Türkiye has solidified its position in the world of digital assets in 2024, ranking seventh globally on the Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index and becoming the leading country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Industry leaders discussed the latest trends in digital assets, blockchain and Web3, bringing attention to countries’ investments in these areas at the Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai. Last year’s edition was held in Istanbul.
The event saw the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and El Salvador share updates on their regulations and investments.
Meanwhile, global crypto asset investments rebounded from 2022 to reach a total gain of $37.6 billion in 2023. The U.S. led with an estimated $9.36 billion in gains.
Türkiye, with a significant focus on stablecoin usage, has remained a leader in the region and continues to rank high in crypto adoption worldwide, according to the Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index.
Growing trust in crypto markets
Binance CEO Richard Teng kicked off the Dubai event with a captivating speech themed “Momentum.”
He focused on growth and resilience in the blockchain and Web3 industries, emphasizing that despite regulatory and market challenges, the sector’s recent developments have gained momentum.
Teng highlighted that 2024 has been a good year, particularly noting the approval of crypto ETFs in the U.S. and the growing interest of institutional investors.
He reiterated Binance’s commitment to strengthening the digital ecosystem, boosting mass adoption, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
“It’s time to think about the future of crypto and blockchain,” Teng said, as he posed critical questions to guide the future of blockchain and crypto.
“What have we done right, and what more should we do? What kind of scenarios should we develop? How can we drive positive change? What can be done to make financial services more inclusive?”
“These are important questions. We must answer them together,” he noted.
Digitizing assets
People are increasingly digitizing their assets, attracted by the advantages of blockchain technology such as flexibility, security, and transparency.
Digital assets eliminate intermediaries,enabling real-time transactions at lower costs, enhancing accessibility in global markets and providing a decentralized, transparent ledger that ensures security for individuals and businesses.
Despite the fluctuations in the crypto market, global trends indicate a strong investment potential. Bitcoin is on the verge of reaching its all-time high, exciting all crypto exchanges. Both cryptocurrencies and next-gen assets like Web3 and NFTs are becoming cornerstone elements in digital investment portfolios.
3 forms of digital assets
Crypto Exchanges: Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) remain the top attractions in the crypto market, with the former holding its position due to its value and long-term investment potential.
Other major cryptocurrencies like Solana (SOL) and Ripple (XRP) also draw significant interest from investors. Additionally, Ethereum-based altcoins and stablecoins are widely preferred.
NFTs (Digital Art and Collectibles): In the NFT space, Bitcoin-based NFTs like Bitcoin Ordinals garnered significant attention in 2023, with the trend expected to continue into 2024.
While Ethereum-based projects like CryptoPunks and Bored Ape Yacht Club remain popular, game-themed NFTs and collections are also becoming a growing segment of the NFT market.
Web3 and DeFi (Decentralized Finance) Projects: DeFi protocols, particularly platforms like Uniswap and Aave, are attracting investor interest.
Furthermore, developments in the Web3 space, projects aimed at increasing user engagement and innovative DeFi-based NFTs are among the digital assets drawing attention.
ExoMatter becomes 212 NexT’s first deep-tech investment
Türkiye’s first vertical-focused deep-tech fund, 212 NexT, has made its inaugural investment in ExoMatter, a platform that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to significantly reduce research and development (R&D) and product development times.
The funding round, co-led by 212 NexT, secured 1.7 million euros, which ExoMatter aims to utilize to expand its team and client base, aspiring to become Europe’s leading platform in materials informatics.
By employing AI and quantum chemical modeling, ExoMatter revolutionizes materials R&D, enabling companies to discover new materials optimized for performance, cost, and sustainability.
This innovative approach shortens material development time by up to 90%, reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions, making the process faster, more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Airbus among key clients
ExoMatter, with its early-stage product version, is already collaborating with market leaders, including companies listed on Germany’s DAX index, such as Airbus and Infineon, and has achieved noteworthy six-figure revenue with a clear growth trajectory.
Source: dailysabah