The agreement will enable , a $225-billion data and cloud service, to extend -related services worldwide while assisting Voltage’s global operations expansion.
Google’s Outsourced Bitcoin and Lightning Team
The collaboration sees Voltage functioning as Google’s outsourced Bitcoin and team. Voltage CEO, Graham Krizek, explained that the infrastructure provider will facilitate Bitcoin or Lightning integration for companies interested in these services via Google.
The deal has not only generated substantial social media interest but also signals Google’s evolving recognition of potential. This increased attention isn’t isolated within Google alone, but industry-wide. Christopher Calicott, managing director of venture capital firm Tramell Venture Partners, suggested that any corporation adjacent to payments “would ignore Lightning at their peril.”
Google Ventures Fueling Bitcoin Momentum
Google’s interests in blockchain, Bitcoin, and companies have been increasingly apparent since 2020, primarily via Google Ventures (GV), its investment arm. Voltage benefited from GV’s interest, receiving participation in a $6-million seed round in 2021.
This significant financial backing is seen as an indication of the rising momentum for Bitcoin and related technologies. Calicott pointed out that when companies invest, it sends a potent signal of their focus, adding weight to the Bitcoin and Lightning narrative. Krizek concurred, stating that the partnership is indicative of an increased Bitcoin focus strategy within larger organizations, including .
Despite its competitor, Apple, showing an aversion to Lightning by recently delisting Damus, a Lightning-friendly decentralized social media protocol, the is gaining traction among billion-dollar businesses globally.
Both and , two leading crypto exchanges, have recently committed to Lightning integrations.
Google Cloud’s partnership with Voltage marks a significant step towards further integrating Bitcoin and Lightning technologies within the wider tech industry. With the growing corporate interest and investment in these areas, the expectation for further services rollout, along with expanded efforts in Bitcoin education, continues to rise.
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