Blockchain Press Releases
Azimut strengthens its support for the excellence of the Italian Alps blockchain with a new €105 million club deal
The new capital will finance the international expansion of the company, which specialises in the production of computing power for blockchain technology and the digital mining process, thereby encouraging energy transition.
MILAN and TRENTO, Italy, July 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Azimut, an independent, global group in asset management, wealth management, investment banking and fintech, has successfully completed a new club deal to invest in Alps Blockchain S.p.A., one of Europe’s leading companies and a leader in Italy in the production of computational power for blockchain and digital mining.
This new €105 million investment by Azimut in Alps Blockchain, whose commitment was reached in just two days, follows a previous round of €40 million in 2023, confirming the confidence and involvement of private investors in the growth of this innovative company.
Azimut’s investment was made through Azimut Direct Investment Alps Blockchain II SCSp, a dedicated Luxembourg vehicle that invested in a 5-year guaranteed bond with the option of early redemption by Alps Blockchain. This transaction allowed around 1,000 customers, served by the Group’s network of financial advisors and wealth managers in Italy, to gain exposure to the growth of the blockchain sector.
Alps Blockchain is an Italian company that builds and operates mining farms with the aim of contributing to the development of new technologies and supporting the evolution of the energy sector, combining innovation and efficiency. Thanks to a path of continuous development, in the last three years the company has quintupled the number of mining machines installed in its planned sites globally from 2,500 to over 15,000. This increase has enabled the company to reach a total energy capacity of 50 MW and more than 2 EH/s (exahash per second) of computing power produced by June 2024.
Alps Blockchain’s positive trend is also reflected in its financial results. Revenues increased from €697,000 in 2020 to €17.3 million in 2022. In 2023, thanks in part to Azimut’s first investment round, revenues reached €43.6 million, an increase of around 140% compared to the previous year, which, with a positive EBITDA, confirms the company’s solid development capacity.
The funds raised will be used to support Alps Blockchain’s growth and internationalisation path, with a focus on consolidating and implementing its existing operations and considering expansion into new markets to further strengthen its global position.
From Italy, the company has already established operations in countries such as Paraguay and Ecuador, where the completed mining farms use hydroelectric power. Alps Blockchain actively supports the energy sector not only by focusing on hydropower, but also by exploring new sources and projects to promote the energy transition. Among the key markets for future growth is Oman, where the company is already present with a state-of-the-art mining farm within the Green Data City technology hub. The strategic focus is also on North America, a major destination for the mining industry and attractive for new expansion opportunities.
Giorgio Medda, CEO and Global Head of Asset Management & Fintech of the Azimut Group, commented: “We are thrilled to strengthen our relationship with Alps Blockchain, whose objective is to make mining more sustainable, and to offer our customers the opportunity to participate in the growth of an all-Italian excellence that is rapidly establishing itself around the world. This new transaction is part of Azimut’s broader commitment to promoting a global and sustainable energy transition through innovative investment solutions in private markets. A commitment that from 2022 to date counts investments of over €350 million. Our vision is that asset management can increasingly play a crucial role in combining efficient capital allocation with building a more sustainable future‘.
Francesco Buffa, CEO of Alps Blockchain, stated: ‘At Alps Blockchain we are committed to shaping projects that foster the synergy between new technologies and the world of energy, generating a positive impact in both sectors. This new investment is an extraordinary confirmation of the confidence in our work and an essential support for the near future. On the sixth anniversary of the company’s establishment, which was July 20th, we are enthusiastically inaugurating a new chapter in its history dedicated to the pursuit of ambitious growth targets.
Francesca Failoni, CFO of Alps Blockchain, added: “The increase in resources will allow us to contribute even more substantially to the blockchain ecosystem, fostering the development of solid and sustainable projects over time. Thanks to this financial transaction, we will not only be able to increase and make our existing sites more efficient, but also invest in the construction of new facilities, aiming to quadruple the production capacity of computing power in the service of this technology by the first quarter of 2025.”
Glossary
Blockchain: a digital ledger based on a decentralised data structure consisting of a series of concatenated blocks containing transactions. The blockchain is designed to be secure, transparent and tamper-proof through the use of cryptography and the participation of a network of nodes that validate and store information in a distributed manner.
Mining: The process by which transactions are verified, grouped into blocks, validated and added to the blockchain. Critical to some types of blockchain, such as that of bitcoin, this process is carried out by miners, who use computing power to solve complex cryptographic functions in exchange for fees and the issuance of new cryptocurrency value.
Mining farm: A mining farm is a data centre designed to generate computing power to serve the blockchain. It is an industrial facility that houses a group of specialised devices designed to solve cryptographic functions, called ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), which work in a coordinated manner to perform the mining process.
Azimut is an independent, global group in asset management, wealth management, investment banking and fintech, serving individuals and businesses. A public company listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (AZM.IM), it is a leader in Italy and present in 18 countries worldwide, with a focus on emerging markets. The shareholding structure sees around 2,000 managers, financial advisors and employees united in a syndicate that controls around 22% of the company. The remainder is free float. The Group includes several companies active in the promotion, management and distribution of financial and insurance products, mainly based in Italy, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China (Hong Kong and Shanghai), Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Portugal, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey and the USA. In Italy, Azimut Capital Management Sgr is active in the promotion and management of mutual funds governed by Italian law, in alternative investment funds governed by Italian law, and in the individual management of investment portfolios on behalf of third parties. In addition, Azimut Capital Management handles the distribution of Group and third-party products through its network of financial advisors, while Azimut Libera Impresa Sgr handles alternative products. The main foreign companies are Azimut Investments SA (founded in Luxembourg in 1999), which manages the AZ FUND1 and AZ Multi Asset multi-fund funds, and the Irish company Azimut Life DAC, which offers life insurance products.
Alps Blockchain is an Italian tech company with a global vision, specialising in the production of computing power for digital mining. Through the design and operation of state-of-the-art mining farms, it aims to combine the potential of blockchain and mining with the needs of the energy sector, creating shared value and fostering mutual evolution. Founded in 2018, it introduced an innovative solution to support the Italian energy sector, breathing new life into historic hydroelectric power plants through the installation of mining farms integrated with the traditional production system. Today, Alps Blockchain has extended its reach from Europe to South America and the Middle East, focusing on projects that generate scalable growth and new opportunities through computational power generation.
Contacts – Azimut Holding S.p.A.
www.azimut-group.com
Contatti – Alps Blockchain
www.alpsblockchain.com
Nicole Vuillermin
Tel. +39 335 69 72 986
Email: [email protected]
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Blockchain Press Releases
Bybit Invests $1M in EthicHub Through Blockchain for Good Alliance to Drive Agricultural Finance for Global Farming Communities
DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, proudly announces a $1 million impact investment in EthicHub, facilitated through the Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA).
Since pioneering the Blockchain for Good Alliance in April 2024, Bybit has championed the use of blockchain innovations to solve real-world challenges. EthicHub, a key project supported by the BGA Incubation Programme and the Grand Social Impact Award winner at the BGA Web3 Oscar, exemplifies this vision by leveraging blockchain to drive financial inclusion and empower smallholder farmers. This investment aligns with Bybit’s commitment to leveraging blockchain technology for tangible social impact, driving financial inclusion for smallholder coffee farmers in emerging markets.
Empowering Sustainable Coffee Farming Through Ethical Finance
EthicHub is revolutionizing agricultural finance by integrating productive lending, blended finance, and market access. With this $1 million investment, Bybit will establish the “Bybit Pool”, a dedicated fund within the EthicHub ecosystem designed to provide ethical credit lines to small and medium-sized coffee farmers.
This initiative will empower farmers to break free from exploitative lending practices, improve productivity, and secure fair prices for their coffee. Additionally, it aligns with Bybit’s broader mission of bridging the gap between blockchain solutions and real-world economic transformation.
Key Highlights of the Investment Agreement:
- Exclusive Fund: Bybit’s investment will be managed exclusively within the EthicHub ecosystem, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Sustainable Social Impact: The fund provides direct financial access to coffee farmers, fostering economic resilience in rural communities.
- Fair Financial Returns: Bybit will receive an 8% annual return over a 15-month term, demonstrating the viability of impact investing.
- Transparency & Reporting: LendingDev, EthicHub’s operator, will provide quarterly performance updates and comprehensive end-of-term reporting.
A New Era of Blockchain-Powered Social Good
Bybit’s investment exemplifies how blockchain-powered finance can drive sustainable change. Through BGA’s role in fostering strategic collaborations, this initiative paves the way for blockchain adoption in real-world economic empowerment.
“Blockchain has the power to unlock new financial opportunities for those historically excluded from traditional banking systems. Our $1 million investment in EthicHub reinforces Bybit’s dedication to using innovation for real-world impact, proving that blockchain can be both profitable and transformative,” said Helen Liu, Chief Operating Officer at Bybit.
Gabriela Chang, CSO & Co-founder of EthicHub added: “Bybit’s commitment is a game-changer for our mission. This investment will directly support smallholder coffee farmers, enabling them to increase productivity, access fair financing, and secure better market opportunities. It is an example of how blockchain can create real-world solutions for pressing global challenges.”
Case Study: EthicHub’s Impact – How Neri Ortiz Transformed His Future
For generations, smallholder coffee farmers like Neri Ortiz in Motozintla, Mexico, faced relentless challenges: unstable coffee prices, predatory lenders, and limited market access. With no financial safety net, many were forced to abandon farming altogether.
The introduction of EthicHub changed everything. By offering fair, blockchain-powered financing, EthicHub provided Neri and his cooperative with the resources to improve production, invest in sustainable farming techniques, and eliminate exploitative middlemen. For the first time, they could sell directly to specialty coffee buyers at fair market prices.
This access to ethical lending transformed not just Neri’s farm but his entire outlook. He began experimenting with quality-enhancing techniques like controlled fermentation, which boosted the value of his coffee. With newfound financial stability, he reinvested in his farm, secured better futures for his family, and began mentoring other farmers to do the same.
Bybit’s investment in EthicHub ensures that more farmers like Neri can break free from financial hardship, build resilient livelihoods, and sustain the agricultural traditions that feed global coffee markets. This is the power of blockchain-driven impact investing—real solutions for real people, transforming entire communities.
Join the Movement
Bybit invites fellow blockchain innovators and socially responsible investors to explore the possibilities of blockchain-powered impact investments. By working together, the industry can drive sustainable economic solutions that benefit both investors and underserved communities.
For more details on EthicHub’s initiatives, visit EthicHub Website.
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk /#BGA
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube
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Blockchain Press Releases
Bybit Defies Odds: How the Largest Crypto Hack in History Became a Test of Resilience and Transparency
DUBAI, UAE, Feb. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a remarkable display of resilience and professionalism, Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has successfully navigated the largest hack in crypto history. On February 21, 2025, hackers stole approximately $1.5 billion in digital assets from Bybit’s Ethereum wallet, marking the biggest cryptocurrency heist ever recorded. Despite this unprecedented breach, Bybit’s swift and transparent crisis management ensured that the crypto market remained stable, with no significant price volatility.
Swift Crisis Management
Bybit’s response to the hack was marked by swift action, transparency, and professionalism. Ben took immediate ownership of the situation, addressing the community within 30 minutes via X and conducting a livestream session just one hour after the incident. This live session, which lasted over two hours, provided real-time updates and detailed explanations, ensuring that all stakeholders were informed and reassured. Bybit’s prompt and open communication effectively prevented panic and maintained trust in the exchange, setting a high standard for crisis management in the crypto industry
Throughout the crisis, Bybit’s withdrawal and product services remained uninterrupted, with clients able to access support and their respective relationship managers at all times. This seamless continuity was a testament to the team’s preparedness and efficiency, even under extreme pressure.
Industry Unity in Support of Bybit
The crypto industry rallied around Bybit, demonstrating a united front against security threats. Major exchanges blacklisted the hacker’s wallets, preventing further movement of stolen funds. This unprecedented show of unity underscores the growing maturity of the crypto sector, where competitors become allies in times of need.
Client Fund Protection
Despite the significant scale of the hack, Bybit’s 1:1 reserve guarantee ensured that client assets remained fully intact. Bybit CEO Ben Zhou reassured users that Bybit is solvent and can cover the loss, emphasizing that all client assets are backed on a one-to-one basis. This guarantee demonstrates Bybit’s financial stability and commitment to user security.
Regulatory and Law Enforcement Collaboration
Bybit worked closely with regulators and law enforcement agencies to address the hack. This collaboration not only facilitated a swift response but also set a precedent for future cooperation between the crypto industry and regulatory bodies. As the incident unfolds, further developments are expected from this front, potentially leading to enhanced security measures and regulatory frameworks.
Rapid Recovery
Bybit demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of the crisis, processing over 350,000 withdrawal requests efficiently within 12 hours of the hack. Despite the surge in withdrawal requests, the exchange ensured that all transactions were completed without significant delays, showcasing the team’s professionalism and experience in managing critical incidents. Bybit’s operations quickly returned to normal, with client activity rebounding to pre-hack levels within 24 hours. This swift recovery underscores the trust that clients and investors have in Bybit’s crisis management capabilities, highlighting the exchange’s ability to maintain stability even in the most challenging circumstances
Bybit’s handling of the recent hack sets a new industry standard for crisis management. The exchange’s ability to turn a potentially disastrous event into a demonstration of resilience and transparency is a testament to its long-standing culture of responsibility and openness. This incident highlights not just Bybit’s operational excellence but also the growing maturity and unity of the crypto industry as a whole.
#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media
Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube
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SINGAPORE, Feb. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the wake of the recent $1.5 billion hack affecting a major cryptocurrency exchange, HTX hosted a live discussion on X and its Global Advisor Justin Sun addressed the growing security concerns in the cryptocurrency industry. The discussion, titled “Together Against Industry Crisis, Is There a Best Solution for the Security of the Crypto Industry?” featured insights from leading security firms SlowMist and GoPlus Security, as well as prominent KOLs.
Security: A Top Priority for HTX
Sun stressed that security is a “top priority”, demanding constant vigilance and learning. He illustrated how hacker tactics have evolved, from early hot wallet attacks to more sophisticated multi-signature wallet breaches, and declared that exchanges must continuously enhance their security protocol.
Sun emphasized that security is like personal health management, requiring internal efforts and a proactive approach. HTX has implemented multi-device login, remote login alerts, abnormal transfer alerts, and other security features, and has publicly disclosed Merkle Tree Proof of Reserve (PoR) for 28 consecutive months, maintaining reserve ratios exceeding 100%.
Sun’s Influence on Security Practices Across the Crypto Landscape
Sun’s commitment to security extends to his vision for HTX and his influential role in shaping security practices across the broader crypto landscape. He believes that the principle of security is considered fundamental to every business and product. He cited the early implementation of native multi-signature functionality in TRON as a successful example of proactive security design, demonstrating his commitment to building security into the foundation of his projects. He also highlighted the recent launch of USDD 2.0, emphasizing the deep understanding of stablecoin security risks that informed its development. “Just as exchanges should strengthen security mechanisms from the source in system design and operation, to maximize the prevention of security incidents,” Sun stated.
Sun also revealed that HTX collaborates with numerous white hat teams to conduct continuous penetration testing, security drills, and vulnerability mining. The platform actively monitors global cryptocurrency security incidents and studies hacker attack principles and methods for effective prevention.
Addressing the Situation and Industry Cooperation
Regarding the controversy surrounding CZ’s suggestion for the affected exchange to suspend withdrawals, Sun acknowledged the validity of the advice from an exchange perspective. He explained that the initial hours after a security breach are crucial for investigating the issue and ensuring safety. While suspending withdrawals is necessary to eliminate risks, the suspension period should be minimized to reduce user impact.
Sun called for closer cooperation between exchanges, security agencies, and the community to jointly address hacker threats, promote technological sharing, security innovation, and information exchange, and promote the healthy and sustainable development of the industry.
HTX’s Commitment to User Safety
HTX demonstrates its commitment to security through a proactive and continuously improving approach. The platform’s multi-faceted security strategy encompasses collaboration with leading security experts, rigorous ongoing monitoring, robust internal protocols, and a focus on enhancing multi-signature support, security alerts, and mitigating emerging threats such as hashtag scams. This comprehensive strategy reflects HTX’s dedication to safeguarding user assets and fostering a secure and reliable trading environment. This commitment was further emphasized by the specific security protocol requirements shared by Justin Sun at the February 21st Meetup in Hong Kong.
About HTX
Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.
As a world-leading gateway to Web3, we harbor global capabilities that enable us to provide users with safe and reliable services. Our growth strategy – “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance”, underpins our commitment to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.
For more information on HTX, please visit the HTX Square, or https://www.htx.com/, and follow X, Telegram, Discord. For further press enquiries, please contact [email protected].
Contact Details
Ruder Finn Asia
[email protected]
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