Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond - Hardcover

by Chris Burniske (Author), Jack Tatar (Author)

The innovative investor's guide to an entirely new asset class--from two experts on the cutting edge

With the rise of bitcoin and blockchain technology, investors can capitalize on the greatest investment opportunity since the Internet. Bitcoin was the first cryptoasset, but today there are over 800 and counting, including ether, ripple, litecoin, monero, and more. This clear, concise, and accessible guide from two industry insiders shows you how to navigate this brave new blockchain world'and how to invest in these emerging assets to secure your financial future.

Cryptoassets gives you all the tools you need:

• An actionable framework for investigating and valuing cryptoassets
• Portfolio management techniques to maximize returns while managing risk
• Historical context and tips to navigate inevitable bubbles and manias
• Practical guides to exchanges, wallets, capital market vehicles, and ICOs
• Predictions on how blockchain technology may disrupt current portfolios

In addition to offering smart investment strategies, this authoritative resource will help you understand how these assets were created, how they work, and how they are evolving amid the blockchain revolution. The authors define a clear and original cryptoasset taxonomy, composed of cryptocurrencies, cryptocommodities, and cryptotokens, with insights into how each subset is blending technology and markets. You'll find a variety of methods to invest in these assets, whether through global exchanges trading 24/7 or initial cryptoasset offerings (ICOs). By sequentially building on the concepts of each prior chapter, the book will provide you with a full understanding of the cryptoasset economy and the opportunities that await the innovative investor.

Cryptoassets represent the future of money and markets. This book is your guide to that future.

Back Jacket

Praise for Cryptoassets and Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar
"Whether or not one contemplates investing in cryptoassets, anyone with a practical or theoretical interest in financial markets should know about them. Burniske and Tatar do an excellent job explaining this brave new world to us."--Harry Max Markowitz, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics and founder of Modern Portfolio Theory
"Cryptoassets is an outstanding overview of the state of digital currencies and assets. Highly recommended for those who want to understand where finance is going."--Balaji S. Srinivasan, CEO of 21.co and board partner at Andreessen Horowitz
"Burniske and Tatar have delivered a seminal guide to what may be the biggest investment opportunity since the Internet. Informative and actionable, Cryptoassets is a must-read for crypto-enthusiasts and capital market investors alike."--Arthur B. Laffer, chairman of Laffer Associates, member of President Reagan's Economic Policy Advisory Board, and creator of the Laffer Curve
"As we hurtle into a new, decentralized economy, Burniske and Tatar have laid down something of immense importance: a coherent logic, a new science even, for investing in the assets that will define that coming world."--Michael J. Casey, senior advisor to the Digital Currency Initiative at MIT Media Lab andcoauthor of The Age of Cryptocurrency
"In this sweeping and lucid work, Burniske and Tatar make a compelling case that cryptoassets are foundational to the second generation of the Internet and represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the innovative investor. Required reading for anyone wanting to understand the future of finance, business, and more."--Alex Tapscott, CEO of NextBlock Global and coauthor of Blockchain Revolution
"Poised to be one of the most profound inventions in history, blockchain technology may change everything--just as the wheel and the Internet did. Chris and Jack will help you understand blockchains and the cryptoassets within them. If you're a financial advisor, this book will help you serve your clients better."--Ric Edelman, three-time #1 Independent Financial Advisor (Barron's) and New York Times bestselling author of The Truth About Your Future
"Investors are always seeking new assets to diversify their portfolios, and the emergence of cryptoasssets provides such an opportunity. Burniske and Tatar offer the first detailed analysis of cryptoassets from the perspective of a portfolio investment."--Campbell R. Harvey, former president of the American Finance Association and professor of finance at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University
"Cryptoassets is the definitive guide that comes just in time to introduce you to a radically new era of innovative investment. This book tells you all you need to know to invest in this supreme opportunity of our time: replacing the porous topdown 'winner-take-all' Internet with a safe and cornucopian cadaster of trust and opportunity that makes us all potential winners."--George Gilder, cofounder of the Discovery Institute and author of The Scandal of Money
"The growth and importance of cryptocurrency and cryptocomputing rivals the early growth of the commercial Internet and web, and the technical and economic revolution that will result is perhaps even more significant than the first phase of the Internet. Cryptoassets is an excellent introduction to this breakthrough in technology and finance, and a tremendous resource for those eager to get their heads around what can be a daunting and complex subject."--Jeremy Allaire, CEO and founder of Circle
"This is an extremely well researched and timely 'state of the nation' treatise on cryptoassets. I'm excited that the knowledge base of our industry is continuing to expand with such high-quality thought leadership and insights."--Vinny Lingham, cofounder and CEO of Civic.com, Shark on Shark Tank South Africa, and board member of the Bitcoin Foundation
"Since Bitcoin's creation, people have been wondering why it and other cryptoassets have any value. Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar give the most compelling case for why, with sharp, detailed analysis that reflects their deep understanding of the technology and their strong finance background. Beginners as well as more seasoned crypto investors will find new insights and sensible tips in this practical guide."--Laura Shin, senior editor at Forbes and host of Unchained
"Cryptoassets is a fascinating introduction to this new space of the digital economy. The authors surface many historical examples to remind us that in times of excitement, it is even more important to pay attention to the teams and talent behind each project." --Christian Catalini, Theodore T. Miller Career Development Professor at MIT and assistant professor of technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic management at the Sloan School of Management at MIT
"Cryptoassets is a must-read for all financial services executives and investors who want to understand the fundamentals and future directions of this burgeoning, new asset class. Delivered by two of the foremost authorities in the nascent, multibillion-dollar space, this is the most extensive guide on cryptoassets currently available."--Sandra Ro, former head of digitization at CME Group
"As renowned industry thought leaders, it's no surprise that Chris and Jack have delivered what is likely the most thoughtful and in-depth framework for evaluating cryptoassets. Within this book, they've rolled up their sleeves to provide helpful historical context and a valuation framework that readers will find intellectually stimulating and illuminating for understanding this rapidly emerging world of cryptoassets."--Spencer Bogart, managing director and head of research at Blockchain Capital
"Chris is at the forefront of the important work to better understand and analyze this emerging class of assets. In this book, he and Jack have encapsulated years of their thinking in an easy-to-digest manner."--David Kinitsky, VP of research and innovation at Fidelity Labs
"For the uninitiated, the world of cryptocurrencies is frought with risks and pitfalls. No one should venture into this world without preparation. Cryptoassets explains, in simple to understand terms, the full paradigm of Bitcoin and its successor currencies, and it provides everything needed to explore this exciting world."--John McAfee, founder of McAfee Associates
"A thorough, balanced, and easy read. I would recommend this to anyone who considers building a portfolio in cryptoassets."--Ryan Selkis, former director of investments at Digital Currency Group and managing director of CoinDesk

Author Biography

Chris Burniske is a cofounder of Placeholder Ventures, a New York firm that specializes in cryptoassets. Prior to Placeholder, he pioneered ARK Investment Management's Next Generation Internet strategy, leading the firm to become the first public fund manager to invest in bitcoin. He then transitioned to focus exclusively on cryptoassets, paving the way for Wall Street to recognize it as a new asset class. His commentary has been featured on national media outlets, including CNBC, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Forbes.

Jack Tatar is an angel investor and advisor to startups in the cryptoasset community, and speaks and writes frequently on the topic. With over two decades of experience in financial services, he was one of the first financial professionals to receive certification from the Digital Currency Council. He is the coauthor of one of the earliest books on Bitcoin, What's the Deal with Bitcoins?