The world of cryptocurrency often garners attention for its market volatility and investment potential, but its real power lies in the transformative technology that underpins it, according to advocates.

In a recent discussion, Roundtable anchor Rob Nelson was joined by Rebecca Barkin, CEO and Co-Founder of Lamina1, and Sam Price, Host of Crypto Lifer, to explore how bitcoin and blockchain technology are more than just financial tools—they are the building blocks for a new era of innovation. Their conversation highlighted how these technologies are poised to transform industries far beyond finance.

Nelson opened the discussion by challenging the common perception that cryptocurrency is only about currencies and investments. He highlighted that bitcoin, in particular, is unique because it is simultaneously an asset, a currency, and a technology. This trifecta sets it apart from other investments like traditional stocks, which are purely financial assets without a technological backbone.

Barkin expanded on Nelson’s point, emphasizing the convergence of emerging technologies that are coming together to create powerful new opportunities. She noted that blockchain, AI, and cloud computing are maturing at the same time, resulting in a technological stack that is unlocking new revenue streams and business models. Barkin also touched on the cyclical nature of technology, comparing the current blockchain hype to earlier cycles in augmented reality, virtual reality, and peer-to-peer technologies.

Sam Price then weighed in, reflecting on his journey from seeing bitcoin as just another investment to recognizing its technological significance. He explained how understanding the hash rate and the difficulty of mining led him to appreciate bitcoin as more than just a means to financial freedom. For Price, bitcoin represents stored energy, a concept that underpins its long-term value and distinguishes it from traditional fiat currencies like the dollar, which are no longer backed by tangible assets.

Nelson echoed Price’s sentiment, asserting that bitcoin's value, driven by its technological foundation and energy-intensive creation process, could potentially outstrip the dollar in the future. He pointed out that while many people might not fully grasp this today, the implications of bitcoin and blockchain technology are monumental, potentially on par with historic innovations like the printing press.