Vana (VANA)

Data Ownership and Monetization

Vana is a blockchain network that lets users own, control, and monetize their personal data. Users can contribute their data to Data Liquidity Pools (DLPs), where the data is validated, tokenized, and pooled for use in AI model training. This transforms personal data into financial assets.

AI and Data Economy

Vana supports a decentralized AI economy by enabling user-owned data to be used securely and privately for AI development. Researchers and AI developers access unique datasets through smart contracts on the Vana blockchain, helping advance AI technologies.

Token Utility

The native token, VANA, powers the ecosystem. It is used for transaction fees, staking to secure the network, governance participation, and rewarding contributors, validators, and DataDAO creators who provide valuable data.

Decentralized Governance

Vana operates with Data Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DataDAOs), where users collectively govern data assets. This structure promotes fair value distribution and user participation in the data economy.

Blockchain Features

Vana is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain, allowing integration with existing decentralized applications and smart contracts. It uses privacy-preserving methods to keep data encrypted and secure while enabling tokenization and trading of data assets.

Advantages of Vana

• Vana is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain that lets users turn their personal data into financial assets by contributing to Data Liquidity Pools (DLPs).
• It gives users ownership and control over their data through Data Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (Data DAOs).
• The platform uses privacy-preserving methods like encryption and cryptographic proofs to keep data secure.
• Users who contribute data earn rewards in VANA tokens, which can be used for transaction fees, staking, and governance.
• Vana supports decentralized governance and aims to empower individuals in the AI economy by unlocking user-owned data as a new asset class.
• It offers advanced tools and staking options suitable for both beginners and experts.

Disadvantages of Vana

• The price of VANA has experienced significant volatility and a large decline from its all-time high, which may affect investor confidence.
• Vana is still underperforming compared to the overall crypto market and similar smart contract platforms recently.
• Some exchanges have paused deposits and withdrawals during network upgrades, which can temporarily limit access.
• The ecosystem is relatively new and may face challenges in adoption and competition with centralized data sources.
• Users must manage their own private keys securely, as the platform is non-custodial and does not hold user assets.
• The complexity of data tokenization and participation in Data DAOs might be challenging for some users.

Founders of Vana

Vana was founded by Anna Kazlauskas and Art Abal. They met while studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and shared a vision to create a decentralized platform that empowers users to own and control their data. Anna Kazlauskas serves as the CEO and co-founder, with a background in computer science, economics, and experience in blockchain and AI. Art Abal is also a co-founder and managing director, bringing expertise in data collection and AI training.

Together, they started Vana to build a blockchain-based network that allows individuals to contribute, govern, and monetize their personal data, especially for AI development. Their goal is to create a fair and transparent data economy where users benefit directly from their data contributions.

Strategic Investors

Vana has received strategic investment from YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs). Binance co-founder Changpeng "CZ" Zhao has joined Vana as an advisor as part of this investment. This strategic round closed in January 2025, with YZi Labs as the sole investor in that round.

Other Notable Investors

Before the YZi Labs round, Vana raised $25 million in funding rounds with backing from well-known investors including Paradigm, Coinbase Ventures, and Polychain Capital.

Summary

• YZi Labs (sole investor in January 2025 round)
• Paradigm
• Coinbase Ventures
• Polychain Capital
• Changpeng "CZ" Zhao (advisor and Binance co-founder)

These investors support Vana's mission to build a decentralized network for user-owned data and AI.

Halal Status of Vana

No, there is no specific information available confirming that Vana is halal. Islamic scholars emphasize that for a cryptocurrency to be halal, it must comply with Shariah principles, including avoiding interest (riba), gambling, and involvement in prohibited activities. Since Vana is a Layer 1 blockchain focused on data ownership and AI, but there is no explicit Shariah compliance certification or screening mentioned, its halal status remains uncertain. Muslims are advised to research and consult knowledgeable scholars before investing.