Karsten Wenzlaff, Advisor
August 26th, 2025
Karsten Wenzlaff is a Crowdfunding and Fintech Expert from Germany. He is Secretary-General of Digit[...]
Category Archives: Press Releases
Global Blockchain Becomes Media Sponsor for FFCON18: VELOCITY
Global Blockchain Release | Shidan Gouran | March 2, 2018
Participating alongside leading names in blockchain, fintech and the finance world, this conference will be where many advances for blockchain will occur in 2018.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GLOBAL BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGIES CORP. (CSE:BLOC) (CSE:BLOC.CN) (CSE:BLOC.CNX) (FSE:BWSP) (OTC:BLKCF) ("BLOC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will be a media partner for the Fintech and Funding Conference of 2018.
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA) and partners are proud to present FFCON18: VELOCITY (2018 Fintech and Funding Conference) on Monday, March 5th and Tuesday, March 6th. Currently in its fourth year, this conference offers a full scope of insights, knowledge and commentary from leaders and innovators in the blockchain industry; as well as regulators, lawyers and several notable names in the world of tech. BLOC is proud to announce that it will be a media partner for this event, giving it presence at what will be a defining conference for the trajectory of the blockchain in Canada for 2018 and beyond.
“We are honoured to have BLOC on board as a media partner,” says Craig Asano - Founder and CEO of NCFA. “Their accomplishments to date in blockchain-related ventures have helped to put Canada on the map as a leading market in this sphere. We’re thrilled to have BLOC participate at FFCON, because we know the amount of influence that they carry in this field - which is very much of interest to our attendees, exhibitors and speakers.”
See: Fintech and Funding 2018 Conference March 5-6, Toronto, Blockchain, Crypto and Alternative Investing
At the conference, there will be five different streams of content, several learning and networking events, VIP one-on-one meetings, 12 pitching companies, and over 50 speakers - including the President of BLOC, Mr. Shidan Gouran.
“I’m really happy that we’re getting to be part of this conference,” says Mr. Gouran. “As blockchain jumps past the initial hurdles of adoption, everyone is trying to understand all of the different angles of it - taking somewhat of a holistic approach. The team behind FFCON has done a great job to bring in experts from nearly every relevant area, and this is going to be an event that you don’t want to miss if you want to be part of Canada’s climb to the top of the blockchain world.”
In light of substantial changes to and developments in cryptocurrencies and the blockchain over the past year, this will be the most impactful FFCON event so far. With even greater changes and developments coming on an even larger scale, the insights that come from this event will be essential both for active blockchain participants and for entities who are just getting introduced to it.
For more information, please contact info@globalblockchain.io
On behalf of the Company:
Shidan Gouran, President
(416) 854-3017
About Global Blockchain Technologies Corp.
The Company provides investors access to a basket of direct and indirect holdings within the blockchain space, managed by a team of industry pioneers and early adopters of all major cryptocurrencies.
BLOC is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSE”) and its common shares trade under the ticker symbol "BLOC". Additional information relating to BLOC is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, the CSE at www.theCSE.com, as well as on the Company's website at www.globalblockchain.io.
About FFCON18: VELOCITY
FFCON (Fintech and Funding Conference) is an annual conference hosted by NCFA Canada in its fourth year, with an educational objective that brings together professionals and innovators in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and alternative investing. It is being held on Monday, March 5th and Tuesday, March 6th, 2018 in downtown Toronto. The VELOCITY theme is all about speed, efficiency, and reducing friction; all of which are commonly shared objectives among participants in the blockchain ecosystem. Additional information about the conference can be found at www.fintechandfunding.com.
Public and Private Capital Markets Converge with Canada’s Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Fintech Leaders at FFCON18: VELOCITY on March 5-6 in Toronto
FFCON18 | February 28, 2018
The 4th Annual 2018 Fintech and Funding Conference Explores the Accelerating Speed and Adoption of Blockchain Technologies, Cryptocurrency and Alternative Investing Markets
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 28, 2018 / Hosted by the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association (NCFA) with presenting partner Nikola Tesla Unite, FFCON18: VELOCITY will be held next week at the Design Exchange in Toronto. Planned announcements, thought leadership content and product launches on Monday, March 5:
- Hear regulatory updates from participating CSA members from BC, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and The Competition Bureau
- Global product launch of a blockchain-enabled biometric validation platform from Crypto KABN
- Critical updates on layer zero protocol and how TCP/IP can evolve to scale blockchains
- Is traditional venture capital dead? Debate on how ICOs are changing the funding game moderated by Andrew McCreath, BNN
- Which financial technologies will push Canada to the forefront of blockchain innovation globally?
- 50+ speakers featuring keynotes on blockchain's transformative potential and roadmap, future of bitcoin, decentralized future and machine learning: CryptoOracle, Pegasus Fintech, Globalive Technology Partners, Decentral/Jaxx and Ethereum, Ov2 Capital and TSX Venture Exchange
- Insights from Canada's fastest growing crypto, digital asset and payment ventures: U.CASH, CoinPayments, Coinsquare and TokenFunder, Ontario's first regulated ICO
These are exciting times - we are witnessing a transformation of technology and society. With new opportunities come hurdles that must be overcome to realize inherent potential. The conference program highlights challenges while celebrating innovative achievements and Canadian milestones.
FFCON18 brings together fintech leaders, investors and emerging innovators from start-ups to scale-ups to government regulatory bodies and agencies who have a vision for the future of finance. A must-attend event for fintech investors, companies raising capital and decision-makers in technology, finance and digital media.
Tickets are selling fast. Check out the conference website and register at: FintechandFunding.com (Event hashtag: #FFCON18) NCFA Members get 20% off with code NCFA_MEMBER_DEAL
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
FrontFundr and SeedUps Canada announce partnership
FrontFundr and SeedUps Canada Release | Feb 21, 2018
CALGARY / VANCOUVER - February 15, 2018: Four years ago, two visionaries began the process of reducing barriers for Canada’s early stage companies accessing growth capital. They each developed unique models to tackle this challenge, working closely with securities regulators and gaining buy-in from the early stage ecosystem. They have now come together to leverage their experience and momentum and help more companies and investors throughout Canada.
One, Sandi Gilbert, developed a suite of technologies that simplified the complexities of capital creation and management with a focus on the angel investing community. The SeedUps platform, and its deal flow app AngelBot, has showcased over 50 companies to its angel network; and DealPoint, a SaaS solution for the private capital markets, has transacted over $4 million in exempt investment since its launch late last year. Next up - a blockchain solution where entrepreneurs and investors can manage their shareholdings post raise.
The other, Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, created FrontFundr, a national Exempt Market Dealer with a proprietary online platform that democratizes Canada’s private capital markets by allowing all Canadians to invest in early stage and growing private companies. FrontFundr has emerged as Canada’s clear leader, having assisted more than 20 companies to raise a combined total of over $8M from a wide range of Canadian investors - not just the 1%. This initiative has unlocked capital across Canada and broadened investor access to a multitude of opportunities.
Get Tickets Now: 2018 Fintech & Funding Conference: FFCON18 VELOCITY | Toronto March 5-6
SeedUps and FrontFundr have now partnered to provide entrepreneurs with a full suite of tools to access the resources and capital they need to grow and scale their businesses. This partnership will help entrepreneurs prepare for and engage with a wide range of new investors; from retail to angels to institutions and investment funds - online and offline. Post investment technologies to help companies and their shareholders better manage their investments will bring transparency to private investing overall.
“Peter-Paul and I have long had similar visions to help entrepreneurs access capital in what we call the ‘funding gap’”, states Gilbert. “By matching our resources with an entrepreneur’s needs, we can increase the probability of a successful outcome for the entrepreneur and its investors”.
“This partnership supports our joint mission to truly democratize investing in private companies in Canada. We are bringing together professional venture capital and everyday Canadians to invest in companies that they believe in” says Van Hoeken.
Entrepreneurs are an essential contributor to the Canadian economy, with small business representing over 98% of businesses in Canada. New models of support and access to capital are critical for Canada’s growth.
Interested in exploring investment opportunities for all Canadians, visit FrontFundr
If you are a growing company preparing to capital raise, visit SeedUps Canada
For further information, please contact:
Sandi Gilbert at sandi@seedups.ca or Peter-Paul Van Hoeken at peter-paul@frontfundr.com
The National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a national non-profit actively engaged with social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, peer-to-peer (P2P), initial coin offerings (ICO), and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, networking opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, academia and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and online financing industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
Payment and Blockchain-leader Diana Adachi joins Pegasus
Pegasus Fintech Release | Gary Swartz | Jan 15, 2018
TORONTO, January 15, 2018 — Pegasus Fintech, Inc. today announced that payment and blockchain-leader Diana Adachi has been selected as the company’s new chief executive officer. Pegasus Fintech is a full-service blockchain, technology and token accelerator that supports regulatory compliant Public Initial BlockChain Offerings (PIBCOs).
“We are honored to have Diana Adachi join our team. Diana is not only recognized as a leader in blockchain solutioning globally but also brings deep payment and banking acumen to the company,” said David Lucatch, Chair of Pegasus Fintech.
“I am excited to work with Pegasus to support its world-class blockchain technology consultancy and PIBCO token acceleration services,” said Diana Adachi.
Ms. Adachi served as a Global Blockchain Solutions Lead with Accenture in the San Francisco Bay Area. Diana was responsible for exploring key opportunities using Blockchain and distributed ledgers with the company’s G1000 clients.
Ms. Adachi has co-authored various papers on the subject and was recently recognized as one of PaymentSource’s Most Influential Women in Payments, 2017 for her work in Blockchain. Recent papers include:
- Blockchain Technology – How Banks Are Working to Build the Foundation of the World’s First Real-Time Global Payment Network
- Business Case Assessment on Distributed Ledger Technology For Cross Border Payments
- Blockchain as a Solution for Reducing Insurance Fraud and Abuse in Hong Kong
- Blockchain Disruption in Digital Rights and Entitlements
Prior to Accenture, Diana was the President of a global IT services company with offices in India, the UK, Canada, and the US. She spearheaded the company’s transformation from an IT services provider to an electronic payments specialist, doubling revenues and tripling the company’s stock value.
Clients included Visa Inc., Visa Europe, and First Data. Though based in Silicon Valley, Diana was featured in an issue of Dataquest as one of the top IT women in India.
See: Global Payout’s MoneyTrac Technology, Inc. Partners with Innovative Blockchain and Token Accelerator Pegasus Fintech, Inc. for Joint Development of Cryptocurrency-Based Token
As an entrepreneur, Ms. Adachi co-founded two successful businesses. She evangelized the Web with Viewz, an e-commerce development company and provided tech firms with strategic marketing services through Nextech.
Ms. Adachi is active in both the academic and business communities; she is a member of Stanford’s CodeX Blockchain Group and she sits on the Advisory board of Global ID and Invent Your Future in Silicon Valley. Diana also served on the Advisory Board for the University of Toronto and is a recipient of the President’s Arbor Award.
Ms. Adachi holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto.
About Pegasus Fintech, Inc. – www.pegasusfintech.com
Pegasus Fintech, Inc. is a Blockchain and Token Accelerator that focuses on supporting innovative solutions in the Financial Services, Technology, Blockchain and Cryptocurrency communities. Pegasus’ Accelerator program deploys a team of highly skilled industry, marketing, legal and financial specialists that provide evaluation, management, marketing programs, resources and tools to affect the growth of the business and create and execute the Blockchain and regulatory compliant, security-based Token programs. Pegasus supports client initiatives with investment banking, private equity and the democratized investment community.
Source: Release
For more information please contact:
Gary Schwartz
Managing Director
Pegasus Fintech
gary.schwartz@pegasusfintech.com
416 505-7410
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a national non-profit actively engaged with social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, peer-to-peer (P2P), initial coin offerings (ICO), and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, networking opportunities and services to thousands of community members and works closely with industry, government, academia and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a vibrant and innovative fintech and online financing industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
Finova Financial’s Equity-Linked JCO Token Going Global: Soon Available through Canada’s FrontFundr Online Investment Platform
Business Wire | Finova Financial Release | Dec 19, 2017
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Finova Financial, a digital financial services provider transforming the future of global banking, announced today the first stage of international expansion for the world’s first equity-linked token, JOBS Crypto Offering (JCO), through a partnership with Canadian online investment platform FrontFundr. Finova’s token will carry the unique attribute of being linked to a share of equity in Finova and will provide for an ERC-20 Ethereum token standard that can not only be traded in cryptocurrency but is also backed by assets in a U.S. corporation.
“Our focus is on connecting investors and entrepreneurs. Using technology, FrontFundr makes it easier for entrepreneurs to raise money from a much larger investor community,” says FrontFundr CEO Peter-Paul Van Hoeken. “Finova’s JCO model is like the missing piece of the puzzle for everyday Canadians who have wanted to get in on the crypto-investing space but were shut out of ICO (Initial Coin Offering) opportunities due to accreditation requirements.”
Introduced in the U.S. in November, the JCO is a new crowdfunding mechanism using blockchain and cryptocurrency to create a hybrid of initial coin offerings (ICOs) and traditional initial public offerings (IPOs), allowing companies to raise capital more readily through cryptocurrency investments and an initial public offering of stock in compliance with the JOBS Act Regulation A+.
See: Canada’s fintech adoption rate doubles in18 months; yet ranks 18th of 20 countries in EY Global Adoption Index
“FrontFundr in Canada and WeFunder in the U.S. are the first of what we hope will be many crowdfunding partnerships across the world,” says Finova CEO Gregory Keough. “We’re looking forward to building on the JCO concept globally because we think it’s the compliant alternative to the ICO and a perfect way to use the blockchain to help more companies raise capital and help more investors get in on crypto opportunities.”
Founded in 2015, FrontFundr has advocated the collaboration between the angel investor community and the emerging online investing sector. As the leading online investment platform in Canada, FrontFundr opened up investing in private companies for the public, democratizing investing in private companies.
JCO: How it Works
The JOBS Crypto Offering (JCO) is a new financing process that allows for companies to issue securities to the general public in exchange for cryptocurrency or other funds in compliance with SEC regulations. Ownership of such securities would be represented by entries in a distributed electronic network or database maintained by or on behalf of the Company in accordance with Section 224 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which we refer to as Tokens. The Tokens would be listed on an Alternative Trading System that is compliant with Regulation ATS under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
For more information, visit: http://jco.finovafinancial.com
About Finova Financial
A digital financial services provider transforming the future of global banking, National Financial Holdings, Inc. (known as “Finova”) develops fair and affordable financial technologies to create a more inclusive financial system and provide a path to financial health for the 2 billion people outside of the traditional financial system. Founded in 2015 by a team of financial services, technology and payment experts, Finova is backed by leading Silicon Valley venture capital firms and Wall Street private equity investors.
For more information: www.finovafinancial.com
About FrontFundr
FrontFundr is Canada’s leading online investment platform connecting investors and vetted companies. Registered as an Exempt Market Dealer (EMD), FrontFundr uses technology to assist companies in raising capital from accredited and non-accredited investors through a streamlined online investment process.
For more information: www.frontfundr.com
Contacts
Finova Financial
Media Contact:
Pam Abrahamsson, 503-298-9749
pabrahamsson@promoteonpurpose.com
or
Company Contact:
Silvana Puello, 561-517-9256
silvana.puello@finovafinancial.com
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
Katipult CEO Brock Murray Discusses How to Use Crowdfunding Software to Market Reg. A+ Offerings on the “Reg.A Money Show”
NB Herard | By: Carrie Brunner | Dec 17, 2017
The Regulation A+ equity crowdfunding industry is starting to see groundbreaking software in use to run crowdfunding platforms and portals. Katipult is one such firm offering private label software services to Reg.A+ issuers allowing them to brand Regulation A offerings on their own website domain.
Las Vegas, NV, December 17, 2017 — The Reg.A Funding Group announced today that they have published their latest “Reg.A+ Money Show” radio podcast in which Katipult CEO Brock Murray discussed how to use crowdfunding software to market and better brand Regulation A+ offerings.
Marketing and branding are two crucial pieces of what makes a Regulation A+ offering successful. On this podcast episode, the “Reg.A Money Show” interviewed Brock Murray from Katipult to get his take on how software is transforming the industry and how his private label software company can help Reg.A+ issuers enhance their brand even further by developing their very own “Crowdfunding Portal” hosted directly on their website domains. Cloud-based software infrastructure now allows firms to design, setup, and operate an investment platform across multiple distribution channels including web, mobile, and social media – and brand it totally their own.
Besides being syndicated on the iHeartRadio Network, you can access the radio podcast here:
Said “Reg.A Money Show” co-host Ron Costa, “Just as software has touched basically every industry on the planet, now we’re seeing groundbreaking cloud-based software like Katipult in use in the Reg.A+ space to run crowdfunding platforms and portals. Reg.A+ will be all the better as a result.”
See:
Canadian Fintech Katipult Becomes Public Company, Trades on TSXV under Ticker FUND
Fineqia Partners with JOI Media's Katipult for Technology Platform
About Katipult:
Katipult is a financial technology company that offers proprietary Crowdfunding Software that boasts the latest, powerful features and tools to launch a successful Real Estate or Equity Crowdfunding platform. Their software is being used in over 20 unique regulatory environments to grow investor networks, efficiently manage investors, and streamline deal flow administration. More information is available at www.katipult.com.
About The Reg.A Money Show
The “Reg.A Money Show” provides information and Reg.A education from the founders over at the “Reg.A Funding Group” as well as market insights from a variety of industry experts who appear on the show as guests. The show is hosted by Ron Costa and Miguel Dotres, who bring a wealth of information in regards to Reg A+, SEC filings, social media marketing, and various other topics in an entertaining and informative format. The podcast is quickly emerging as a “must listen” to all those interested in issuing Reg.A paper or investors interested in participating in a company’s Regulation A+ offering.
About The Reg.A Funding Group
With years of experience in the capital markets and proven results with social marketing, the Reg.A Funding Group provides real world, effective Regulation A advisory services for startup, growth and acquisition financing, while specializing in helping companies raise money with Regulation A+ Tier 1 and Tier 2 crowdfunding offerings. The Reg. A Funding Group can be reached at 612-888-REGA or atinfo@regamoney.com.
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
Advancing the dialogue on the future of financial services
Competition Bureau release | Dec 14, 2017
December 14, 2017—OTTAWA, ON—Competition Bureau
The Competition Bureau has published the final report from its market study concerning technology-led innovation in the Canadian financial services sector.
The report outlines barriers to the growth and adoption of financial technology (FinTech) in Canada and provides a number of recommendations to help regulators and policymakers continue to promote FinTech innovation. The Bureau’s proposals are aimed at fostering competition and innovation in how Canadians:
- pay for goods and services;
- obtain loans for themselves and their businesses; and
- receive financial advice.
In its report, the Bureau recommends modernizing laws and regulations to encourage the entry and adoption of new technologies, while maintaining consumer confidence and safety in this rapidly evolving sector.
The report follows 18 months of active engagement with national and international leaders in this sector, federal and provincial government partners, and Canadians. During this time, a number of positive developments that align with the Bureau’s recommendations have occurred. For example:
- The Canadian Securities Administrators launched a regulatory sandbox that allows businesses to test their FinTech innovations in an environment with fewer regulations, and enables administrators to develop a common regulatory approach.
- The Department of Finance is looking at ways to modernize legislation and regulation, and is examining new concepts such as open banking. Open banking has the potential to offer Canadians more control over their banking information, the ability to find the financial services that best meet their needs, and greater ease of switching between service providers.
- Numerous initiatives to modernize regulations have been launched, including the Ontario Securities Commission’s (OSC) LaunchPad, which aims to help FinTech firms navigate securities law requirements and bring new products to market faster. The OSC also partnered with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission to better assist FinTech firms to expand internationally.
The Bureau is proud to have contributed to the dialogue with regulators, industry stakeholders and Canadians. This kind of collaboration is key to ensuring that the future of FinTech in Canada is competitive and innovative.
See:
-
Nov 20, 2017: NCFA Canada Welcomes Competition Bureau’s recommendations to encourage competition and innovation in Canada’s financial services sector
-
Competition Bureau invites feedback on draft FinTech report
-
Competition Bureau suggests Canadian FinTech sector’s slow growth due to regulation, consumer complacency
Quotes
"FinTech has the potential to transform how Canadians access financial services. The findings and recommendations in our report will help regulators and policymakers create an environment that promotes FinTech innovation and growth in Canada."
John Pecman,
Commissioner of Competition
Download the full report --> here
The National Crowdfunding Association of Canada (NCFA Canada) is a cross-Canada non-profit actively engaged with both social and investment crowdfunding, alternative finance, fintech, P2P, ICO, and online investing stakeholders across the country. NCFA Canada provides education, research, industry stewardship, and networking opportunities to over 1600+ members and works closely with industry, government, academia, community and eco-system partners and affiliates to create a strong and vibrant crowdfunding industry in Canada. For more information, please visit: ncfacanada.org
