What is Cardano (ADA)

1. Project Introduction Cardano is a decentralized, open-source public blockchain platform utilizing a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. Built around its native token ADA, Cardano supports peer-to-peer transactions and smart contracts. Launched in September 2017 by Charles Hoskinson and Jeremy Wood, it was designed to solve critical blockchain challenges: scalability, interoperability, and sustainability. Its PoS protocol, Ouroboros, is highly energy-efficient. Cardano features a layered architecture: CSL (Cardano Settlement Layer) handles ADA transfers CCL (Cardano Computation Layer) enables smart contracts and application logic This design facilitates easier upgrades and modularity. Cardano supports diverse use cases, including DeFi, NFTs, payments, and gaming. 2. Team & Investment Info Three main organizations maintain Cardano: IOG (Input Output Global): Engineering and development, led by Charles Hoskinson EMURGO: For-profit arm driving adoption and commercial partnerships Cardano Foundation: Swiss-based non-profit focused on ecosystem growth Key personnel: Charles Hoskinson – Co-founder of Ethereum, IOG founder, ADA research/development lead Jeremy Wood – Co-founder of IOG, former early Ethereum team member Frederik Gregaard – CEO, Cardano Foundation Giorgio Zinetti – CTO, Cardano Foundation Funding: No private rounds; raised ~$62 million via ICO. 3. Social Media URLs X: https://x.com/Cardano Telegram: https://t.me/Cardano Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/cardano/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CardanoCommunity 4. Token Info Token Symbol: ADA Max Supply: 45,000,000,000 Total Supply: 44,995,037,803.61 Token Type: Cardano Mainnet Issuance/Burn Mechanism: Inflationary with a capped supply Block Explorer: https://explorer.cardano.org/ Token Distribution: ICO: 58% Team: 11% Staking rewards: 31% 5. Related Links Official Website: https://cardano.org/ White Paper: https://docs.cardano.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardano-community/ Other Info: https://www.rootdata.com/Projects/detail/Cardano?k=NTA%3D