Original author: James Wo, Founder CEO, Digital Finance Group
DFG is pleased to co-host the TEAMZ Web3/AI Summit 2024 with our sister company Jsquare, portfolio company Astar Network and other partners. This is our second time participating in the TEAMZ Summit. Our confidence in the Japanese cryptocurrency market in the next 3-5 years has always been strong, and participating in this years TEAMZ Summit also verifies our confidence.
The TEAMZ Web3/AI Summit 2024 was held in Toranomon, Tokyo, focusing on the convergence of Web3 and AI technologies. The summit invited more than 500 industry speakers, more than 200 blockchain/Web3 companies, and had a vibrant community of more than 600 team members and employees to conduct in-depth discussions around the convergence of blockchain and AI. Key topics included decentralized AI infrastructure, AI-driven data interoperability, and the impact of AI on public goods within the Web3 framework. In addition, considerable attention was focused on exploring how AI can drive the adoption of Web3 technologies in different industries, making this summit a key platform for studying the upcoming technological synergies.
Key Highlights
Stablecoins
By 2024, Japan’s stablecoin market is expected to expand significantly, driven by strategic partnerships and legislative progress. Binance, in partnership with Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Bank (MUTB), plans to launch stablecoins pegged to major currencies, including the Japanese yen, by the end of 2024. The move forms part of a wider effort to encourage widespread adoption of Web3 technologies in Japan.
Japan’s recently implemented regulatory framework allows only licensed entities to issue stablecoins to ensure the stability and reliability of the financial system. This regulatory environment has prompted companies such as Orix Corp. to explore the introduction of stablecoin tokens, which are expected to provide advantages such as faster fund transfers and more efficient settlements.
These developments highlight Japan’s proactive stance on regulating and promoting the use of stablecoins in the financial sector, setting a notable precedent in the global stablecoin market.
Investment Fund Supervision
In 2024, Japan introduced new compliance-related regulations for investment firms and venture capital (VC). The Japanese Cabinet approved a bill that allows investment funds and venture capital firms to invest in cryptocurrencies, marking an important milestone in the inclusion of digital assets in traditional investment portfolios. This decision by the Japanese government paves the way for venture capital firms to more actively participate in the growing cryptocurrency and blockchain industry.
These regulatory changes are part of Japans larger strategy to modernize its financial services industry by adopting cutting-edge technologies. They also represent a growing recognition of the transformative potential of digital assets in reshaping investment practices. These advances are expected to attract more institutional investors into the crypto space, potentially increasing funding for blockchain companies in Japan.
For venture capital firms, this shift requires adopting a new compliance framework, which involves managing the risks associated with digital asset investments while seizing opportunities within a supportive legal framework. This strategic adjustment is in line with a global trend, with more and more countries formalizing their stance on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology in the venture capital sector.
NFT and IP
In Japan, NFTs and related intellectual property (IP) are experiencing significant growth and consolidation in areas such as collectibles, sports, and blockchain gaming. Businesses and individuals are actively exploring the creation and trading of IP-based digital assets through NFTs, leveraging the unique capabilities of blockchain technology.
Many Japanese companies have delved into NFT-related businesses, developing platforms and applications that expand the use of NFTs beyond art and entertainment. These applications now cover copyright management, content creation, and distribution, enabling creators and intellectual property holders to provide unique digital products and services directly to consumers while effectively protecting and monetizing their intellectual property.
As technology advances and the market develops, NFTs are expected to play a more important role in Japans intellectual property field, bringing new sources of income and creative avenues to creators, and enhancing digital experiences for consumers. The current progress marks a positive trend of NFTs deeply integrating into Japans digital economy, striking a balance between technological innovation and intellectual property protection.
DFG in TEAMZ
WEB3 IN BLOOM
WEB3 IN BLOOM is the official side event co-hosted by DFG, Jsquare and Astar Network. Our team has been working on this for months and was delighted to organize a social evening for over 300 guests amidst beautiful flower arrangements, exquisite food, fine wine and soaking up the amazing night view of Tokyo. A big thank you to our co-hosts, partners and everyone involved for making this an unforgettable event!
TEAMZ Conference
We are excited to co-host TEAMZ WEB3/AI SUMMIT 2024 with Jsquare, Astar Network and other partners. During the two-day event, I participated in two panels, discussed venture capital trends and crypto asset predictions for 2025, and delivered the opening speech at the red carpet gala.
Not only did we interact with many visitors at the DFG booth and distribute our merchandise, but we also met and got together with our respected portfolio companies at the DFG and Jsquare family booths! It was a great opportunity to bring our portfolio family together and highlight their presence in Japan.
See you next time, TEAMZ Japan!
Overall, the TEAMZ Web3/AI Summit 2024 showcased numerous global companies and provided a platform for important discussions about future technology integration, making significant progress in the mass adoption of cryptocurrency and AI technologies.
Our dedication to empowering the blockchain and web3 ecosystem remains strong, and we are optimistic about the Japanese crypto market in the next 3-5 years. This year, we will deploy more funds and participate in more regional activities to support Japans crypto ecosystem.
About DFG
Digital Finance Group (DFG) is a global blockchain and cryptocurrency investment company founded in 2015 with a fund management scale of over US$1 billion. Its investment areas cover a wide range of tracks in the blockchain ecosystem, such as Web3.0, CeFi, DeFi, NFT, and Polkadot ecosystem.
Investments include Circle, Ledger, Coinlist, FV Bank, Astar, ChainSafe, and more than 100 others. DFG aims to create value through analytical research based on the most influential and promising global blockchain and Web3.0 projects that will bring fundamental changes to the world.
DFG Website: https://dfg.group
DFG Twitter: @DFG__Official
DFG LinkedIn: DFG
