One of the most important new technologies in finance today is cryptocurrency. But a lot of people still want to know: “When was crypto founded?” To answer that, we need to look at the history of digital money and the start of Bitcoin, which was the first cryptocurrency.
The Origins of Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency was thought of long before Bitcoin. Computer scientists tried out digital cash systems like DigiCash and e-gold in the 1980s and 1990s. Even if they were early tries, they didn’t work since they still depended on central authorities.
The real beginning of cryptocurrency was in 2008, when an unknown person named Satoshi Nakamoto published the Bitcoin whitepaper called “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.”
The Birth of Bitcoin in 2009
Bitcoin officially launched in January 2009, marking the beginning of cryptocurrency as we know it. The first Bitcoin transaction happened when Nakamoto sent 10 BTC to developer Hal Finney.
At that time, Bitcoin was worth almost nothing — but it laid the foundation for thousands of cryptocurrencies that exist today.
Growth of Cryptocurrency Since 2009
From a small community of enthusiasts, cryptocurrency has grown into a global financial system:
- 2010: First Bitcoin purchase — 10,000 BTC for two pizzas 🍕.
- 2015: Ethereum launched, introducing smart contracts.
- 2020–2025: Cryptocurrency adoption surged worldwide, with crypto cards, DeFi, and NFTs bringing new use cases.
Why the Founding of Crypto Still Matters Today
Knowing when crypto was created helps explain why it is so disruptive: it was meant to fix problems with trust and centralization in money. Cryptocurrency is not just for traders anymore; it also supports payments in the real world, online shopping, and freelance work.
This is where BitLily comes in.
BitLily: Making Crypto Practical
While Bitcoin began as an experiment in 2009, BitLily is carrying that mission forward. BitLily is a multivendor e-commerce platform designed for freelancers, creators, and digital service providers. It’s powered entirely by cryptocurrency payments, meaning you can buy, sell, and get paid in crypto without traditional banks.
With the BitLily Crypto Card, your digital earnings become even more powerful:
- Spend Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins directly 🌍
- Pay for online shopping, travel, and services 💳
- Earn cashback rewards in crypto 📈
- Secure, fast, and borderless transactions 🔒
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Cryptocurrency may have been founded in 2009, but today, it’s shaping the future of digital payments. With the BitLily Crypto Card, you can take advantage of that future now.
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