We are living in the information age where technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud services, and artificial intelligence continue to make headlines across the digital space. Yet, even with the unquestionable applicability of these technologies married with emerging trends in several other industries, they continue to be dwarfed by the growing popularity of the blockchain technology.

The blockchain is described as a highly encrypted network of distributed ledgers called blocks, which startups and several technology giants seek to adapt their products and operations. This has been interpreted by experts as an attempt to stay abreast of recent developments in the technology sector as companies prepare to pounce when opportunities arise. And with the direction the technology sector has taken, it is hard to find a technology company that has decided to stay on the sidelines of the distributed ledger technology. The blockchain technology has proven to have several applications and now every company wants to get in the act.

So, how are companies targeting to capitalize on one of the most hyped technologies in the information age?

Investing in cryptocurrencies

While there are several stories about renowned stock investors that have ventured in the crypto trading market, the story that gives cryptocurrencies weight is the one that involves multiple top-tier corporations that have recently announced plans to raise capital via an initial coin offering (ICO). One of the most notable players in this respect is Overstock.com Inc (OSTK), a struggling retailer that last year enjoyed one of the best rallies in its history following an investment in crypto.

And while much of the gains from last year have since been eroded by the falling crypto prices, Overstock looks to make matters interesting by launching an ICO that will help it finance its new blockchain-based e-commerce platform.

Struggling camera and photography company Kodak (KODK) has also partnered with a Blockchain startup WENN Digital to launch KodakCoin via the KodakOne platform thereby adding to the list of publicly listed companies that have shown interest in the cryptocurrency market.