Learning the friendly way

Numeraire is a groundbreaking crypto project that powers the world's first AI-driven, crowd-sourced hedge fund. Founded by South African technologist Richard Craib in October 2015, Numerai represents a revolutionary approach to financial markets where thousands of data scientists compete to build the best machine learning models for stock market predictions.

This is reportedly the first crypto to be created and released by a hedge fund, making it a unique player in both the crypto and traditional finance spaces. The platform has gained significant attention for its innovative approach to combining artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and collective intelligence to create investment strategies.

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AI-powered hedge fund: Numeraire (NMR) is an Ethereum token that powers Numerai, a hedge fund based in San Francisco that uses artificial intelligence for decision-making and trades without human emotion.

Data science tournament: Numerai hosts the world's hardest data science tournament, rewarding participants with NMR tokens for creating models that enhance the fund's investment returns, with over $200,000 paid out every month.

Crowd-sourced predictions: Participants use Numerai's encrypted data to create machine learning models and submit predictions for evaluation, with successful models earning NMR rewards.

Staking mechanism: Users must hold NMR to participate in Numeraire features, stake NMR on outcomes, and conduct payments within the ecosystem.

What is Numeraire (NMR)?

Numeraire creates a unique ecosystem where data science meets finance through blockchain technology. Instead of relying on traditional investment analysts, Numerai crowdsources its investment decisions by running continuous tournaments where data scientists from around the world compete to build the best prediction models.

Here's how it works: Numerai provides encrypted financial data to participants, who then use machine learning and artificial intelligence to create models that predict stock market movements. The best-performing models are used to guide the hedge fund's actual trading decisions, and their creators are rewarded with NMR tokens.

What makes this approach special is that it combines the collective intelligence of thousands of data scientists with the transparency and incentive structure of blockchain technology. This creates a hedge fund that is theoretically more robust and less prone to the biases and emotional decisions that can affect traditional fund managers.

The platform has attracted some of the world's brightest data scientists, who compete not just for financial rewards but also for the intellectual challenge of building models that can consistently outperform financial markets.

Who created Numeraire?

Numeraire was founded by Richard Craib, a South African technologist who established the company in October 2015. Craib attended the University of Cape Town in 2007, where he studied Mathematics and Economics, later transferring to the University of California, Berkeley as an exchange student.

Before founding Numerai, Richard gained experience in global equity markets and worked at Prudential (M&G). His background in both mathematics and finance gave him the unique perspective needed to envision how machine learning could revolutionise hedge fund management.

Based in San Francisco, Craib has built Numerai into what he describes as "a new kind of hedge fund built by a network of data scientists". His vision was to create a hedge fund that could harness the collective intelligence of data scientists worldwide while using blockchain technology to create proper incentives and transparency.

How does Numeraire work?

The Tournament System

The heart of Numeraire is its ongoing data science tournament. Every week, Numerai releases new encrypted financial data to participants. This data includes information about thousands of stocks, but it's anonymised and encrypted so that participants can't identify specific companies or engage in insider trading.

Data scientists download this data and use it to train machine learning models that predict which stocks will outperform others. They then submit their predictions, and Numerai evaluates how accurate these predictions were against actual market outcomes.

Staking and Rewards

To participate meaningfully in the tournament, data scientists must stake NMR tokens on their predictions. This creates "skin in the game" - if their models perform well, they earn more NMR tokens. If their models perform poorly, they lose some of their staked tokens.

This staking mechanism ensures that participants are incentivised to submit their best models rather than random predictions. It also creates a self-regulating system where the most successful data scientists accumulate more tokens and thus have more influence on the fund's decisions.

Model Aggregation

Numerai doesn't just use one winning model. Instead, it combines the predictions from many high-performing models to create a "meta-model" that guides the hedge fund's actual trading decisions. This ensemble approach is typically more robust than relying on any single prediction model.

What Is NMR?

NMR is the native token of the Numerai ecosystem. It also facilitates:

• Tournament Participation: Data scientists must stake NMR tokens to participate in the prediction tournaments and earn rewards for successful models.
• Incentive Alignment: The staking mechanism ensures that participants are motivated to submit their best work, as poor performance results in token loss.
• Governance Rights: NMR holders can participate in decisions about the platform's future development and rule changes.
• Value Accrual: As the hedge fund grows and more data scientists participate, the demand for NMR tokens increases, potentially driving up their value.
• Reward Distribution: Numerai pays out over $200,000 every month to successful participants, making NMR a direct way to earn from machine learning expertise.

The token operates on Ethereum as an ERC-20 token, making it easily tradable and compatible with the broader DeFi ecosystem.

How can I buy and sell NMR?

NMR tokens can be easily bought and managed through the Tap app, which provides a simple interface for buying, selling, and securely storing NMR along with your other crypto holdings.

It's worth noting that NMR's performance is directly linked to Numerai's hedge fund success and the expansion of its global data science network. 

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When you find a platform that makes managing crypto easy and actually enjoyable, it’s only natural to spread the word. With Tap’s Referral Program, you can turn that good deed into rewards and help your friends unlock premium features while you earn bonuses every time they join and trade. Win-win.

Quick highlights:

• Both you and your friend earn bonuses when they upgrade from Essential to a higher tier
• Your bonus is immediately available, while your friend's is locked for 12 months (helping them build long-term wealth)
• Friends have 60 days after completing verification to upgrade and qualify
• Bonus amounts vary based on which premium tier your friend chooses

Why share Tap with your friends?

Think about the last time a friend's recommendation genuinely improved your life. Maybe it was an investment tip that paid off, or a service that simplified something complicated. Financial platforms work the same way - when you find something that truly helps, it's worth sharing.

Cus let’s be honest, the digital asset world can feel overwhelming for newbies. Between choosing the right platform, understanding different service tiers, and navigating security requirements, many people never move beyond basic accounts. That's where your recommendation becomes valuable.

Your friends will likely trust your judgment because you've already explored the platform, experienced the premium features, and can speak authentically about the difference between Tap's Essential tier and the upgraded options.

Understanding Tap's user privilege tiers

One thing that sets Tap apart is its tiered approach to services. Rather than offering the same basic experience to everyone, they provide increasingly valuable features that mirror the financial situation of the user:

Essential - The starting point for all new users 

Plus - Enhanced features for growing portfolios

Prime - Advanced tools for serious investors 

Premier - Professional-grade capabilities 

Platinum - Premium institutional-level access 

Prestige - The ultimate tier for sophisticated users

When your friends start with an Essential account, they get a taste of what Tap offers. But the real value unlocks when they upgrade to higher tiers, accessing features that can significantly impact their digital asset strategy.

How Tap's referral program works

Here's the straightforward process:

Step 1: Share your unique link 

Every verified Tap user gets a personal referral link in their app. This tracks anyone who signs up through your recommendation. Open the app, click on your profile picture and select Refer a Friend. 

Step 2: Your friend creates their account 

Using your referral link, they’ll need to open an account and complete their KYC (Know Your Customer) verification (standard security procedures for financial platforms).

Step 3: The 60-day window 

Once their verification is approved, your friend has 60 days to upgrade from Essential to any higher tier (Plus, Prime, Premier, Platinum, or Prestige).

• The 60-day upgrade window encourages new users to actively explore the platform and make an informed decision about premium features and which one best suits their needs. 

Step 4: Bonuses are credited 

When they upgrade, you both receive bonuses. Yours is immediately available, while theirs is locked for 12 months to encourage long-term wealth building. Reward amounts vary based on the tier they upgrade to.

Step 5: Claim your bonus 

You'll need to claim your bonus through the mobile app as it won't be automatically added to your balance. Go back to where you found the referral link and select Your Rewards.

Important program details

Eligibility requirements:

• You must have a verified account in good standing
• Both parties must complete the KYC requirements
• Maintain compliance with Tap's terms and conditions

Geographic availability:

• Currently available for Tap customers globally
• US customers will have access announced at a future date

Ready to start referring?

Tap’s referral program lets you earn rewards just by introducing friends to the premium features you already love. When you share your upgrade experience, you’re not just helping friends discover smarter tools, you’re essentially giving them a shortcut to better digital asset management.

Remember, your referral means more because it’s real, based on your own journey with Tap’s premium tiers. When you refer people who’ll genuinely benefit, everyone wins: you earn bonuses, your friends level up their portfolio game, and Tap grows with the kind of users who truly get it.

So don’t spam - share smart. Thoughtful referrals lead to better rewards all around.

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In a world where money moves faster and borders matter less, Tap (XTP) makes managing both crypto and traditional currencies feel refreshingly simple. Launched in 2019, Tap isn’t just another fintech platform, it’s a smart, user-friendly platform that brings banking and digital assets together in one place.

With its own ERC-20 token (XTP), Tap offers an all-in-one experience designed to give users more freedom alongside more flexibility. From holding multiple currencies to spending with a globally accepted Mastercard, Tap takes the complexity out of managing your money across borders.

Whether you’re deep into crypto, just starting out, or simply looking for a better way to send and spend worldwide, Tap helps you stay in control - with no condescending jargon, no complicated silo structures, just smarter finance at your fingertips.

How does Tap work?

At its core, Tap is a fintech platform that brings together traditional money management and modern crypto services in one easy-to-use app. Built for flexibility and ease, and as a solution to the founder’s initial problem, the platform allows users to manage both fiat and digital currencies from a single interface, without needing multiple tools or accounts.

Getting started is straightforward. Users complete a quick but thorough verification process, including standard Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks. These steps ensure Tap can operate securely and compliantly across different regions while protecting users and their funds.

Once verified, users unlock access to Tap’s multi-currency wallets, which support nearly 50 cryptocurrencies alongside major fiat currencies. Crypto can be bought using bank transfers or debit cards, and external wallets can be connected to bring funds into the platform. Users can also sell crypto and withdraw fiat directly to their bank account, or use any funds within the app to pay external bank accounts.

One of Tap’s standout features is its Tap Mastercard, available in both physical and virtual formats. The card connects directly to your Tap wallet, letting you spend crypto or fiat in real time, taking care of currency conversions behind the scenes. It works globally for ATM withdrawals and in-store or online purchases, with competitive FX rates and no hidden surprises. Depending on a user’s account level, qualifying transactions can receive up to 8% Cashback. 

Last but not least, Tap allows for instant crypto-to-fiat conversion. That means no waiting, no manual exchanges, and no disruption at checkout - your digital assets are as spendable as your local currency. All transactions are protected with advanced security features and encryption, keeping your money and data safe at every step.

Key features that make Tap unique

Tap distinguishes itself in the crowded fintech landscape through several innovative features that address real-world financial challenges. 

Instant global payments

The platform's instant transfer capability within the Tap2Tap network allows users to send money and cryptocurrencies to other Tap users completely free of charge, honouring Bitcoin’s initial peer-to-peer intention and making international remittances more accessible than ever before.

Real-time transaction alert system

The real-time transaction alert system ensures users maintain complete visibility over their financial activities. Every transaction, whether it's a crypto purchase, card payment, or fund transfer, triggers immediate notifications, providing peace of mind and enabling proactive account management.

Debit card directly linked to account

Global accessibility represents another cornerstone of Tap's unique value proposition. The integrated Mastercard enables ATM withdrawals and purchases worldwide, while the platform's foreign exchange conversion rates ensure users can spend confidently regardless of their location. This global functionality makes Tap particularly valuable for frequent travellers, digital nomads, and anyone conducting international business.

XTP token

By holding and utilising XTP tokens, users can access premium features including up to 8% Cashback on spending, reduced trading fees, decreased foreign exchange fees, higher card spending limits, and exclusive market insights. This tiered system creates tangible value for token holders while incentivising platform engagement.

Tap's smart trading router

This sophisticated system scans multiple exchanges and liquidity providers in real-time, automatically finding the optimal available prices for crypto transactions. This feature ensures all users receive top rates without needing to manually compare prices across different platforms.

What is the XTP token used for?

XTP is the native utility token of the Tap platform, built on Ethereum (ERC-20) and designed to enhance your experience across crypto and traditional finance.

Key Benefits:

• Reduced trading and FX fees for token holders
  
  
• Unlock premium tiers with perks like Cashback, higher limits, and priority support
  
  
• Instant, feeless peer-to-peer payments within the Tap network, ideal for remittances and cross-border transfers
  
  
• Access to premium features like increased limits, newsletters, and exclusive rewards

Tap (XTP) key growth factors

Adoption and User Growth

Tap's success directly correlates with user acquisition and platform engagement. Increased adoption of the Mastercard, growth in Tap2Tap network usage, and expansion into new geographic markets could positively impact XTP demand.

Strategic Partnerships 

Collaborations with financial institutions, crypto exchanges, and fintech companies could enhance platform utility and drive token value appreciation.

Regulatory Environment

Favourable regulatory developments in key markets, particularly regarding crypto integration with traditional banking services, could significantly boost platform adoption and token utility.

Technology Upgrades

Continued platform development, including enhanced security features, expanded crypto support, and improved user experience, supports long-term growth prospects.

It's important to make clear that crypto investments carry substantial risk, and past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Potential investors should conduct thorough research and consider their risk tolerance before making investment decisions.

How to Buy Tap (XTP)

You can buy XTP tokens in two main ways, whether you're new to crypto or already have some experience.

• Buy XTP with crypto 

If you already own Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins like USDT, you can swap them for XTP on exchanges like Bitfinex, Uniswap V2, or ProBit Exchange. Just create an account, deposit your crypto, and make the trade. Or buy directly through the Tap app, where the smart trading engine scans multiple exchanges to find the top prices automatically.

• Buy XTP with fiat money 

Prefer using your debit card or bank account? Download the Tap app, complete verification, and buy XTP directly with traditional currency. It's the easiest route for beginners as everything happens in one place.

Where to Buy XTP You'll find XTP directly on Tap and major exchanges like Binance, KuCoin, and Kraken, though availability varies by location. When choosing an exchange, compare trading fees, security ratings, and user reviews.

Pro Tip for Storage While the Tap app works great for daily use, consider a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor if you're planning to hold larger amounts long-term. Think of it like keeping small bills in your regular wallet but storing larger amounts in a safe.

Tap’s ecosystem at a glance

Tap brings together everything you need to manage money, whether crypto or fiat, into one seamless platform. Each feature is designed to solve everyday financial challenges, from spending to exchanging to sending money abroad.

Multi-currency wallet
Store and manage over 50 cryptocurrencies and major fiat currencies in one secure, easy-to-use wallet. Tap ensures safety with encryption and full regulatory compliance.

Tap Mastercard
Spend crypto or fiat anywhere Mastercard is accepted - online, in-store, or at ATMs. Choose a physical or virtual card and earn up to 8% Cashback as a premium user.

Smart Router

Trade any supported currency without limits. Tap’s built-in engine scans multiple exchanges in real-time to find the optimal rates automatically.

Community & Support
Join active Telegram and X channels for updates, tips, and support. Premium users get access to exclusive market insights and priority help.

A smarter alternative to traditional banking
While Tap isn’t a bank, it offers many things banks can’t - like instant crypto-to-fiat spending, global transfers with lower fees, and real-time access to digital assets. By combining these tools in one app, Tap simplifies money management for a new generation.

Final thoughts: Is Tap worth your attention?

In a nutshell, Tap (XTP) is a regulated fintech platform that integrates traditional banking features with crypto services. It offers secure asset storage, global spending via Mastercard, competitive exchange rates, and peer-to-peer transfers through its Tap2Tap network.

Appealing to a wide range of user groups: Tap offers travellers benefits like favourable exchange rates and card acceptance, cross-border users can enjoy free transfers, and crypto users can make use of the seamless spending experience. While the interface and onboarding processes are made accessible to both newcomers and active traders. 

Tap’s XTP token serves a functional role within the ecosystem, supporting platform utility rather than speculation. However, users should consider the volatility of crypto markets, regulatory variability, and competition from both banks and fintech firms.

For those seeking an all-in-one platform that connects traditional finance with crypto, Tap presents a practical and user-friendly option.

You may have heard of bear and bull markets; both referring to economic conditions within a market. Think about how a bull attacks, lifting you up with its horns. 

A bull  market or bullish market describes a condition within a financial market where the prices are rising or are expected to rise. The term "bull market" is most often used to refer to a financial market but refers as well to any asset that is tradable such as bonds, real estate, commodities, and currencies. Bull markets indicate investor confidence, optimism, and expectations that strong results will continue for an extended period of time.

There are two ways to What is a Bull Market?

A bull market refers to a financial market condition in which the prices of securities or assets are rising or expected to rise over an extended period. In a bull market, investors are optimistic about the future prospects of the market and are willing to buy securities, pushing prices higher.
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Bull markets are often associated with economic growth, strong corporate earnings, and low unemployment rates. In these conditions, investors are confident that businesses will continue to perform well and that the overall economy will continue to expand, leading to higher stock prices.
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Recognizing a Bull Market

To recognize a bull market, investors need to look for a sustained period of rising prices across the market or a specific asset class. This period can last anywhere from a few months to several years.
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Another way to recognize a bull market is through technical analysis. Technical analysts look at charts and other market indicators to identify patterns that signal a market trend. In a bull market, technical analysts may look for higher highs and higher lows in price movements over time.
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Impact of a Bull Market

A bull market can have a significant impact on the economy, businesses, and investors. When the stock market is performing well, businesses may have easier access to capital and credit, which can lead to increased investment and growth.
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A bull market can also lead to increased consumer confidence, as investors feel more optimistic about the economy and their financial futures. This can lead to higher consumer spending, which can, in turn, fuel economic growth.
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On the other hand, a prolonged bull market can lead to a market bubble, where prices become overinflated and unsustainable. This can lead to a market correction, where prices drop significantly, and investors may suffer losses.
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In conclusion

Bull markets can have a significant impact on the economy, businesses, and investors. Recognizing a bull market and understanding its impact can help investors make more informed investment decisions. However, it's essential to remain vigilant and avoid investing solely based on market trends, as market bubbles can lead to significant losses.

approach a bull market: selling stock for high profits or holding in hopes of rising prices in the future. Alternatively, you can also buy more assets, but most would not recommend buying on a high.

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In market terminology, a bull market is a period of generally rising prices and investor optimism. The term "bull market" comes from the market that rises steadily and consistently like a healthy bull. A bear market is the opposite: It refers to a condition when prices are falling and investors are pessimistic about future market value. Historical market cycles are well defined and provide a good understanding of market trends.

It's all about cycles

The market cycle helps investors to know whether they should invest or hold back their crypto coins. To avoid making wrong market choices, investors should know market cycles so they can decide whether the crypto market is on the rise or not.

The market cycle helps people to know when the market is already booming and ready to take a plunge. This helps traders to decide which crypto coin to buy at its lowest value, hold it until market bull cycle and then sell it to make a very good profit.

The Bull Market:

A Bull market is a long run of increasing prices and investor optimism where buyers outnumber sellers. As the market bull cycle goes on, more investors will see the market as their opportunity to buy low and sell high. The result is a market cycle that is not as steep as it had previously been.

The Bear Market:

A Bear market is the opposite of a Bull market where prices are falling and investors have low expectations for future market values. The market cycles are frequently broken up into bull markets and bear markets. This market cycle happens when market prices fall and investors sell their coins, this causes market prices to drop even more until the trend reverses.

The case of the Dead/flat market

A Dead market is a term used to describe a period of time where there is not much movement in either direction but it is not a market downturn by any means. This market cycle can occur after prolonged market cycles such as bull (rising trend market) and bear (falling trend market).

The market is not a straight line, it goes up and down so even though the market has gone on for a considerable time without any market fluctuation, market volatility will eventually return.

The market can be dead for a long time but it could cause worry within investors so they should know where market cycles stand.

Since market cycles are consistent it is better to be ready for market volatility, this will help you make informed market decisions when market cycles return.

In conclusion: the market cycle is a repeating market trend that describes market fluctuations over time. When market prices increase, it is called a bull market; when prices fall, it's called a bear market. Knowledge of market cycles is an important asset for investors in the crypto market as the knowledge of swings, downturns and upturns can help make better-informed decisions with investing in cryptocurrencies.

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Polkastarter represents one of the leading decentralised launchpad platforms in the blockchain ecosystem, focused on empowering early-stage crypto projects to raise funds and launch tokens. First launched in December 2020, it has established itself as a prominent player in the Initial DEX Offering (IDO) space, providing a secure and efficient environment for project launches.

The platform has facilitated the launch of over 100 projects, demonstrating its significant impact on the crypto funding landscape. Polkastarter also features a dedicated marketing team, including video production and design, providing support beyond just the technical infrastructure.

TLDR

Multi-chain launchpad: Polkastarter is a decentralised platform that enables crypto projects to conduct token sales and fundraising campaigns across multiple blockchain networks.

Fixed-price swaps: The platform's main offering is its fixed-swap smart contract, which allows projects to easily launch liquidity pools that execute orders at a fixed price, rather than using traditional AMM models.

Cross-chain support: Polkastarter currently supports Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Celo, and Avalanche, providing flexibility for projects across different ecosystems.

Native token (POLS): POLS serves as the platform's utility token, providing access to IDO participation, governance rights, and various platform benefits.

What is Polkastarter (POLS)?

Polkastarter is a decentralised launchpad platform designed to democratise access to early-stage crypto investments through Initial DEX Offerings (IDOs). The platform serves as a bridge between innovative blockchain projects seeking funding and investors looking for early access to promising tokens.

The platform's core innovation lies in its fixed-swap mechanism, which provides predictable pricing for token sales rather than the variable pricing models used by automated market makers. This approach offers greater transparency and certainty for both projects and investors during token launch events.

Beyond the launchpad functionality, Polkastarter runs an internal incubation and advisory program, bringing together experience and lessons learned from 100+ project launches to nurture and grow Web3 projects, helping to ensure that projects launched on the platform receive proper guidance and support.

The platform takes security seriously by carefully reviewing each project before allowing it to launch. This screening process helps ensure that only legitimate, high-quality projects reach investors, protecting users from scams and poorly developed tokens.

Who created Polkastarter?

Polkastarter was founded in 2020 by Daniel Stockhaus, Tiago Martins, and Miguel Leite. The founding team brought together diverse expertise in business development, technology, and product management to address the growing need for reliable fundraising infrastructure in the decentralised finance space.

Daniel Stockhaus serves as CEO and Co-founder, leading the platform's strategic direction and business development efforts. Under his leadership, the platform has grown from a startup concept to one of the most recognised launchpad platforms in the crypto industry.

The founding team recognised the challenges faced by early-stage crypto projects in accessing capital and the difficulties investors encountered in finding legitimate investment opportunities. Their solution was to create a platform that could serve both sides of this equation while maintaining high standards for security and project quality.

How does Polkastarter work?

Launchpad mechanism

To participate in token launches, users need to hold POLS tokens, with different amounts unlocking various access levels. The more POLS you hold, the better your chances of getting into popular launches and the more you can invest.

Projects set fixed prices for their tokens rather than using changing market prices. This means investors know exactly what they're paying and how many tokens they'll get before they invest.

Multi-chain infrastructure

Polkastarter works across several different blockchains, so projects can pick the one that best fits their needs. Some chains have lower fees, others are faster, and some have different user communities.

Project curation and support

As mentioned above, before any project can launch on Polkastarter, it goes through a thorough review process. The team checks the technology, verifies who's behind the project, and evaluates whether the business makes sense.

Projects also get help with marketing, strategy advice, and technical support to give them the best chance of success both during their launch and afterwards.

What Is POLS?

POLS is the native utility token of the Polkastarter ecosystem, serving a range of functions within the ecosystem:

• Tier access: Users must hold and stake POLS tokens to access different participation tiers in IDO launches, with higher holdings providing better benefits and guaranteed allocations.
• Governance rights: POLS holders can participate in platform governance decisions, voting on proposals that affect the platform's future development and policies.
• Staking rewards: Token holders can stake their POLS to earn rewards while maintaining their tier status for IDO participation.
• Platform fees: POLS can be used to pay for various platform services and may provide discounts on transaction fees.

How can I buy and sell POLS?

POLS tokens are available on Tap, allowing verified users to easily buy, sell, and trade the token. Before investing in POLS, we encourage you to consider how useful the token is on the Polkastarter platform and how much the launchpad space is growing. The token’s value depends largely on the platform’s success and how widely IDO fundraising is adopted.

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