Barry Silbert Encourages Bitcoin to Change for the Better
One well-known person in the cryptocurrency space who has been promoting growth and positive change for Bitcoin is Barry Silbert. Silbert has been instrumental in the growth of the cryptocurrency industry as the founder and CEO of Digital Currency Group, one of the biggest cryptocurrency investment firms. He is contributing to the increased usability and accessibility of digital currencies for the general public through his numerous businesses and projects.
As an investment and holding business that focuses on blockchain and cryptocurrency entrepreneurs, Digital Currency Group was founded in 2015 by Barry Silbert. Coinbase, Genesis Mining, and Grayscale Investments are all part of its holdings, which have allowed it to grow into a dominant participant in the cryptocurrency market. Hundreds of bitcoin businesses have benefited from Digital Currency Group’s nearly $2 billion in investments made through these and other companies. They want to play a role in building the financial system that will let cryptocurrencies gain widespread adoption.
One of Barry Silbert’s most notable companies is Grayscale Investments, which manages over $30 billion in crypto assets. Grayscale offers some of the only regulated crypto investment vehicles, such as their Bitcoin Trust, providing an easy way for institutional investors like hedge funds and family offices to gain exposure. Their products have helped drive billions of dollars of institutional capital into the crypto space. Silbert saw the need for these types of regulated investment products early on and Grayscale has become the dominant player in this segment of the market.
In addition to growing major companies, Barry Silbert has also helped launch initiatives to advance cryptocurrency development and advocacy. In 2015, he co-founded the Digital Currency Group affiliate CoinDesk, one of the leading crypto news and information sites. CoinDesk helps keep the industry and general public informed on important developments. More recently in 2021, Silbert launched Foundry, a policy division focused on advocating for pro-crypto regulation and lobbying lawmakers. Their team works to educate politicians and shape sensible laws that protect consumers while allowing for innovation.
By filling a number of positions, Barry Silbert has kept many prominent bitcoin companies from failing or going bankrupt. In 2018, Silbert’s Digital Currency Group purchased Cryptopia’s assets from bankruptcy after the cryptocurrency exchange was hit hard by a hack. In the time after, they were instrumental in the company’s revival under new leadership. During the bear market of 2018-2019, Silbert arranged for DCG to acquire Genesis Trading, a major cryptocurrency brokerage, when the company was experiencing financial troubles. The company’s demise was likely averted because of this.
By establishing major firms like Genesis Trading and Grayscale, as well as non-profit advocacy through Foundry, Barry Silbert is working to strengthen the crypto ecosystem and make digital currencies more resilient. As the industry leader of one of the largest crypto investment conglomerates, he understands the need for strong companies and policy support to ensure long term viability and growth. Silbert recognizes that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have the potential to revolutionize financial systems worldwide, but changes are still needed for mass adoption. Through his promotional efforts, deals, and advocacy work, he is helping to guide Bitcoin and the overall crypto space towards a brighter future of greater acceptance and utility.