Ethereum

ETH

What

Ethereum is open access to digital money and data-friendly services for everyone – no matter your background or location. It's a community-built technology behind the cryptocurrency ether (ETH) and thousands of applications and smart contracts (computer programs living on Ethereum) you can use today. The Ethereum network is a network of computers all over the world that follow a set of rules called the Ethereum protocol, and it acts as the foundation for communities, applications, organizations and digital assets that anyone can build and use.

Ethereum allows you to coordinate, make agreements or transfer digital assets directly with other people. You don't need to rely on intermediaries. And because no government or company has control over Ethereum it is impossible for anyone to stop you from receiving payments or using services on Ethereum.

As mentioned before, Ethereum is not controlled by any particular entity and it exists whenever there are connected computers running software following the Ethereum protocol and adding to the Ethereum blockchain. Each of these computers is known as a node. Nodes can be run by anyone, although to participate in securing the network you have to stake ETH (Ethereum’s native token). Anyone with 32 ETH can do this without needing permission.

Why

Ethereum helps people and communities to coordinate in a resilient, open and trustworthy way on the internet. It also gives people the tools to have self sovereignty over their digital assets, and is particualrly important for people who have had to handle uncertainty around the security or soundness or mobility of their assets due to external forces outside of their control.

The core value of Ethereum is that you can interact with the internet without trusting a central authority that could change the rules or restrict your access. The internet was meant to be a free and open space for everyone, and Ethereum builds on this premise, allowing you to control your own assets and identity, instead of them being controlled by a few mega-corporations.

Funded by

Wintermute

Wintermute is a market maker and algorithmic trading firm specializing in digital asset markets. They provide OTC services for spot and derivatives over 200 digital assets. The company also offers liquidity provision services, with support all major exchanges and pairs, covering centralized and decentralized exchanges and trading platforms. Their counterparties include funds, brokers, family offices, blockchain projects, OTC desks and other institutions, as well as qualified individuals. Wintermute also offers NODE, an OTC trading platform for institutions and qualified individual investors that delivers competitive proprietary prices and zero-fee execution across a large range of digital assets. **Why:** Wintermute was established with a mission to enable, empower, and advance the truly decentralized world, striving for more transparent, fair, and efficient markets and financial products. The company collaborates with numerous projects, particularly those aiming for listings on top-tier exchanges. Wintermute is committed to long-term partnerships, especially with projects contributing to the evolution of the blockchain ecosystem. Instead of being only token traders, Wintermute extends its support to projects by offering comprehensive guidance on various aspects of liquidity. The company also has an in-house DeFi team, actively engages with projects and provides assistance, such as facilitating token bridges from other chains to Ethereum. **Risks:** While Wintermute's focus on transparency and long-term partnerships minimizes certain risks, users engaging with algorithmic trading firms should be aware of the inherent volatility and unpredictability associated with digital asset markets. Additionally, the success of projects partnered with Wintermute may still be subject to market fluctuations, regulatory changes, and other external factors that are beyond the company's control. **Benefits:** Wintermute offers several potential benefits to its users. These include kickstarting liquidity on platforms, actively testing and using products, providing liquidity for tokens on both decentralized (DEX) and centralized (CEX) exchanges, supporting over-the-counter (OTC) transactions, and assisting with treasury management. The company's commitment to co-building and advising projects further enhances the value it brings to its partners, through a collaborative and supportive approach