Riot Blockchain Closes Acquisition of 1,200 Bitcoin Mining Machines

CASTLE ROCK, Colo., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Riot Blockchain, Inc. (Nasdaq: RIOT) (the "Company") today announced that it has closed on its acquisition of cryptocurrency mining equipment consisting of 700 AntMiner S9s and 500 AntMiner L3s, all manufactured by industry leader Bitmain. The total hashing power of the equipment is expected to be 9.8 petahash of SHA 256 Bitcoin mining computing power and 250,000 megahash of X11 Litecoin mining.

In conjunction with the transaction, the Company announced that President John O'Rourke has been named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Riot Blockchain.

"The closing of this acquisition has positioned us to launch our cryptocurrency mining operation," said John O'Rourke, Chairman and CEO of Riot Blockchain. "Cryptocurrency mining will be a focal point moving forward, gaining us leveraged exposure to bitcoin and other digital currencies while we help secure blockchains."

The blockchain is a decentralized and encrypted ledger that offers a secure, efficient, verifiable, and permanent way of storing records and other information without the need for intermediaries. These protocols are the backbone of numerous digital cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Blockchain protocols have a wide range of use, including processing transactions, managing medical records, and recording votes and proof of ownership across a far-reaching spectrum of applications.

About Riot Blockchain

Riot Blockchain, Inc. (formerly Bioptix, Inc.) leverages its expertise and network to build and support blockchain technology companies. It is establishing a cryptocurrency mining operation and an Advisory Board with technical experience intending to become a leading authority and supporter of blockchain, while providing investment exposure to the rapidly growing blockchain ecosystem. For more information, visit http://www.riotblockchain.com/.

The company continues to maintain its existing Bioptix business segment, including its royalty license stemming from an Exclusive License Agreement with Ceva Santé Animale S.A. ("Licensee"), providing an exclusive worldwide royalty-bearing license, until December 31, 2028, to develop, seek regulatory approval for and offer to sell, market, distribute, import and export luteinizing hormone ("LH") and/or follicle-stimulating hormone ("FSH") products for cattle, equine and swine for the assistance and facilitation of reproduction. 

Safe Harbor

The information provided in this press release may include forward-looking statements relating to future events or the future financial performance of the Company. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," "will," "potential," "hope" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations of the Company and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties. Detailed information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by statements in this press release relating to the Company may be found in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the factors described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors", copies of which may be obtained from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The parties do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Media Contacts
Karen Chase or Travis Kruse
Russo Partners, LLC
(646) 942-5627
(212) 845-4272 
karen.chase@russopartnersllc.com 
travis.kruse@russopartnersllc.com

Investor Contact
IR@RiotBlockchain.com

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SOURCE Riot Blockchain, Inc.