Cryptocurrencies are based on blockchain technologies. Many understand this development as a digital revolution and turning point: digital payment can be realized in seconds, autonomously without intermediaries like banks, as the validity of the transaction is traceable anywhere and anytime due to the transparency of the blockchain. According to its advocates, cryptocurrencies therefore enable a low-barrier access to the financial system. DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organisations) are establishing forms of digital cooperatives. Smart Contracts are replacing banks and notaries. Tokenization is creating possibilities of participation in financial assets. But what does democratization mean, and how decentralized do blockchain technologies really operate? Is it possible to reduce the power of global corporations or will new technical and financial monopolies emerge? To what extent are blockchain technologies monetization strategies? In collaboration with external partners from the fields of science, finance, fashion and beekeeping, the central promises of the blockchain – transparency, democratization, sustainability, freedom, decentralization, trust and wealth – are analysed and critically assessed.