Latest news with #NatalieBrunell
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Strike CEO says proof of reserves lending is 'gonna change the world'
During a May 13, 2025 podcast with Natalie Brunell, Strike CEO Jack Mallers introduced the company's new Bitcoin-backed loan product. Strike, Arch, and Nexo are among the companies now offering Bitcoin-backed loans with nearly instant approval. Secured by Bitcoin holdings, these loans reduce lender risk and give borrowers access to cash without a credit check or extensive personal disclosures. This type of lending appeals to Bitcoin holders who are hesitant to sell because they believe in its long-term value or want to avoid triggering a taxable event. Borrowers can use the funds for a variety of purposes, including a home purchase, medical expenses, starting a business, or even acquiring more Bitcoin. It's especially attractive to those who want to keep exposure to Bitcoin while unlocking liquidity. It functions similarly to a home equity loan, in which holders borrow against the value of their Bitcoin without selling it. To get started, users deposit their Bitcoin with the platform or a trusted third-party custodian. Once approved, funds are typically available within minutes and can be used however the borrower chooses. Strike and its competitors partner with capital providers to fund loans, ensuring smooth access to cash backed by digital assets. The loan amount is based on the value of the Bitcoin provided as collateral. Most platforms start with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of around 50%, meaning a borrower with $200,000 in Bitcoin could access up to $100,000 in cash. Some lenders offer loans as small as $1,000. Others have no maximum cap, making this an appealing option for both individuals and corporate borrowers. Credit cards typically come with adjustable APRs, fewer flexible terms and limits. Bitcoin-backed lenders offer fixed APRs on 12- to 24-month terms, allowing for predictable repayment plans. As the market matures, borrowers can expect longer terms and lower interest rates. By borrowing against their holdings, users can quickly unlock cash while retaining growth potential, which has historically exceeded the loan's APR. Collateralized Bitcoin lending offers a compelling alternative to traditional credit products. Strike and similar platforms allow Bitcoin holders to unlock liquidity without selling and sacrificing long-term gains. Strike CEO says proof of reserves lending is 'gonna change the world' first appeared on TheStreet on May 29, 2025 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Bitcoin Vegas: 10 Moments That Can't Be Missed In The Bull Run
Bitcoin Vegas 2025 (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Las Vegas is no stranger to bold bets—but at Bitcoin 2025, the stakes weren't just financial. This year's conference was the strongest signal yet that Bitcoin is crossing the chasm from a niche asset into a cornerstone of the global financial system. Held in the heat of the Nevada desert and the heat of Bitcoin's bull run, it attracted policymakers, builders, institutional investors, and an increasingly diverse wave of new adopters. The tone was clear: Bitcoin is here to build. Here are the 10 most compelling moments that defined today's events—and why they matter. One of the most inspiring gatherings of the entire conference wasn't held on the main stage—it was at the Women of Bitcoin Brunch, where over 500 women came together to celebrate Bitcoin's growing role in financial freedom and inclusion. Led by Natalie Brunell of Coin Stories and sponsored by Mara, the event featured open dialogue on how Bitcoin empowers women globally, especially in regions where traditional banking falls short. Among the special guests: Senator Cynthia Lummis, a fierce crypto advocate, who emphasized that Bitcoin represents not only financial opportunity—but generational transformation. Women of Bitcoin Vegas 2025 The event also launched a new scholarship initiative to support young women entering the Bitcoin space. The youngest attendee? Just 12 years old. The signal: Bitcoin's next generation is already here. In a major policy announcement, Senator Lummis revealed that the much-anticipated Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act will soon be introduced on the Senate floor. The bill proposes that the U.S. Treasury acquire 1 million Bitcoin as part of a long-term national reserve strategy. Senator Lummis speaking at Bitcoin Vegas This move would mark a monumental shift in how sovereign entities treat Bitcoin—positioning the U.S. as not just a regulator of crypto, but a strategic holder. It's the clearest indication yet that Bitcoin is entering the halls of power in a real and irreversible way. Block, formerly Square, announced that its Point of Sale systems will soon support Bitcoin Lightning payments, making Bitcoin acceptance seamless for merchants. The rollout begins in late 2025 and is expected to reach all eligible sellers by 2026, pending regulatory approvals. This means millions of businesses could soon accept Bitcoin with low fees and near-instant settlement, simply by scanning a QR code. Block's integration will also abstract away backend complexity—converting and settling payments behind the scenes. For the end user, Bitcoin becomes as easy to use as Apple Pay. One of the more unconventional moments came from the exhibitor floor, where companies showcased how Bitcoin mining can now be done at home—and with surprising benefits - where you can earn bitcoin! This is very similar to the DePin devices that enable everyone to earn a passive income. MeinCoffee demoed a countertop miner that doubles as a coffee warmer, while Solo Mining Co. introduced wax melters that mine Bitcoin while creating a pleasant home scent. As Duncan Coombe put it, 'Why shouldn't mining smell like vanilla and yield sats?' Duncan Coombe showcasing a MeinCoffee This marks a trend toward consumer-friendly mining hardware, unlocking passive income for everyday users. Hot off a successful IPO in May, trading platform eToro brought major energy to the show floor. U.S. CEO Andrew McCormick emphasized the company's growing focus on digital assets and its ambition to bridge the gap between traditional retail investors and crypto markets. In speaking with Andrew McCormick, Head of eToro US, he told me, "As a platform dedicated to opening access to crypto and capital markets, eToro works to empower users to trade, share, learn and invest in a way that suits their unique needs. It's a honor to now be a part of their investment choices as a publicly traded company. Listing on Nasdaq is a milestone along our journey and we plan to continue to push boundaries to meet the evolving needs of the retail investor.' With new investment products and a larger war chest, eToro is positioning itself as a central on-ramp to Bitcoin for the next wave of investors. In a statement that mixed politics with policy, Donald Trump Jr. emphasized that 'the U.S. should be long on crypto,' announcing plans to build a $2.4 billion Bitcoin treasury. While polarizing, the move continues a trend of political voices embracing Bitcoin as a national asset class. The overlap between Bitcoin advocacy and campaign strategy is clearly growing, especially heading into an election cycle where digital assets are poised to be a talking point. David Sacks, a founding member of the 'PayPal Mafia' and influential investor, delivered a succinct but powerful endorsement: 'Bitcoin is the financial system of the future.' Coming from someone who helped architect modern digital payments, the statement underscores a generational shift away from fiat rails and toward decentralized value transfer. Lindey Magee launched a beautifully illustrated children's book, Bitcoin: A Treasure to Hodl, with artwork by Kenny Nnoli. Targeted at children as young as five, the book simplifies the story and technology behind Bitcoin. Lindey Magee launched a children's book, Bitcoin: A Treasure to Hodl, with artwork by Kenny Nnoli In a space where generational education is critical, this type of content is vital to helping families understand and engage with decentralized finance. In addition to Senator Lummis, elected officials from New Hampshire, Ohio, and West Virginia attended the conference—many for the first time. Senator Justice and others participated in discussions about Bitcoin's role in financial innovation, monetary policy, and the next era of infrastructure investment. The bipartisan presence of policymakers reflects a maturing dialogue between the crypto industry and Washington. Bitcoin isn't just for burgers anymore. Steak 'n Shake's CEO revealed that customers can now pay for burgers and full franchise fees using Bitcoin. Purchasing a burger with Bitcoin This signals a growing trend of deep integration between BTC and business models. For franchisees, it's a step toward fully on-chain business operations—from investment to revenue flow. In past years, Bitcoin conferences were dominated by speculation, maximalism, and memes. This year felt different. Starting with yesterday's soft kick-off, we've seen: More infrastructure. More policy. More diversity. More utility. Bitcoin Vegas 2025 was less about 'when Lambo' and more about 'when legislation.' Less about hodling in silence and more about building, educating, and scaling for the next billion users. Tomorrow I'll be diving into the next set of speakers and community events. Until then, let this conference be a reminder: Bitcoin isn't just alive—it's you enjoy this story about the first day of Bitcoin Vegas? Don't miss my next one: Use the blue follow button at the top of the article near my byline to follow more of my work.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Semler Scientific® Appoints Natalie Brunell to its Board of Directors
CAMPBELL, Calif., May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Semler Scientific, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMLR), a publicly traded company that has adopted Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset and is one of the leading corporate holders of Bitcoin, announced the appointment of Natalie Brunell to its board of directors. This strategic addition reflects Semler Scientific's continued commitment to its Bitcoin treasury strategy and further strengthens its leadership within the Bitcoin community. "We are thrilled to welcome Natalie to our board of directors," said Eric Semler, chairman of Semler Scientific. "Natalie is a highly respected journalist and educator – and a leading advocate for Bitcoin, with a deep understanding of its role as a transformative asset. As the 4th largest U.S. public company on the Bitcoin Standard in terms of Bitcoin holdings, we believe we are a strategic asset. Her insights will be instrumental as we pursue our Bitcoin treasury strategy and aim to deliver long-term value to our stockholders." "I am honored to join Semler Scientific's board at such an exciting time in the company's journey," said Natalie Brunell, board member of Semler Scientific. "As one of the leaders in adopting Bitcoin as a primary treasury reserve asset, Semler Scientific's innovative approach sets a powerful example for companies globally. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the company's Bitcoin strategy, and helping shape the future of corporate treasury management in the digital age." About Natalie Brunell: Natalie Brunell shines in the Bitcoin space as a top-rated podcast host, influential educator, and poised media commentator. As the leading Bitcoin podcast, 'Coin Stories' is a deep, engaging dive into the revolutionary Bitcoin network and how it intersects with global economics and technology trends. Natalie's incisive interviews do more than just explore the nuances of finance; they reveal the human element behind the headlines, offering a compelling narrative about the relentless pursuit of the American Dream in the digital Natalie was an award-winning TV journalist and investigative reporter. For more than 10 years she covered in-depth local and national news topics and holds a regional news Emmy for breaking news was also an adjunct professor of advanced communication and visual storytelling at the University of Southern California. She holds a Master's of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University. About Semler Scientific, Inc.: Semler Scientific, Inc. is a publicly traded company that has adopted Bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset and is one of the leading corporate holders of Bitcoin. In May 2024, Semler Scientific became the second U.S. publicly traded company to adopt a Bitcoin treasury strategy. By using proceeds from equity and debt financings, as well as cash flows from operations, Semler Scientific intends to strategically accumulate Bitcoin. In addition, through its healthcare business, Semler Scientific is a pioneer in developing and marketing technology products and services to assist its customers in evaluating and treating chronic diseases. Its flagship product, QuantaFlo®, which is patented and cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a rapid point-of-care test that measures arterial blood flow in the extremities. The QuantaFlo test aids in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and Semler Scientific is seeking a new 510(k) clearance for expanded indications. QuantaFlo is used by healthcare providers to evaluate their patient's risk of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Additional information about Semler Scientific can be found at INVESTOR CONTACT: Renae CormierChief Financial Officerir@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Semler Scientific, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
