CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS
Audio transactions allow machines to communicate without sharing of personal information
Partners:
WHY SOUND?
MASS ADOPTION
Audio transactions can be introduced to any devices with speakers and a microphone
COST EFFECTIVE
SonoCoin is a software solution and therefore does not require large IT capital expenditures for implementation
OFFLINE TRANSACTION
P2P audio transactions can be initiated offline and verified on the blockchain at a later time when connected
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Transmission - SonoCoins are currently transferrable via audio, messengers, email, QR code and Bluetooth.
Blockchain - SonoCoin functions using its own Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithm.
Storage - SonoCoin’s .WAV file format allow users to safely store and back-up coins to virtually any platform including secure cloud services, USB sticks, and external hard drives.
Security - Access to SonoCoin’s application is protected by a choice of password, fingerprint and facial recognition. Each SonoCoin .WAV file can be individually encrypted with a choice of password.
SonoCoin Application - Each SonoCoin .WAV file is a self-contained wallet representing a public key, private key, address and any denomination of coins. The application functions as a way to split, combine SonoCoin files and communicate change of ownership to the blockchain.
SonoCoin SDK
SonoCoin Wallet SDK
APIs to send and receive SonoCoins. Integrate SonoCoin to your Blockchain wallet today.
View Documentation// Read from Json file
io.sonocoin.sdk.Types.Item item =
io.sonocoin.sdk.Sound.SonoJsonSerializer.loadItemFromFile(filename);
io.sonocoin.sdk.Types.Coin coin =
item.GetCoinFromRemoteNode();
// Write to Json file
io.sonocoin.sdk.Sound.SonoJsonSerializer.saveCoinToFile(coin, filename);
LEARN MORE ABOUT US
What is SonoCoin
How SonoCoin works
TRANSACTION METHODS
Audio Signal
SonoCoin audio files are sonic interpretations of code that can be recognized by any sound-recording device
Messaging Platforms
SonoCoin .WAV (why WAV) files can be sent directly from the application via any online platform, including email, social media networks and instant messaging
QR Code
SonoCoin QR codes contain specific data regarding the transaction amount and automatically debit and credit the application without need of re-issuance
BLUETOOTH & WIFI
The SonoCoin application scans the Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth network for near-by devices connected to SonoCoin in order to directly send and receive coins.
Inaudible Transactions*
Our team is currently developing ultrasonic frequency transactions that cannot be heard by the human ear, intended to improve promotions via push notifications
Broadcast
Primarily targeted at advertisers, this feature will allow for one SonoCoin file to be equally sent to thousands of users
NFC*
NFC (near-field communication) is a subset within the family of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology, enabling electronic devices to communicate at a range of 4cm
*currently under development
BITCOIN VS. SONOCOIN TRANSACTIONS
Bitcoin Transaction Process
Recipient public address is required to send transaction
Transaction is broadcasted to the network
Outputs are recorded to the distributed ledger
SonoCoin Transaction Process
SonoCoins can be sent to anyone without the need of recipient’s public address
Delivery via any of the distribution methods below
Coins are uploaded and change of ownership is broadcasted to the network
SonoCoin simplifies blockchain-based transactions giving anyone the power to utilize common methods of delivery
WHY SHOULD I INVEST
CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY
SonoCoin’s technology functions differently than the tradition Bitcoin-wallet, since the data transmission system is directly linked to the blockchain, eliminating the extra layer of requiring a digital wallet
A seamless and consistent user experience. Data can be transmitted and received using standard speakers and microphones, allowing for considerable cost advantages entirely based on a new blockchain protocol
SonoCoin allows for cross-device flexibility and bypasses the physical limitations of short range radio-based protocols
DEVELOPED AND READY-TO-MARKET
SonoCoin’s back-end infrastructure is fully operational and the blockchain is live and running
Ready-to-market product offering (audio technology), that can be implemented across multiple devices at any time
No further engineering and development work required for the project to scale, only innovation and maintenance costs
EXCLUSIVE NETWORK AND HIGH-LEVEL PARTNERSHIPS
SonoCoin is backed by a large number of corporate, finance, and legal professionals in Switzerland
An unparalleled scientific hub sourced in the Russian Federation, home to some of the best cryptographers in the world
Strong relationship with Switzerland's largest telecommunication provider, one of Europe’s largest crypto exchange and one of world’s largest cryptocurrency payment processor
SOLUTIONS WITH SONOCOIN
ADVERTISING INDUSTRY
ADVERTISING
INDUSTRY
SonoCoin looks to revolutionize the advertising industry by introducing the ultrasonic frequency transfer of coins through ads. Once a coin is collected, a customer will have the ability to exchange the SonoCoin for discounts on goods and services.
Challenge: Brands see event sponsorship as a way to increase visibility and strengthen customer relationships, The challenge derives from the difficulty of directly engaging with the customer and accurately measuring the success of the campaign.
SonoCoin solution: Using the SonoCoin application, brands will have the possibility to incentivize customers to purchase their products during the event at a discount, by using the coins distributed to the audience via audio transmissions.
Example: A sponsor broadcasts 1,000 coins to the audience at a football stadium to be used towards the discounted purchase of beer at near-by stand.
Challenge: Tailored television advertisements have grown in popularity as mass marketing becomes increasingly irrelevant. Engaging your audience through enhanced layer of personalization will be used to better connect to viewers.
SonoCoin solution: The inaudible transmission of SonoCoins to viewers would offer rebates on displayed products with additional information incorporated within the coins such as links, text, promotional discounts for your next purchase, etc.
Example: An online marketplace offers customers rebates on inflatable hot tubs by embedding coins within their advertisement and driving traffic to the product via the link received in the SonoCoin file.
Challenge: Online radio streaming is on the rise, with 52% usage from all American adults and +10% YoY growth among Millennials. As competition intensifies, loyalty to stations is often rewarded through engaging listeners in prize contests. This has proven to be costly and time consuming to organize with many listeners not interested in participating.
SonoCoin solution: SonoCoins broadcasting capabilities can simplify this process and gain more retention. This could be done by periodically distributing coins among listeners for engaging in activities, or by rewarding listeners for their presence.
Example: A radio station distributes 5 SonoCoin to each listener every hour to increase retention.
GAMING INDUSTRY
According to a report released by SuperDataReseach, consumers spent about $41 billion on the mobile gaming market in 2016, with Pokémon GO and Clash Royale being the most popular. It is estimated that there are approximately 2.6 billion monthly users across all mobile games.
Challenge: As online gaming grows exponentially, it creates a global need for payments standardization. Most games have created their own “currency”, for instance the gold coin in World of Warcraft. The use of FIAT currencies is fundamentally inefficient, given that games incorporate currency conversion fees.
SonoCoin solution: SonoCoin aims to be adopted by gaming communities as the primary digital currency, based on its versatile and audio characteristics. The universal acceptance of one currency across all gaming platforms and online shops would eliminate the need for secondary conversions into FIAT currencies. For instance, users would no longer need to convert in-game credits into USD to make a purchase from a gaming platform. In-app purchases would no longer require personal information and credit card details, thus removing related risks of fraud. Furthermore, SonoCoin would provide the anonymity and convenience needed for community based online transactions. Catering to this need could incentivize loyalty to games through the monetization of game-related milestones.
RETAIL INDUSTRY
Today’s consumers are technologically adept and want to shop on their own terms. Customers expect and demand frictionless payment experiences across all channels. Retailers recognize the importance of multi-payment solutions and have increasingly adopted cryptocurrencies in anticipation of major growth in blockchain-based currencies. According to bitcoin payment service provider BitPay, more than 100,000 merchants worldwide have begun accepting cryptocurrencies, including Overstock, Expedia, Shopify, Dish and Microsoft.
Challenge: Bitcoin’s dominance over the cryptocurrency market is at its lowest level ever dropping over fifty percent within the last year. Scalability limitations have led consumers to search for alternative cryptocurrencies in the retail industry. Bitcoin’s ten-minute block time is troublesome for retailers as it becomes unreliable for daily transactions. The Lightning Network update aims to improve Bitcoin block times, but the currency remains limited to Traditional wallet-to-wallet exchanges.
SonoCoin solution: SonoCoin stands to benefit from the recent level of interest in alternatives by revolutionizing means of transfer using six transactional methods including sound, near-field-communication, and QR code to name a few. We believe SonoCoin can satisfy the evolving expectations of consumers by offering a highly scalable network with two-minute block times and multi-payment solutions tailored to retail needs.
REDEEMABLE PROGRAMS
A recent study by Bond Brand Loyalty states that 53% of Americans participate in loyalty programs with a reported 38% satisfaction rate. The same report found Loyalty membership growth slowed from 26% achieved in 2016 to 15% the following year. Industry experts blame frustrating registration processes, poor distribution methods and low perception value for deteriorating customer engagement. Providing customers corporate cryptocurrencies would bypass much of the registration process, facilitate distribution, increase mobility and prevent fraud. SonoCoin looks to enable corporations the ability to modify coins for specific spending purposes. This would essentially ensure the coins are identifiable and prevent them from being spent on unrelated products and services.
Challenge: According to a Colloquy Loyalty survey, loyalty program growth has declined 11% since 2016 with more than half of loyalty members remaining inactive and 30% of which abandoning programs without redeeming miles or points. Costs for running such programs are high, estimated at $35 billion a year for third-party processors such as First Data Corp, who service prepaid and private-label credit cards tied to corporate loyalty points.
SonoCoin solution: According to Richard Crone, CEO of payment consultant Crone Consulting LLC, Blockchain could cut up to 80% fees of for corporate loyalty programs. SonoCoins versatile characteristics represent an ideal solution for the distribution of coins to be used as loyalty points. SonoCoins coloured coin feature would allow corporations to essentially white-label the coins to be redeemable for its desired purposes.
Example: Loyal airline customers are rewarded in SonoCoins for choosing their company. The coins are provided for download from the customer account. The airline compnay has significantly cut loyalty program operating costs by no longer relying on 3rd party services.
Challenge: The Gift card industry has been steadily growing at 5% YoY since 2011 to become an industry worth $307 billion. Recent growth has been faced with crippling challenges such as double-spending, fraud and damages amounting for $1 billion in 2017 according to a Market Watch article.
SonoCoin solution: As the industry grows, corporations are looking to blockchain for security, ease-of-use and efficiency. SonoCoin’s coloured coins provide corporate currencies the versatile characteristics of being highly-transferrable, without the need of traditional cards and inherently prevents double- spending and fraud. These coins would be slightly altered to be used against specific products and services provided by the company supplying the coins.
Example: Alex purchases 30 modified SonoCoins offered by an online media shop to used specifically towards related products and services. The coins are transmitted via audio to Alex’s application. Alex gifts his younger brother the SonoCoins for his birthday by sending him the coins via messenger.
Challenge: 9 out of 10 American households buy greeting cards every year, with the average household purchasing 30 cards per year generating an estimated $7.5 billion industry – the top sellers being cards featuring sound chips and LED lights. The market has recently been flooded with digital greetings and delivery systems that can be personalized but struggle to stay relevant with Millennials.
SonoCoin solution: SonoCoin offers the unique ability to incorporate value within a stationary card by prerecording the coins inside the card’s sound chip. The same technique can be applied to e-cards across computer and mobile platforms. Birthday cards are instantly monetized at the shop’s point of sale and gift card companies will benefit from the consumer renewed interest in sending value through their products.
Example: A card manufacturing company produces greeting cards containing 10, 20, and 30 SonoCoins pre-recorded in the sound chips. When the card is opened, the recipient simply needs to capture them with the SonoCoin application.
MILESTONES
2016
SonoCoin back-end infrastructure development begins
2017
First prototype of the SonoCoin blockchain is launched
Audible transactions are introduced to the blockchain
Initial coin pre-sale offered publicly to the community
2018
Roll-out and first marketing efforts
SonoCoin application interface update
SonoCoin partners with Swisscom Blockchain
SonoCoin sponsors OpenGeneva, an innovation festival and Geneva-based hackathon
SonoCoin event organized by Lift:Lab presented to industry leaders and public
SonoCoin launches the Bluetooth & WIFI transaction method
SonoCoin signs listing agreement with EXMO exchange
SonoCoin begins the protocol stabilization process
Roadmap
Q4 2018
Cantonal Tax Ruling
Code & Protocol Audit
Test Net Deployment
KYC/AML Process Setup for Main Sale
Main Net Beta Release
Q1 2019
Media, Entertainment and Advertising Reach Out Program
Broadcast Transactions development begins
Q1 2019
Ongoing Discussions with Commercial Partners
Mobile/Desktop Software Updates (UX)
White-labelled demo development begins
Q2 2019
Broadcast Transactions development ends
Mobile/Desktop UX software update rollout
Q3/Q4 2019
Ultrasonic Frequency Transactions development begin
Smart Contracts
Initial Pilot Tests – Proof of Concept
Proof of Contribution Consensus
TOKEN SALE MODEL
Total Coin Supply: 100,000,000 Coins
Coin Allocation Strategy and Price
SonoCoin will retain 30% of the total token supply in its reserve. This reserve will be used for SonoCoin business, ecosystem and software development such as employee salaries and performance-based bonuses, a company reserve and a reserve for original founders – those coins will be locked until Q4 2019. The reserve will be split between Employees and Advisors (10%), Founders & Stakeholders (5%), a reserve for the SonoCoin Operating & Marketing activities (10%) and Coin-options compensation allocation (5%)
10%
Employees and Advisors
5%
Coin options
5%
Founders
10%
Company reserve
15%
Ecosystem Development
30%
Private Sale
25%
Public Sale
Coin Sales
Private sale
Public sale
Price EUR
1.00
1.50
Min Coins
5,000,000
5,000,000
Max Coins
30,000,000
25,000,000
TEAM
Leon Afanasyev
Founder / CEO
Past experience working for major financial institutions including Morgan Stanley.
Vlad Mitrofanov
Chief Technology Officer
Software Engineer specialized in Cryptography.
Erenik Yzeiraj
Head of Investor Relations
Analyst M&A/Corporate Finance - BPDG and RAMPartners SA.
Evan Dean
Head of Marketing
Blockchain expert and crypto-trader. Front-end Content Developer Founder of Fintech Forum.
ADVISORY BOARD
Alex Alexandrov
Member of Advisory Board
Founder & CEO of Coinpayments.net – a premium Bitcoin, Litecoin, Etherium and other alternative crypto-currency payment processor, trusted by over 2,294,000 vendors across 182 countries
Ivan Petuhovsky
Member of Advisory Board
Co-Founder of EXMO Finance LLP - one of Europe's largest cryptocurrency exchanges by trading volume.
Sven Möller
ICO Advisor
Head of ICO Advisory at Swisscom Blockchain. Manager - Ernst & Young.
Jean-Henry Morin
Member of Advisory Board
Professor of Information Science at University of Geneva. ThinkData.ch
Arnaud B. Perdrizet
Member of Advisory Board
Founder & CEO of World Payment Solutions. Senior Advisor to Wirecard Group.
MARKET ANALYSIS
Payment Systems
Sound-based
Blockchain-based
SonoCoin (Combining Both)
Unique transaction process: SonoCoin functions without the need of a traditional digital wallet. To use SonoCoin, you only need the software application. However, the coins can be securely stored in a USB stick or cloud server.
Open platform accessible by anyone: Like Ethereum, SonoCoin provides the community with a unique platform to build their own projects. It is easily customizable as a simple SDK allowing anyone to develop tailored services.
Data-over-sound: The SonoCoin solution has the uniqueness of transmitting data via sound, a seamless and efficient method. Not only payment data, but any real asset digitization system can be built and run on the SonoCoin audio technology.
Innovative use cases: Besides the payment and advertising related use cases, SonoCoin’s new revolutionary blockchain network and audio technology brings new ways of communicating between assets and individuals.
SWISSCOM BLOCKCHAIN PARTNERSHIP
ICO Advisory
Swisscom Blockchain AG is a leader in providing ICO advisory services in the Swiss market. Thanks to their technical and advisory services our fundraising will benefit from an infrastructure, that guarantees security of funds and compliance.Protocol Stabilization
We have onboarded Swisscom Blockchain in order to provide a first certification of our blockchain network. Required activities: Code auditing, protocol stabilization, but also infrastructure provisioning.Bug Bounty
A private bug bounty, onboarding white hat hackers and cybersecurity experts will be launched in order to have a second level of testing of our blockchain. After this our blockchain protocol will be released open-source.AS SEEN IN
FAQ
1. What is SonoCoin?
SonoCoin is the first cryptocurrency to transact via encrypted audio files. The .WAV file format gives anyone the power to transact utilizing simple methods of delivery such as sound, QR code, messenger, and Bluetooth.
2. Where is the ICO company based?
SonoCoin is a project that belongs entirely to Crown Capital Group SA. Crown Capital Group SA is a joint-stock company with its registered seat in Geneva, Switzerland and will issue SonoCoins during the Initial Coin Offering. Crown Capital Group SA is member of the self-regulatory organization OAR-G (Organisme d'Autorégulation des Gérants de Patrimoine). Therefore, Crown Capital Group SA has the capability to conduct the necessary KYC/AML processes for the private sales of SonoCoin.
3. When will the ICO start?
ICO Date is subject to the progress of the following:
- Legal process ensuring SonoCoin is fully-compliant with FINMA ICO regulations
- Finalizing a third-party protocol/code audit of SonoCoin's network
- Private bug bounty of SonoCoin's network to find potential weaknesses before releasing code to public
4. How much are you raising?
The estimated coin sales will result in a soft cap of €12,500,000 and hard cap of €67,500,000. If the soft cap will not be reached, the founders and existing financial backers will provide the additional funds to continue the project.
5. What is the current stage of your technology?
SonoCoin technology stage is currently in working prototype. The blockchain network is live and running and the transaction system is developed and operational. There are currently four transaction methods: audio frequencies, messaging platforms (digital .WAV files), QR code, Bluetooth & WIFI
6. How can I participate in the ICO?
Details regarding participation in the public sale event will be provided shortly.
7. Give me an example of how SonoCoin can be used?
Television Advertising: An online marketplace offers customers rebates on inflatable hot tubs by embedding coins within their advertisement and driving traffic to the product via the link received in the SonoCoin file.
Mass Events advertising: A sponsor broadcasts 1,000 coins to the audience at a football stadium to be used towards the discounted purchase of beer at near-by stand.
Radio advertising: A radio station distributes 5 SonoCoin to each listener every hour to increase retention.
Gaming: The universal acceptance of one currency across all gaming platforms and online shops would eliminate the need for secondary conversions into FIAT currencies. For instance, users would no longer need to convert in-game credits into USD to make a purchase from a gaming platform. In-app purchases would no longer require personal information and credit card details, thus removing related risks of fraud
Gift cards: Alex purchases 30 modified SonoCoins offered by an online media shop to used specifically towards related products and services. The coins are transmitted via audio to Alex’s application. Alex gifts his younger brother the SonoCoins for his birthday by sending him the coins via messenger.
8. Can US citizens participate in the SonoCoin ICO?
No
9. What happens to the tokens (if) which are left unsold?
These coins will be allocated to the Ecosystem Development pool.
10. What is a bounty program?
A Bounty program is set-up to incentivize the community to actively help promote the ICO through social media channels. This can include ICO video reviews, articles, tweets, fb posts, reddit posts and telegram campaigns. We plan to begin a bounty program in the coming months.
11. Is SonoCoin going to have a bounty program?
Yes, SonoCoin will organize its bounty programs in the following months. Bug bounty and marketing bounty campaigns will be organized and launched shortly. SonoCoin will inform the community on how to participate to the bounty programs once the SonoCoin code & protocol audit is completed.
12. Which exchanges will offer your coin?
SonoCoins will be listed on the EXMO exchange: https://exmo.com/
13. Do I need a special wallet for the tokens?
Sending SonoCoin’s is like sending physical cash. The application is a mechanism to publicly communicate the right to spend the cash received.
Each SonoCoin .WAV file is a self-contained wallet representing a public key, private key, address and any denomination of coins. The application functions as a way to split, combine SonoCoin files and communicates change of ownership to the blockchain.
Please note that our website provides a JAVA SDK to be integrate into existing blockchain wallets.
14. Which blockchain protocol are you using?
SonoCoin has developed its native Proof-of-Stake (PoS) protocol. Verification of transactions are executed through “staking” of coins on the SonoCoin network. More information can be found in the whitepaper.
15. Do you have mobile apps?
Yes, we have mobile applications for iOS and Android available for download on our website.
16. What purpose does the blockchain have in SonoCoin?
As a payment coin, SonoCoin relies on the transparency, security and trustless characteristics of blockchain technology.
17. Is SonoCoin open source or will it be in the future?
SonoCoin is undergoing a full audit of its source code by Swisscom Blockchain AG to identify any significant weaknesses. This will be followed by a private bug bounty for further inspection. Once these are finalized, SonoCoin will open source its technology while withholding any key trade secrets.
18. Is SonoCoin going to have a foundation and give governance to community or it will be in a centralized / governed?
SonoCoin’s lonterm goal is to become a decentralized platform by becoming a self-governing autonomous network. This can be done through means of a foundation (often times set-up in the canton of Zug) and is an option case for SonoCoin at a later stage.
19. How will development of the SonoCoin network continue as a decentralized entity?
We believe that the key to mass adoption is to tap into existing userbase ecosystems through strategic partnerships and collaborations with large corporations. A successful entry into any of the targeted markets will spur continual development for their specific needs and use-cases.
Our software engineers have made available SonoCoin’s JAVA SDK for implementation into other blockchain wallets. We are planning for the release of many more, and look forward to working hand-in-hand with our communities in customizing SonoCoin for future use.
20. Which currencies are accepted for the coin sale ?
FIAT currencies: EUR, USD, CHF
Cryptocurrencies : BTC, ETH, BCH, XRP
21. On which blockchain network will the token issuance be based and what type of tokens are you issuing ?
SonoCoin will offer its native coins and the ICO will be launched on its native blockchain network.