5 Bitcoin and Blockchain Startups to Watch in 2016

Jad Mubaslat is the founder and CEO of BitQuick.co, the Ohio State Bitcoin Group, a former graduate of Boost VC and a bitcoin user since 2011. BitQuick.co is a P2P marketplace that allows individuals to buy and sell bitcoins in the US via cash deposit.
Nearing the end of 2015, many are questioning the future of bitcoin. 2016, it’s safe to say, will be a crucial 12-month period.
For one, the technology’s open-source community will need to resolve some outstanding questions, most notably whether it will increase the size of blocks on the blockchain. Meanwhile it must combat the effects of “private blockchains” seeking to court market share.
Ultimately, I am a firm believer in the future of bitcoin. While its progress throughout 2015 may not have captured the media’s attention as it did in 2013, the industry has created a solid foundation for the continued success and growth of the bitcoin network.
With the variety of applications now being built, it is difficult to imagine it simply fading away anytime soon. I truly believe we are only a few years away from bitcoin crossing ‘the chasm’ and becoming a ubiquitously acknowledged technology.
But the big question remains: Which use case will first bring about bitcoin’s wider acknowledgement?
With this in the background, here are the five companies that I believe will have a considerable impact on the industry this coming year.
Blockstream
One of the more well-funded startups, Blockstream is nonetheless a self-described ‘stealth bitcoin company’ working on accelerating the development of cryptocurrency, open asset and smart contact technology.

This post was published at Coin Desk on December 30, 2015.