At the Hong Kong Web3 Festival, Cathie Wood of ARK Invest took the stage virtually alongside DC, head of HashKey Singapore and CEO of HashKey Capital, to dive into the future of blockchain and Bitcoin. DC kicked off the event expressing both pressure and excitement. Representing a firm with a deep portfolio including over a billion USD managed and more than 500 projects, he set an enthusiastic tone for the dialogue.
Welcoming Wood, DC noted her extensive investment experience. In her response, Wood conveyed regret for not attending in person but shared her excitement and honor to participate. She recounted being inspired by earlier discussions with Hong Kong officials, aiming to bring a U.S. perspective to the global conversation.
Unpacking Blockchain’s Current State
Wood addressed the evolution of blockchain and Bitcoin, describing them as part of a “grand concept” of an interconnected internet financial system. She pointed out that we are seeing the early influences of Web3 on e-commerce and financial systems, stating that the market is global, cross-border, and inclusive for anyone with internet access.
Expanding on the potential of Web3, Wood compared its impact to revolutionary technologies like the telephone and television, emphasizing that it’s set to enhance productivity and improve lives significantly. She highlighted the shift towards greater allocations to digital assets over the next 5-10 years, noting Bitcoin’s performance during economic downturns and its growing acceptance as a robust asset against inflation.
AI’s Role and Regulatory Challenges
The discussion shifted towards the integration of AI with blockchain. Wood praised the synergy, mentioning ARK’s initiatives like monthly Bitcoin brainstorm sessions and related podcasts. She talked about the growth of blockchain in gaming, bolstered by AI, with investments flowing into projects like NFLRivals and Polkadot. Wood expressed confidence in AI enhancing the gaming industry, backed by successful integration examples like Nvidia’s GPUs.
Addressing the launch of ARK Invest’s Bitcoin Spot ETF, Wood described it as a significant milestone, despite regulatory challenges, particularly from bodies like the SEC. She detailed the educational efforts ARK has undertaken to help investors navigate the crypto space safely.
As the conversation wrapped up, DC prompted Wood on Bitcoin’s future pricing, where she projected it could reach $1.5 million by 2030. This forecast, she explained, was buoyed by recent regulatory approvals and growing institutional interest aligned with modern portfolio theory.