The main challenge entrepreneurs are facing in Africa is not the lack of great ideas but the fear of turning ideas into reality. With unemployment in South Africa at an all time high, more and more people are trying to make their own way in the economy.The Africa Digital Entrepreneurship events are about turning dreams into action. The series of events aims to enable digital entrepreneurship and the upcoming ‘Bitcoin Nights’ meet-up in Johannesburg on Thursday, 24 October at The Business Exchange Morningside, 150 Rivonia Road is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the digital assets space.

Business networking is the fast track to success and event sponsors such as Zcoin and OVEX believe that entrepreneurship is the way forward for South Africans. Jonathan Ovadia, Co-Founder and CEO at OVEX, a company helping to create an open, trustless and more efficient financial system says “the vision is to break down the barriers that prevent people from entering the traditional financial system. We believe that wealth-creating investment opportunities shouldn’t only be accessible to the wealthy, but should be available to all.”

The event is facilitated by the United Africa Blockchain Association (UABA), a non-profit leading blockchain education and adoption in sub-Saharan Africa. With the help of sponsors, The Africa Digital Entrepreneurship Series’ goal is to provide relevant content on business and technology that helps people learn and grow professionally and personally.The meet-ups provide a conducive environment for networking and ideas exchange, and attendees can look forward to free drinks, giveaways and prizes. Other sponsors include Divi, which makes it possible for anyone to participate in securing blockchains through their one-click masternodes, challenging the notion that you need technical expertise to participate in the blockchain ecosystem. Centbee, a digital wallet company that believes in the power of people to create an abundant future and æternity, a new blockchain technology, designed to deliver efficiency, transparent governance and global scalability are also part of the sponsors who see huge potential in Africa and are actively championing the digital asset revolution.

The theme of the Johannesburg event focuses on the Digital Asset Economy and anyone interested in tech is welcome to attend FREE of charge and benefit from the networking opportunity and inspiring discussions. Speakers will include Adi Kaimowitz, President and CEO of Virtual Actuary, Maushami Chetty of Novate Legal; Mpho Dagada – Commisioner, 4th Industrial Revolution at the SA Presidency; and Yaliwe Soko, Chairperson at UABA.The event aims to inspire participants to increase their appetite for entrepreneurship and get more knowledgeable about the growing trend in digital assets. Africa is a market ready to adopt new technology but lack of emphasis on digital entrepreneurship opportunities in Africa might result in missed economic opportunities for the next generation.

“It’s important to encourage the youth to explore the option of entrepreneurship as a career path instead of waiting for employment opportunities which may never be available to them.Initiatives such as the Africa Digital Entrepreneurship Series focus on creating awareness and demystifying what it means to run a digital enterprise,” said Heath Muchena, Founder of Proudly Associated, a company working with companies developing blockchain-powered technologies that have use cases focusing on emerging economy development to gain adoption across the continent.Whether you’re a student, professional or fledgling entrepreneur, this event will provide valuable insights and an opportunity to learn, grow, network and be inspired all in one. The meet-up will be a relaxed, no-suits-or-ties sort of event so expect to learn and be entertained. 

"The Africa Digital Entrepreneurship Series connects up-and-coming entrepreneurs in all fields. It’s a fantastic way for those interested in tech and online businesses to build a solid support network,” said Grey Jabesi, host of the Grey Ave Podcast, Africa’s top rated podcast which focuses on survival skills for the 21st century.

By attending this FREE event, attendees will:

Learn about new frontiers in digital innovation

Find out how to leverage technology to broaden participation in the global digital economy

Boost digital asset knowledge including digital asset acquisition and management

Learn how to build a fully remote businessDiscover mentorship opportunities

Interact with other entrepreneurs and build business networks

Meet like-minded innovators and go-getters

Be empowered!

GET TICKETS HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/africa-digital-entrepreneurship-series-tickets-77802321839

Event details: 

Admission: FREE (Limited space so make sure you get there early.)

Date: Thursday, 24 October, 2019

Location:  The Business Exchange, Block 4, 150 Rivonia Road, Morningside, Sandton, 2057 Johannesburg.

If you want to sponsor this event or for more information, contact:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Once the exclusive preserve of the wealthy, high-return global property investments are about to become accessible to everyday South Africans. This is thanks to a new property investment crowdfunding service. The announcement comes from Alex de Bruyn, CEO of DoshEx, a Johannesburg technology firm that runs blockchain-based DoshExchange, through which its DoshProp service is being offered.

“It’s time everyone had a shot at building their wealth portfolio without breaking the bank,” says de Bruyn. “DoshProp gives mid-income earners inclusive access to one of the world’s largest investment classes at an entry-level price.” DoshProp, along with the first of many investment opportunities to come, is available as a service on DoshEx’s DoshExchange. After registering, either through the company’s mobile app or its website, interested parties can log in and start investing immediately.

Every DoshExchange user will get the chance to invest in a luxury apartment complex for only R100 per share. The Paradiso, to be constructed in the upmarket Como district of Perth in Western Australia, promises a 20% return on investment over 18 to 24 months. However, shares are limited and are expected to be snapped up when the offer is released to global traders on 1st November.

DoshEx representatives are available online and through dedicated social media channels and online support channels to explain how the fund will be administered, how to sign up to DoshEx, how to manage one’s digital portfolio, and how participants can track the progress of the project online. Because investment is through a publicly registered South African company, Paradiso COMO Limited, the public can avoid the constraints of South African foreign trade regulations. In addition, the fund is being hosted on blockchain trading technology, which is immutable and tamper resistant.  DoshEx will be partnering with Edgars Club to bring DoshProp to a wider audience.

The retail giant has recognised the potential in offering its customers this innovative approach to inclusive wealth creation. Plus, Club members will enjoy additional rewards. Says Candy Steyn, Edgars Club Head of Operations: “We are committed to constantly refreshing our mix of benefits as lifestyle needs are constantly shifting and our mission is to reflect contemporary living. We don’t simply respond. We anticipate change and new trends. DoshEx is an example.” De Bruyn says buy-in from Edgars Club is validation of the service’s relevance to today’s consumers as a lifestyle enabler.

The system may also be a refreshing change for existing crypto traders, who make up 11% of the country’s 31.18 million internet users. “For some, cryptocurrency trading may become somewhat two-dimensional over time,” suggests de Bruyn. “DoshProp is integrated with DoshExchange and welcomes bitcoin investments, allowing traders to diversify their portfolios and lock in profits.”

Crowdfunding for capital-intensive property development is likely to gain rapid popularity as it exposes developers to a massive untapped source of financing. At the same time, it opens the door to inclusive economic participation for those who were unable to do so until now. “Through DoshProp, we’re offering both groups unlimited potential to realise their goals in a mutually beneficial way,” says de Bruyn.

Visit: https://www.doshex.com/#/doshProp/howItWorks

Contact: Alex De Bruyn: 011 4685236 or mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

South African technology companies DoshEx (www.doshex.com) and Digital Twin (www.digitaltwin.digital) unveiled a world first designed to revolutionise the security and integrity of solutions deployed across the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is the next big thing in digital connectivity whereby devices ‘talk’ to physical objects – from lightbulbs to vehicles and manufacturing plants – via a complex system of sensors.

Scalable and reliable IoT is the overriding goal of major technology players worldwide, but secure interaction between various components in these networks has proved to be a major obstacle – until now! DoshEx CEO Alex de Bruyn noted: “DoshEx is a leader in blockchain deployments while Digital Twin is an innovator in the realm of fourth-generation edge devices that provide access to enterprise networks.

“Our collaboration enabled us to create a globally scalable solution to the problem of harnessing blockchain technology without the need for outside verification of events logged by a blockchain. We call the new product Sherlock. “The IoT nightmare is that ‘bad bots’ might create havoc in the case of cybercrime or system malfunction. Sherlock will help developers put these fears to rest.”

Richard Creighton, CEO of Digital Twin, commented: “Secure, automated and highly dependable field data is essential in achieving the next generation of cross business insight and control, we believe we’ve made this possible. It could even be a world-first. “The industry forecast is that $15 trillion will be invested in IoT by 2025. But IoT creates a multitude of technical and scientific challenges. Sherlock addresses one of the big potential snags to rapid IoT uptake by bringing together blockchain technology and edge-based connectivity in a seamless but secure manner.

“It is essential that IoT solutions enjoy public and investor confidence. Sherlock will significantly increase the level of trust and open the way for serious IoT development.” A blockchain is an immutable set of records linked together cryptographically through a series of interconnecting blocks, creating an everlasting record of transactions and responsibilities. When events are input it is necessary to verify an event actually occurred. For independent verification, a digital third-party, an oracle, is connected to the system.

An oracle, as a component of blockchains and smart contracts, is an ‘agent’ that finds and verifies real-world occurrences and feeds confirmation to the blockchain for integration into a smart contract, ensuring all parties can trust the record of events. Oracles as a data-feed and an element of multi-signature contracts have no connection with the company of the same name.  However, any third-party input creates a theoretical risk the truth might be tampered with. Now, to create absolute trust, Sherlock offers a built-in oracle solution. In technical terms, DoshEx developers and Digital Twin innovators connected an inbound oracle input from an edge-capable device over a globally enabled USSD network (the global communication system used by mobile technology).

This ensures trusted and SHA256 encrypted input into a blockchain. Encryption using the SHA256 algorithm is tamper-proof. Creighton added: “By using USSD, the edge devices and their inputs can be instantly globalised without reliance on any specific local cellular provider. The edge device can travel anywhere in the globe and transmit encrypted messages into the blockchain.” The Sherlock collaborators can now build industry-specific IoT-enabled smart contracts for large value chains across multiple participants that rely on trusted data. Said Alex de Bruyn: “An example would be mining firms that have to measure quality and quantity from pit to port or a construction group that has to confirm events throughout the build process and critical milestones captured, such as field results of concrete testing, documentation sign-off and versioning, as well as key progress reached as signed off by the professional team, using an IoT-enabled biometric sensor. “The combination of IoT and blockchain will revolutionise efficiency across value chains … and Sherlock is a key enabler, locally and worldwide.”

-- ENDS --

About DoshEx
www.doshex.com DoshEx is a South African company pioneering the development of crypto-tokens and digital assets. Related DoshEx products and services include tokenised solutions for corporates and SOEs, safekeeping of funds and the design and deployment of blockchains and Smart Contracts. DoshEx’s focus is to drive the adoption of tokenised solutions at an enterprise level by implementing blockchain technology into their current business models.

About Digital Twin
Digital Twin is an industry 4.0 focused business and an indirect service provider to a network of specialist and vertical market-focused solution providers. The Digital Twin platform offers this network of specialists the ability to enhance their offering to their customer-base and enable them to deliver bankable ROI projects and services. The platform offers multiple entry points:- Tier 1 – Edge-capable hardware solutionsTier 2 - Global connectivity and data brokerTier 3 - Management console and visualisation Tier 4 - Specific value in use consultation and design Digital Twin offers unique services to its network of specialists, from standardised solutions to rapid prototyping of hardware and software as well as industry 4.0 consultation expertise. 

Contact: www.doshex.com
Alex De Bruyn
Tel:  +27 11 468-5236

Issued By: Tale Spin Media
Zelda Williams
082 461 0689

DoshEx, the South African Digital Asset Exchange, and global blockchain-based payment pioneer Pundi X, today (4 April) announced a strategic partnership to bring cryptocurrency  to high street retailers and local consumers. In a first for South Africa’s retail market, XPOS, the Pundi X blockchain-based point-of-sale devices and XPASS cards for cryptocurrency transactions are to be deployed at selected sites across South Africa in a co-branded roll-out with DoshEx. Blockchain-driven point-of-sale technology enables merchants to digitize their payment infrastructure on the blockchain while consumers transact in cryptocurrency in a fast, efficient and convenient manner. Blockchain – a tamper-proof, cryptography-based technology – establishes trust of the transactions among various parties. Cryptocurrency transaction within the Pundi X payment ecosystem is a hassle-free method that promotes financial inclusion as XPASS-holders will have their own financial history of the transactions on XPASS card and the associated XWallet app without the necessity for having a bank account. Rapid acceptance is envisaged as the process resembles credit-card transacting with which consumers are familiar. To enable crypto transacting, the XPASS is simply tapped on an XPOS device.

Zac Cheah, CEO and Co-founder of Pundi X Labs, commented: “XPOS is the easy, affordable access point into crypto for mainstream retailers and consumers. “Many big businesses already access the crypto benefits of trusted record-keeping transactions. Now, an XPASS card loaded with crypto enables ordinary people to embrace the crypto-future, including millions of unbanked South Africans. “Our partnership with DoshEx enables us to tap into the early-adopter market at pace as this Bryanston-based innovator has a proven track-record as a digital exchange and developer of blockchain-based solutions for leading corporates, including the South African arm of Virgin Money.” DoshEX CEO Alex de Bruyn noted: “It was essential to roll out trusted and proven technology as our objective is to rapidly build South Africa’s first point-of-sale cryptocurrency network. This is why we partnered with Pundi X. “This global technology player has deployed payment ecosystems in numerous markets, including developing economies such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Nigeria.. Its international representation stretches from London to Jakarta to Tokyo. Pundi X therefore has the resources to support a rapidly growing network in line with our vision of demystifying crypto and turning it into a generally accepted payment option.

“We believe XPOS will rapidly become your crypto ATM and transaction-enabler at your local coffee shop or high street store.” Adoption is easy. Participating merchants install XPOS technology on the counter and provide the XPASS cards, activated for a once-off fee. Cryptocurrency is preloaded by the vendor. Users then transact on XPASS. Alternatively, users can buy XPASS online from DoshEX at www.doshex.comand load crypto online. The XPOS strategy calls for phased roll-out of XPASS cards and devices, with 5000 cards available for the first wave of early adopters.  The partners will announce details of the deployment footprint as the technology becomes available in different geographic areas. De Bruyn added: “The ability to readily transact in crypto is a vital step in digital currency development. Soon it will be the norm for the public to buy, hold and sell crypto. Borderless transactions and transfers will be easy, without the high costs traditionally associated with these activities. “In the crypto-future consumers will transact in their crypto currency of choice, perhaps linked to dollars or euro. Crypto’s future is bright and Pundi X has provided the first light switch.” 

-- ENDS --

About DoshEx: DoshEx is a South African company pioneering the local development of crypto-tokens. Related DoshEx products and services include tokenised solutions for corporates and SOEs, safekeeping of funds and the design and deployment of blockchains. This digital exchange is the brainchild of a group of entrepreneurs with a background in payments and crypto-currencies. Among the innovators is Alex de Bruyn, who is young, articulate and passionate about the tokenised future. He is also DoshEx’s media spokesman. Website:  www.doshex.com Contact: Alex De BruynTel: +27 11 468-5236 

About Pundi X: Pundi X is a leading developer of blockchain-powered devices, including the world’s first point-of-sales (POS) solution enabling merchants and consumers to do transactions on the blockchain in physical stores.  Pundi X is also the developer of the first, fully-functional blockchain phone, the XPhone.  Its POS device, the XPOS, has been shipped to over 25 countries including Argentina, Australia, Colombia, Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and the USA; 100,000 devices are being targeted for rollout to the global retail market by 2021.  The company is headquartered in Singapore. Its international presence includes offices in Jakarta, São Paulo, Seoul, Shenzhen, Taipei, and Tokyo.  Listed as one of the top 50 innovative fintech startups in 2018 by KPMG and H2 ventures, the company is also a member of Singapore Fintech Association, Fintech Association of Hong Kong, ACCESS, Swiss Finance and the Fintech Association.  It is also a founding member of Asosiasi Blockchain Indonesia. For more information, please visit https://www.pundix.com

A new, highly-efficient mobile blockchain developed in Africa is set to acquire large-scale consumer adoption by 2021

Monday, 23 October 2018: DéMars (DMC), a mobile money platform and new blockchain protocol for the young emerging market is lite, fast, scalable, private, secure and virtually free. It’s also the first of its kind developed in Africa.Until now, various technological issues have held back large-scale consumer adoption of blockchain technology. Many early adopters have abandoned Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum due to poor user experience.

DéMars provides a new infrastructure, the beta version of which will be revealed by the end of Q2 2019.The new technology aims to deliver financial services for the 1.7bn primarily young, unbanked adults in developing markets like Sub-Saharan Africa, of whom two thirds own a mobile phone. The “Banking as a Service Platform” will reduce the high cost of remittances to and within developing markets and enable access to simple lending, insurance and savings products. This is made possible via a smart contract escrow feature, where you can place a classified advert on the network and trade goods, services and cash with others. The solution responds to the resultant demand after global products failed to provide any real utility for the African consumer since they aren’t designed for a data constrained environment. In addition, global products don’t support micro transactions and rely on credit card payments.

The Founder of DMC, a South African now residing in Mauritius, Shaun Burrow, a banker by profession, states: “I started researching the entry-level market, and I was simply blown away to learn that 1.7 billion adults don’t have access to basic financial services and to learn that in the remittance space, families are paying about 45 billion US dollars a year in fees on the funds they are sending home. This is money being diverted from the poorest of the poor. The cost of payments to Sub-Saharan Africa and within Sub-Saharan Africa are the highest in the world, they range from 10 - 20 % of the money being sent home. It’s simply an unjust tax on ordinary, hardworking people.”

A mobile first for Africa

DéMars has worked out a more efficient way (versus other protocols like Bitcoin and Ethereum) to transfer data and validate transactions. The key innovation is a novel blockchain protocol which leverages a hypercube distributed hash table (similar technology to that used in file sharing speeds up the network and allows it to scale efficiently.All transactions are completely private as they are only stored on your mobile phone as unlike in the case of bitcoin or Ethereum it is not necessary to download the entire blockchain, which is a complete waste of data. There is also no centralized or decentralized servers as the network is stored and “lives” on the users’ phones. This means it’s completely distributed and free of censorship.

Best of all, the network and application are free and it is owned by its users. All transactions are virtually free too. All you need to access it is the native currency, DMC.

Only 10 Billion DMC, the cryptocurrency, will ever be issued, so there is a limited supply. The project is currently pre-selling 8 Billion coins to raise funds for further development with an initial selling price of €10 (R170) for 1000 coins. The price will increase by 10% for each round of 500m coins sold.Once deployed, entrepreneurs and developers will be able to build apps and offer services on the network too.

Trade local, pay global

The new digital currency falls under all three categories of digital currency. It has transactional uses, like Bitcoin. It’s the native currency of a platform, like Ethereum, and it’s has utility as it is designed to fulfil a specific task, like Ripple

A new global currency is under construction

The new currency has features that cross multiple traditional forms. In evaluating this new currency, we should rethink everything. Technology is fundamentally changing financial interaction and the new peer to peer decentralised currencies, including DMC, are taking the lead in this transformation. This is a currency you own and you control. No bank or government can take it away from you and you can choose to exchange it with whomever you please.

“The current financial infrastructure is like an old road, full of potholes, tolls and dilapidated petrol stations. DéMars is digging the tunnels and laying the sleepers to build a new railway line - in fact, it’s more like a hyper loop. And DMC is the electricity which will power the new system. It’s a new high-speed train with better and more convenient stations,” concludes Shaun Burrow, Founder of DMC.  

ENDS 

Editor’s Note

About DéMars

DéMars is a next generation blockchain protocol. The infrastructure is designed to reduce data trans-fers and energy consumption. The network's design enables it to run on decentralised mobile phone nodes, whilst maintaining a high level of cryptographic security and protection from double-spending. The protocol is designed for micro-currency exchanges and payments in a distributed and decentralised marketplace. As the network grows, through use of our Application, the technology can be extended to informal trades in goods and services, micro-lending and to insurance con-tracts.

For all press enquiries please contact:

Mika Stanvliet | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 081 534 6237 

DoshEx, the Johannesburg-based developer of tokenised ecosystems and exchange, has formally launched following the listing of two virtual assets by two financial service companies.

The digital tokens registered and listed with DoshEx permit these pioneering enterprises to transfer value to third parties in a fast, cost-efficient and transparent manner that delivers built-in fraud protection and client peace of mind as all transactions are blockchain-enabled. Transactions logged on a blockchain are cryptography-based and tamper-proof, a key factor behind the growing international appeal of tokenized ecosystems. A third ‘tokenized economy’ is scheduled to list on the Bryanston-based exchange in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Each ‘tokenized economy’ meets unique industry needs while various reasons drive the use of these digitized assets. DoshEx, a self-funded exchange and tokenization specialist, is led by a group of South African entrepreneurs and businessmen and offers a range of services, including:  conceptualization and development of tokenized solutions, customized to the unique needs of major corporates and others; safekeeping of funds through ‘cold storage’ in cold wallets, totally isolated from online networks and safeguarded through multi-signature security systems, reducing any single-man dependence and vulnerabilities; design and deployment of blockchain-enabled solutions; exchange listings on DoshEx; design and roll-out of fit-for-purpose tokenized ecosystems, with integration to traditional financial systems for ease of use.

DoshEx CEO Alex de Bruyn commented: “We took the exchange live in August and are now ready to follow up with the public launch of tokenized solutions. “Although globally proven, tokenization is still a relatively novel concept in South Africa, but we could not have hoped for a better response to our market offering, as indicated by the signing of three great customers and the delivery of our first two tokenized solutions.

“Early adoption requires a vision and a keen awareness of the benefits that accrue when instantly verifiable and automatically triggered transactions are concluded via a blockchain.” He added: “Financial service organizations have been quick to appreciate the benefits of a DoshEx listing, but awareness is rapidly growing across other sectors.” International experience indicates that tokenization spurs the further development of loyalty programmes, though the loyalty industry represents only a small fraction of the potential customer-base.

De Bruyn said major retail groups and quick service restaurant chains are well positioned to achieve efficiencies and reinforce ‘sticky’ customer relationships through the creation of tokenized ecosystems on a blockchain. Many organizations, according to the DoshEx CEO, are attracted to token-ecosystems simply because of their proven ability to slash transaction and record-keeping costs, with the benefits especially attractive to large organizations that draw on extensive supplier networks and serve wide-ranging customer groups.

DoshEx services are supported by an in-house team of blockchain developers and business process professionals. De Bruyn noted: “Feedback from potential DoshEx users indicates tokenization is increasingly seen as a tool for leveraging corporate growth and an essential building block for businesses with international ambitions. “Tokenization creates instant global reach. Cross-border remittances cease to be a constraint or a hassle-factor for customers.

Transaction efficiencies across the supply chain are also considerable while major companies are impressed by the instant auditability of blockchain-generated records – an important consideration as corporates review internal controls in light of recent accounting failures.” Though corporate interest continues to pick up, De Bruyn foresees no immediate capacity constraints. He commented: “We anticipate high future demand for tokenized solutions, but we’re confident we have sufficient capacity within our current structure. However, local skills are scarce and extensive blockchain and cryptography training is hard to come by. This could become a constraint, but not for some while yet.” 

About DoshEx:
DoshEx is a South African company pioneering the local development of crypto-tokens. Related DoshEx products and services include tokenised solutions for corporates and SOEs, safekeeping of funds and the design and deployment of blockchains. This digital exchange is the brainchild of a group of entrepreneurs with a background in payments and crypto-currencies. Among the innovators is Alex de Bruyn, whose entrepreneurial credits include the launch of Waxed Mobile Payments. (He was co-founder.) De Bruyn is young, articulate and passionate about the tokenised future. He is also DoshEx’s media spokesman.

Website: www.doshex.com
Contact: Alex De Bruyn
Tel: +27 11 468-5236

NEWS PROVIDED BYNEWS PROVIDED BYshokoCAST.ioApr 26, 2018JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, April 26, 2018/ - shokoCAST, a global social music innovation platform, launches its social music platform that is set to be the most disruptive and innovative social music platform globally despite it having an African focus and especially in areas that have the most basic of technology infrastructure. The platform will seek to revolutionise the music, telecommunications and advertising value chains whilst benefiting musicians and music lovers everywhere.shokoCAST is a social music platform that brings about the rebirth of sound and evolution of music by converging the entire music value chain whilst bringing the artist directly to the fans. It’s a place where musicians build careers, fans find inspiration and managers discover talent! shokoCAST is a global decentralized free social music network built using Technology Innovations that are based on Multiple Interdependent Disruptions to the music industry on a hybrid quadruple layered blockchain called SHOkolah. The platform will enable the creation of music by artists and beatmakers and DJs, collaboration amongst users and sharing including the creation of 'communities with similar tastes', publishing and royalty administration; digital distribution; and consumption and monetization avenues that include downloads and streams and many new forms of revenue creation.

"We are very proud to be creating such an innovative solution that is second to none and which puts shokoCAST on track to be a global player. We have undertaken a crowdfunding campaign that is open to everyone and brings tremendous benefits to the musical industry, artists in particular, and also to those who invest in convertible notes and digital assets. We invite everyone from across the continent to join us as we build a social music platform that is relevant not just to Africa, but the world," says Therry Martins, CEO and Founder of shokoCAST. 

In emerging economies, higher are the hurdles you would need to jump to even consider releasing a track worse a career. Trying to invest time promoting your solo career is even more daunting as you would need to keep sync of all the different social platforms and conversations whilst keeping relevant. This is assuming you have the resources to create and publish music. Digital and online distribution has added to the evolution of the industry to a point where streaming accounts for over 60% of revenue. Blockchain technologies and the use of cryptocurrencies holds great prospects for Africa especially when considering their construct with benefits that include  decentralisation,  consensus and cryptography and the fact that it simply provides trust within a system of unknown users [1]. It is worth noting that even the World Economic Forum is cognizant of its potential in the banking industry with its report on the future of the financial infrastructure [2]. The SWIFT Institute also expects “substantial reductions in both cost and risk” within certain business areas of financial services [3]. Blockchain has the potential of economic evolution based on its impact to baseline industries, for example, blockchain could affect, among other business models, clearinghouses, exchanges, brokers, or remittances in capital markets, real-time money transfer, cryptocurrencies, and settlement markets, insurance also holds potential for blockchain technology applications. Blockchain capabilities are also instrumental in improving business processes like easier fraud detention and reduced administration costs through the use of smart contracts [4].  

“To create an effective social music ecosystem centred on innovation, shokoCAST is the best platform that offers an integrated solution that converges the value chains whilst encouraging changing digital lifestyles and music needs through the use of disruptive technologies that promote industry convergence, all for the benefit of society,” says Therry Martins, CEO and Founder of shokoCAST. “We are committed to completing our crowdfunding campaign and launching our platform as soon as possible.” 

More about shokoCAST

shokoCAST will offer a simple UI/UX for users that include 3 key user groups: music makers (artist, songwriters, vocalists, beatmakers, and DJs), music movers (fans, distributors, producers, our dRadio, other streaming platforms, everything digital) and music managers (record labels, collection societies, governmental departments in some countries, advertising companies, support service providers e.g. photography and recording studios). Key features include:

1. shokoCAST the platform that enables the user creation of music, collaboration amongst users and sharing including the creation of 'communities with similar tastes'; publishing and royalty administration; digital distribution; and consumption and monetization avenues that include downloads and streams and many new forms of revenue creation;)
2. suPERFORMER for monetization in addition to shokoCAST through live video, 360 video and augmented reality streaming, live concerts and events, ticketing, etc.;
3. Audio curated music playlists on digital radio or dRadio for those would prefer to listen to great sounds during their busy day;
4. A fully fledged transactional wallet called shokollet that hard-wires the solution to the blockchain providing full transactional capabilities on the network and with other cryptocurrencies and services
5. Socialing that unites users and groups; and
6. The secure and anonymous messenger called SHUSH! that is also the backbone to an uncensored news feed and user engagement.
7. All on a quadruple layered hybrid blockchain called SHOkolah. 

All actions and activities by users is rewarded by SHK tokens which is exciting as it’s the fuel by which music is built, traded and even promoted. Aspiring artists now have the means of exploiting these social incentives to build their careers! All this is possible thanks to the many technology innovations developed by the shokoCAST specialists and ties to the decentralized super-network. Having adopted a differential niche strategy that is very attractive to emerging economies as we will be building on partnerships in these countries.

For more information visit https://www.shokocast.io  or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 [1]  Deloitte, Blockchain: Democratized trust - Distributed ledgers and the future of value, Tech Trends 2016: Innovation in the digital era, Deloitte University Press, 2016.

[2] WEF, The future of financial infrastructure, World Economic Forum, 2016.

[3] M. Mainelli and A. Milne, The Impact and Potential of Blockchain on the Securities Transaction Lifecycle, SWIFT Institute Working Paper, SWIFT Institute, 2016

[4] McKinsey, Blockchain in insurance – opportunity or threat?, Insurance, McKinsey, 2016..