I am optimistic for the year ahead and delighted to see that my businesses are gaining adoption and traction. For example, the regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies has evolved over the past year, which puts ForumPay and the ProperT Rewards Token (both crypto- and blockchain-based ventures) in a strong position for growth and greater integration. Another company of mine, Riovios, has also gained FDA approval and is going to market. This milestone is particularly exciting, as Riovios’ Renal Assist Device (RAD) will provide critical support for patients with pre-existing renal impairment undergoing a cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The fact that it will finally be available will make a meaningful difference to an enormous amount of people.

I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce these companies, now stronger than ever, to those of you unfamiliar with them, and explain how each is poised to make an impact in its respective industry. Let’s take a closer look.

ForumPay: Seamless crypto-to-fiat payments for global merchants

ForumPay was first launched in 2018, inspired by the belief that contemporary payment solutions do not respond to the needs and requirements of today’s market. As cryptocurrency adoption increases, and digital assets become a more common feature of our daily lives and financial ecosystem, the need for solutions that help crypto consumers gain real-world utility from their digital currencies has, too, intensified. While thousands of merchants have been proactive in accepting cryptocurrencies as a direct form of payment, many remain hesitant to do so, wary of the volatility of cryptocurrencies and the risk of fluctuating crypto prices. 

ForumPay was developed as a response to both merchants’ caution of cryptocurrencies as payment, and crypto consumers’ desire to use their digital assets to purchase real-world goods and services. Today, ForumPay works with some of the biggest brands around the world, such as Spotify, Burger King, AT&T and Hotels.com, facilitating crypto-to-fiat payments for the 575 million crypto wallets currently in existence. 

The ForumPay purchase experience is transparent for both merchant and consumer, harnessing the benefits of blockchain technology. Consumers see exactly how much crypto they need to pay before initiating the transaction, while merchants invoice in the fiat currency of their choice, avoiding any risk of market volatility and enhancing trust in the integration of crypto payments. Visit forumpay.com for more information. 

ProperT Rewards Token: Supporting crypto adoption and utility 

The ProperT Rewards Token (PROPT) was launched in 2022 with the aim of addressing the gap between the growing number of crypto consumers, eager to spend their digital assets, and the limited number of merchants accepting crypto payments. The project seeks to bridge this gap by incentivizing both consumers and merchants with a 5% token-back reward on all purchases made using PROPT. It encourages consumers to spend their crypto while simultaneously demonstrating to merchants the purchasing power of crypto users.

The ProperT Rewards Token has the potential to drive widespread merchant adoption and redefine how cryptocurrencies are seen and used in the global economy. As more businesses integrate PROPT into their payments systems, the payments ecosystem will naturally expand, demonstrating its potential to be a powerful payment option for industries such as real estate, automotive, and international trade. Our hope is that, thanks to its 5% token-back incentives, PROPT will help shift merchants’ perception of cryptocurrency from a speculative asset to a widely accepted medium of exchange, ultimately helping to create a more inclusive and flexible digital economy. 

For more information, download the ProperT Rewards Token White Paper.

Riovios: Life-changing treatment for patients with renal insufficiency

In December 2024, Riovios finally received FDA approval to conduct a trial for our renal assist device (RAD), JuxtaFlow^®, to treat cardiac surgery patients with renal insufficiency. JuxtaFlow uses a unique, gentle negative pressure technique on the kidneys’ urine-collecting system to enhance function and shield against hypoxia-induced damage under acute conditions. This recent approval will allow us to conduct a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial, and assess JuxtaFlow’s safety and effectiveness in sustaining or enhancing renal function during and following CPB surgery. 

For the past decade, we’ve been driving clinical advancements in kidney disease management to not only help patients cope with their condition, but to thrive with a greater quality of life. Over the course of 2025, Riovios will be enrolling patients into the trial and studying the potential of our JuxtaFlow^® Renal Assist Device for improved long-term health benefits. For more information on our work, visit roivios.com. 

For more of my insights and reflections on my current projects and businesses, take a look at the other articles on my blog, visit my YouTube channel and follow @williamerbey on social media.