The Worth of Words: How Technical White Papers Influence ICO Blockchain Funding

Abstract

Blockchain initiatives face a number of challenges, among the most eminent is the need to quickly and clearly communicate the strategic position and technological credibility of the platform. Presented is a discussion of blockchain startups through the lens of initial coin offerings (ICO) and their accompanying strategic positioning documents, white papers. Lessons learned from the ICO market include the need to emphasize robust technological write-ups rather than those that focus on a single key dimension. Further discussion explores the practices that have emerged since the collapse of the ICO market and the key takeaways for the CXO.