Young Bitcoin entrepreneur brings Silicon Valley to Papua New Guinea

Welcome,

A young Papua New Guinean entrepreneur is bringing Silicon Valley to PNG to help boost financial inclusion in the country.  Day One Investments’ Shane Ninai tells Business Advantage PNG of his plans to encourage the use of the virtual currency, Bitcoin.

Day One Investments' Shane Ninai addresses a block chain event in London earlier this year.

Day One Investments’ Shane Ninai addresses a Blockchain event in London earlier this year.

‘For the first time in history, we have the technology to bank the unbanked,’ 25-year old Shane Ninai, Managing Partner of Day One Investments, tells Business Advantage PNG.

With only 20 per cent of the country holding bank accounts, Papua New Guinea is an ideal place to create an alternative low-cost banking system, he says, but notes it is likely to take up to 10 years before the technology will become fully mainstream in PNG.

That technology is built on two emerging, internet-based platforms: the bitcoin virtual currency and Blockchain, which manages online transactions (see definitions below).

Regulation critical

‘The first step [in PNG] is to create all the regulatory “sand-boxes”,’ says Ninai, ‘which involves having the Bank of Papua New Guinea experiment with this new technology.’

In emerging markets, Ninai told a Blockchain conference in London in January, a regulator-led model is the only way to ensure that these systems have value and are transacted at scale. The regulators’ appreciation of this innovation and a willingness to experiment is key.

Why PNG?

Ninai pointed out that PNG is a country dependent on close human relationships—where $5000 dollars in cash may not mean as much as three pigs and a shell necklace.

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‘Informal and alternative economies and governance systems … are deeply ingrained in our culture and are still alive and well; and the Blockchain allows us for the first time to capture this activity,’ he said in his address.

‘Day One Investments is scheduled to close its fundraising within the next month, having secured capital commitments from a reputable anchor PNG investor along with international investors.’

‘Instead of trying to fit the unbanked into a narrow financial system, Blockchain allows us to create and capture these alternative economic systems that bypass normal markets.’

Ninai says that while this technology has taken off in the US and Europe, the real value is to figure out how to get it to scale in developing nations, where people are most excluded from formal financial systems.

Entrepreneur program

In 2015, Ninai participated in the Kumul GameChangers entrepreneurship program, where he was selected for the highly competitive Silicon Valley entrepreneurial accelerator program at Draper University. After graduating, Ninai joined Draper University staff as an entrepreneur-in-residence, mentoring some 170 innovative companies.

spending-bitcoinsCo-founder of Day One Investments, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital fund investing in blockchain technology companies, Ninai’s partner is Tim Draper. His company, Draper Associates, aims to transform industries with new technologies, and to build platforms for extraordinary growth, jobs, and wealth creation.

Ninai says Day One Investments is scheduled to close its fundraising within the next month, having secured capital commitments from a reputable anchor PNG investor, along with international investors.

He says he has identified East New Britain Province, where shell money is a form of accepted currency, as a potential pilot province.

‘To this day, microfinance institutions and savings and loans societies are willing to provide loans against this shell money because they recognise it as currency,’ he says.

‘For microfinance institutions, this technology has a lot of potential and that’s where we’re seeing the most interest.’

Shane Ninai will be a guest speaker at the 2017 Business Advantage Papua New Guinea Investment Conference on 7 & 8 September in Sydney.

What are Bitcoin and Blockchain?

Bitcoin is a virtual currency and payment system, which uses a software program to record and pay for things without a third-party broker, like a bank or government. Users install a bitcoin wallet app on their phone or computer, and buy the virtual currency from a bitcoin exchange. Its promoters say bitcoin is ideal for people in developing countries, who might have mobile phones but not bank accounts.

Blockchain simply refers to a bookkeeping method that chains together entries so that they are very difficult to modify later. Among the world’s leading companies now using Bitcoin and Blockchain technology are IBM, Expedia, Maersk and Dell.

Comments

  1. Mataio Jainona says

    I’m Mataio Jainona interested in investing how do I start?

  2. Carlton says

    How do i start?

  3. Luke Porusa says

    I have a paxfull wallet and I want to trade but I do not know how.
    Luke – Port Moresby PNG

  4. Greyd Sokame says

    Am interested in Bitcoin, help me how to start

  5. Monica ombri says

    Please am interested in Bitcoin please help.

  6. Lui Sakera says

    Please I’am very much interested for what I am reading help me how to investment.

  7. Ehlepi Rulisah says

    I’m very much interested please watchup me on 72778643.

  8. Simon Girey says

    I am interested to register and invest in Bitcoin, please help me on this, email me on smngr760@gmail.com

  9. Pane Philip says

    Please assist me invest in the investment. I am very much interested .
    Email. panephil2@gmail.com

  10. I am interested to join and ready to invest. Can you help with the investment and how much to start with?

    • robertdunn498 says

      Check on our platform so we can help you invest and start getting your profits @ bitxgain.com

  11. Miebage says

    I read about this and it trills me. Please how can I register for bitcoin and blockchain and start trading. Please email me miebage19980808@icloud.com

  12. Karen Mineba says

    Very interested, please guide me

  13. Bitcoin is a decentralised currency meaning it is a alien currency commonly referred to as crypto base currencies. Price is essentially driven by supply and demand, it is not pegged to any commodities or fiat currency (eg, USD or Oil). Psychology of the market plays a very important role that reflects on the BTC trend, People who are interested (Speculators) in trading BTC in PNG should have a basic idea of what a blockchain is and how it works and the block chain nodes involved to record transactions. You can either buy BTC or directly mine it from your computer and store it inside a flash drive.

    • Paul Sawe says

      Sir, than how, will use visa? But kina and BSP block visa card holder to buy btc using wallet, any options? Please need help

  14. Lorna Maing says

    Hi I’m Interested ….. WhatsApp me on 78710016

  15. I read about this and it trills me. Please how can I register for bitcoin and blockchain and start trading. Please email me noeldyamo@gmail.com

  16. Francis says

    i am interested to join bitcoin, but it needs passport. is there any way that i can register with personal ID here in PNG.

  17. Steven Alois says

    Please am really interested in trading btc and investing can help me through sir? Can’t wait.

  18. Kisau Saka says

    I am really interested with bitcoin and basically block chain technology. I also want to invest with a proper platform. Please can you show me how i can register and start trading with your recommended reputable trading platforms.

  19. RALPH MACKAY says

    IM INTERESTED TO REGISTER, PLEASE SEND ME INFORMATION HOW TO JOIN BITCOIN

  20. Tanny Dau says

    Interested to part take. Please supply information on the trading platforms

  21. Lawton Kuala says

    I want to take part please contact me

  22. Gillian Bosco says

    Please I need to register. Help me

  23. PHILIP EKDUI says

    I am interested in Bitcoin Trading but nobody is willing to help me.
    Sir, please I need your help on how to register and trade.
    Thank you for your time and reply to my email address: desbonp@gmail.com to

  24. Simiang Bunem says

    I want to register, please send me information on how much in PGK converted to US or AU DollarsK

  25. coinmama.com@aol.com says

    Invest in bitcoin with coin mama coinmama.com@aol.com

  26. Mohin Uddin says

    I’m buying bitcoin in PNG CONTACT ME 72812477

  27. Stanley Ulena says

    i need more information on how to joint the Bit coin

  28. Madlyn Ilave says

    Need more information on how to Register, Buy & Trade in Bitcoin PNG

  29. I am very interested, please show me how I should register

  30. Hi God bless you I am very excited in invest in bitcoins. I am ready to go there but how can I earn. Can I invest and earn in western union or direct to my accoun?
    Please answer my questions

  31. dulcie tagai says

    Hi I want to invest in the bitcoin trading company if there’s any here in pom or png?

  32. RichiePkay says

    Hi, Mr Ninai I thank you for what you have planned for our People in this country and I’v read through out your Story and interested in Investing in Bitcoin but the problem is the Bitcoin Venders in PNG are not helpful to help simple Papua New Guineans during this time of Economy Down-full. Hope you’ll come up with a bright ideas to help our people leave POVERTY life style and live as much as they can on this Beautiful country Papua New Guinea.

  33. Niugini Medical services says

    Does anyone know if we can trade Cfd share trading from PNG?

  34. Ezekiel Pambe says

    Need further information on how to invest in bitcoin.
    email : ezekiel.pambe@gmail.com

  35. Hi I am interested in it and want to get myself registered. Please can someone in Papua New Guinea help me with the information on how i could register. My email is yapiiserah43@gmail.com

  36. Applonia Memke says

    Interested. May someone in PNG assist me with more information. My email: apploniam@gmail.com

  37. Hi Im interested to invest on bitcoin. My contact Email.emkaul1974@gmail.com

  38. Diane Iwais says

    Very interesting but need more information, please email me on; diwais777@gmail.com with more information on how to join.

    Thank you
    Diane

  39. Rosemary says

    I’m very much interested to know how bitcoin operates. Please email me on rosemary.tera.3141@gmail.com

    • Josephine Lucas says

      Hi, thanks for sharing this information. I want to know how I can buy bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Can someone please demonstrate using a simple formular. E.g PGK to bitcoin and then to USD./AUD. How do I make a profit?

  40. Hi, I would like to try day trading crypto’s but buys and sells on coinbase aren’t available in PNG. Any way around that or any info on this?

  41. Joseph Efi says

    Hi, im interested, send me info on how to join- My email: jurphie1974@gmail.com

  42. Geraldine Eka says

    Hi I am interested and can some-one in PNG assist with information?

  43. LATOYA MANN says

    Honestly this is really amazing, my whole life i never believed in Bitcoin mining until i decided to give it a try, So i contacted (MORGANJIMCRYPTONARY@GMAIL. COM) then i found out he was legit when i saw his profile on google, With no upfront payment, I just funded my wallet with 0.11BTC then within 24 hours it increased to 0.15BTC, you will see the increase in your bitcoin wallet within 24 hour, Please tell him Latoya referred you.

    • Aileen Baroa says

      Latoya, My husband invested in Bitcoin in 2009 with a person in PNG. He was told to check his back office or check his wallet from time to time. That person who introduced my husband & I to bitcoin has never been helpful. Your opinion please

  44. Can you email me interested

  45. rekerenga says

    Very Interested, how can I join or register in this bitcoin?

  46. REBECCA UMABUT says

    Dear Mr Ninai

    I am very much interested, how can I join, who to contact and be part of community.

    Contact person address if possible.

    Rebecca

  47. Zannia Boas says

    I am very much interested and I need more information on how the bitcoin works and how I can join.

  48. Ben Tomba says

    Im interested. How can I join?

  49. Lisa Gulal says

    Please very much interested
    But need assistance

  50. Can someone explain today’s paper about Bank of PNG not recognizing Crypton currency in the country and why Micheal Eluh stood down.

  51. Otto vue says

    Interesting indeed! How can I buy/sell. More information please.

    Contact me on ottostevemvue@gmail.com

  52. I’m interested how can I join?

  53. Paias Vatabu Junior says

    Really want to know more, please advise on what would be the best way to go about.

  54. Singut Bieb says

    Hello shane,
    I am very interested in joining up but have not seen a help desk where someone or anyone could provide guidance. Please forward a contact address to this email address; spbieb@gmail.com
    Congratulation on your achievement.

  55. William Kamit Wama says

    A lot of people who work with me are asking about bitcoin,can someone give me a definate answer to where can we locate anyone for more information on the issue or any form of assistance to actually start with this digital currency ?

  56. Paul Kiwa says

    I’ve read about this great opportunity for about a year now and am very interested in buying/joining bitcoin but I don’t where or how to join or get started, can someone please help me to join or buy bitcoin.

  57. Des boogie says

    Bitcoin seems to be one big, “pump and dump” scam.Bitcoin does not have any value.Its value is determined by how much the next idiot s going to pay for it.There s no way in the world it can be regulated in PNG by the reserve bank.That’s the whole purpose.It will crash anytime so don’t waste your life savings by following the crowds.Do your research diligently.

  58. Elizabeth Hambuhau says

    Hi shane. I am very much interested since 2017, but do I invest in it?

  59. Samantha Salto says

    I’m interested in joining Bitcoin.

  60. hello Iam interested and want to know more please send me more infor on klheem85@gmail.com or call 72311802

  61. Samantha Longai says

    I joined bitcoin earlier this year but I am still not sure how i can buy a bitcoin.
    May you clarify please, thank you

  62. Interesting please.

  63. Mark Uraliu says

    I am interested please notify me through my email:umgerie@gmail.com or call me on 72088160

    Thanks
    Mark Uraliu

  64. Ritzhie says

    How can we trade cash for bit coin and get started?

  65. Claude Junior Temokang says

    I am very interested and would like to learn more. How do I get started?

  66. Hi Shane. I’ve been searching for quite a while now. I Need to start so please advise me on how to.
    Mary.

  67. How do I join interested.

  68. Esther Butinga says

    Iam interested to join…but how much do sign up with…

    • Hi All.
      Go to ‘PNG Bitcoin’ on Facebook as I have a post there that is getting people started
      Regards
      David

  69. David Batterham says

    Hi all
    Does anyone know if there is an exchange in PNG where I can change Kina into Bitcoin?
    David

  70. John Kuloi says

    Please provide me a reliable link to access and register

  71. I have bitcoin packages and am seeing daily profits. It’s compounding coz I’ve set it on Auto Rebuy.
    Free registration. Initial minimum investment of K240 (€50) estimated. Maximum unlimited.
    Here’s the link: https://pngusitech.usitech-int.com/enrollment.html
    Thank me later on.
    Regards
    Edith
    pondrose21@gmail.com

    • Luke Jack says

      Hi Edith,
      Very interesting to hear from you on Bitcoin package as you started with K240.00 daily you earn your profit daily / weekly. I will past the link but which package are you purchase. my email address: luke.jack94@gmail.com appreciate your feedback. Am base in Lae see if you know someone in Lae who join Bitcoin.
      Regards,
      Luke Jack

  72. Dameon DAUDA says

    Hi there,
    My mother signed me on as her downliner; Its my first time and I am extremely keen to see what potential this venture has in-store for others like me and rest of PNG at large

  73. mele cyril says

    I would like learn more about bitcoin.
    I am interested.

  74. Josephine says

    Hi Shane

    I am interested how do I get started.

    Thank you

  75. Roselyn says

    Shane congratulations on your achievements. Installing the Bitcoin wallet app and having access to internet banking are the first steps right? How do I get started?

  76. Its very interesting and a new way forward. Please help me get started and tap into bitcoin.

  77. Simon Peter Tomiyavau says

    Very interesting. How can i join

  78. How do I join?

  79. Edward Tuanguai says

    I would like to join how can I start. Please help me

  80. Great news, its about time PNG experience the new and more effective method of online trading.
    Well done!

  81. Roselyn Banrogo says

    I encourage PNGeans to be part of this digital currency. This is my 8th months into my virtual currency investment, superb .Have Ewallets with Thebillioncoin, which is the Clone to Bitcoin.Giving away free gifts of TBC coins in kringle cash.

    • Hi Roselyne,

      How much did you make in first couple of months?
      whats the first initial deposit?

    • Michaela Panaulel says

      Hi !Roslyn.
      This is very interesting. How would I join?
      Here is my phone number. 71847688.
      Please contact me.
      Thanks.
      Michaela Panaulel

    • Nicholas Mamia says

      Forward you mobile number. I would like to talk to you .my number is 72792818 Nicholas M

    • Paul Sawe says

      How did you, invest, using Visa?

  82. Hi how do I join. Very interesting

  83. Michael Agum says

    Hi Shane,
    Do you have an office in Port Moresby that we can visit to get more information on Bitcoin? It would also be good to conduct public seminars around PNG.

    Thanks……………

  84. Nelson Leesok says

    Inform me how the bitcoin trading concept works, how can we benefit in the future?

  85. Harvey says

    Hello there Mr Ninai, I am wondering, wasn’t bitcoin slowed down because there were too many inconsistencies with its usage. One such inconsistency was the case with the invention of Thor Browser and the .onion darknet platform that allowed individuals to exchange bitcoins for Drugs and other illegal goods. Even though the perpetrator, was apprehended, the exchange could still be surfaced given PNG’s cyber-crime infrastructure ,which is not so up to date, so to speak. How would the bitcoin blockchain be maintained if the internet is not so reliable in all four corners of the country. And yes, you would have to consider the whole population if you are saying you have to bring bitcoin to PNG. The people must be your main priority and not the currency(bitcoin). I’m just a concerned citizen, airing my view on the matter. No hate. Finally, it is huge endeavor and its all hands on deck. Congratulations on bringing it this Far.

  86. Bonny Maimbogen says

    Come on PNG,Tap into Bitcoin and TBC; the Blockchain system is the way forward for PNG,inform all our people.

  87. Jonathan Gilawaii says

    Hi, Shane
    Please we want a Bitcoin Exchange in PNG, I have been trading on Trade Coin Club (TCC) for 3months now and want to purchase more bitcoin to increase my trade value. I have been using BSP Visacard Internet banking to order bitcoin and transaction fees are high..
    Investing in Bitcoin is a secure investment for your future…

  88. Tagi Abun says

    Very Interesting, I have already sign in the system with the help of my good uncle, GEVA VANUA.

  89. Ellen Kavang says

    I am happy for this this program many people in Papua New Guinea would now be able to get help in one way or other
    Thanks, Please count me in

  90. Margaret. Patipa says

    a mighty way forward Ninai, well done

  91. Johnson says

    Vry interesting…how can I start??

  92. Josephine Arumba says

    Hi Shane!
    This is a great news. Please bring it on.
    Would like to explore and learn more on this.

  93. Bring it on. Great way to invest coz its convinient and empowers people in the most remotest parts of Png to have access to accounts and be able to invest.
    Also it may have a positive impact on lifting literacy levels in using technology as it deals with money. 😊 Definately improve lifestyle so forth. Thank you Sir.

  94. Henry Tengerepa says

    Best initiative

  95. Henry Tengerepa says

    I’d love to join this team😁🤔

  96. Lydia Kundiri says

    Want to join you bitcoin enterpreneur group

  97. Hi shanne this is the opportunity I have been waiting for. I come from a society which use another form of currency called TAMBU

    Pls provide more info or if conducting awareness in Rabaul/Kokopo inform me

  98. Norble Kepas says

    Am interest to.pls inform if you come to Rabaul.

  99. Anton Purkikil says

    Hi Shane,
    Reading through the article above I noted you will be coming to rabaul to see if this system can be trialled with the tolais traditional shell money, the tabu. As it is the tolais shell money is mostly used in any form of transactions with conformity to a standard exchange rate to the png kina. This is happening in almost all the tolais wards within the llgs. Get in touch with me when you are coming

  100. Roney Godfrey says

    hi Shane, All, How does does some-one get into bitcoin banking process and us bitcoin trade. Im interest.
    Roney. POM

  101. MERVYN GABARURA says

    I am attending a meeting next weekend here in Lae to hear more about the TBC but pls inform me from your end further news or information. I would like to give it a try. Mervyn Gabarura in Lae MP.

  102. James Pius says

    The idea is just owesome and very vital for the people..where govt fundings cannot provide their needs. The love the program so much. Am already hitting million investment in TBC and i love to see Bitcoin roll in PNG business Economy.
    Thanks S.Nannai you have made us proud.
    thanks

  103. Eunice So'on says

    Great,am 7 months into my virtual currency investment, too good.I have my Ewallets with Thebillioncoin, which is the Clone to Bitcoin.Am doing just too well.

  104. Kimbo YAMKEYOK says

    Very interesting and helpful to us Papua new Guineans.Kimbo YAMKEYOK png.

  105. Pretty interested in what am reading. Olive. PNG Pom

  106. Cornelius Paru says

    Can you please email me, if I can TRADE cash for Bitcoin and vise-versa from you, thanks

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