My Blockchain Island

Great discussion about AI and how it fits into the blockchain ecosystem with Maltese serial entrepreneur Angelo Dalli. Listen and learn as we depict what is AI? How does it work with Blockchain? How is AI already part of our life… As well as what is ethical AI and what boundaries should be never cross… What is it like to be an entrepreneur in Malta?

Crypto to Krypto, Coin to Koin… might be very clever and cool but changing your crypto or coin ‘c’s to ‘k’s but might not be a sustainable brand name. Learn how to protect yourself, your brand and your investors from Jarno from Otmore, in this very interesting discussion about trademarks and IP. It is not as expensive as everyone thinks and it will certainly pay off in the short and long term. FREEBEE ALERT: All MyBlockchainIsland listeners are entitled to 1 hour free consultancy around trademarking your brand name. Get in touch via www.otmore.com and just mentioned this session.

In today’s episode we chat with @alex_dreyfus from Chillz and Socios as well as the Chiliz Blockchain Campus in Malta. We also get a little scope on how Binance learned about Malta!  This episode is sponsored by TalentXD, TalentXD is a boutique recruitment and talent advisory house, specialised in iGaming, Esports, Financial Services and Blockchain. https://talentxd.com/ As an entrepreneur Alex Dreyfus tells us all about his challenges post raise and how next steps in his companies journeys are all about executing on the promises he has made to himself and his investors. Alex admits that he wasn’t always a crypto/blockchain guy but can certainly appreciate the value the technology drives. If you would like to get in touch with Alex, please do so via twitter or listen to the show for his email.  

Todays’s episode is all about if and when you ICO fund raising is taxable, join me with Chris Grech CPA, as we break down the tax position between securities tokens, utility tokens as well as when the tax event should be accounted for. This episode is sponsored by TalentXD, TalentXD is a boutique recruitment and talent advisory house, specialised in iGaming, Esports, Financial Services and Blockchain. https://talentxd.com/ This episode references an article written by Chris in the Times of Malta, which can be found here: https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20180826/technology/to-tax-or-not-to-tax.687677 During the show we also mention article 5  of the Malta Tax Act which can be found here: http://www.justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lom&itemid=8658 If you would like to get in touch with Chris you can find him on LinkedIn or listen to the episode for his email details.

This week we have a special extra episode… we get to speak with Alex Borg, from the YouStartIT program hosted by MITA. The you start it program offers 30K equity free money for any startup that makes it through. Tune into our show to learn more… This episode is sponsored by TalentXD, TalentXD is a boutique recruitment and talent advisory house, specialised in iGaming, Esports, Financial Services and Blockchain. https://talentxd.com/ The YouStartIt accelerator program is run by MITA, which is a government organisation. The 4th call deadline is on Monday the 10th of September. Applications are filled in via FS6 platform and a 2 minute video is part of the application process. Qualifying startups are asked to come to Malta (this is partially subsidised) for a bootcamp meeting, where startups are interviewed and educated about the program, introduced to 3rd party suppliers in the local ecosystem as well as some of the mentors. The final startups are selected and the 16 week program begins. During the 16 weeks you are asked to hit milestones that you have agreed to in your contract, money is distributed according to you successfully achieving your milestones. This program is wonderful for any startup looking to get kickstarted, incorporated in Malta and involved in the Blockchain community. Deadline 10th September midnight (GMT+2) www.mih.mt 

Join me @carlamaree as I discuss the evolution of Malta’s 3 bills now Acts around blockchain & virtual currencies, as well as how to get regulated in Malta with Jonathan Galea @crypto_jon from Blockchain Advisory Limited. This episode is sponsored by TalentXD, TalentXD is a boutique recruitment and talent advisory house, specialised in iGaming, Esports, Financial Services and Blockchain. https://talentxd.com/ Listen to the podcast to get a summary of the 3 Acts, but if you are looking for more info please find them here: Malta Digital Innovation Authority Act 2018 (MDIA) http://justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lp&itemid=29080&l=1 Innovation Technology Arrangements and Services Act 2018 http://justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lp&itemid=29078&l=1 Virtual Financial Assets Act 2018 http://justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lp&itemid=29079&l=1 Financial Instrument Test https://www.mfsa.com.mt/pages/announcement.aspx?id=11115   MDIA: Malta Digital Innovation Authority MFSA: Malta Financial Services Authority. MGA: Malta Gaming Authority   Get in touch with Jonathan via linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-galea-5421419a/ or Listen to the podcast for his email.  

This is the very first episode of MyblockchainIsland with your hostess Carla Maree @carlamaree and Anthony David Gatt @AnthonyDGatt from Malta Enterprise Malta Enterprise may be considered as a neutral welcoming party for all businesses looking into Malta for their companies. This episode is sponsored by TalentXD, TalentXD is a boutique recruitment and talent advisory house, specialised in iGaming, Esports, Financial Services and Blockchain. https://talentxd.com/ Malta Enterprise offers a number of opportunities to make your landing in Malta a little softer and welcoming. We discuss with Anthony David Gatt about several opportunities, such as: Business Loan which repayable over a period of 10 years with an interest rate of 3.5% Startup Finance – One incentive with 3 pillars The first pillar offers matching share capital up to 200K euro /Malta Enterprise will match it Start up stage: Idea that has been tested, with potential interest from other investors, clear strategy and structured business plan or white paper. Financial, visions, employment strategy, go to market strategy. 2. Second Pillar is capped at another 200K can be redeemed as a refund on fixed assets. 3. Third Pillar is a crowd funding approach, where Malta enterprise match what you raise, up to 100K. It’s broken down to of four rounds of 25K. Ideal for pre ICOs companies. Not an easy process but certainly available for the best companies who are eager to come into the country Process of application requires filling in an application, narrative and business plan, financial annexes. Malta Enterprise will assist you with the submission and are committed to swift feedback within 8 weeks. Pitch might be required. https://www.maltaenterprise.com/support/startup-advance Taxation Regime For anyone who wants to come to Malta there is one corporate tax band riding onto 35%, non resident shareholder have the opportunity to make use of the refund making it come down to 5%. Completely sanctioned by the EU. Companies who are bringing their companies here can fill in an application for Incentive tax credits Companies – 0-50 employees where they can redeem up to 30% on the capital expenditure of your company Companies – 50 – 250 employees, can redeem up to 20% Over 250 it is 10% https://www.maltaenterprise.com/support/investment-aid-tax-credits-2014-2020 Other incentives towards employees apply to anyone earning more than 45K annually is entitled to apply for a personal tax benefit of 15%. https://www.maltaenterprise.com/support/qualifying-employment-innovation-and-creativity-personal-tax R&D assistance It must qualify as real true R&D. There is a test you can do before you do a lot of paper work. There is a two pager prior to going forward with full application. Rea