decentralized applications (DApps)</strong></a>, among others. There are four main types of crypto assets:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-cryptocurrency/">Cryptocurrencies/nUtility tokens</strong></a></li>\n<li><a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-security/">Security tokens</strong></a></li>\n<li><a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-stablecoin/">Stablecoins/n/nEach type offers a different utility and can be used for a range of services on the blockchain network.</p>\n<h3>Cryptocurrencies</h3>\n<p>Cryptocurrencies are the most popular form of crypto assets. They act as coins that can be used in transactions between network participants. Cryptocurrencies are based on <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-blockchain/">blockchain technology</strong></strong></a>. Blockchains are decentralized ledgers that maintain data of all transactions completed with the particular cryptocurrency tied to the blockchain.</p>\n<p>The process of generating new cryptocurrencies can be completed via various consensus mechanisms, which vary between different blockchain systems. The most popular consensus mechanisms are <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-proof-of-work-pow/">Proof-of-Work (PoW)</strong></a> and <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-proof-of-stake-pos/">Proof-of-Stake (PoS)</strong></a>.</p>\n<p><a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"https://www.bitdegree.org/crypto/buy-bitcoin-btc/">Bitcoin (BTC)</strong></strong></a> is the first and biggest blockchain-based cryptocurrency in the world. It launched in 2009 and led to the creation of the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin is generated via the Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism.</p>\n<p><a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"https://www.bitdegree.org/crypto/buy-ethereum-eth/">Ethereum is the second-biggest cryptocurrency by <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-market-capitalization-market-cap-mcap/">market capitalization</strong></a>. It is heavily used in <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-defi/">decentralized finance (DeFi)</strong></strong></a>, the development of decentralized apps (DApps), and the creation of <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-token/">crypto tokens</strong></a>.</p>\n<h3>Utility Tokens</h3>\n<p>Utility tokens differ from cryptocurrency coins because, unlike coins, they do not run on their own blockchain and use a <strong>parent blockchain </strong>instead. The Ethereum blockchain is widely used to develop tokens, particularly <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-erc-20/">ERC-20 or <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-erc-721/">ERC-721 assets. Some of these can function as utility tokens.</p>\n<p>As the name suggests, <strong>utility tokens have functionalities that can be used for specific products or services</strong>, usually based on the same parent blockchain. For example, Zilliqa (ZIL) is a blockchain-based platform for DApps development. Its ZIL tokens can be used for gaming or digital advertising.</p>\n<p>Utility tokens can also be used for <strong>exchanges and transactions</strong>. However, they are developed to primarily provide functionality.</p>\n<h3>Security Tokens</h3>\n<p>Security tokens derive their value from other physical and digital assets. Security tokens can be used in exchanges and are usually <strong>regulated</strong> by institutions such as the <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-securities-and-exchange-commission-sec/">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)</strong></a>.</p>\n<h3>Stablecoins</h3>\n<p>Stablecoins are a form of cryptocurrency. However, unlike regular crypto coins which tend to be volatile and fluctuate in value, stablecoins have their value <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-pegged-currency/">pegged to a traditional asset, like gold or <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-fiat/">fiat currency</strong></a>. Tether (USDT), for example, is a stablecoin that has the value of one coin pegged to one US dollar.</p>","level":"medium","meta_title":"What is Crypto Asset? Definition & Meaning | Crypto Wiki","meta_description":"Crypto Asset meaning: Crypto Asset - a digital asset that functions as a cryptocurrency or a decentralized application and relies on cryptographic technology for operations.","meta_keywords":null,"language":"en","created_at":"2022-02-28T08:43:10.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-13T14:32:23.000000Z","preview_url":"https://www.bitdegree.org/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-crypto-asset"},"prevSection":{"id":212,"original_id":null,"author_id":41,"translator_id":null,"title":"What is Crowdfunding?","slug":"what-is-crowdfunding","section":"C","keyword":"Crowdfunding","status":"published","definition":"a method of raising money via fundraisers on different online platforms.","content":"<p><strong>Crowdfunding</strong> is the process of raising money through fundraisers to finance projects or businesses. Crowdfunding is typically held online on different platforms to maximize the amount of money collected through the fundraisers.</p>\n<p>In the digital world, crowdfunding functions as a technology-enabled financial service to raise money. <strong>Capital givers</strong> can donate funds on online crowdfunding platforms that act as <a href=https://www.bitdegree.org/"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-intermediary-middleman/">intermediaries in the process. Rather than relying on banks, <strong>mutual funds</strong>, or business angels, entities raising the funds can collect money through so-called crowds.</p>\n<p>Many crowdfunding campaigns offer rewards for donations. Crowdfunders can receive benefits like VIP access, <strong>insider looks into the projects</strong>, physical gifts, and others based on their donation amount and the conditions established in the crowdfunding campaign. The reward acts as compensation for taking the financial risk of investing in the project.</p>\n<p>There are two general types of crowdfunding campaigns – <strong>investment crowdfunding</strong> and non-investment crowdfunding. It distinguishes between funders who serve as investors in the project aiming to receive economic returns and funders who support the campaign <strong>without a financial incentive</strong> as a reward.</p>\n<p>There are different models for categorizing crowdfunding campaigns. The investment model can proceed as either debt-based crowdfunding or equity-based crowdfunding. Non-investment models can be <strong>reward-based</strong> or donation-based crowdfunding campaigns.</p>\n<p>Many campaign funders come from the financial sector, particularly financial technology (FinTech). The use of online crowdfunding platforms can help maintain contact between those seeking funding and potential investors. Crowdfunding campaigns can also promote open calls for financial participation and cooperation.</p>","level":"easy","meta_title":"What is Crowdfunding? Definition & Meaning | Crypto Wiki","meta_description":"Crowdfunding meaning: Crowdfunding - a method of raising money via fundraisers on different online platforms.","meta_keywords":null,"language":"en","created_at":"2022-02-28T08:23:16.000000Z","updated_at":"2022-05-13T14:32:23.000000Z","preview_url":"https://www.bitdegree.org/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-crowdfunding"},"currentChapter":"C","currentSection":"what-is-crowdloan","chapterTitle":"C","readingLevel":"medium"},"url":"/crypto/learn/crypto-terms/what-is-crowdloan","version":"cdd198d50cbe5c9c21c9329d7c096ffc"}" class="container-fluid d-flex crypto-book p-0"> Crypto Terms: Letter C
What is Crowdloan?
Crowdloan MEANING:
Crowdloan -
a method for new crypto projects to raise funds via Polkadot and Kusama blockchain networks.
Let's find out Crowdloan meaning, definition in crypto,
what is Crowdloan,
and all other detailed facts.
Crowdloan is a method of raising funds for new crypto projects by employing Polkadot or Kusama blockchain networks.
Typically, new crypto projects utilize the Initial Coin Offering (ICO) strategy for the early stages of funding. Investors choose whether to support the ICO based on the team’s credibility, the project outline presented in the whitepaper, and the community involved in the project development process. However, the ICO model is not a guarantee of success.
Crowdloans were created as part of Polkadot’s core framework to improve the chances of success for new crypto projects. With Polkadot’s crowdloans, project teams can develop parachains to generate $DOT which they can use to partake in the parachain auctions.
Prior to parachain slot auctions, crowdloans are given a timeframe for the teams to borrow $DOT from the community members. Users give the $DOT to the project’s relay chain rather than directly to the team.
Once the project team has gathered the required funds, a bid is submitted using the $DOT acquired from the crowdloan. If the project receives a parachain slot, the $DOT received from investors is locked based on the conditions of the parachain lease, between six months and two years.
Once the lease concludes, the investors get their $DOT back. Throughout the lease period, the $DOT or $KSM provided by the investors is never in the project team’s possession.
Crowdloans have exponentially improved the process of ICOs. Investors receive rewards for bonding tokens for the project teams, with the most popular reward being the native coins of new projects. Locking $DOT in a parachain lease on behalf of Acala can help investors yield $ACA tokens.
Proceeding with a crowdloan is only common for projects that are certain to generate an economic return since the project teams never hold the tokens used for parachain auctions in their possession.
Crowdloan is focused on ensuring that the investors’ contributions are protected. Investors have the opportunity to earn extra tokens on a prospective project, rather than exchanging pre-existing tokens for the tokens created by new projects.
Regardless of whether the project succeeds or fails, investors are guaranteed to recover their $DOTs at the end of the lease. This can incentivize investors to join crowdloan projects as they can be assured of the security of their primary tokens.
While crowdloans are a relatively new crowdfunding strategy in the crypto space, they are slowly gaining traction. It is a secure investment method that helps filter the teams and ensure the quality of the projects looking for crowdloan funding.
