How blockchain is threatening the titans of the sharing economy

This article explores the growing threat to platform businesses like Uber and Airbnb from blockchain technology - the code that underlies bitcoin - a system that both guarantees security and cuts out the middleman.

How blockchain is threatening the titans of the sharing economy

Helen Goulden

Platform businesses such as Uber; Airbnb and others in the sharing economy, have introduced a dramatically new business model. But 2016 is set to become the most interesting year yet in the life story of the sharing economy as the 'blockchain' technology that sits beneath Bitcoin takes disintermediation a step further; guaranteeing security and cutting out the middleman.

It's almost certain that we will see the continued growth and spread of sharing economy titans Uber and Airbnb, and we can expect at least one other global to marketplace punch...

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