Riot Blockchain Enters Agreement for Acquisition of 1,200 Bitcoin Mining Machines Manufactured by Bitmain

CASTLE ROCK, Colo., Nov. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Riot Blockchain Inc. (Nasdaq: RIOT) (the "Company") today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire cryptocurrency mining equipment consisting of 700 AntMiner S9s and 500 AntMiner L3s, all manufactured by industry leader Bitmain.  Riot has secured a location for the operation of the mining equipment at a competitive electric cost, with infrastructure in place for expansion.   The transaction is anticipated to close on or before November 15, 2017.

"The acquisition positions us to launch our cryptocurrency mining operations, at a time that Bitcoin and other digital currencies are gaining increased attention and adoption," said John O'Rourke, President of Riot Blockchain.  "We plan to leverage the mining technology to help realize our vision of becoming a leader in blockchain technologies.  Mining bitcoin helps secure the bitcoin blockchain, while providing us direct exposure to accumulating bitcoin in the process."

The mining equipment will be strategically located to utilize hydroelectric power to help minimize utility costs while maximizing potential efficiency and output.  Riot Blockchain intends to utilize the mining equipment and lease existing datacenter infrastructure to provide all services necessary for its operations.  The total hashing power of the equipment is expected to be 9.8 Petahash of SHA 256 Bitcoin mining computing power and 250,000 MH of X11 for Litecoin mining.

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 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 line and 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", including the Company's Risk Factors related to its blockchain and digital currency related strategies and risks contained in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 23, 2017, 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.