My guest today is Jason Les, CEO of Riot Blockchain. Riot Blockchain Inc., formerly Bioptix, Inc., is focused on gaining exposure to the blockchain ecosystem through its cryptocurrency mining operations, internally developed businesses, joint ventures, and targeted investments in the sector. The Company primarily focuses on Bitcoin and general blockchain technology. The Company has deployed approximately 8,000 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) miners at its cryptocurrency mining facility in Oklahoma. The Company, through its subsidiary TESS Inc., seeks to develop a blockchain-based escrow service for wholesale telecom carriers. It holds a 13% interest in Coinsquare Ltd, which is a digital currency exchange in Canada. It also holds investments in Verady, LLC, which provides cryptocurrency accounting and audit technology services. Jason is the driving force behind the Company’s mission to become one of the most relevant and significant companies supporting the Bitcoin network. He has been deeply involved with Bitcoin since 2013, with significant experience in cryptocurrency mining, and as an engineer studying protocol development, and contributing to open-source projects. Prior to founding Riot, Jason was also a founding partner of Binary Digital, a software development company where he led the engineering team and coordinated project development for artificial intelligence, reverse engineering, and inter-software compatibility projects. Additionally, Jason’s background includes over a decade of unique experience as a former professional heads-up poker player during which he has successfully competed in high-stakes games online, in addition to the most prestigious, high-stakes tournaments in the world. In 2015 and 2017, he was selected as a human benchmark for testing the world’s best poker artificial intelligence in what was dubbed “Man vs Machine” at Carnegie Mellon University in 2015 and 2017. In our discussion we cover a variety of different topics related to the mining field including why we may be in the golden age of Bitcoin mining, how Bitcoin mining can help stabilize the energy grid, and the future of Bitcoin mining. Jason explains how the Bitcoin network is anti-fragile and where the hash rate is migrating to after the China Ban early this year. We go on to discuss we are currently living through the Gold Age of Bitcoin Mining. We finish our conversation talking about how poker applies to life and Jason gives some great life advice about how to get ahead in life. Please enjoy my conversation with Jason Les.
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