The Graph (GRT)

Data Indexing and Querying

The Graph is a decentralized protocol that organizes blockchain data and makes it easy to access using GraphQL queries. Developers use it to build fast, responsive apps that load data in milliseconds without needing to run their own servers.

Decentralized Applications (dApps)

It helps power dApps by providing real-time data from blockchains, such as token prices, transaction histories, and liquidity pool stats. This is useful for DeFi platforms, trading interfaces, and dashboards.

Off-Chain Data Integration

The Graph also organizes off-chain data, like oracle data, allowing developers to create new data pipelines and open-source data economies without expensive infrastructure.

Ecosystem Roles

The network includes Indexers who process and serve data, Curators who signal which data is valuable, Delegators who support Indexers, and Developers who build subgraphs to organize specific blockchain data.

Use Cases Summary

• Real-time blockchain data for DeFi apps
• Dynamic, serverless websites using blockchain and off-chain data
• Data analytics and live updates for trading and finance
• Easy access to decentralized, open data for developers and researchers

Pros

• Time Optimization: The Graph helps developers save time by allowing them to query only the data they need, making data analysis faster.
• Interoperability: It supports multiple blockchains, increasing flexibility for developers working with different networks.
• Decentralization: The Graph is a decentralized protocol, which supports the growth of decentralized applications (DApps) by providing reliable data indexing.
• Community Incentives: Participants like Indexers, Curators, and Delegators work together to maintain data quality and network security, earning rewards in GRT tokens.
• Improved Data Access: It makes blockchain data easier to search and use, which helps developers build better applications.

Cons

• Complex Ecosystem: The roles and interactions between Indexers, Curators, and Delegators can be complex for new users to understand.
• Dependence on Network Quality: The efficiency depends on the quality and activity of the network participants maintaining the data.
• Market Volatility: Like many cryptocurrencies, GRT’s price can be volatile, which may affect its value over time.
• Limited Direct Ownership: Holding GRT tokens does not mean owning a part of the company or project itself.

These points highlight the main strengths and challenges of The Graph.

Founders

The Graph was founded by Yaniv Tal, Jannis Pohlmann, and Brandon Ramirez. They previously worked together on developer tools startups and have strong backgrounds in software engineering and blockchain technology.

Early Investors

Multicoin Capital led the initial seed round with $2.5 million. Other early participants included Compound VC, CoinFund, DTC Capital, Kilowatt, Reciprocal Ventures, and SPC.

Strategic Crypto Funds

Later investment rounds saw participation from Framework Ventures, ParaFi Capital, Coinbase Ventures, Digital Currency Group, Tally Capital, CoinIX, Collider Ventures, Lemniscap, and Sustany.

Additional Notable Investors

Tiger Global Management and Gumi Cryptos Capital have also invested in The Graph.

These investors helped fund The Graph’s development and ecosystem growth.

Halal Status

Yes, The Graph is considered halal. It is an open-source, decentralized protocol used for indexing blockchain data, which does not involve interest (riba), excessive uncertainty (gharar), or gambling (maisir).

Reasoning

The Graph’s staking rewards come from querying fees and hosting subgraph transactions, which are viewed as permissible under Shariah law. Islamic finance experts and halal crypto monitoring groups have screened The Graph and found it compliant with Islamic principles.