What is VeChain?

VeChain (VET) is an enterprise-grade L1 smart contract platform that seeks to leverage distributed governance and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to create an ecosystem that addresses major data challenges for various global industries. The platform uses two tokens, VET and VTHO, to manage and create value based on its VeChainThor public blockchain. VET generates VTHO and acts as the store of value and value transfer medium, while VTHO is used to pay for GAS costs, separating the need to expend VET when writing data. This dual-token system is designed to avoid fee fluctuations and network congestion. VeChain was founded by Sunny Lu, an IT executive who was formerly CIO of Louis Vuitton China, and Jay Zhang, who previously worked for both Deloitte and PriceWaterhouseCoopers in the finance and risk management sphere.

How does VeChain work?

VeChain operates using an identifier system known as VeChain IDs, which are assigned to products and tracked at each step of a supply chain, creating an environment for all parties involved. The platform seeks to provide stakeholders with detailed information about products and business processes, thereby increasing market transparency and making international trade more efficient. VeChain software allows enterprise developers to create and run decentralized applications (dApps), offering a higher level of services and goods. The project also uses proprietary solutions and developments, including ToolChain, My StoryTool, the VeChainThor blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to facilitate processes.

What are the potential use cases for VeChain?

VeChain aims to improve upon traditional business models, particularly in the supply chain industry. By using transparent technology with no single point of control, VeChain seeks to provide greater security, efficiency, and ease of tracking for all kinds of data, while reducing costs through trustless automation via smart contracts. The platform has wide appeal to many different clients and industries, with potential use cases in carbon, supply chain, international logistics, incentivized ecosystems, automobile passports, and more. VeChain's blockchain was designed to simplify supply chain management processes by making inventory tracking more transparent. The platform itself is based on distributed ledger technology to streamline operations and process a flow of information for complex supply chains.

What is the history of VeChain?

VeChain began in 2015 as a private consortium chain, working with a host of enterprises to explore applications of blockchain. The transition to a public blockchain began in 2017 with the ERC-20 token VEN, before launching a mainnet of their own in 2018 using the ticker VET. VeChain aims to enhance efficiency, traceability, and transparency across data trails, supply chains, and within various kinds of ecosystems. VeChain is an established smart contract platform with a history of serving enterprise clients. The VeChain network uses a Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus mechanism, which requires relatively low computing power to achieve network security.