Agoric (BLD)

Cross-Chain Smart Contracts

Agoric enables developers to build smart contracts that work across multiple blockchains. Its asynchronous architecture allows contracts to perform actions over time and communicate with other chains using Inter-Blockchain Communication Protocol (IBC) and Axelar’s General Message Passing (GMP).

Developer-Friendly Platform

Agoric uses JavaScript, a popular programming language, making it easier for millions of developers to create decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi markets, and NFTs with advanced safety features.

Orchestration and Automation

Agoric’s orchestration system automates complex multi-step transactions across chains. This allows seamless user experiences like one-click multi-chain asset transfers, automated staking, swapping, and yield maximization without manual steps.

Native Tokens and Economy

• BLD is the native token used for staking, governance, and securing the network.
• IST is an over-collateralized stablecoin used to pay network fees and participate in DeFi applications.

Use Cases

• Decentralized marketplaces where users trade goods and services directly.
• DeFi applications such as lending, borrowing, decentralized exchanges, and stablecoin systems.
• Cross-chain portfolio management and coordinated yield workflows.
• Automated recurring payments and time-sensitive transfers using on-chain timers.

User Experience

Agoric focuses on simplifying blockchain interactions by abstracting complex cross-chain operations into smooth, user-friendly experiences, making Web3 more accessible and efficient.

Pros

• JavaScript-based smart contracts: Uses JavaScript, the most popular programming language, making it easier for millions of developers to build decentralized apps (dApps) without learning new languages.
• Cross-chain interoperability: Built on Cosmos with native IBC and Axelar GMP support, allowing seamless interaction and liquidity movement across multiple blockchains.
• Secure architecture: Employs object-capability security model to create safer smart contracts and reduce common vulnerabilities.
• Composable DeFi components: Provides reusable libraries and escrow services (like Zoe) to speed up development and enable complex financial applications.
• Asynchronous multi-block execution: Supports long-lived smart contracts that can operate over multiple blocks and across chains, enabling sophisticated workflows.
• Strong ecosystem and funding: Backed by major investors and integrated with Cosmos, benefiting from a growing multi-chain ecosystem.

Cons

• Relatively new and evolving: As a newer platform, it may have fewer dApps and less adoption compared to older blockchains like Ethereum.
• Limited wallet support: Some popular wallets like MetaMask do not currently support Agoric tokens directly.
• Token price volatility: Like many crypto projects, the BLD token price can be volatile and has not yet yielded profits for early investors.
• Complexity for some developers: While JavaScript is common, the object-capability security model and asynchronous design may require learning new concepts.
• Smaller community: Compared to major blockchains, Agoric’s developer and user community is still growing.

For more details, visit Agoric's official website.

Founders of Agoric

• Dean Tribble: CEO of Agoric, with a background as a Principal Architect at Microsoft and founder/CTO of Agorics. He has deep experience in secure systems and smart contracts.
• Mark S. Miller: Chief Scientist at Agoric, a pioneer in secure distributed computing and smart contracts, known for designing the E programming language.
• Bill Tulloh: Co-founder with experience in smart contract markets and research in secure computing.
• Brian Warner: Also a co-founder involved in the early development of Agoric.

These founders have a strong history in computer science, secure systems, and decentralized technologies.

Venture Capital Firms

Agoric is backed by several well-known venture capital firms including Outlier Ventures, Kilowatt Capital, gumi Cryptos Capital, MetaStable Capital, Lemniscap, Xpring (Ripple’s investment arm), Rockaway Blockchain, Polychain Capital, and NGC Ventures.

Individual Investors

Notable individual investors include Naval Ravikant, a prominent angel investor and entrepreneur.

Foundations and Organizations

The Interchain Foundation, which supports projects in the Cosmos ecosystem, has also funded Agoric.

Summary

Key investors are Outlier Ventures, Kilowatt Capital, gumi Cryptos Capital, MetaStable Capital, Lemniscap, Xpring, Rockaway Blockchain, Polychain Capital, Naval Ravikant, NGC Ventures, and the Interchain Foundation.

Halal Status of Agoric

• Yes, Agoric is generally considered halal because it focuses on smart contracts and decentralized applications without involving interest (riba) or gambling (maisir), which are typically prohibited in Islamic finance. However, individual scholars may have different opinions based on specific use cases.