Crypto Political Capital Grows: University of Arkansas Partners with Coinbase and Haun Ventures

Crypto-focused investment firms Coinbase Ventures and Haun Ventures are joining forces with the University of Arkansas to support a technology accelerator program, strengthening the US state of Arkansas’s position in the crypto landscape.

Arkansas offers a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, major corporations, and influential policymakers, and the collaboration aims to harness the state’s potential to shape crypto policy and drive innovation in the digital asset space.

The news was announced by Coinbase in a blog post on Monday.

Arkansas’ crypto push

Haun Ventures’ Chief Policy Officer, Tomicah Tillemann, told CoinDesk in a comment that Arkansas is at the crossroads of several key factors influencing the blockchain technology and digital asset landscape.

According to Tillemann, the state boasts innovative entrepreneurs, global corporations, and policymakers like Rep. French Hill and Sen. John Boozman, who have shown keen interest in digital asset technology.

“All of this makes Arkansas a great place to work with the startup community,” he said.

Collaboration between universities and tech companies

According to the CoinDesk report, Coinbase Ventures and Haun Ventures are adopting a model that’s already successful in other regions of the US.

Many universities collaborate with corporations to create tech-focused programs that connect them with students and interns.

Among the partnerships mentioned was one between trading firm Jump Trading and the University of Illinois’ Research Park, which already has resulted in a former student, Kanav Kariya, being hired as the president of Jump’s crypto division.

The Bounds accelerator program, lasting 16 weeks, is open for startup applications from those with a U.S.-based presence or representative until November 3.

The program, commencing on January 8, 2024, will feature in-person orientation, remote learning, mentoring sessions, and a demo day event in Bentonville, Arkansas.

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