- Cryptocurrency leaders are organising a $100,000 fundraiser for Vice President Kamala Harris in an effort to influence a softer regulatory policy.
- The event marks a strategic move by the crypto community to align with Harris in the midst of the upcoming election, signalling potential policy advocacy.
OUR TAKE
Cryptocurrency investors and industry leaders are showing their support for Vice President Kamala Harris by organising a fundraiser aimed at softening the regulatory stance on the industry. The event, to be held in Washington on 13 September, is strategically timed between the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus conferences. The fundraiser, led by the likes of Cleve Mesidor and Tiffany Smith, aims to raise at least $100,000, with ticket prices ranging from $500 to $5,000. While the amount may seem modest compared to Harris’ campaign haul, the move marks a key shift in the industry towards Harris, who has yet to publicly declare her stance on cryptocurrency.
–Heidi Luo, BTW reporter
What happened
Cryptocurrency industry leaders are mobilising support for Vice President Kamala Harris, planning a major fundraiser aimed at shaping future regulatory policy.
The event, scheduled for 13 September in Washington, D.C., aims to raise at least $100,000 during the overlapping Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus conferences.
The fundraiser, organised by notable industry figures including the Blockchain Foundation‘s Cleve Mesidor and WilmerHale’s Tiffany Smith, highlights the industry’s strategic support for Harris in the upcoming election.
Ticket prices for the fundraiser range from $500 to $5,000, targeting a diverse group of donors within the cryptocurrency community, according to Cleve Mesidor.
While the overall fundraising goal may seem modest compared to Harris’ overall campaign funds, it represents a focused attempt by the crypto sector to directly engage with potential future policy frameworks under Harris’ administration.
Also read: Crypto Democrats rally behind Harris campaign in push for political revamp
Also read: Trump advocates cryptocurrency, targeting China and regulation
Why it’s important
This initiative contrasts with the broader industry trend, where major cryptocurrency companies and their executives have previously shown support for various political candidates from both major parties.
The cryptocurrency industry’s involvement in political fundraising highlights its growing influence and the critical nature of regulatory decisions that could shape its future.
The organisers hope that the event will not only contribute financially to Harris’ campaign, but also foster a dialogue about the potential for a more innovation-friendly regulatory approach to cryptocurrencies.
They believe that a Harris administration could be instrumental in creating the necessary environment for the growth and mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrency technologies.
According to report from Reuters, during the Democratic National Convention this month, a senior advisor to the Harris campaign, Brian Nelson, suggested that Harris would support the growth of emerging technologies, a statement that was well received by the crypto community.
“Harris has this golden opportunity to really lay out a plan to sway a lot of these voters from the crypto industry,” said Rahilla Zafar, a crypto founder and industry influencer.
