On August 28, 2025, as Riga TechWeek neared its conclusion, 300 leaders from the crypto, fintech, and blockchain industries gathered at a waterfront restaurant for something different: Proof of Chill.
The invitation-only event, hosted by Paybis in collaboration with the Latvian Blockchain Association (LBAA) and UN:BLOCK, offered exactly what its name promised—a relaxed setting for high-impact conversations.
Why an Exclusive Format?
Tech conferences are often overwhelming. Between keynotes, panels, and exhibition halls, meaningful one-on-one conversations can be surprisingly hard to achieve.
Proof of Chill took the opposite approach: a curated guest list, seaside venue, and no formal programming. The result was space for discussions that actually move deals forward—pilot partnerships, integration plans, regulatory perspectives.
The Organizations Behind It
- Paybis — Founded in Latvia in 2014, now a global crypto infrastructure provider with 5+ million users
- LBAA — Riga-based nonprofit working to establish Latvia as an EU Web3 hub
- UN:BLOCK — Northern Europe’s largest crypto conference (1,200 attendees, 100 speakers, 250 companies in 2025)
Latvia’s Growing Crypto Ecosystem
With the EU’s MiCA regulation now in effect, Latvia has positioned itself as a competitive destination for crypto companies seeking EU licensing. As of January 2025, the Bank of Latvia accepts license applications allowing companies to operate across the entire EU with a single license.
This regulatory clarity, combined with existing fintech expertise and lower costs than Western European hubs, has attracted growing interest from international crypto companies.
Looking Forward
UN:BLOCK 2026 is confirmed for April 1-2, 2026 at Hanzas Perons in Riga. Combined with the next Riga TechWeek, there are multiple entry points for those interested in Latvia’s blockchain ecosystem.