Blockchain Technology and the Future of Cryptocurrency: Insights from Silicon Valley Taiwan Angels

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Blockchain technology is no longer just the backbone of cryptocurrencies—it's evolving into a transformative force across industries. At the TechOrange 2025 Technology & Finance Forum and the 9th Hit FinTech Summit, Lin Fu-Yuan, President of Silicon Valley Taiwan Angels, shared compelling insights on how blockchain is poised to reshape global financial ecosystems and redefine value chains in multiple sectors.

With over a decade of experience in early-stage investments and deep roots in Silicon Valley’s innovation landscape, Lin emphasized that blockchain’s true potential lies beyond speculative digital assets. Instead, its core value emerges in trustless systems, decentralized infrastructure, and transparent data management—capabilities that are increasingly critical in today’s volatile global environment.

The Expanding Horizon of Blockchain Applications

Lin Fu-Yuan believes blockchain will become a foundational technology for next-generation systems across diverse fields. From healthcare and energy to real estate, education, entertainment, and public services, blockchain-based solutions are beginning to replace or enhance legacy infrastructures.

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One of the most promising applications he highlighted is blockchain-powered supply chain management. By enabling end-to-end traceability, immutable records, and automated compliance through smart contracts, blockchain can create entirely new value chains and ecosystems. For instance:

These use cases aren’t theoretical—they’re being piloted and scaled globally. As Lin noted, “Anything built on blockchain will gradually play an important role, especially in new systems or upgrades to existing ones.”

His investment philosophy reflects this long-term vision. Rather than chasing trends or celebrity-driven projects, Lin focuses on startups with core technological capabilities and sustainable business models. He avoids what he calls “opportunistic ventures,” such as meme coins promoted by high-profile figures like Elon Musk or Donald Trump—projects often driven more by hype than substance.

A Proven Track Record: Investing in Meaningful Innovation

One standout example from Lin’s portfolio is TBCA, a cross-border mobile payment platform leveraging blockchain to connect payment networks worldwide. Often described as a “VISA for mobile payments,” TBCA enables seamless transactions across borders by linking local payment providers in different countries.

Backed by major investors including SoftBank, TBCA has already launched services in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, with plans to expand into Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia. This kind of scalable, infrastructure-level innovation exemplifies the kind of project Lin supports—ones that solve real-world problems and create lasting economic value.

For entrepreneurs seeking funding, Lin offers straightforward advice:

“Don’t daydream. Don’t follow the crowd. Come with mature, well-thought-out ideas.”

He encourages founders to engage with experienced angel networks like Silicon Valley Taiwan Angels, a group of 22 successful Taiwanese-American entrepreneurs and investors based in Silicon Valley. Members include industry pioneers such as Dr. Kung Hsing-Hsien (the “father of fiber optics”) and biotech investor Kong Fan-Chien. The collective experience of these investors allows them to guide startups not toward instant success, but away from avoidable pitfalls.

Cryptocurrency: A Hedge Against Uncertainty

While blockchain powers broader digital transformation, cryptocurrencies remain at the center of public interest—and controversy. Lin acknowledges both the promise and perils of this space.

He views Bitcoin (BTC) as a compelling alternative asset class due to its fixed supply cap of 21 million coins. In contrast to fiat currencies, which governments can devalue through excessive printing, Bitcoin offers scarcity and predictability—key traits of sound money.

“When circulating currency increases fivefold, traditional assets suffer—even if they don’t lose exactly 80%, they’re still damaged by political or human interference,” Lin explained.

In times of economic instability or monetary policy uncertainty, assets like Bitcoin provide a hedge—a form of financial insurance that operates outside centralized control.

However, Lin also warns of significant market volatility and regulatory risks. Political figures, particularly those with large platforms, can dramatically influence market sentiment overnight. As seen with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s vocal support for crypto, policy shifts can create sudden booms or busts.

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This unpredictability means investors must approach digital assets with caution, thorough research, and a clear understanding of macroeconomic dynamics. For Lin, successful participation in crypto and fintech requires resilience, adaptability, and a long-term mindset.

Core Keywords Driving the Future

The key themes emerging from Lin’s vision include:

These keywords reflect not only current trends but also enduring shifts in how value is stored, transferred, and verified in the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is blockchain important beyond cryptocurrency?
A: Blockchain provides secure, transparent, and tamper-proof record-keeping that can transform industries like healthcare, logistics, government services, and energy by reducing fraud and increasing efficiency.

Q: Is Bitcoin a safe investment?
A: While Bitcoin has proven resilient over time and serves as a hedge against inflation, it remains highly volatile. Investors should consider it part of a diversified portfolio and conduct thorough due diligence.

Q: What do angel investors look for in blockchain startups?
A: Investors like Lin Fu-Yuan prioritize teams with deep technical expertise, clear problem-solution fit, scalability, and sustainable competitive advantages—not just trendy ideas or celebrity endorsements.

Q: How does TBCA use blockchain in payments?
A: TBCA uses blockchain to interconnect local mobile payment systems across countries, enabling fast, low-cost cross-border transactions without relying on traditional banking rails.

Q: Can blockchain improve government services?
A: Yes. Blockchain can enhance transparency in voting systems, streamline identity verification, reduce corruption in public spending, and improve data security across agencies.

Q: What’s the biggest risk in crypto investing today?
A: Regulatory uncertainty and market manipulation driven by influential individuals or institutions pose major risks. Staying informed and using reputable platforms is essential.

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Final Thoughts: Building the Future on Solid Foundations

Lin Fu-Yuan’s perspective underscores a crucial truth: while speculation grabs headlines, lasting impact comes from building foundational technologies that solve real problems. Whether it’s securing global supply chains, enabling frictionless payments, or offering financial sovereignty through decentralized networks, blockchain is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive economy.

For entrepreneurs, investors, and technologists alike, the message is clear—focus on substance over hype, innovation over imitation. The future belongs not to those chasing quick wins, but to those building enduring value on trustworthy technology.