Bitcoin BTC
The original cryptocurrency and the largest with an 8 year track record, Bitcoin was released in 2009 by an anonymous individual or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto.
In August 2017, bitcoin split into two derivative digital currencies, the classic bitcoin (BTC) and the Bitcoin Cash (BCH).
Today, BitCoin is available for trade globally, and recently experienced a massive boom in valuation (reaching above $24000) after recent upgrades.
Etherium ETH
The second most well known blockchain-enabled technology is Ethereum. Ethereum is, according to Open Source, is
“A decentralized platform that runs smart contracts. The project was bootstrapped via an ether pre-sale during August 2014 by fans all around the world. It is developed by the Ethereum Foundation, a Swiss nonprofit, with contributions from great minds across the globe.”
Beyond a tradeable cryptocurrency, ether (Ethereum’s cryptocurrency) can be used to pay for transaction fees and services on the Ethereum network.
Many experts predict that Ethereum will overtake Bitcoin as the world’s top cryptocurrency soon.
Litecoin LTC
Litecoin was launched in 2011, in an attempt to rival Bitcoin by using algorithms that allowed for mining on regular, unspecialized hardware.
As one of the early cryptocurrencies, Litecoin benefits from name recognition and strong network effects.
Ripple XRP
Ripple is both a digital currency (XRP) and an open payment network within which that currency is transferred. As Coindesk puts it:
“Ripple positions itself as a complement to, rather than a competitor with, Bitcoin.”
Launched a few years ago, Ripple is now being used by commercial institutions around the world, and focuses on deploying scalable blockchain technology to connect payment providers, banks, digital asset exchanges and businesses through RippleNet to provide a frictionless experience when sending money globally.
Backed by major venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz, FF Angel IV, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Vast Ventures and the Bitcoin Opportunity Fund, Ripple’s use and value should continue to appreciate.
Dash Dash
Dash is a cryptocurrency focused on improving the speed of transactions and anonymity.
Aimed as a direct competitor to Bitcoin, Dash has advanced capabilities, including instant transactions (InstantSend), private transactions (PrivateSend), and decentralized governance (DGBB). Dash’s decentralized governance and budgeting system makes it the first decentralized autonomous organization.
Dash works on a two tier architecture that includes miners and “masternodes” to offer these advanced capabilities.
Focused more on improving user experience and privacy, Dash’s innovations will help evolve the marketplace.