Ankr is one of the key players supporting the rapid growth of Web3, offering tools that help developers, businesses, and everyday users interact with multiple blockchains quickly and reliably. From node hosting to staking, APIs, and enterprise-grade blockchain solutions, Ankr aims to make decentralized networks easier to use while supporting the broader evolution of digital currency, financial technology, and decentralized finance.
What Is Ankr (ANKR)?
Ankr is a decentralized Web3 infrastructure provider that offers developers and users fast, secure access to blockchain networks. Instead of operating as a standalone blockchain, Ankr functions as a middle layer connecting applications, staking systems, and enterprises to the wider crypto ecosystem.
Through its suite of RPC endpoints, APIs, node services, and staking tools, Ankr reduces the complexity of interacting with Proof of Stake (PoS) networks. Developers can launch applications without managing hardware, syncing nodes, or dealing with network congestion. Meanwhile, users benefit from simplified staking options, liquid staking tokens, and convenient access to DeFi opportunities.
Ankr originally launched as a Distributed Cloud Computing Network, designed to use idle computing resources across the globe. This approach challenged traditional, centralized cloud providers and introduced a model rooted in decentralization, resource efficiency, and trust. Over time, the platform evolved to support a wide range of blockchain services, earning relevance across industries exploring tokenization, digital assets, and next-generation financial infrastructure.
Who Created the Ankr Platform?
Ankr was founded in 2017 by Chandler Song, Ryan Fang, and Stanley Wu. Song and Fang were college roommates at UC Berkeley, while Wu supervised Song during his internship at Amazon Web Services. Their discussions around decentralized computing and Proof of Useful Work eventually led to the creation of Ankr.
The team quickly attracted attention from major investors. Early presales and public token sales raised more than $37 million combined, distributing billions of ANKR tokens and funding early development. Additional support came from prominent blockchain investment firms, including Pantera Capital and NEO Global Capital (NGC). Today, Song serves as CEO, Fang as COO, and Wu as CTO, continuing to guide Ankr’s mission of building reliable, scalable Web3 infrastructure.
How Does the Ankr Protocol Work?
Ankr provides specialized tools which are beneficial for builders, stakers, and businesses alike. Its main features can be broken down into these four categories:
Node infrastructure services
With Ankr's decentralized infrastructure, DeFi platforms, NFT projects, blockchain games and DApps of all kinds can receive faster access to blockchains at a more scalable and cost-efficient rate. Hosted by numerous high-performing nodes across the world simultaneously serving requests, these applications are guaranteed optimal performance.
However, setting up a blockchain node requires technical know-how, time, and effort, skills not everyone possesses. Ankr provides a service where it can launch a node which can be accessed remotely. This provides the opportunity for users of all skill levels to participate in the validation process on a Proof of Stake blockchain. Additionally, the platform overlooks the performance of the node to ensure that users' funds staked are not punished due to any downtime or dishonesty.
Instant API and RCP access for developers
Developers who are launching smart contracts and DApps to a blockchain are required to use designated APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). This process typically involves running a node alongside these and spending time synchronizing it to the data on the blockchain.
To solve this issue, Ankr provides instant API services and RPC (Remote Procedure Call) access to developers. This allows for uninterrupted access to blockchains without having to worry about vying traffic. It also provides access to the whole chain's data, supplying the dapp with all the information it might require and an overall better user experience.
Custom Blockchain Enterprise Tools
For enterprises in need of custom-made, streamlined solutions for handling multiple blockchain networks, Ankr provides a Web3 Infrastructure-as-a-Service model. Accessible through an easy-to-use monitoring platform, businesses can utilize the platform's API and RPC services making their operations more efficient and cost-effective.
Liquid staking
Ankr provides staking capabilities across multiple chains, offering reward-earning tokens to represent these staked funds. The tokens can then be used to trade or for various DeFi activities such as lending, yield farming, liquidity mining, etc. This allows users to maximize their earning potential while still engaging in staking activities.
For example, instead of staking the minimum required amount of 32 ETH on Ethereum 2.0, users can stake 0.5 ETH through the Ankr protocol, with these funds automatically being routed to the pools with the highest yield. In return, users will receive aETHb or aETHc tokens, which provide a liquid way in which users can access their staked tokens.
Why Does Ankr Matter in the Web3 Ecosystem?
Ankr contributes to blockchain accessibility, efficiency, and decentralization. The platform supports major networks like Ethereum, Polygon, and Polkadot, enabling developers and businesses to reduce costs, improve performance, and shorten development cycles.
These are some of the reasons users choose Ankr:
- Reliable, globally distributed infrastructure
- Faster access to blockchains
- Tools that reduce technical friction
- Cost-effective enterprise solutions
- A trusted provider backed by well-known investors
- Enhanced flexibility through liquid staking
Its importance extends beyond cryptocurrency: Ankr aligns with trends in financial technology, decentralization, interoperability, and global digital transformation.
What Is the ANKR Token?
ANKR is the native cryptocurrency that powers the Ankr ecosystem. It operates as both an ERC-20 token and as a BEP-20, with a maximum supply capped at 10 billion tokens. It's designed to be more than just a tradable asset, it's the functional currency that makes the entire network run.
ANKR serves multiple purposes within the ecosystem. Users pay with it for node hosting, API access, and enterprise services. Stakers and contributors earn ANKR as rewards for supporting the network. Token holders can participate in governance by voting on key decisions that shape the platform's direction. And as an incentive mechanism, ANKR helps maintain network security and promotes decentralization by rewarding those who actively contribute to the infrastructure.
As blockchain adoption continues spreading across industries (from fintech and global finance to gaming, digital identity, and enterprise software) infrastructure cryptocurrencies like ANKR are becoming increasingly important. They're the engine that keeps decentralized services accessible, scalable, and reliable as demand grows.
What Makes ANKR Valuable?
While market conditions, interest rates, regulation, and broader economic cycles influence ANKR's value proposition is rooted in several core trends shaping the blockchain industry. It appeals to those who see potential in Web3 adoption and the growing need for decentralized infrastructure that can support it at scale. As more applications require reliable node infrastructure, staking services, and enterprise-grade blockchain tools, platforms like Ankr become increasingly relevant to the ecosystem's functionality.
The cryptocurrency’s value is tied to demand for Ankr's services, the platform's ability to innovate and stay competitive, and the sustainability of its business model over time. Market conditions, regulatory developments, and broader economic cycles all influence how ANKR is perceived and priced. Like any other cryptocurrency, ANKR's trajectory depends on multiple factors including user adoption, technological advancement, and evolving market sentiment.
Bottom Line
Ankr sits at the heart of Web3 infrastructure, powering everything from node deployment to staking, enterprise blockchain solutions, and decentralized application development. By simplifying access to dozens of networks and improving performance through globally distributed nodes, Ankr helps developers, businesses, and everyday users interact with blockchain technology more efficiently. Its ecosystem is strengthened by liquid staking, enterprise APIs, and a robust approach to decentralization. Whether you’re exploring it for its infrastructure capabilities, its role in the staking economy, or its long-term position within Web3, Ankr remains a foundational project worth following.
Where to Get ANKR
ANKR is in a unique place in the crypto world. You could be drawn to its multi-chain infrastructure that keeps decentralized apps running, or maybe it's the liquid staking that piques your interest. Or maybe, you just see the bigger picture; that as Web3 grows, something has to hold it all together. So, If you’d like to explore ANKR further, you can find it on Tap alongside dozens of other tokens.
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