Yeliz Akmaca 
Pocket Network is an infrastructure platform providing decentralized data access for Web3 and blockchain applications. The network operates through node operators worldwide, enabling applications to receive data reliably and quickly.
The platform’s main goal is to provide developers with high-performance, cost-efficient, and reliable data access. Its vision is to create an ecosystem where digital infrastructure is owned and managed by users and communities, not centralized corporations.
What is POKT?
POKT is the native utility token of Pocket Network. Pocket Network is one of the first players in the decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) space. Its mission is to provide unstoppable open-source infrastructure globally, achieved by establishing a decentralized network of node operators that deliver reliable, high-performance, and cost-effective data access.
The core idea solves the paradox of decentralized applications (dApps) relying on a few centralized providers for blockchain data. Using POKT and its decentralized protocol, Pocket Network ensures Web3 infrastructure belongs to and is governed by its users.
How the POKT Protocol Works
The POKT protocol operates by incentivizing and coordinating a decentralized network of node operators to provide blockchain RPCs (Remote Procedure Calls). This allows applications to interact with over 50 different blockchains and Layer-2 networks. Each data request (relay) is directed to the most suitable nodes by Dispatcher nodes, with the fastest and most reliable node responding, ensuring fault-tolerant and efficient network performance.
- Node Operators: Individuals running nodes on the network, required to stake POKT tokens. Their economic incentives align with network security and health.
- Gateways and Developers: Developers and dApps access infrastructure through Gateways, paying small fees in POKT for each relay request.
- Decentralized Access: The protocol is permissionless, providing low-cost, flexible access across supported networks with no single point of failure.
The protocol uses a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus for scalability and data consistency. Since 2020, Pocket Network has served approximately 700 billion relays via thousands of nodes in over 22 countries.
Team and Founders
- Michael P. O’Rourke: Founder, strategic vision lead.
- Luis C. de Leon: CTO, technical leadership.
Additional protocol and engineering leads contribute to development.
Investors and Partnerships
Investors: RockTree Capital, Republic Capital, Arrington XRP Capital, C² Ventures.
Partnerships: Collaborations with RockTree Capital for Asian expansion, chain integrations, and gateway provider support.
$POKT Token
Use Cases
- POKT tokens drive all economic activity in the ecosystem and establish relationships among participants.
- Payments: Node operators are compensated for servicing developer data requests. A portion of collective fees from Gateways is burned weekly.
- Staking: POKT is staked by node operators for network security; developers may stake POKT for network performance.
- Multi-Chain Usage: POKT is not limited to its own Layer-1 blockchain; it extends to L1 and L2 networks with DeFi capabilities via Multi-Chain Bridge.
Token Information
- Total Supply: 2.37B POKT
- Max Supply: Not specified
- Circulating Supply: 2.25B POKT
Genesis Token Allocation
- Founders: 23.2%
- Pocket Network Inc (PNI): 21.9%
- Employees, Advisors, Contributors: 21.1%
- Investors: 16.8%
- Pocket Network Foundation DAO: 16.5%
- Early Participants: 0.5%
Shannon Upgrade
Planned for Q2 2025, Shannon upgrade will make POKT staking fully permissionless, marking a key milestone.
Key Features
- Relay Minting: Proof-of-work mechanism for trillions of API requests.
- Token Logic Modules: Modular tokenomics adaptable to any market.
- Native Multi-Chain: POKT services usable on any blockchain.
Expanding Data Support
Shannon extends beyond blockchain RPCs to:
- Indexing services
- AI inference
- Oracles
- Cross-chain transfers
- Other decentralized public infrastructure
Minting / Burning Mechanisms
- Tokens minted based on relay demand; higher usage = more minting.
- Gateway fees per relay (~0.00000085 POKT) are burned.
- Block mint distribution: ~85% to node operators, 5% validators, 10% DAO treasury.
- Staking / Node Operation
- Minimum 15,000 POKT stake required.
- Staked tokens reward node operators for fulfilling RPC requests.
- Staking pool options available for users without technical expertise.
Roadmap
- Apr 2017: Pocket Network founded
- Apr 2019: MVP launch for developers & node operators; partnerships with Quicknode, Tezos
- Apr 2020: Mainnet launch
- Jan 2021: $9.3M public token sale
- Jan 2022: $10M strategic investment from Republic, RockTree, Arrington, C² Ventures
- May 2022: 1B daily relays milestone
Upcoming Milestones
- Mainnet Launch: July 28, 2020
- Shannon Upgrade: Q2 2025
- Permissionless protocol, Relay Minting, Token Logic Modules, Native Multi-Chain
- Ecosystem & Supported Chains
- 50+ blockchains and rollups supported
- Core components: dApps, developer tools, gateway providers
- Node operators are global; infrastructure is international
Strengths & Challenges
Strengths:
- Decentralized RPC reduces centralization risk
- Dynamic tokenomics (relay minting, burning)
- Shannon expansion plans, multi-chain compatibility
- Cost-efficient access and high availability for developers
Challenges:
- Relay count, token emission, supply-demand balance are critical
- Gateway fees and operator costs
- Post-Shannon tokenomics managed via DAO process
- Maintaining advantage over other RPC providers and infrastructure projects
Official Links
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