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Why the wal mart and ibm blockchain project failed

Blockchain Breakdown | WalMart and IBM's Failed Supply Chain Venture

By

Elena Kim

Aug 14, 2025, 01:32 AM

Updated

Aug 14, 2025, 06:33 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A visual representation of a broken blockchain chain symbolizing the failure of the WalMart and IBM partnership.
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A growing skepticism surrounds the failed blockchain project by WalMart and IBM, initially launched in 2021 and abandoned a year later. As controversy brews, many people question the reliability of similar claims made by major corporations.

Fallout from the Project's Collapse

Once hailed as a breakthrough, the WalMart and IBM blockchain initiative is now viewed with distrust. While a 2021 press release highlighted its potential for enhancing supply chain tracking, the project's quick closure raises serious doubts about its feasibility.

Remarks from the people illustrate this skepticism: "This project never even launched properly," and "Feels like more smoke and mirrors." Such sentiments reflect a significant shift in confidence regarding blockchain applications.

Key Concerns from the Community

Participants in various forums have shared their thoughts on the project and blockchain in general:

  • Many are disillusioned with corporate claims, suggesting that companies often exaggerate benefits without substantive explorations of crypto applications.

  • The Oracle Problem, a key point raised by commentators, emphasizes that blockchain cannot verify authenticity, leading to distrust in touted solutions like self-sovereign identity.

  • Users assert that claims of eliminating counterparty risk are misleading, highlighting that blockchain still relies on third-party resources that lack accountability.

"People argue 'holding bitcoin' has no counterparty risk, which is also a lie. Just because your wallet is secure doesn’t mean your bitcoin is secure."

Such insights hint at a broader concern: if projects like these cannot deliver, what's left for future blockchain initiatives?

Market Sentiment Analysis

The overall tone among the people remains negative:

  • πŸ’” "Hundreds of millions have been scammed in blockchain ventures; where are the successful use cases?"

  • ❓ "If blockchain is a solution, what’s the point if it's just another casino?"

These comments indicate a pressing need for real results over marketing hype, especially as regulatory bodies begin scrutinizing the crypto sector more closely.

Key Points to Consider

  • ⚠️ The rapid shutdown of the WalMart and IBM blockchain initiative casts a long shadow over company claims.

  • πŸ” Many argue that current blockchain narratives focus too much on idealistic goals with insufficient grounding in reality.

  • πŸ“‰ Growing skepticism and calls for accountability may challenge future investments and trust in blockchain solutions.

What Lies Ahead?

While the future of blockchain in corporate strategy appears uncertain, experts note a shift towards pilot programs for testing viable applications. Such cautious approaches could lead to the development of more credible use cases, fostering a renewed interest in blockchain technology.

End: Learning from the Past

A lesson can be drawn from previous tech failures, similar to those seen during the dot-com boom. Just as many ambitious internet ventures fell short, today’s blockchain projects must navigate a landscape marked by cautious optimism. Will the industry adapt, or are we in for more smoke and mirrors?

Curiously, with over 30,000 cryptocurrencies already dead, can we trust the remaining solutions to hold up under scrutiny?