Bitcoin became the first decentralized cryptocurrency in 2009. Since then, numerous cryptocurrencies have been created. These are frequently called altcoins, as a blend of bitcoin alternative. Bitcoin and its derivatives use decentralized control as opposed to centralized electronic money/centralized banking systems. The decentralized control is related to the use of bitcoin's blockchain transaction database in the role of a distributed ledger.
List of cryptocurrencies
Timeline
Companies in this industry
Further Resources
An Analysis of the Cryptocurrency Industry
Ryan Farell
Academic paper
Cryptocurrencies, app coins, and investing in protocols
Olaf Carson-Wee, Chris Dixon, and Sonal Chokshi
Decrypting Crypto, From Bitcoin and Blockchain to ICOs
Web