The acquisition of a MiCAR license by Rotterdam’s Blockrise has not only catapulted the company into the limelight but has also made waves across the entrepreneurial and crypto ecosystems. Having built a career on navigating complex regulatory landscapes and creating innovation strategies, this type of pivotal moment highlights an important takeaway for entrepreneurs: regulatory compliance is not a hurdle, it’s a golden ticket to scalable growth.
As a serial entrepreneur myself, I, Violetta Bonenkamp, often remind fellow business creators that regulation, far from being a threat, acts as a bridge between credibility and opportunity. When Blockrise secured the MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), it wasn’t simply a permit; it was a stamp of trust, unlocking access to all EU markets for its Bitcoin custody solutions. Here’s why this matters and what entrepreneurial lessons we can glean from this landmark event.
Understanding MiCAR and Why It’s a Game-Changer
For those unfamiliar, MiCAR, recently implemented across the EU, is a regulatory framework that harmonizes the rules for crypto-asset service providers. Think of it as the Schengen Visa of the crypto industry, a single license that allows a company like Blockrise to operate seamlessly across 27 member states, effectively eliminating barriers to market entry and reducing compliance costs.
What MiCAR License Enables
- Cross-Border Operations: With MiCAR, Blockrise can now expand its Bitcoin custody services across the entire European Union without needing to apply for individual country licenses.
- Boost Trust Among Institutions: Banking on compliance, Blockrise will reassure institutional clients like wealth managers, hedge funds, and family offices about the security and legality of its custody services.
- Increased Funding Opportunities: Regulatory approval positions Blockrise as a solid candidate for European investors who value risk mitigation through compliance.
According to financial predictions post-MiCAR implementation, 78% of institutional investors in Europe are planning to allocate more resources into regulated crypto tools. Blockrise isn’t just reaping short-term success, it’s anchoring itself for a sustainable, long-term competitive advantage.
Entrepreneurial Lessons from Blockrise's Achievement
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Leverage Regulation as a Differentiator
- Entrepreneurs often shy away from regulation because it seems restrictive or costly. But when done right, compliance can set you apart. By securing a MiCAR license, Blockrise didn’t just abide by the rules; it sent a message of accountability and innovation to European institutions.
Takeaway: Instead of evading regulations, embrace them early and mold your product to comply. It can transform you into a trusted pioneer in your industry.
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Be an Early Mover
- Timing matters. Blockrise is one of the first movers under MiCAR, and this gives them an edge. They’ll capitalize on the advantages of first-compliance while other companies scramble to meet the new rules.
Pro Tip: Stay ahead of upcoming legal frameworks. Entrepreneurs need to anticipate regulatory changes and adapt before these mandates become obligatory.
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Focus on One Thing and Master It
- Blockrise succeeded by concentrating exclusively on Bitcoin custody. While diversification is a common business strategy, narrowing your niche can help you hone expertise, build trust with your target audience, and establish dominance in a growing market.
How to Apply This: As a startup founder, define your “one thing.” Specialize and saturate before diversifying.
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Bridge Bureaucracy with Credibility
- Regulatory compliance builds bridges with traditionally risk-averse institutions. Wealth managers, insurance funds, and enterprises are more likely to collaborate with a MiCAR-compliant firm than a renegade startup.
Challenge Yourself: How are you fostering partnerships with established institutions? Meeting compliance standards can be your leverage point.
Step-by-Step Guide: How Startups Can Embrace Regulation for Growth
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Monitor Regulatory Trends Early
- Tools like EU Blockchain Observatory or OECD's Blockchain Policy Forum are great for keeping tabs on developments like MiCAR.
- Subscribe to tools or communities in your sector that track compliance developments.
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Budget for Legal Expertise
- Allocate part of your funding to hire smart legal and compliance consultants or join accelerators that make such resources accessible. Programs like YES!Delft’s Accelerator or adopting platforms like Fe/male Switch for game-based entrepreneurial skill-building can accelerate your readiness.
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Anticipate Country-Specific Adjustments
- Even with EU-wide frameworks like MiCAR, local nuances still apply. Stay prepared to tweak operating procedures based on individual jurisdictions.
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Liaise with Regulators
- Be proactive and connect with country-specific regulatory bodies like the Dutch AFM before applying for a license. Their oversight strengthens your operational credibility.
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Communicate Compliance to Attract Clients
- Follow Blockrise’s example by showcasing licenses across your branding and pitches. Their “MiCAR Licensed” tagline instantly signals trust to potential clients, which could mean all the difference in securing high-value partnerships.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking Future Regulations: Blockrise prepared for MiCAR before its official rollout. Waiting until new laws are enforced can leave you behind the competition.
- Poor Legal Preparation: Many startups try to avoid compliance costs. However, inadequate legal structures make scaling more expensive long-term.
- Neglecting Transparency: Clients want proof of compliance. Ensure your certifications are visible and that you actively communicate their value.
Why Entrepreneurs Should Care About the EU Crypto Regulatory Framework
With MiCAR, the European crypto landscape is rapidly shifting toward legitimacy, safety, and institutional adoption. As of 2025, industry insiders project a 530% growth in institutional crypto investments across the EU due to enhanced cross-border frameworks. For entrepreneurs working in tech or finance, the stakes have never been higher, or the opportunities more lucrative. Even businesses outside the crypto industry should take note: trends in regulatory reform and global standardization are shaping industry dynamics across sectors.
For startup founders, especially in fintech or blockchain, compliance frameworks like MiCAR are as revolutionary as the technologies they govern. Those who adapt early could see unprecedented growth.
Conclusion
Blockrise’s MiCAR license isn’t just a corporate win; it’s a case study for entrepreneurs navigating any regulated industry. By embracing rules rather than running from them, focusing on niche expertise, and being first movers into new territories, startups can transform daunting obstacles into growth-laden opportunities.
Remember, playing by the rules doesn’t have to limit your pace, it can supercharge your scalability, elevate your trustworthiness, and future-proof your business. As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve seen this play out across multiple industries, and Blockrise is proof that turning compliance into competitive advantage is a game that anyone can master.
Now ask yourself: How can regulation become your strongest ally in your entrepreneurial journey?
FAQ
1. What is MiCAR and why is it important for crypto businesses?
MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) is a regulatory framework designed by the European Union to standardize rules for crypto-asset service providers across member states. It acts as a “passport” to operate in all 27 EU countries under a single license, simplifying compliance and fostering trust in the crypto market. Read more about MiCAR on Silicon Canals
2. What services does Blockrise offer?
Blockrise specializes in institutional-grade Bitcoin custody solutions. Its focus is on holding Bitcoin securely for institutional clients such as funds, companies, and family offices. Learn more about Blockrise's services
3. Who granted Blockrise the MiCAR license?
The MiCAR license for Blockrise was granted by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). Learn more about the AFM's role
4. What advantages does the MiCAR license bring to Blockrise?
With the MiCAR license, Blockrise can now offer its Bitcoin custody solutions across the entire European Union without requiring separate licenses for each country. It reduces compliance costs, boosts operational reach, and enhances client confidence. Discover more about the benefits via Silicon Canals
5. How does MiCAR impact institutional investors?
MiCAR boosts institutional confidence by creating a more regulated and transparent market. Projections show 78% of institutional investors in Europe plan to allocate more resources into regulated crypto tools, such as those compliant with MiCAR regulations.
6. What makes Blockrise unique among its competitors?
Blockrise has positioned itself as a Bitcoin-only custody platform, focusing exclusively on this asset class. This specialization has allowed the company to hone its expertise and build a high level of trust with its target audience. Explore how Blockrise differs
7. What is the significance of being an early holder of a MiCAR license?
Being among the first to secure a MiCAR license positions Blockrise as a leader and innovator. Early adopters of new regulation frameworks have a significant advantage as they can expand services while others are still adapting to compliance requirements. Learn more about this first-mover advantage on Silicon Canals
8. How can startups prepare for upcoming regulations like MiCAR?
Startups can monitor regulatory trends, allocate budgets to legal and compliance expertise, liaise with regional regulators, and adapt their operations to expected legal frameworks. Being proactive about compliance gives startups a strategic edge.
9. What role do regulators play in the adoption of MiCAR?
Regulators like the Dutch AFM are responsible for implementing MiCAR and issuing licenses to compliant service providers. Their active role ensures the legitimacy and security of the evolving crypto market.
10. What growth trends are projected for the EU crypto industry under MiCAR?
The European crypto industry is expected to witness a 530% growth in institutional crypto investments by 2025-2026, as MiCAR drives legitimacy, security, and cross-border operational efficiencies in the market. Read more on institutional trends linked to MiCAR
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.