Blockstream and Michael Saylor Linked to Newly Released Epstein Files

Blockstream and Michael Saylor Linked to Newly Released Epstein Files - What You Need to Know

Recent documents unsealed by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding Jeffrey Epstein now feature mentions of executives from Blockstream and an email discussing a charitable contribution made by Michael Saylor, co-founder of MicroStrategy. This latest release has led to widespread public interest and speculation regarding the people named in these files.

Key Takeaways

Blockstream and Epstein: A July 2014 email exchange highlights Blockstream's fundraising efforts and a connection to Epstein, who was once involved in investment funds tied to the company.
Michael Saylor's Charity Involvement: An email from 2010 notes Saylor's donation to the Robin Hood Foundation, but it predates his well-known support for Bitcoin.
Epstein's Interest in Cryptocurrency: The documents indicate Epstein's engagement with crypto debates and his suggestions for digital currencies, particularly in the Middle East.
Notable Figures: The files also mention several key individuals from finance and technology, each connected in varying degrees to Epstein.

The DOJ has clarified that the inclusion of a person's name does not imply wrongdoing.

Blockstream and Michael Saylor Linked to Newly Released Epstein Files - What You Need to Know

Blockstream's Fundraising Email with Epstein

Among the newly released documents is an email from July 2014, where Blockstream co-founder Austin Hill discussed the company’s $18 million seed funding round with Epstein and Joi Ito.

Blockstream Fundraising Email

Hill noted that the funding round was “10x oversubscribed” and suggested increasing an allocation from $50,000 to $500,000. Adam Back was part of this email conversation.

Adam Back later stated on X that Blockstream had a roadshow in 2014 that introduced Joi Ito, then director of MIT Media Lab, to the company. This connection led to their meeting with Epstein, who was described as a limited partner in a fund linked to Ito.

Back emphasized that Blockstream doesn't maintain any significant or ongoing relationship with Epstein. Although the fund did acquire a minority stake in Blockstream, it later sold its shares due to prior concerns over conflicts of interest.

Saylor's Mention in Charity Communications

Michael Saylor is referenced in a different light in the documents. An email from May 8, 2010, from publicist Peggy Siegal outlined arrangements for the Robin Hood Foundation’s gala in Cannes. The email mentioned Saylor's $25,000 donation, which granted him access to exclusive events and the chance to meet influential people.

However, in the message, Siegal described Saylor as socially awkward and difficult to converse with, lacking basic social awareness. This correspondence occurred before Saylor became a prominent advocate for Bitcoin, and it did not mention cryptocurrency.

Saylor’s journey into Bitcoin for MicroStrategy only began in 2020, years after the 2010 exchange referenced in the Epstein files.

Additional emails hint at travel plans involving Hill and Back, including trips to St. Thomas, the island adjacent to Epstein’s private estate. Furthermore, the documents emphasize Epstein's interest in cryptocurrency when Bitcoin was emerging.

Correspondence reveals that Epstein discussed the nature of Bitcoin with major tech investor Peter Thiel, exploring whether it served more as a currency or a store of value. Personal exchanges indicate Epstein was attentive to cryptocurrency debates and shared perspectives on competing blockchain projects.

In 2016, he provided ideas for digital currencies in the Middle East, suggesting a Sharia-compliant model based on Bitcoin's technology.

Key Takeaways

Blockstream's Fundraising Email with Epstein

Saylor's Mention in Charity Communications

Other Noteworthy Individuals Linked to Epstein Records