One of the most interesting topics is finding out which are the best cities for crypto startups and ICOs.
Although with a lower rate compared to the first half of 2018, initiatives in the virtual currency sector are continuously on the rise.
Very often, new entrepreneurs find it difficult to choose the optimal location, which is appropriate from the point of view of regulations and the business environment.
For this reason, we propose ten places that are both crypto friendly and open from an entrepreneurial point of view and therefore lend themselves to be the ideal location for start-ups.
Hong Kong
This is one of the most business-friendly territories on the planet. It recently hosted the Blockchain Global Summit after it was evicted from Beijing. The fact that mainland China has banned ICOs and cryptocurrencies makes it the ideal gateway to the big eastern market. The cons are related to the high cost of office rentals.
Singapore
Another market that has benefited greatly from the closure of the Chinese market and the ban on ICOs from South Korea is Singapore. The city-state is a university and financial hub, combining two optimal factors for the birth of startups in fintech. Moreover, it is a safe and very beautiful city, apart from the climate. Tokens sales were regulated by the MAS, the local financial authority, thus providing an optimal environment. In this case as well, the main problem is related to the high cost of living.
Lugano
The city in Switzerland is the centre of many startups of a financial nature and related to cryptocurrencies. The regulations are precise and linked to those of the Federation, all under the control of FINMA. Real estate costs are lower than in Hong Kong and Singapore and the city is easily accessible thanks to the intercontinental airport of Malpensa. The language of the Canton of Ticino is Italian, making it an optimal passage for access to the Italian market. There are several local universities and Milan isn’t very far away.
Ljubljana
The Slovenian capital leads the small states in the European Union open to virtual currencies. In addition to an open environment, there is also Bitcoin City, a large shopping and leisure centre that accepts bitcoin.
In addition, the city is cheap and is the home of Bitstamp.
Buenos Aires
The Argentine capital, in addition to being a big city, has some very interesting features for investments in crypto, as the high annual inflation of 48% according to the latest data, creates an interesting environment for virtual currencies. In addition, the community in the sector is very large, with a very popular South American summit covering the ICO, crypto and blockchain sectors. Recently there has been a boom in Bitcoin ATMs.
Jacksonville
The city of Florida has some interesting features: it has 800 thousand inhabitants, it is easily accessible thanks to the airport hub and has 20 cryptocurrency ATMs. In this city, the first pizzas were bought using bitcoin in 2010 from Papa John’s, and in February, in the same pizzeria, the first LN transaction was tested. Let’s add the fact that it is one of the US cities with the highest possession of crypto per capita, the climate is pleasant and the costs affordable.
Amsterdam
A young city with many crypto ATMs. More than 40 companies accept bitcoin and cryptocurrencies as payment, there is Bitcoin Boulevard and there is the Bitcoin Embassy, an open space to discuss new initiatives.
Excellent nightlife and has a very lively financial environment.
Valletta and Malta in general
The Mediterranean island is known for having issued and implemented the first comprehensive legislation for virtual currencies, blockchain and ICOs: for these reasons, it is a perfect place for startups who will find a very open business environment. In addition, the island is a member of the European Union, thus giving access to a very large market.
Crypto Valley of Zug
This is an area in the heart of Switzerland with a small population, which, due to its favourable legal and fiscal environment, has become one of the world’s hubs in the field of virtual currencies. The Crypto Valley Association, which brings together interested companies, has 250 startups as members and 18 NGOs.
San Francisco
Frisco also means Silicon Valley, University of Berkeley and Stanford, so basically what is recognized as the high tech heart of the USA and the world. The big tech companies like Apple, Facebook and Google are based around this area.
Coinbase is based in San Francisco and there are also 60 cryptocurrency ATMs. There is both a cultural and a financial environment suitable for crypto startups. The only problem is the very high costs for offices and accommodation.
