stakeholder management Stakeholder management is a process that helps understand the needs and expectations of interested parties and build relationships with them. This will ultimately assist in hosting a successful party. How stakeholder management is assessed during the interview process? At interviews, this skill is assessed through the following questions: Describe a situation in which you had to work with a difficult stakeholder. How did you handle it? Share a situation in which you had to convince a stakeholder to collaborate on your project (provide feedback/resources, etc.). How do you communicate with stakeholders? Have you ever faced a situation in which your management denied you resources or the opportunity to work on a new project or change the strategy? How did you persuade them? How do you manage stakeholders' expectations?

Stakeholder Management 101 – The Simplest Explanation Ever

Stories, News & Mentions about STAKE

Stake’s Stories on HackerNoon

Stake's News & Mentions