TLDR
- American Innovation Project seeks to bridge divides between policymakers and the crypto industry.
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The nonprofit is backed by leaders from Solana, Paradigm, and Coinbase, among others.
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AIP plans to push for digital asset regulations that keep pace with emerging technologies.
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Funding comes from Digital Currency Group, Andreessen Horowitz, Kraken, and Uniswap Labs.
A new nonprofit lobbying group called the American Innovation Project (AIP) has officially launched to engage policymakers and advocate for the cryptocurrency industry. The organization’s mission is to foster dialogue between industry leaders and government officials on the potential of blockchain, AI, and other emerging technologies.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AIP aims to educate legislators on the value of digital assets and help shape favorable regulations. The group’s board includes influential figures from leading crypto organizations, including Kristin Smith from the Solana Policy Institute, executives from Paradigm, Digital Currency Group, and Coinbase.
Kristin Smith emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation in advancing crypto-related policies, saying, “We want to bridge divides and work together to move our country forward.”
Crypto Lobbying in a Changing Political Landscape
The creation of AIP comes amid a rising tide of support for cryptocurrency from lawmakers. Following the 2024 elections, a number of pro-crypto representatives have been elected, creating a more favorable climate for crypto advocacy.
This wave of political support is part of a broader trend of traditional finance sectors, such as venture capital and large institutional investors, increasing their focus on digital assets.
Several other organizations, including the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) and the Solana Policy Institute, have also emerged in recent months to advocate for the adoption of blockchain technologies. These organizations as a result are working in tandem to influence the direction of U.S. crypto regulation.
Funding and Backing from Major Crypto Entities
The American Innovation Project has secured considerable financial backing from prominent figures in the crypto space. Digital Currency Group, one of the largest cryptocurrency investment firms, contributed $1 million to AIP’s seed funding. Other donors include major firms like Andreessen Horowitz, Kraken, Uniswap Labs, and Stand With Crypto.
Smith emphasized that the group’s mission was “simple but urgent,” noting that policymakers must be equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to create effective regulations for the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The backing from top crypto companies as a result underscores the growing industry push to shape policy and ensure a more inclusive regulatory framework.
AIP’s Role at Wyoming Blockchain Symposium
AIP’s debut took place at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium in Jackson Hole, where industry leaders and U.S. lawmakers gathered to discuss the future of blockchain and crypto regulations. The symposium, which runs in parallel with the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, served as a fitting backdrop for AIP’s launch.
Among the notable figures at the symposium was Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott, who previewed plans for a market structure bill aimed at regulating the cryptocurrency market. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Paul Atkins also addressed the crowd, highlighting a potential shift in the SEC’s approach to digital assets under his leadership.
The AIP also planned an off-record summit to discuss its vision for the future of crypto regulations, which could help bridge the gap between crypto-focused discussions and broader economic policy deliberations
