Builders build: Recap of the first-ever Coinbase Ventures summit

**16 years ago today**, someone made crypto history by establishing Bitcoin's first real-world price point. On October 5, 2009, **1 USD could buy 1,309 BTC** - setting Bitcoin's initial market value at roughly $0.0008 per coin. This pivotal moment marked: - Bitcoin's transition from theoretical concept to tradeable asset - The foundation for all future cryptocurrency valuations - A reference point that would become legendary in crypto circles **The contrast is staggering**: What cost $1 then would be worth millions today, highlighting Bitcoin's unprecedented journey from experimental digital currency to global financial asset. This anniversary serves as a reminder of how far cryptocurrency has evolved since those early pioneering days.

A crypto exchange is making moves at the Valorant Champions Finals in Paris, connecting gaming with digital finance. Fans at the esports arena can participate in something called **"Future Shot"** - an experience that bridges competitive gaming with cryptocurrency. The initiative targets the intersection of: - Gaming precision and skill - Digital money innovation - Fan engagement at live events This represents another step in crypto's push into mainstream entertainment, using esports as a gateway to introduce digital assets to gaming audiences.

**Coinbase has applied for a national trust charter** from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), seeking federal regulatory oversight for its operations. The exchange cites the need for **uniform national rules** to protect consumers as the crypto market continues evolving globally. Key points: - Application provides federal regulatory clarity - Aims to strengthen commitment to innovation and oversight - Part of broader push for consistent crypto regulation The move represents Coinbase's effort to operate under **clearer federal guidelines** rather than navigating varying state-by-state requirements. [Read full details](https://www.coinbase.com/blog/Coinbase-Strengthens-Commitment-to-Innovation-and-Oversight-with-National-Trust-Charter-Application)

Coinbase Pay now makes sending **USDC globally** as easy as sharing memes. **Key features:** - Send instantly using phone numbers, emails, wallet addresses, ENS, or pay links - **No limits, no fees, no borders** - Offchain USDC transfers are completely free - Onchain sends via Base are free for up to 20 transactions monthly This builds on similar moves by Binance Pay, which also offers zero-fee USDC transfers and has made USDC the default currency for new users. Both platforms are **simplifying crypto payments** and making digital money transfers more accessible worldwide.

**Coinbase has open-sourced its Design System**, making it freely available to developers and designers worldwide. The system has been **developed internally for years** and represents Coinbase's accumulated design expertise and standards. **Key benefits:** - Faster development cycles - Consistent design patterns - Battle-tested components - Professional-grade resources The move follows a **growing trend** of major crypto platforms open-sourcing their design systems, with dYdX previously releasing theirs in 2023. Developers can now access Coinbase's design language, components, and guidelines to build applications with the same polish as one of crypto's most trusted platforms. **Explore the system:** [cds.coinbase.com](http://cds.coinbase.com)