Bitcoin Center NYC was founded by Nick Spanos in 2013 in the financial district of New York City, located 100 feet away from the New York Stock Exchange. The center's main claim to fame is as the "first brick and mortar exchange for Bitcoin" and also as a catalyst for New York State's subsequent regulatory crackdown on cryptocurrency businesses. Bitcoin Center NYC was the "preeminent bitcoin location in the area" and hosted "countless classes, talks, and a trading floor." In 2015, the center's operating company filed for bankruptcy protection following a dispute with its landlord and in the midst of uncertainty surrounding impending regulation of digital currencies by the New York State Department of Financial Services. Afterwards, the center temporarily relocated to Cleveland Place in Nolita and is currently located at 157 Prince Street.
Early years
Before 2014, New York's bitcoin community originally met in Union Square and also in a Whole Foods on the Lower East Side. Nick Spanos founded Bitcoin Center NYC as “the city’s only brick-and-mortar institution dedicated to the further adoption of Bitcoin” and to promote education on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. In the past, the center has helped bitcoin startups through its access to interested investors, experienced personnel in Bitcoin, and various networking opportunities. The center has also promoted bitcoin through events including Satoshi Square, music festivals, lectures, hackathons, and film screenings. The center is the only premier educational institution dedicated to promoting awareness of competing cryptocurrencies.
Notable visitors
Elected officials and political candidates to have visited the center to voice their support for cryptocurrency include former U.S. Congressman Steve Stockman of Texas and Maine State Senator Eric Brakey. Notable personalities to have spoken at or visited the Center include Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and Bitcoin educator and evangelist Andreas Antonopoulos. The center was also prominently featured in CNN's Morgan Spurlock Inside Man in 2015 and in the 2016 Netflix documentary Banking on Bitcoin.
