Polkadot

DOT

What this page is: neutral, sourced facts about Polkadot. Every line links where it was checked. 10 facts, 3 from primary sources. Educational, not financial advice.

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Launch

In May 2020, Polkadot launched its mainnet under a proof-of-authority consensus model, managed by the Web3 Foundation during its early phase. secondary source source

Founders and creators

Gavin Wood, Robert Habermeier and Peter Czaban (Web3 Foundation). secondary source source

Origin story

In 2017, Gavin Wood, Aeron Buchanan, Peter Czaban, Reto Trinkler, and Mathias Bucher established the Web3 Foundation, a non-profit based in Zug, Switzerland. secondary source source

Stated purpose

A heterogeneous multi-chain framework with a relay chain and parachains. primary source source

Consensus mechanism

Polkadot staking uses Nominated Proof-of-Stake (NPoS), in which nominators back validators. primary source source
By June 2020, the network transitioned to a Nominated Proof-of-Stake (NPoS) consensus mechanism. secondary source source

Supply model

Repeated failures result in the reduction of their security bond (through burning). primary source source

Main uses today

Designed to facilitate interoperability, Polkadot enables independent blockchains to exchange data and assets without relying on centralized intermediaries. secondary source source

Key milestones

In December 2021, Polkadot introduced parachain functionality, allowing multiple blockchains to connect to the network's Relay Chain. secondary source source

Notable events and controversies

By June 2020, the network transitioned to a Nominated Proof-of-Stake (NPoS) consensus mechanism, allowing token holders to nominate validators to secure the network and process transactions. secondary source source

Sources & studies

Last checked: 2026-11-04 · Prices, market caps and circulating supply are left out on purpose because they change by the minute. Educational, not financial advice.

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