Why Startups Need to Prioritize Blockchain Technology It is no longer a question of whether we should incorporate blockchain into our startups but rather how and when to implement it.
By Parwinder Singh Edited by Dan Bova
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed digital ledger that provides a permanent and immutable record for transactions if you're unfamiliar. This article will give an overview of what blockchain technology is, how it can be used in your start-up organization, and why start-ups should consider looking into the advantages of incorporating this new technology.
1. Virtual marketplaces
Perhaps the most prominent use of blockchain currently is virtual goods and exchange. The most well-known of these companies are virtual currency exchanges, like Coinbase and Bittrex, which allow people to exchange a wide variety of virtual goods through this technology. The main benefit to using blockchain in a marketplace is the lack of fraud. It can be used to verify that a transaction has occurred between two or more parties, therefore eliminating the possibility of double-spending. While many people have already seen these examples on mainstream media, many other industries use this technology in their business models.
Related: The Blockchain Is Everywhere: Here's How to Understand It
2. Network-based services
Another example of a start-up utilizing blockchain technology is that of a VPN service or node. Because a VPN is essentially an encrypted tunnel, the data naturally has to pass through a centralized server. This creates the possibility of foul play by the VPN node owner, allowing them to eavesdrop on your data. The use of blockchain technology in this service helps to ensure that no such malicious acts can occur because it gives players complete control over their interactions.
3. Smart contracts
A smart contract is defined as an event-driven program that runs on blockchain technology and allows two or more parties to conduct business transparently and securely without trusting one another. These contracts can be used in a wide range of application areas and enable all participants to be sure that they've received the results they were promised, without the need for manual oversight on the part of a third party. For example, a smart contract could be written that requires a user to put down money into an escrow account before accessing their desired service. This ensures that they've received nothing less than what was promised and prevents anyone from abusing this system by requesting access to these funds even after the agreed-upon service has been completed.
4. Health care sector
The health care sector is an industry that is trying to harness the power of blockchain technology. The main reason for this is to increase the security surrounding health care records and share them more easily. This technology would allow patients to keep their records to control their data and access them from any computer or smartphone. Blockchain also offers a safe way for doctors and researchers to share medical data without compromising patient privacy or threatening the integrity of research data. As an alternative, digital currencies that run on a blockchain could be used as a way to secure votes or even help people determine their votes.
Related: 3 Tips to Take Advantage of the Future Web 3.0 Decentralized Infrastructure
5. Gaming sector
Blockchain technology also makes it possible for games to exist in which players own digital assets, allowing them to exchange these assets socially, either by selling, leasing, or gifting them to other players online. Additionally, it makes for a more seamless, secure, and fair system for exchanging virtual currency. People can trust that these virtual assets are coming from a trustworthy source and can be exchanged at will without fear of dumping or inflation.
6. Energy management
Energy formation is a huge task and is often carried out by companies deemed national. Whether they are state-owned or private, monopoly starts settling in the market. Blockchain technology could be used to solve the power problem in a more sustainable way. Putting in place decentralization, trustless networking, and openness of the system, creates a possible way for energy trading or management to be carried out on a localized level. It could create more competition among energy traders and more efficient trade.
7. Voting and government formation
Perhaps one of the most promising uses of blockchain is voting and government formation. It can be used to protect the integrity of votes and give people more control over how their votes are used. Additionally, it can ensure that a transaction is legitimate and that no fraud occurs. However, there are still some issues in using blockchains for voting. At this point, there are very few open-source and completely secure systems. Therefore, it may still not be possible to make use of this technology in government elections anytime soon.
Related: How to Make the Most of Crowdfunding on the Blockchain
8. Banking industry
Blockchain technology is also being used in the banking industry to increase the safety of transactions. It allows banks to store their private keys using digital signatures, which are more challenging to hack than other types of passwords. Overall, incorporating blockchain into banking systems could help make it possible for people without bank accounts and bank accounts without necessary documentation (such as passports) to make secure transactions. These include people living in underdeveloped areas and refugees who may find accessing a traditional bank account difficult or impossible. The technology could also reduce transaction costs for international money transfers and allow for more efficient remittance services for immigrants working in another country who want to send money home to their families.
9. Trading sector
Several companies have already successfully integrated blockchain technology into their trading platforms. It has made it possible to conduct large-scale trade without trusted third parties. This means that the management of the transactions is more seamless and secure. It also provides an opportunity for businesses to engage in transparent and direct trade, which can create a more level playing field due to its transparency, security, and speed of transaction. Cryptocurrencies are also an excellent example of this. The most popular cryptocurrency and blockchain to date, Bitcoin, is traded on a peer-to-peer basis without an intermediary.
