Dear Pundians,
From our humble beginnings in 2017 to our expansions and launches this year, we at Pundi X are extremely grateful to all of you and your tireless support. Because of that, we were able to achieve significant milestones in 2019:
- Scaled up global footprint by establishing partnerships with global payment solution market leaders.
- Being the first to integrate the Crypto Gift feature in Telegram.
- Surpassed 700,000 registered XWallet users.
- Over 20 custom-designed XPASS card for different projects and events; 180,000+ cards issued as of 2019.
- Received CE, FCC, KC, TRA, Japan MIC, Anatel Certifications for the XPOS device.
- Expanded the XBlockchain series meetups to Dubai, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Seoul, Hanoi, Tokyo and Sao Paulo.
- Established an XPOS distributor network in Africa.
- Launched a pre-sale for Blok On Blok (BOB).
- Awards and recognitions: Cool vendors in Blockchain Business by Gartner; Top 10 Fintech leader by Singapore Fintech Association; CES2020 Innovation Award Honoree.
On the other hand, we acknowledge that the journey in 2019 hasn’t been easy as some expectations (both yours and ours) weren’t met. We do recognize that some partnerships and product developments require a longer lead time to implement. Nonetheless, we have made the most of the opportunities that were presented to us, and we are happy to say that there are more wins this year than losses. One of the biggest wins which we have seen is that our solution has the capacity to adapt and evolve in this ever-changing blockchain landscape that is increasing been governed by regulators and governments with every step towards mass adoption of blockchain solution and crypto.
Our goal for 2020 is to do better, to surpass our 2019 achievements and create more value for our community. Before 2020 comes by, let’s recap our most exciting achievements this year.
Open Platform bridges the last mile for blockchain developers
Started from May 2019, developers and companies have been able to list their ERC20 and BEP2 digital tokens within the XPOS, XWallet and XPASS via Open Platform and create innovative use cases with increased utilty for their digital assets. (Any projects and digital tokens which are interested can list through Open Platform via a review process. Once the compliance requirements are met on Open Platform, the listed token will be integrated across the Pundi X ecosystem)
Successful project which has listed its token via Open Platform can also add a customized virtual card in the XWallet and opt to produce custom-designed physical XPASS cards to be used in-store with the XPOS devices deployed around the world.
As of today, a total of 18 digital assets are available on the Pundi X payment ecosystem. New tokens listed through Open Platform in 2019 include DAI, DGX, IDRT, ENQ, KCS, KNC, LIME, QTUM, XEM, XDB, ENJ and more. Currently, over 180,000 XPASS cards have been issued to the world.
Integration with top POS market leaders
It’s important to remember that a huge part of the world still operates within the traditional financial space. No matter how blockchain may have progressed, it is crucial for both emerging technologies and companies to partner with the financial and payment mainstays, thus providing an even better customer experience for all.
In the second half of 2019, we integrated the XPOS solution with leading traditional POS manufacturers. Verifone was the first company. A few months later, we successfully ported XPOS into Ingenico’s APOS A8 device. This has allowed businesses and retail outlets using Ingenico’s and Verifone’s latest Android devices to process digital currency transactions in addition to traditional payment transactions.
Integration with existing POS market leaders opens up an opportunity for Pundi X to expand and scale up our XPOS deployment. We are working closely with them to bring blockchain-based payment adoption to more markets and industries globally.
Fighting against hyperinflation in Latin America
Our XPOS deployment in the Latin American countries has been growing. In 2019, the XPOS devices have been deployed across Venezuela’s two largest retail store chains, Traki and Tiendas Macuto.
Now, shoppers in Venezuela are able to walk into Traki or Tiendas Macuto to pay for their daily groceries with their digital currency via the XPOS easily.
We have also on-boarded DAI, the decentralized stablecoin to help users mitigate currency volatility and providing a means for them to have more control over their finances.
Blok On Blok (BOB) smartphone received CES 2020 innovation award
Touted to be the world’s first modular blockchain-based phone, Pundi X’s Blok On Blok or BOB phone powered by Function X Blockchain made the headlines when it was showcased at several major consumer technology events, such as CES (Consumer Electronics Show), MWC (Mobile World Congress), Mobile 360, IFA and more in 2019. We are extremely proud of this phone, which embodies what blockchain-based devices are all about. BOB users will be able to experience being fully in control of their phone, from its modular design to its unique operating system (OS) which empower data privacy, allowing users to regain control of their data.
The unique OS in BOB enables users to switch seamlessly to 2 different OS — one called Function X OS and the other is the traditional Android OS. The blockchain mode found in the Function X OS enable users to protect their data by making calls, sending messages, and accessing the internet without the need for a centralized service provider. Users have the option to switch back to the traditional Android mode whenever they want to.
In November, we’ve also launched an exclusive BOB pre-order for XWallet users as well as on Japan’s Campfire. Next, we are planning to leverage on an established global crowdfunding platform to open up the pre-ordering of BOB to more people to purchase.
XBlockchain meetups
While blockchain technology is at an early development stage, education and collaboration are much needed to grow and advance the industry. Since Oct 2018, we have initiated XBlockchain, a platform to connect enterprises, individuals, developers, startups, established organizations, government agencies and investors who seek to foster a spirit of positive disruption in the field of blockchain.
In 2019, we organized a total of eight XBlockchain meetups across three continents in seven countries to engage closely with the local industry leaders and provide education about the blockchain technology.
Pundi X turns two
Remember when we reached our hard cap of 35 million USD in less than 90 minutes? That was in January 2018. Back then, we started with a vision in mind and goals which we have set out to accomplish in the roadmap.
This year’s highlights would not be complete without the two year anniversary of Pundi X, which we are celebrating by giving away up to USD 1 million worth of giveaways to our XWallet users. At the same time, we have increased the utility of NPXS utilization by introducing new features and new DApps. This two year anniversary celebration is not over yet as it will continue with more activities until January 21, 2020.
Executive team update and welcome new and reputable council members
Pundi X values the people who form its core, and we believe that with the right leaders, we will be able to achieve our objectives in no time. A few months ago, former United Nations’ blockchain advisor Yoshiyuki Yamamoto and Indonesian blockchain expert Yos Adiguna Ginting joined the Function X Foundation as council members.
Yoshi’s and Yos’ individual experiences in the blockchain community will enhance Pundi X’s strategy to build a new decentralized internet that is purely blockchain-based. Through the Function X Foundation, we envision improved internet and blockchain architectures that are accessible to all.
It is also with mixed emotions that Vic Tham has resigned from his position of Chief Investment Officer. We thank Vic for his guidance and contribution in Pundi X and wish him the best in his new endeavor.
As a team, we continue our journey with achieving more, innovating faster, and improving more.
Q4 2019 AMA and 2020 roadmap
In the next few days, we will disclose the roadmap of 2020 and the amount of token removal for Q4. A video AMA session will also be scheduled at 11:00 am GMT+8 on Jan 3, 2020 to discuss our progress in Q4 2019 and outlook in 2020.
We are grateful to have your continued support. As always, we look forward to receiving your feedback and suggestions.
