At the April 4 Tonkon Talk, business attorney Tyler Harkness and special guest Scott Bigelow led a discussion on Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology.
Scott, a backend developer and Ethereum coder with the blockchain startup Augur, provided a general overview of blockchain technology, what cryptocurrencies are, and how ICOs work. He also shared how Augur navigated its 2015 ICO on the Ethereum blockchain. Tyler summarized the legal issues impacting ICOs in the United States, provided an explanation of recent statements from the SEC regarding ICOs, and suggested strategies for how entrepreneurs in this developing tech sector can comply with existing Securities Laws.
Tyler belongs to the firm's Entrepreneurial Services, Corporate Finance, and Mergers & Acquisitions practice groups. His practice includes advising startup companies and working with established businesses.
“Tonkon Talks in the Pearl" is a series of lunch-hour presentations hosted by the firm’s Entrepreneurial Services Practice Group. They are held on the first Wednesday of most months at the firm's CENTRL Office location in the Pearl District. The talks provide an overview on legal topics that impact entrepreneurs and startups.