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Polkadot is a complex blockchain ecosystem that aims to create a new kind of Internet, a decentralized Web 3.0. With it, not only tokens but also other types of data can be transferred between different blockchains.
Blockchain interoperability will enable the creation of a network in which users can freely manage their data thanks to decentralized protocols.
Polkadot has three levels in its structure:
- The core or relay circuit, which is responsible for ensuring the security and interoperability of networks;
- The so-called parachains, independent circuits with their own tokens and scenarios of use;
- Bridges that connect parachains and external blockchains (e.g. Bitcoin and Ethereum).
The Polkadot ecosystem applies the PoS consensus algorithm. The agreement between nodes in the network is achieved through the interaction of four participants:
- Collator - the node that engages in mining, which means it forms blocks of transactions;
- Validator - a node that checks the blocks of collators and passes them on;
- Nominators - nodes that cannot verify blocks, but can select validators for this task;
- Fishers - nodes that make sure that participants in the process do not violate the rules of the algorithm.
Each participant is rewarded for their contribution to the network. The test version of Polkadot is called Kusama: it was created to test the functionality of the technology in real-world conditions.
Team
Gavin Wood is one of the developers of Ethereum, an enthusiast promoting Web 3.0 to the masses. Polkadot released its first white paper in 2016, when it set out to create a new version of Ethereum.
Peter Chaban is also the technical director of the Web3 Foundation, a project he and Wood founded in 2017 to support Polkadot's development.
Application of Polkadot
Tokenomics
The first round of DOT funding was conducted in October 2017 through the Web3 Foundation. Within two weeks, the team managed to raise $145 million for the project by selling 50% of the entire investment offer.
Today, the project functions thanks to the support of Pantera Capital, Three Arrow Capital and Polychain funds.
Total supply distribution of DOT tokens
The closed funding round was initiated by the Web3 Foundation: 500,000 DOT were sold to anonymous investors, presumably closing the goal of raising $60 million. Another private round took place in 2020, then managed to raise about $42 more.
The community decided to redenominate DOT tokens: the bid sold in the 2017 auction became 500,000,000 New DOTs, resulting in an initial sale price of $0.29 per token.
Risks
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Growth Prospects
The project takes 7th place in the overall ranking and 4th place among smart contract platforms.
One of the keys to the successful growth and development of this ecosystem is a strong Web3 Foundation, which has been providing grants on a regular basis and helping to popularize Polkadot since its inception.
Transparency and flexibility for investors is also important: the IPO format offers them a much safer environment compared to the disappointing expectations of the ICO community.
Thus, the investor will have more incentives to invest in parachains, and the developers will fight for a place in the Polkadot network. Initially, 100 slots are provided, one of which can be secured during the auction.
