We all know how blockchain is decentralized, it operates all over the world and has no geographical boundaries.
Amsterdam is one such place.
1.Amsterdam has a growing tech scene
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But what about blockchain-specific startups?
The list could go on.
Sentiments were clear, there was a hive of friendly discussion.
At this years event over 1,500 people collaborated to develop public infrastructure using blockchain.
Whats more, last week TNW hosted its dedicated blockchain and cryptocurrency conference, Hard Fork Summit.
In fact, ING conducts ayearly international survey documentingglobal sentiments towards the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry.
AgTech, short for agriculture technology, is also being influenced by the technological opportunities offered by blockchain tech.
According to Startup Genome, Amsterdamranks fourth in the world for AgTechand New Food businesses.
Startups are attempting to use blockchain to helpoptimize farming processeslike crop insurance, produce traceability, and supply chains.
Take Amsterdam-based startupThe Forkfor example.
Just an hours train ride away is one of the worlds busiest ferry ports, the Port of Rotterdam.
Some of the intriguing applications of blockchain technologies have been in shipping, logistics, and supply chains.
The Port of Rotterdam has over the past few years been conducting trials of decentralized blockchain-based technologies.
Earlier this year, it announced the upcoming trial of ablockchain-based energy trading platform.
But what if investigating blockchain and cryptocurrency crime is more your field of interest?
The inter-nation investigative authority has been pivotal in blowing open a number of high profile cryptocurrency crimes.
At the moment,Europol is developing a game to teachofficers how to forensically trace cryptocurrency.
Previous speakers have included Bitcoin Core developers and IBM blockchain devs.
The infamous Craig Wright of Bitcoin Satoshis Vision has even made an appearance in the past.
Sure, there are big blockchain meetups all over the world, but how many happen every month?
And how many continually draw in interesting speakers like Bitcoin Wednesdays does?
Not many, thats for sure.
Thanks to Amsterdams blossoming fintech ecosystem theres also a very well attended meetup hosted by Holland FinTech.
Its a bit more corporate than Bitcoin Wednesdays, but no less valuable.
5.The practical side of life
Lets bring ourselves back down to earth for a moment.
The following points dont really relate to what makes Amsterdam a great place for blockchain specifically.
So the two go hand-in-hand.
One of the best things about Amsterdam is how well connected it is.
Amsterdam has that in spades.
Whats more, presuming that you speak English, you wont really experience a language barrier.
Whether you like it or not, the tech world speaks English, especially when it comes to blockchain.
Youll also need somewhere to work from, too.
Amsterdam has a blossoming tech eco-system with swathes of startups basing themselves here.
There are coworking spaces all over the city, including the TNW-owned, TQ.
And if you really believe in what Primalbase is doing you could buy some of its PBT tokens.
Amsterdam is a hyper-connected village city.
According to some reports, there are over180 nationalities here.
With diverse locals comes a broad and valuable skills market.
Story byMatthew Beedham
Matthew is the editor of SHIFT.
He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls.
