In the world of cryptocurrencies, some individuals may choose to explore beyond the well-known cryptocurrencies and focus on altcoins. While smaller cryptocurrencies have significant growth potential, they often face challenges such as limited support and liquidity. To tackle these challenges, projects have emerged to offer solutions that aim to address these issues and support smaller cryptocurrencies in the market. One such project is Bancor.
What is Bancor
Bancor is a decentralized ecosystem that provides liquidity for small market value tokens. It has built-in tradable ERC-20 tokens that act as reserves. New tokens are issued using smart contracts in exchange for the reserve ERC-20 tokens.
Essentially, the project acts as an ecosystem of decentralized, open-source protocols that promote on-chain liquidity and trading.
The Bancor team
Bancor was co-founded by Galia and Guy Benartzi in 2017. The project gained significant attention and support during its token sale, raising an impressive $153 million. Notably, prominent investor Tim Draper, a partner at Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ), participated in the token sale. Bancor garnered significant interest from over 11,000 investors, making it one of the largest token sales of 2017.
How does Bancor work
Bancor uses its decentralized trading protocol, Carbon, to enable users to execute automated trading strategies. By leveraging custom on-chain limit and range orders, users have the flexibility to combine and create various buy-low-sell-high strategies that are executed automatically.
Carbon orders are designed to be irreversible once executed, providing a reliable trading experience. Additionally, they are easily adjustable and resistant to MEV sandwich attacks, enhancing the security and integrity of the trading process.
Bancor’s native token: BNT
Launched in June 2017, BNT is Bancor’s ERC-20 native cryptocurrency. BNT does not have a maximum supply. Its total supply currently sits at 161.19 million, while its circulating supply is 153.03 million as of June 2023.
BNT token use cases
In addition to powering the platform, BNT has multiple use cases within the Bancor ecosystem. It serves as a medium for trading and staking, providing users with opportunities to engage in these activities. Furthermore, BNT acts as a governance token, granting token holders the ability to actively participate in the decision-making process and shape the future direction of the project.
Distribution of BNT
BNT is distributed as follows:
- 50 percent was issued to contributors of the fundraiser.
- 20 percent was allocated to partnerships, public bounties, and community grants.
- 20 percent went to the Bancor Foundation’s long-term operating budget.
- 10 percent was kept by the founders, team members, advisors, and early contributors.