Ripple is set to get a kick-start, with the outfit behind it opening up a developer portal and CrossCoin Ventures launching an accelerator to help startups working with the cypto-currency protocol.
With bitcoin floundering under the weight of the Mt. Gox fallout, Ripple Labs - which created the open-source, distributed payment protocol - is hoping to gather momentum by opening up to developers.
The Ripple developer portal initially features the new Rest API, and will expand over time to include a developer blog; a Rest-based API and implementation guides for deeper language compatibility and quicker deployment; open-source repositories and documentation for concept applications; and a list of live Ripple development bounties.
Chris Larsen, CEO, Ripple Labs, says: "We are committed to providing more transparency for developers, making it easier for them to build on Ripple, and empowering them with the tools they need to be successful."
Meanwhile, CrossCoin Ventures is launching a digital currency accelerator geared toward concepts that will advance the Ripple ecosystem. Located in the South of Market area in San Francisco, the programme will provide startups with funding, mentoring, office space, training and direct access to Ripple Labs resources and investors.
Gary Kremen, managing partner, CrossCoin Ventures, says: "We're especially interested in concepts revolving around remittance between the US and developing nations such as free, real-time microtransactions; wallets for businesses and consumers; merchant solutions; and tax, analytics and management products for multiple fiat and digital currencies."