At some level, the new mayor is simply employing an old political strategy: making pitches to the business community. financial technology it is a growing field in New York City, and blockchain-based companies represent a significant part of the sector.
The industry, in turn, has embraced Mr. Adams. By the end of September, Michael Novogratz, a major cryptocurrency investor, organized a Fundraiser for him at Zero Bond, the members-only downtown nightclub where Mr. Adams has been known to fraternize late into the night.
In an interview, Mr. Novogratz described Mr. Adams' ad as a powerful symbol.
โListen, he's pro-business, he understands this is a growth industry, and it's great PR for the city and for him,โ said Mr. Novogratz, founder and CEO of Galaxy Digital, a media firm. investment in cryptocurrency from New York that has in recent years grown from about 40 employees to more than 200. โIt is a booming industry and to say symbolically: 'I care and I want the city to participate in it' is very, very smartโ .
Mr. Adams, shortly after your choice, also flew to Puerto Rico on the private jet of Brock Pierce, a former child actor who is now a cryptocurrency investor. Mr. Adams said he paid for his own trip to Puerto Rico but refused to produce receipts. Pierce, who attended the mayor's election night victory party at Zero Bond and donated $100,000 to a political action committee that supported Adams' bid for mayor, said he was "concerned" and would call back. later when asked for comment on Thursday.
State Senator Diane J. Savino, who chairs the Senate Internet and Technology Committee, said that while Mr. Adams' announcement may sound spectacular, his actions would make his constituents more comfortable with cryptocurrencies.
