Emre Yumlu 
As the Web3 ecosystem grows, the need for fast, uninterrupted, and reliable access to on-chain data has become critical. The smooth operation of smart contracts, decentralized applications (dApps), and improved user experience are not possible without strong infrastructure. This is where Ankr comes in, positioning itself as one of the most important infrastructure providers in the Web3 world.
The project is a global Web3 infrastructure protocol trusted for a long time by industry giants such as Microsoft, Binance, Tencent, Polygon, Optimism, and Avalanche, offering high-performance node operations and engineering services.
What Does Ankr Aim to Achieve?
Rather than being a blockchain network itself, the project operates as a service layer that keeps multi-chain Web3 infrastructure running. Through its global node network covering more than 75 blockchains, it provides developers, projects, and users with low-latency access to on-chain data.
In short, Ankr:
- Enables dApps to function
- Provides RPC and API services to developers
- Produces staking and liquid staking solutions
- Builds custom blockchain and rollup infrastructures
Since almost every transaction in Web3 requires access to chain data, the project is considered the invisible but indispensable backbone of this ecosystem.
When Was Ankr Founded?
Ankr was founded in 2017 by Chandler Song and Ryan Fang. Both are graduates of the University of California, Berkeley, and were early participants in the Blockchain at Berkeley program. Stanley Wu, whom Chandler Song met while working as an engineer at Amazon Web Services, became the third co-founder of the project.
The founding team aimed to develop a high-performance and reliable Web3 infrastructure for decentralized applications to truly scale. In line with this vision, Ankr has evolved over the years into a globally adopted protocol.
How Does the Ankr Network Work?
The network consists of distributed nodes spread across the world. These nodes work together to:
- Process RPC requests
- Deliver chain data via the shortest network path
- Ensure applications run quickly and stably
This structure forms the foundation of Ankr’s Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) approach. Thanks to DePIN, users and applications can access chain data through the nearest node, independent of physical location.
Multi-Chain Structure and Web3 API / RPC Services
One of Ankr’s strongest features is its multi-chain support. Providing node services on many Layer-1 and Layer-2 networks, starting with Ethereum, the project allows developers to access multiple chains from a single point.
Thanks to its Web3 API and RPC platform:
- Interactions with smart contracts are possible
- dApps can quickly read on-chain data
- Stability is maintained even under high traffic
These services significantly reduce infrastructure setup costs for Web3 projects.
Staking Solutions
Ankr is also one of the leading providers in the staking space. The platform offers cross-chain staking support for more than 9 tokens and is actively used by tens of thousands of users.
Classic Staking
Users stake their tokens on supported networks to contribute to network security and earn rewards.
Liquid Staking
One of Ankr’s standout solutions is the liquid staking model, which produces tokens representing staked assets. These tokens:
- Can be used in DeFi protocols
- Can be bought and sold
- Provide staking yields without liquidity loss
This model transforms staking from a passive process into an active capital instrument.
Rollup, Sidechain, and Custom Blockchain Creation
Ankr does not only serve existing networks; it also provides:
- Rollup
- Sidechain
- Custom EVM-compatible blockchain
creation services. These solutions offer end-to-end engineering support for projects requiring high scalability.
Especially the services provided for the Polygon ecosystem:
- Global RPC nodes
- Liquid staking solutions
- Supernets infrastructure
make Ankr a significant player in terms of EVM performance.
Gaming and Web3 Game Infrastructure
Ankr also develops special tools targeting the widespread adoption of Web3 games. The Ankr Gaming Unity SDK provides game studios with:
- NFT integration
- iOS and Android compatible blockchain tools
- In-game asset monetization
solutions. This structure aims to facilitate the transition of traditional games into the Web3 world.
ANKR Tokenomics
What is the ANKR Token?
The token is the native utility and governance token of the Ankr ecosystem. Although the project is not a blockchain itself, the ANKR token is actively used on many networks.
The project supports:
- ERC-20
- BEP-2
- BEP-20
standards and is available on Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, Avalanche, and Fantom networks.
Distribution
ICO Date: September 2018. Following the ICO process for Ankr, token locks were gradually released, and as of August, 100% of the total supply has entered circulation.
Total Supply: 10,000,000,000 ANKR
- Community & Miners: 40%
- Private / Pre-Sale: 30%
- Team & Advisors: 20%
- Marketing: 5%
- Public Sale (ICO): 5%
This distribution aims to encourage network security and community participation while supporting the ecosystem’s long-term development.
What is the ANKR Token Used For?
- Payment for node services
- Staking and staking rewards
- Developer discounts
- Referral and incentive payments
- Governance voting
The total supply is capped at 10 billion ANKR.
Ankr Investors
The project has raised a total of $15 million to date and has received support from institutional investors at different levels. These investors reflect confidence in Ankr’s long-term Web3 infrastructure vision.
Tier 1
- Pantera Capital
Tier 2
- Mapleblock Capital
- DHVC
Tier 4
- Neo
- LinkVC
- BlockVenture
- OK Blockchain Capital
Ankr Partners
The project collaborates with strong partners operating in various areas of the Web3 ecosystem. These partnerships enable the infrastructure to reach a wider range of use cases.
- Polygon
- Binance
- Chiliz
- Mantle
- MetaApes
Ankr Team
Behind the project’s success is a team with high technical knowledge and strong industry experience.
Founders and Management Team
- Chandler Song – Co-Founder & CEO
- Stanley Wu – Co-Founder & CTO
- Ryan Fang – Co-Founder & COO
Other Team Members
- Lauryn Guridi – Chief of Staff
- Marco Robustelli – Marketing Advisor
Official Links
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