Sifting through the multitude of blockchain-powered startups to find those that genuinely excel can become increasingly challenging. With each startup leveraging this potent new technology, the aim is to alter the everyday landscape in some way or another. Naturally, not all will reach this ambition with the same level of success.

In spite of the fact that these startups often issue extensive whitepapers, these documents can fail to provide clarity to potential external investors or individuals not deeply embedded in the blockchain arena. The following startups might merit particular attention as we move through 2018.

Predominantly, these emerging startups, much like the numerous blockchain enterprises launching at present, target the realm of finance. Nonetheless, one of blockchain technology’s fascinating characteristics is its potential use beyond finance.

As a case in point, the startup Selfkey endeavors to tackle the challenges related to self-sovereign identity. Over recent decades, as the existence of digital identities has expanded in complexity, issues surrounding ownership have surfaced. Through Selfkey, both users and organizations are empowered to fully possess their digital identity via blockchain technology. With Selfkey, an individual can manage various facets of their digital identity from citizenship to financial engagements, all in a unified location.

In the realm of cryptocurrency and blockchain, smart contracts play a pivotal role, and Agrello aims to bring about their transformation.

Based in Estonia, Agrello strives to merge artificial intelligence with legal documentation, making smart contracts accessible to those lacking profound blockchain knowledge.

Offering an intuitive interface, Agrello enables users, regardless of their programming expertise or legal acumen, to formulate self-executing and legally binding smart contracts over the ethereum network.

Historically, the financial sector has been ruled by various forms of contracts. However, Everex opens up possibilities for approximately 2 billion individuals worldwide who are excluded from conventional financial services. These individuals can now engage with offerings such as currency exchange and microfinance.

By adopting a method called “cryptocash,” Everex seeks to connect the token value of a cryptocurrency to a predefined fiat currency. This platform allows users to transform their local currency into cryptocash, granting them access to a broad spectrum of global services.

Bloom, on the other hand, aspires to extend the notion of a decentralized, blockchain-based network which has already revolutionized access to the greater financial system for individuals in underserved regions.

Without traditional credit access, individuals are often unable to establish a credit profile. Bloom’s initiative involves the creation of a Bloomscore by leveraging non-credit-related payment information, thereby allowing such individuals to access loans and conventional banking services for the first time.

Engaging in cryptocurrency investments and various Initial Coin Offerings (“ICOs”) carries a high degree of risk and speculation, and neither this article nor its author suggests investing in cryptocurrencies or ICOs. Considering the uniqueness of each person’s circumstances, consulting a certified professional is advisable before making any financial choices. The accuracy or current relevance of the information herein is not warranted by the author. As of the article’s composition date, the author holds ownership in cryptocurrencies.