Blockchain technology has the potential to disrupt traditional freelance platforms by creating a new generation of "cryptowork" platforms. These platforms would allow freelancers to own their own data and reputation, reduce fees paid to platforms, and enable more secure and quicker payments. They may also provide employment benefits to freelancers and help platforms attract top talent, more efficiently match supply and demand, and reduce risks and costs. However, challenges remain regarding issues like sustainability, governance, standards, and potential negative uses before cryptowork platforms can achieve widespread adoption.

1. CRYPTOWORK PLATFORMS
A new generation of freelance marketplaces powered by the blockchain
Marco Torregrossa | CEO EuroFreelancers
EUROFREELANCERS
Arcadier Inspire Summit, 23 May Singapore

2. EUROFREELANCERS
Credit: Mbo Partners, 2016

3. For Freelancers:
Lack of visibility
Trust in centralised platforms
High fees
Transaction costs
Portable reputation
Portable identity
Working outside what’s agreed
For Customers:
Bias
High fees
Transaction costs
Reviewing almost identical offers
High number of competing freelancers
Going for the lowest bids
Dealing with poor quality work
Freelancers Platforms Problems
For Platforms Operators:
Bypassing risks
Making prompt payments
Offering employment benefits
Helping new freelancers get started
Controlling fraudulent activities
Identity verification
Seamless work sourcing
EUROFREELANCERS

4. CreditCompanies Ecommerce
Banks Governments LegalAgencies
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Commerce Creates Need for
3rd Party Trust Guarantors
Credit: Jeremy Epsteinx

5. EUROFREELANCERS
Commerce Creates Need for
3rd Party Trust Guarantors
Credit: Jeremy Epsteinx

6. 3rd Party TrustTax
COSTS
TIME
RISK
TRUST
TAX
EUROFREELANCERS
Credit: Jeremy Epsteinx

7. Converging Forces
Trust
Connectivity
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8. Trust has been disrupted
52 54
49 51
40
35
40 37
NGOs Business Media Government
Distrusted
Neutral
(50%)
Trusted
Edelman Trust Barometer Pre- and Post- US Election, 2016
2 2 5 3
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9. Internet Penetration 2017
(Percentage of Population)
EUROFREELANCERS
Credit: Jeremy Epstein

10. 5 Billion Using Mobile Phones in 2017
2013 vs 2017 (estimated in millions)
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Credit: Jeremy Epstein

11. 3 January 2009
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12. EUROFREELANCERS

13. In Summary, Blockchains…
NO 3RD
PARTIES
LESS
TIME
LESS
RISK
REDUCE
THE
TRUST
TAX
EUROFREELANCERS
Credit: Jeremy Epsteinx

14. Decentralised Database
Secure data storage (write + read)
Automatically executes codes (smart contracts)
EUROFREELANCERS

15. Chain of Blocks
Authentifiedand Certified (Public and Private Keys)
Incorruptible and Immutable (Each Block References the Former)
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16. Mining
Incentives to Validate Transactions (Proof of Work)
Reaching Consensus (P2P Governance of the Protocol)
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17. Attribution
Traceability (Who Did What, When?)
Transparency (Record of Transactions)
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18. Blockchain Freelancers &
Customers
Provides blockchain
services
Pay cryptos for
blockchain services
Crypto
Exchange
Buy cryptos
Validators &
Miners
App
Providers
Sell cryptos
Sell cryptos
Provide authentication &
security services
Gives transaction
fees in cryptos
Gives service
fees in cryptos
Provide app
services
How a CryptoWork Platform Functions
EUROFREELANCERS

19. For Freelancers:
Profile, skills and reputation portability
Own and monetize own data (& protect privacy)
Reduced platform fees
More secure and quicker payments
Reward active participants
Protecting rights through immutable records
Lower marketing costs
Employment benefits (some)
No scope creep
Benefits of Cryptowork Platforms
For Freelancers Platforms:
Freelancers will reduce their rates to stay competitive
Attracting top talent freelancers
Efficiency of the blockchain and streamlining
Manage contractual obligations
Higher quality of freelance work
Less on-boarding risk
No bypassing of the platform and its payment system
Bringing down infrastructure costs
Increased security
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20. Examples Out There
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21. Blue Whale Foundation
Cryptoplatform creating a decentralised ecosystem for freelancers and their clients
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22. EUROFREELANCERS
Credit: Blue Whale Foundation

23. Takeaways
Cryptowork platforms will:
Create new revenue models, autonomous organisations,
enable p2p transactions and disrupt industries
Find verified and suitable freelancers, match supply and
demand more seamlessly, improve labour productivity and
reduce risks
Allow freelancers to own and manage their own data,
increase trust in the labour market, reduce 3rd party fees and
receive payments more quickly and securely
Freelance Economy 2.0
EUROFREELANCERS
Actions
1. Educate yourself
2. Experiment
3. Invest
4. Develop a strategy
5. Lunch or support pilots
6. Don’t wait, do it now

24. Caveats
Technology is not there yet
Energy used is unsustainable
Governments may twist it
Incumbents may take advantage of it
Incentives are inadequate for mass collaboration
EUROFREELANCERS
Jobs destruction vs jobs creation
Big brother is watching you
Criminals may use it
Governance of the protocol
Lack of standards

25. Credit: Alex Tapscott

26. Marco Torregrossa
about.me/marcotorregrossa
@MarcoTorreg | #FutureOfWork
EUROFREELANCERS

27. Alex Tapscott, Blockchain Research Institute, Global State of Crypto: Crypto Summit 2018
Jeremy Epstein, Never Stop Marketing, Marketing in the Age of Blockchain
Primavera de Filippi, Harvard University, Distributed Ledger Technology Beyond Financial Applications
Andrew Spence, How Blockchain will Impact HR and The World of Work (Webinar)
Blue Whale Foundation, White Paper
Mbo Partners, Predictions for the Future of Independent Work
Sources