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Publikation Blockchain in Startup Financing: ICOs and STOs in Switzerland(North American Business Press, 12.07.2019) Kondova, Galia; Simonella, GeremiaThis paper provides a comparative analysis of the new blockchain-based start-up and small companies funding methods, namely, initial coin offerings (ICOs) and security token offerings (STOs) against the backdrop of traditional fundraising methods like venture capital and private equity building on the experience of Switzerland. In particular, the comparative analysis is based on a theoretical overview of the nature of these blockchain applications, the relevant legislative framework as well as recent market developments with a focus on Switzerland. The paper concludes that both ICOs and STOs are characterized by lower entry barriers for investors and higher cost efficiency as compared to traditional start-up fundraising methods. However, STOs provide more security to investors than ICOs due to their wider regulation.01A - Beitrag in wissenschaftlicher ZeitschriftPublikation Self-sovereign identity on public blockchains and the GDPR(ACM, 01.04.2020) Kondova, Galia; Erbguth, JörnThis paper studies three existing technical solutions for a self-sovereign identity on blockchains and analyzes the arising issues related to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union (EU). In particular, the paper provides an overview of the existing Sovrin self-sovereign identity on the Hyperledger Indy public permissioned blockchain as well as uPort and Jolocom on the Ethereum public permissionless blockchain. The paper then concludes with a discussion on the GDPR-compliance of the blockchain-based identity concepts.04B - Beitrag KonferenzschriftPublikation The “Crypto Nation” Switzerland 2018(Verlag IFZ – Hochschule Luzern, 30.10.2018) Kondova, Galia; Nadig, Linard; Egle, UlrichThis evaluation case study analyzes developments related to crypto assets and the underlying crypto technology in the case of Switzerland. The canton of Zug was the first public institution worldwide to accept the cryptocur-rency Bitcoin as an official means of payment in 2016. Since then the Zug region has developed into "Crypto Valley" by attracting around 350 blockchain companies and the foundation behind the cryptocurrency Ethereum. However, in 2018 the value of Bitcoin sharply dropped. Moreover, numerous cases of cyber thefts have been reported worldwide recently. In this context, is the idea for Switzerland to focus on the crypto industry providing an opportunity for the country to claim its leading position in innovation and technology? Or would this be rather a risk for the country and its financial sector? The students are asked to undertake an evaluation based on a SWOT analysis and the Porter Diamond Model.04B - Beitrag Konferenzschrift