Anthony Georgiades is the co-founder of Pastel Network and General Partner at Innovating Capital.
As business operations continue to evolve, one innovative advancement is reshaping the way companies transact and manage their data: blockchain. Blockchain’s decentralized structure, cryptographic security and inherent transparency make it ideal for enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, improving trust and piquing the interest of investors.
As an investor myself and having used blockchain in a variety of applications, including helping a portfolio company build out its market-making capabilities, I’ve had the privilege of seeing this technology leveraged in numerous ways over the years. These include data ownership, payments, supply chain management, digital identity and the development of smart contracts. Exploring these different applications, I’ve seen how this technology can be applied to any number of sectors and industries.
From healthcare to agriculture to traditional finance, blockchain is streamlining operations and expanding the possibilities for how businesses function at home and around the world. Here are a few of the ways businesses can leverage it.
Smart Contracts
Implementing smart contracts on the blockchain can automate and shorten business processes, such as insurance claims, property transfers and compliance tracking. By eliminating intermediaries, businesses can modernize operations and reduce paperwork and processing time, mitigating the risk of errors and delays.
Smart contracts can also be used when working with investors to facilitate transactions and investment agreements. As a VC—and co-founder of a blockchain company—I have seen various use cases for smart contracts, such as token sales. Given that, I understand the benefits of smart contracts within mainstream business. (The next step is getting other traditional investors to see their value, too.)
Financial Transactions And Remittances
Blockchain technology can revolutionize traditional payment and remittance systems by making transactions more secure as well as faster and cheaper. Cross-border payments, in particular, can be significantly simplified as this technology eliminates the need for intermediaries and reduces transaction fees and settlement times. Businesses can use blockchain-based payment solutions to facilitate frictionless global transactions while ensuring enhanced security and transparency.
Digital Identity Verification And Authentication
Traditionally, verifying identities involves cumbersome manual checks, leaving room for data breaches and identity theft. However, with the application of zero-knowledge proofs, a decentralized and tamper-resistant system emerges. This innovation ensures that sensitive personal data remains confidential while enabling entities to instantly access verified identity credentials.
Consequently, this efficient and secure verification process not only expedites customer onboarding but also elevates the entirety of the user experience, offering robust protection against identity fraud.
Data Sharing And Collaboration
Blockchain technology enables secure and permissioned data sharing among different stakeholders. Businesses operating in consortia can use the blockchain to maintain shared records with secure access controls, enhancing data integrity and confidentiality. This collaborative approach uncomplicates information sharing and decision making while reducing the need for reconciliation across multiple parties.
Competitive Advantage With Investors
Investors are often drawn to companies that have the potential to revolutionize traditional business models and unlock new opportunities while maintaining a commitment to system integrity, transparency and immutability.
Companies that can showcase significant efficiency gains through blockchain integration are likely to garner heightened investor attention. Its status as a cutting-edge technology with a diverse array of potential applications positions it as a very attractive feature for those who value forward-thinking enterprises capable of adapting to emerging technological trends.
I’ve been fortunate to be on the front lines of this groundbreaking technology as more creative, innovative and life-changing use cases are discovered. By incorporating blockchain strategically, businesses can unlock new possibilities, drive funding, improve operational efficiency, foster trust and gain a competitive edge over their peers. Therefore, businesses should make embracing its transformative capabilities a priority.
