CoinDesk at the Center of Financial and Controversy Storms

Author

Reads 6.6K

Man working on financial reports with calculator, money, and laptop on a desk.
Credit: pexels.com, Man working on financial reports with calculator, money, and laptop on a desk.

CoinDesk has been at the center of financial and controversy storms, with its editor-in-chief, Shaikh, being a vocal advocate for the adoption of Bitcoin and other digital currencies.

The company's coverage of the Mt. Gox hack in 2014, which resulted in the loss of over 850,000 Bitcoins, was extensive and timely.

CoinDesk has also been involved in controversy surrounding its acquisition by the Digital Currency Group, a venture capital firm that invests in blockchain and cryptocurrency companies.

The acquisition sparked concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest and the impact on CoinDesk's editorial independence.

Additional reading: Td Cowen Acquisition

DCG Financial Issues

CoinDesk has faced financial issues, including a significant decline in revenue in 2022, with a year-over-year decrease of 44%.

The company's financial struggles were attributed to a combination of factors, including increased competition and a decline in advertising revenue.

In 2021, CoinDesk's revenue was $53 million, but by 2022, it had dropped to $29 million.

Detailed financial trading screen with colorful charts and data representing market fluctuations.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed financial trading screen with colorful charts and data representing market fluctuations.

This significant decline in revenue led to a reduction in staff, with the company laying off around 13% of its workforce in 2022.

CoinDesk's financial issues have also been affected by the broader market conditions, including the decline in cryptocurrency prices.

The company has taken steps to address its financial challenges, including reducing costs and exploring new revenue streams.

However, the exact details of these efforts are not publicly disclosed.

CoinDesk History

CoinDesk was founded by entrepreneur Shakil Khan in May 2013, marking the beginning of the company's journey in the cryptocurrency space.

Khan is also an investor in BitPay, a bitcoin payment processor, which highlights his involvement in the industry from an early stage.

In 2016, CoinDesk was acquired by Digital Currency Group for an estimated US$500,000–600,000, a significant milestone in the company's growth.

Here's a brief timeline of CoinDesk's major acquisitions:

In 2017, CoinDesk established CoinDesk Korea in collaboration with the 22nd Century Media Co., a subsidiary of Hankyoreh Co., Ltd., to provide blockchain news services in South Korea.

History

Smartphone displaying blockchain application resting on a laptop, symbolizing modern technology and finance.
Credit: pexels.com, Smartphone displaying blockchain application resting on a laptop, symbolizing modern technology and finance.

CoinDesk was founded by entrepreneur Shakil Khan and began publishing in May 2013.

Khan is also an investor in BitPay, a bitcoin payment processor. This connection highlights the early days of cryptocurrency and its growing influence.

In 2016, CoinDesk was acquired by Digital Currency Group for an estimated US$500,000–600,000.

This acquisition marked a significant milestone in CoinDesk's history, signaling its growing importance in the cryptocurrency space.

CoinDesk established CoinDesk Korea in collaboration with the 22nd Century Media Co., subsidiary of Hankyoreh Co., Ltd. in December 2017, to provide blockchain news service in South Korea.

This move demonstrated CoinDesk's commitment to expanding its reach and providing local coverage of cryptocurrency news.

In 2021, CoinDesk acquired cryptocurrency data analytics firm TradeBlock, further solidifying its position in the industry.

The acquisition of TradeBlock brought new capabilities to CoinDesk, enabling it to offer more comprehensive data and insights to its readers.

Consensus Event

CoinDesk's Consensus Event has been a highlight of the crypto calendar since 2015. It's a summit that brings together industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest developments in the field.

The event has had a few different locations over the years. It was held in New York City from 2017 to 2019.

Bitcoin Price Index

Credit: youtube.com, CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index Lost 1.89% to $93980.70 — Data Talk

The CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index was launched in September 2013. It's an average of bitcoin prices across various exchanges, initially using data from Bitstamp, BTC-e, and CampBX.

The index began by excluding Mt. Gox data due to withdrawal concerns for US customers. But in November 2013, Mt. Gox was added to the BPI after it reduced the risk premium and offered additional deposit/withdrawal methods.

Mt. Gox was eventually removed from the index in February 2014 for failing to meet the index's standards. The index was restored to an average of three exchanges in March 2014 with the inclusion of Bitfinex price data.

The inclusion of Bitfinex data was significant, as it sustained a dramatic increase in its share of the total volume of U.S. dollar-denominated bitcoins traded.

Bitcoin Report

CoinDesk released its first 'State of Bitcoin' report in February 2014, providing an overview of key cryptocurrency trends, challenges, and opportunities.

The report highlighted the most important developments over the last year, giving readers a snapshot of the state of Bitcoin at that time. This report was a significant milestone in CoinDesk's history of tracking and analyzing the cryptocurrency market.

Gold Bitcoin Coins and Cash
Credit: pexels.com, Gold Bitcoin Coins and Cash

Venture capital investment in bitcoin companies was up 28 percent compared to the previous quarter, according to the Q2 2014 follow-up report. This surge in investment was a notable trend in the industry.

The 'State of Bitcoin' report has been a valuable resource for those interested in the cryptocurrency market, providing insights into the key challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

CoinDesk's reports have consistently highlighted the growth and development of Bitcoin, making them a valuable resource for anyone looking to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments.

Bullish Complies with Sun's Demands

In 2023, Bullish acquired CoinDesk for $75 million. Bullish complied with Sun's demands by pulling the article without issuing a retraction notice.

This decision led to the resignation of Matt Murray, a former Wall Street Journal editor, who chaired CoinDesk's editorial committee.

Consensus Event

CoinDesk hosts an annual crypto summit called Consensus, which started in 2015.

It was initially held in New York City from 2017 to 2019, providing a physical space for attendees to connect and learn about the latest developments in the crypto space.

In 2020 and 2021, Consensus was held virtually, allowing a wider audience to participate remotely. This shift was likely due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since 2022, Consensus has been held in Austin, Texas, offering a new location for the event.

Bitcoin Market

Credit: youtube.com, U.S. Bitcoin Reserve Is 'Inevitable'

The Bitcoin Price Index, also known as the CoinDesk BPI, was launched in September 2013.

This index is an average of bitcoin prices across various bitcoin exchanges. Initially, it used price data from Bitstamp, BTC-e, and CampBX.

Mt. Gox was added to the BPI in November 2013, but was removed in February 2014 due to persistent failure to meet the index's standards for inclusion.

The index was restored to an average of three exchanges in March 2014 with the inclusion of Bitfinex price data.

Bybit Hack

Bybit hackers resumed their laundering activities, moving another 62,200 ETH. This is a concerning development in the world of cryptocurrency.

The hackers' actions have significant implications for the security of cryptocurrency exchanges. Bybit, a popular exchange, has been targeted by these hackers.

The hackers' ability to move large amounts of ETH highlights the need for robust security measures in the cryptocurrency space.

Intriguing read: Security Token Offering

Justin Sun Controversy

Justin Sun, the founder of TRON, has been at the center of several controversies. He was sued by the SEC for allegedly conducting an unregistered ICO, but the case was dismissed in 2020.

A Paper with a Title the Future of Cryptocurrency
Credit: pexels.com, A Paper with a Title the Future of Cryptocurrency

In 2018, Sun was criticized for using Twitter to promote TRON, allegedly violating the platform's rules. He was temporarily suspended from Twitter.

Sun's aggressive promotion of TRON on social media has been a subject of debate. Some people see it as a legitimate marketing strategy, while others view it as spamming.

In 2020, Sun was involved in a high-profile Twitter feud with Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao. The two exchanged barbs over the future of TRON and its potential to overtake Ethereum.

Sun's reputation has been tarnished by allegations of promoting TRON through fake accounts and bots.

Angel Bruen

Copy Editor

Angel Bruen is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for precision. Her expertise spans a variety of sectors, including finance and insurance, where she has honed her skills in crafting clear and concise content. Specializing in articles about Insurance Companies of Hong Kong and Financial Services Companies Established in 2013, Angel ensures that each piece she edits is not only accurate but also engaging for the reader.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.