Yigit Taha OZTURK 
Blockchain technology offers immense potential thanks to its secure and decentralized nature. However, it suffers from a significant limitation: it cannot access real-world data on its own. Smart contracts—automated digital agreements—require reliable, real-time, and verifiable data to function properly. That’s where Chainlink steps in.
Founded in 2017 by Sergey Nazarov and Steve Ellis, Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that enables blockchains to communicate with off-chain data. As of 2025, the network is integrated with over 14 blockchain ecosystems, including Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, and BNB Chain, and is used by more than 1,600 projects.
How Chainlink Works
Chainlink operates through a three-step process to securely deliver external data to smart contracts:
- Oracle Selection: A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is created based on the user’s data requirements, and appropriate oracles are selected.
- Data Reporting: Chosen oracles fetch the required data from external sources.
- Result Aggregation: The data is verified and aggregated by smart contracts before being sent to the requesting smart contract.
Chainlink’s infrastructure includes Reputation Contracts (to evaluate oracle performance), Order-Matching Contracts (to pair SLA requests with suitable oracles), and Aggregating Contracts (to consolidate data).
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Chainlink can also interact with independent oracle nodes that do not operate directly on its blockchain. This is made possible through two components: Chainlink Core, which processes SLAs, and the Chainlink Adapter, which connects the node to external data providers. The network employs a hybrid consensus model combining Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) and Proof of Authority (PoA) for rapid and secure data transmission.
What Is the LINK Token and What Is It Used For?
LINK is the native cryptocurrency of the Chainlink network and is an ERC-20 token with a total supply capped at 1 billion.
Primary uses include:
- Paying oracle node operators
- Providing collateral through staking
- Securing the network
Node operators are rewarded with LINK for providing accurate data and risk losing their staked tokens for malicious behavior or poor performance. As of 2025, holders can stake their LINK tokens for a 4.75% APY, earning passive income while strengthening network security.
Chainlink Tokenomics and Funding History
Chainlink conducted its public ICO from September 17–18, 2017, raising $3 million with a token price of $0.109. A private sale brought in an additional $29 million at a price of $0.0899 per token.
Token Allocation:
- Private/Pre-sale: 32.25% (322.5M LINK)
- Public Sale: 2.75% (27.5M LINK)
- Rewards & Airdrops: 35%
- Investors: 35%
- Founders & Project: 30%
This distribution aligns with industry best practices. A detailed vesting schedule was implemented to prevent market saturation. While 50% of tokens were scheduled to unlock by January 2020, a large portion remained unsold, preventing any major price crash. The market responded positively, with the LINK token quickly recovering.
Chainlink Team and Strategic Partnerships
Key figures behind Chainlink include:
- Sergey Nazarov, CEO and visionary leader
- Steve Ellis, CTO and lead developer
Over the years, the team has consistently delivered high-impact updates:
- 2018: Acquired TownCrier from IC3
- 2019: Launched mainnet on Ethereum
- 2020: Integrated DECO from Cornell University
- 2021: Released the Chainlink 2.0 whitepaper
- 2023: Launched the Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP)
- 2024–2025: Formed key partnerships with Ripple, Coinbase (Base), and World Liberty Financial
Notable investors include:
- Hashed Fund
- Framework Ventures
- Outlier Ventures
- Fundamental Labs
These strategic backers reinforce the project’s long-term viability and institutional appeal.
The Future of Chainlink: Bridging DeFi and Traditional Finance
As of 2025, Chainlink is expanding beyond DeFi, targeting integration with traditional financial systems. Co-founder Sergey Nazarov has emphasized the importance of institutional use cases and maintaining high security standards. The network aims to become the industry standard for tamper-proof data feeds, powering complex smart contracts across both decentralized and traditional systems.
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