About Ink

What is Ink and why was it launched?

Ink is a Layer 2 blockchain developed by Kraken, built on Optimism’s OP Stack, and launched in December 2024 ahead of schedule. It’s designed to connect centralized exchange users with decentralized finance protocols, making DeFi accessible to Kraken’s 10+ million global users. So why does Ink matter? It aims to be a bridge: easy entry for exchange users, yet powerful enough to host next-gen DeFi protocols.

How does the INK token work within the ecosystem?

The INK token has a capped supply of 1 billion, with no inflation or governance-based supply changes. Instead of governance theater, the token focuses on utility—driving liquidity, incentivizing ecosystem activity, and rewarding early participants. It’s worth noting that INK deliberately avoids adding governance power, keeping usage practical and incentive-driven.

What do we know about token allocation and airdrops?

Exact allocations haven’t been fully disclosed, but the Ink Foundation confirmed that airdrops are the core distribution method. Early users of Aave-powered liquidity pools, .ink domain minters, and ecosystem quest participants are expected beneficiaries. Unlike many crypto projects, Ink stresses Sybil resistance to ensure tokens reach genuine users rather than passive farmers.

Are there vesting or unlock schedules for INK tokens?

Most INK distribution happens without lockups. Airdropped tokens are liquid at launch, giving users immediate access. Past events like the Vertex Protocol migration (1 VRTX = 0.018 INK) also followed full and instant vesting. While the foundation hasn’t detailed long-term unlock schedules yet, the preference clearly leans toward instant usability over extended vesting cliffs.

How was Ink funded and who backed it?

Ink secured a $42.5M grant from the Optimism Foundation on 29 October 2024. This grant represents the primary fundraising mechanism and aligns Ink closely with the Superchain initiative. Unlike typical VC rounds, the structure here ties resources directly to network growth and integration with OP Stack. Kraken itself, as Ink’s parent, maintains long-standing investor backing, but for Ink specifically, the Optimism Foundation is the sole listed funder.

Where can the INK coin be traded?

Right now, INK trades primarily on Gate.io, with pairs like INK/USDT, INK/ETH, and INK/BTC. The liquidity is still thin compared to major coins, with around $17K in daily trading. On-chain, Ink hosts its own DEXs, where Velodrome Finance Slipstream dominates, alongside InkySwap and others. Major exchanges such as Binance, Coinbase, and KuCoin don’t yet list INK, though they acknowledge the token in conversion tools.

What kind of activities and campaigns has Ink run?

Ink runs multi-week Guild.xyz quests and community campaigns. Participants can bridge ETH from Stargate, Rhino.fi, Owltow, Orbiter, or Brid.gg, deploy smart contracts, mint “Ink the Future” articles, and even solve puzzles like The Scribe’s Legacy Riddle or Broken Contract. Other tasks include staking with Dinero, providing liquidity on DYORSwap, and registering .ink domains through ZNS or 3DNS. Completing quests earns NFTs and roles, reinforcing its Sybil-resistant, engagement-first design.

What risks should INK holders be aware of?

Every blockchain has risks, and Ink is no exception. Smart contract bugs, bridge exploits, or sequencer issues could impact users. Relying on Optimism’s OP Stack creates upstream dependencies. Liquidity is thin—just $17K daily trading and TVL below $8M—which could slow growth. On the regulatory side, Kraken’s SEC history and its 2026 IPO add extra layers of scrutiny. And here’s a thought: if the Aave-powered protocol falters, INK’s core utility could weaken.