joewaltman

This is probably the best report on the cash vs. in-kind question - https://www.odi.org/publications/10505-cash-transfers-what-d...

I have been surprised by the technical fluency and sophistication of refugees.

And, I appreciate sarcasm as much as anybody. :)

While I agree that there are a number of challenges around actually utilizing crypto in places like this, you must also agree that some of crypto's unique characteristics are actually very compelling in these situations. For example, it is very expensive to get supplies or money into these 'camps'. The (relatively) immediate and peer-to-peer nature of cryptocurrency is perfect for this kind of help.

I agree that fiat currency would be more useful if the recipient lives in a place with a functional financial system and/or a competent government. However, in places where money is broken (i.e. venezuela) or government is broken (i.e. refugee camps), it is possible that a crypto-currency might be more useful than fiat.

I agree that fiat currency would be more useful if the recipient lives in a place with a functional financial system and/or a competent government. However, in places where money is broken (i.e. venezuela) or government is broken (i.e. refugee camps), it is possible that a crypto-currency might be more useful than fiat.

Yes. Right now, this is done informally....but we definitely have plans to provide more structured vet request and feedback systems.

Sounds like you have a great vet who is on the cutting edge. Most veterinary clinics are not that technically sophisticated.

Also, a lot of our (note - I am a co-founder of VetPronto) technical platform is focused on making the experience as painless as possible for the vets. This involves setting availability, scheduling, records, billing, taxes, etc. It is one of those things that, if working properly, will be invisible to the end user (but is a non-trivial technical and operations effort).

Lastly, pardon the confusion around our boot-strapping. Up until a month ago, we had never raised any outside funding.

Thanks for your comment!

Great story....thanks for your willingness to share.