The University of Austin (UATX) is Partnering with the Texas Bitcoin Foundation, Bitcoin Policy Institute, Unchained, and Strive to Host the Satoshi Papers Symposium!

The University of Austin (UATX) is excited to announce its partnership with the Texas Bitcoin Foundation (TBF), Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), Unchained, and Strive Asset Management to host the Satoshi Papers Symposium. This academic conference will celebrate the debut of TBF’s inaugural book, The Satoshi Papers: Reflections on Political Economy after Bitcoin.

The Satoshi Papers, a new book published by BPI and expertly edited by Natalie Smolenski (TBF executive director & BPI fellow), takes inspiration from the historic debates between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists in 18th-century America. Just like those debates on the role of government and individual liberty, this book fosters an open exchange among scholars. They explore the crucial relationship between money and the state in a world increasingly shaped by Bitcoin.

Natalie Smolenski, founder and executive director of the Texas Bitcoin Foundation, explains the book’s core idea: “The Satoshi Papers brings together economists, historians, anthropologists, and other social scientists to think together about how a decentralized digital protocol can inspire the re-formation of existing political and economic institutions.”

In an exciting development, the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), a leading policy think tank based in DC, is launching its own book publishing imprint with The Satoshi Papers as its inaugural release.

Grant McCarty, co-founder of BPI, highlights the significance of this step, stating, “Launching a publishing imprint is a natural evolution for BPI as we continue to build the intellectual bedrock for Bitcoin policy. The Satoshi Papers is the ideal first publication – it embodies the rigorous academic conversation needed to connect Bitcoin innovation with effective policy development.”

Mark your calendars for April 16, 2025! The Satoshi Papers Symposium will take place on the UATX campus and will feature presentations from several Satoshi Papers authors and BPI fellows, including Avik Roy, Josh Hendrickson, Craig Warmke, and Natalie Smolenski. University of Austin faculty will also participate, engaging with the authors’ arguments presented in the book.

Chad Thevenot, Senior Vice President at the University of Austin, emphasized the university’s enthusiasm: “UATX is founded on the principles of fearless inquiry and robust debate about the ideas shaping our world. The Satoshi Papers Symposium perfectly embodies this mission, uniting scholars and students to delve into the economic and political impact of Bitcoin. We’re proud to host such a vital discussion on our campus.”

Student involvement is a key highlight of the Symposium! Thanks to the generous support of Strive Asset Management, a financial services firm co-founded by Vivek Ramaswamy, every student in UATX’s inaugural class will receive a complimentary copy of The Satoshi Papers and a special invitation to join the symposium discussions.

Matt Cole, CEO of Strive, shared his company’s commitment to Bitcoin education: “Strive believes that Bitcoin should be a fundamental part of every American’s investment portfolio. Because this new asset is rapidly evolving, education is crucial for investors to understand its value and maintain confidence. The Satoshi Papers is an important resource for Bitcoin education, and we are thrilled to support the Symposium.”

The Symposium is also made possible through the generous sponsorship of Unchained, a financial services firm specializing in Bitcoin and based right here in Austin.

Joe Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Unchained and director of the Texas Bitcoin Foundation, articulated the significance of Bitcoin and financial sovereignty, saying, “Bitcoin is fundamentally changing the relationship between money and government, and education is essential for this transition. The Satoshi Papers encourages us to critically examine financial sovereignty—a principle we champion at Unchained by empowering individuals to control their own Bitcoin. We are delighted to support this symposium and the broader movement towards securing financial freedom for future generations.”

Don’t miss the public reception hosted by Unchained! Join them for a book sale and signing of The Satoshi Papers at the Bitcoin Commons on the evening of April 16th. It’s a fantastic opportunity to further engage with the themes of the Symposium and book.

About the University of Austin

The University of Austin (UATX) is a new private, nonprofit, and nonsectarian university located in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. UATX is dedicated to the unwavering pursuit of truth. Its groundbreaking undergraduate program blends the enduring wisdom of the past with today’s most innovative ideas and initiatives. A unique feature is the four-year Polaris Project, where each student will conceive, create, or discover something meaningful for humanity. UATX welcomed its inaugural freshman class in Fall 2024. Discover more at uaustin.org.

About the Texas Bitcoin Foundation

The Texas Bitcoin Foundation (TBF) is a public charity dedicated to research and education about Bitcoin and political economy. Founded in 2021 by Natalie Smolenski, the Foundation brings together scholars across disciplines from around the world to explore the social and political impacts of distributed digital technologies. Learn more at txbitcoinfoundation.org.

About Bitcoin Policy Institute

Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank located in Washington, DC. It is dedicated to educating policymakers and the public about Bitcoin and disruptive digital technologies, providing research-based insights to inform sound policy in the United States. Learn more at btcpolicy.org.

About Unchained

Unchained is the most trusted name in premium bitcoin financial services, securing over 100,000 BTC through a collaborative custody model that combines institutional-grade security with white-glove service for high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses. Learn more at unchained.com.

About Strive

Co-founded in 2022 by Vivek Ramaswamy, Strive is a financial services firm with a mission to maximize value for its clients through unapologetic capitalism. The firm has quickly grown to manage $1.7 billion in assets since the launch of its first fund in August 2022, competing directly with the world’s largest financial institutions by empowering Americans to invest with a sole focus on shareholder value maximization. Strive recently launched a wealth management business unit to offer true financial freedom, including the tailored integration of Bitcoin into the portfolios of everyday Americans. Learn more at strive.com.