Cardano

Cardano (ADA) was founded in 2017 by Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Ethereum, as a third-generation blockchain platform built on peer-reviewed academic research and formal verification methods. Using the energy-efficient Ouroboros proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, Cardano aims to provide a more sustainable and scientifically rigorous approach to blockchain development than its predecessors.

The Cardano ecosystem centers around its native ADA token, which enables staking rewards for network validators, and a growing collection of decentralized applications following the launch of smart contract functionality through the Alonzo upgrade. The platform emphasizes interoperability, sustainability, and scalability while supporting DeFi protocols, NFT projects, and identity solutions across emerging markets, particularly in Africa through partnerships with governments and educational institutions.

At CoinDesk, we provide comprehensive Cardano news coverage tracking the platform's methodical development approach, major protocol upgrades, and real-world adoption initiatives. Our reporting covers everything from staking developments and DeFi growth to Cardano's unique governance model and expanding partnerships in developing nations.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Markets

Ethereum Alternatives and Gaming Tokens Outperform BTC and ETH

Solana’s SOL hit an all-time high of $246 on Wednesday and the token is up 5% in the last 24 hours. Polkadot (DOT) is up 7%.

By Lyllah LedesmaNov 4, 2021

The chart shows Ethereum alternatives such as Polkadot's DOT and Solana's SOL are outperforming bitcoin and ether. (TradingView)

Tech

The Tragedy of the Third Coin

As crypto moves increasingly mainstream, many retail investors seek an alternative to bitcoin and ethereum.

By Paul J. Dylan-EnnisNov 1, 2021

(Say Cheeze Studios/Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Tech

Three Arrows Capital Backs $10M Raise for DeFi on Cardano

Major DeFi investors piled into the Ardana project, including some that have never invested in Cardano before.

By Andrew ThurmanOct 29, 2021

Markets

Crypto Fund Inflows Hit Record $1.5B as Bitcoin Futures ETFs Go Live

Bitcoin dominated this week’s inflows, with a 99% share. Last week, bitcoin’s weekly inflows were at $70 million.

By Lyllah LedesmaOct 25, 2021

Markets

Australia Has Third-Highest Rate of Crypto Adoption in the World: Finder Survey

Almost 18% of the country’s population owns crypto.

By Sebastian SinclairOct 19, 2021

Sydney Harbour (Photoholgic via Unsplash)

Videos

SEBA Bank Exec on Launching Program for Clients to Earn Yield With Crypto

Digital asset platform SEBA Bank has introduced a product that will let clients earn a yield on their crypto holdings. Institutions can generate rewards from proof-of-stake protocols such as Polkadot, Tezos and Cardano, with other networks to be added over time. Urs Bernegger, Co-Head of Trading and Investment Solutions at SEBA Bank, discusses the launch, the role of Europe in DeFi, and his crypto markets assessment.

Oct 14, 2021

Markets

Gene Simmons’ $300K Cardano Investment Has More Than Doubled Since February

The Kiss star has veered heavily into crypto in recent years. It may have paid off handsomely.

By Bradley KeounOct 11, 2021

Gene Simmons of Kiss performs in New York City on June 11, 2021. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for A&E)

Policy

Stellar and Cardano Show the Power of College Partnerships

Initiatives linking foundations and universities broaden the base for crypto development.

By Jared LindzonOct 8, 2021

Markets

Crypto Funds Draw $90M in New Money as Confidence Returns

Bitcoin-focused funds have attracted new capital for three straight weeks, after a period of outflows in recent months.

By Lyllah LedesmaOct 4, 2021

Videos

Cardano Foundation CEO on Gaining Smart Contract Capability, 'Alonzo' Hard Fork

Open-source public blockchain Cardano's ADA token has skyrocketed over 1000% YTD. Behind this surge is the completion of the "Alonzo" hard fork, a major upgrade on the Cardano network that saw the implementation of smart contract functionality, paving the way for native decentralized applications (dapps). Cardano Foundation CEO Frederik Gregaard shares insights into what "Alonzo" means for development on the blockchain, the network, and the overall digital asset ecosystem.

Sep 29, 2021