Real-world utility examples

Stablecoins: Moving Dollars at the Speed of the Internet

Some use cases of Stablecoins are “crypto-native,” like decentralized services that don’t support conventional bank accounts but want to utilize U.S. dollars. Some are “crypto-adjacent,” like the growing list of venture capital firms that fund investments with stablecoins rather than dollars. And some are more traditional: For instance, more than 500,000 users in Latin America (principally Venezuela) have signed up to use a stablecoin service called Reserve, helping them access dollar stability as a shield against political and economic uncertainty.

Source: Crypto use cases: 12 real-world stories of how millions of people are using crypto services today

Music NFTs: Artists Sharing Royalties With Fans

One of Rihanna’s producers partnered with Web3 startup Another Block to sell 300 non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, that entitled their owners to a percentage of the royalties generated by one of her most popular songs.

Source: Crypto use cases: 12 real-world stories of how millions of people are using crypto services today

International Payroll: Using Bitcoin to Activate the Global Gig Economy

One survey found that more than two-fifths of people across 76 different countries regarded bitcoin as more trustworthy than their local currency. Also, any business looking to engage a workforce across different countries—each with their own currencies, banks, laws, and infrastructure—can either try to deal with all the complexities, or pay everyone via crypto.

Source: Crypto use cases: 12 real-world stories of how millions of people are using crypto services today

Starbucks revolutionizes reward programs with Web3 technology

Starbucks Odyssey was a way for its most loyal customers to earn a broader, more diverse set of rewards beyond the perks they can earn today, like free drinks. Instead, Odyssey introduces a new platform where customers can engage with interactive activities called “Journeys” that, when complete, allow members to earn collectible Journey Stamps — which is Starbucks’ less geeky name for NFTs. At around 500 points, members will earn Stamps — that is, a coffee-themed NFT hosted on the Polygon blockchain. These Stamps also unlock special experiences. There will be three levels of benefits and experiences that can be unlocked. At the lower end, these could be online experiences, like a virtual class that teaches you how to make espresso martinis, or provides access to unique artist merchandise. As you earn more points and NFTs, you may then begin to gain access to real-world experiences, like special events hosted at Starbucks Reserve Roasteries or even a trip to the Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia coffee farm in Costa Rica.)

Source: Starbucks opens up its web3 loyalty program and NFT community to first beta testers