The Beginner’s Guide to Cardano

Iulian Lesanu • October 15, 2019

By mixing a scientific approach with philosophy, Cardano manages to provide one of the most secure cryptocurrencies to date, and most probably the future of mainstream crypto as we know it.

While most blockchain-based ledger s are inhabited by miners , Cardano amassed a significant number of mathematicians, scientists, and independent thinkers. Together they develop and support an open-source and patent-free platform where users can create and execute DApps and smart contracts at a high speed on a multi-layer protocol.

Like most decentralized and highly-promising public networks that use blockchain technology , Cardano has its native asset. ADA is a utility token that you can use on the platform and store it in the community-developed Daedalus Wallet.

Cardano is developing slowly but steadily into an innovative cryptocurrency with a development philosophy of its own.

Cardano in a Nutshell

Cardano is a decentralized, open-source, patent-free platform
Cardano uses blockchain technology to enable the creation of smart contracts and DApps
Cardano was released in 2015 by two former Ethereum employees
Cardano uses scientific papers instead of a whitepaper
Cardano uses ADA as native crypto on the platform
Cardano is the first cryptocurrency to use a Proof of Stake protocol that is scientifically proven to be secure
Cardano uses the Ouroboros algorithm to obtain Proof of Stake instead of mining
Cardano’s ADA tokens can be stored in the community-created Daedalus Wallet

What is Cardano?

Cardano is a decentralized public network that uses blockchain technology to enable the development of smart contracts and DApps.

Cardano is in direct competition with Ethereum, which is the largest smart contract-supporting blockchain on the market.

Just like its giant-size competitor, Cardano has a native digital asset in the form of ADA, and a Proof of Stake-like consensus mechanism called Ouroboros .

Where Cardano claims to have a competitive advantage is its academically peer-reviewed nature. This fully open-source platform is named after Gerolamo Cardano, a famous Italian polymath from the 16 th century. According to its creators, it is the only blockchain network out there to follow scientific philosophy in its research and development.

Cardano replaced the standard whitepaper that almost all cryptocurrencies release on their launching with a set of academic papers on which it bases its philosophy.

Another aspect that differentiates Cardano from Ethereum is its versatile offer of applications and ease of use. The network can process transactions and smart contracts in a multi-layer style to enable users to develop DApps faster and more efficiently.

ADA is the cryptocurrency available on the Cardano network. It is a utility token that allows users to transfer and receive digital funds. Its creators believe that the use and behavior of this crypto on the market give us a sneak preview of how the money will look like in the future.

At the time of writing, ADA had a value of USD 0.038545 per unit, and a market cap of USD 999,350,627, according to CoinMarketCap .

A brief history of Cardano

Cardano is the creation of Charles Hoskinson (one of Ethereum’s co-founders) and one of his former colleagues at Ethereum, Jeremy Wood.

In 2015, the two developers proposed a new blockchain-based platform for smart contracts and cryptos that would expand the use and understanding of the world of digital assets and applications.

Hoskinson and Wood established Input Output Hong Kong (IOHK), which became one of the main companies to support the development of Cardano. In time, two others joined their efforts – Emurgo and The Foundation .

The developers raised almost $63 million for the development of Cardano in an ICO that lasted for almost 2 years, between January 2015 and January 2017.

Cardano is the only blockchain-based network to have passed the official algorithm review at the International Cryptology Conference in 2017 .

How does Cardano work?

Cardano works as the Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL), which is the balance ledger and is the foremost layer of the network. Its developers consider it an improvement to Bitcoin and an innovation in cryptocurrency, according to the Ouroboros whitepaper .

Cardano uses Ouroboros, which is a Proof of Stake algorithm with additional features that make it completely distinct from those used by other smart contract-based blockchains.

Ouroboros is a crucial element of the system that supports the ADA cryptocurrency. Contrary to other algorithms, it takes out the need for mining from the users. Instead, it uses mathematics to prove the validity of a transaction through a randomly selected stakeholder, which only has to have a proportional size to the stake that they have.

Ouroboros is the first algorithm to develop a proof of stake algorithm that ensures both complete randomness and optimal security. This process uses a multiparty implementation of a coin-flipping protocol, which is an innovation in cryptocurrency.

Cardano also summarizes its entire development into an allegorical sequence called the Cardano Roadmap.

Staying true to the network’s philosophical and scientific approach to cryptocurrency, the Cardano Roadmap uses 5 divisions of development, each named after great historical innovators, as it follows:

Byron
Shelley
Goguen
Basho
Voltaire

These five stages are called eras, and they will develop in parallel but will be delivered sequentially. They will include years of research, proposed algorithms, developments, and prototyping that will link the academic discoveries with innovations in cryptocurrency to transform Cardano in the next generation of cryptos ready available for mainstream adoption.

Each era in the Cardano Roadmap has a countdown to its release. Once an era is revealed, all of its content becomes accessible to the Cardano community. At the time of this writing , the network is getting ready to release the fifth and final era of the Roadmap, Voltaire.

How to buy and own ADA

Cardano’s native asset ADA has a hard cap of 45 billion pre-mined tokens.

You cannot buy ADA with fiat money. However, you can make an account on popular cryptocurrency exchanges online and exchange fiat currencies for other cryptos like Bitcoin , Ethereum or Litecoin. Next, you can use these tokens to purchase ADA.

Here are some of the best choices for becoming an ADA owner:

Where to store ADA

When it comes to storing ADA, Cardano offers a reliable solution with its Daedalus Wallet .

This storage option for digital assets is a safe, multi-platform, HD wallet specifically developed for the Ada cryptocurrency. You can easily install it on your computer, whether it is a PC or a MAC, and benefit from:

High protection encrypted private keys and passwords
Protection against hacker attacks and malware
The option to export the wallet to cold storage solutions like paper certificates
Transaction assurance level monitoring

At the moment, the Cardano developers are working on enhancement solutions to benefit the ease of use of ADA tokens and the ledger. These projects include:

Support for Ethereum and Bitcoin
A portable wallet for both iOS and Android-running smartphones
The possibility for ADA holders to participate in the block generation process actively
An app store where the community can promote its locally-built applications

The advantages of using Cardano

Cardano uses Ouroboros – the first Proof of Stake protocol that is scientifically proven to be secure
Cardano uses a multi-layer protocol to enable the execution of smart contracts and DApps concomitantly on different layers
Cardano fulfills the main requirements of cryptocurrency by ensuring both the security of its users and the viability of its processes at the same time
Cardano can easily adapt to the upcoming changes in the cryptocurrency market through soft forks
Cardano is open source and patent-free

The risk of investing in Cardano

The development speed of Cardano is slow in spite of its promising potential and future success. The ICO that took two years to complete is a clear sign that while Cardano uses a scientific approach to create the most secure cryptocurrency to date, maybe overthinking its next steps dents its evolutionary pace.

The post The Beginner’s Guide to Cardano appeared first on Crypto Adventure.

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Disclaimer: This is not trading or investment advice. The above article is for entertainment and education purposes only. None of the content on Crypto Folds is investment advice nor is it a replacement for advice from a certified financial planner. Please do your own research before purchasing or investing into any cryptocurrency.

Angry Pepe Fork Unveils Deflationary Roadmap as PI Network Crosses 60M Users

By Press Release • July 1, 2025

While PI Network officially passes 60 million global users, there's another project that's creating hype with a new trend. Angry Pepe Fork ($APORK) has announced its roadmap and deflationary tokenomics model. This marks a direction toward sustainable growth within the oversaturated market for meme coins. Angry Pepe Fork is a viral meme token with a tiered ecosystem. Its mix involves: Token scarcity Staking rewards in real time, A community-based growth plan through its CommunityFi and GambleFi platforms. It opens the door for a new wave of meme coins based on participation and utility and not speculation. Ecosystem Design: For Scarcity and Utility Angry Pepe Fork has a non-inflationary token supply of 1.9 billion tokens. In fact, launching a token with a fixed supply is a known deflationary move in Web3. A built-in burn mechanism destroys tokens during each game payout on its upcoming GambleFi platform. This dynamic reduces supply in real time, reinforcing value through scarcity. The platform is already distributing rewards during its presale phase. The team promises appealing APY rates for anyone staking tokens, with staking available directly from the presale interface. CommunityFi: Incentivizing Engagement and Growth Angry Pepe Fork’s CommunityFi model also includes a systematic reward mechanism for active contributors. Members get additional $APORK tokens for writing posts, tweeting updates, or promoting word of the project on social channels. This way, this model decentralizes marketing and promotes word-of-mouth adoption, something most meme coins struggle with post their initial launch. A multi-level presale bonus structure incentivizes early participation even more: Bronze Level: 5% reward (from purchases $50+) Silver Tier: 10% (from purchases $150+) Gold Tier: 15% (from purchases $250+) Platinum Level: 20% (from purchases $500+) GambleFi and Roadmap Integration The upcoming GambleFi platform will support gamers wagering $APORK with several on-chain mini games. All game results trigger token burns automatically such that entertainment is coupled with tokenomics. Such a model emulates sustainable models from bigger ecosystems like Binance and Ethereum. The project roadmap outlines: Security audits (formerly carried out by SolidProof) Token release and listing on exchanges GambleFi platform integration Multi-chain bridging to Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana Strategic partnerships with Web3's top brands About Angry Pepe Fork Angry Pepe Fork is a community-driven cryptocurrency project aimed at building long-term sustainability and community interaction. CommunityFi, GambleFi, and deflationary tokenomics are its unique core features differentiating it from hype-based competitors. Angry Pepe Fork presents a fixed supply model, live staking, and user-controlled growth mechanics. The team is rethinking what meme coins can provide in 2025 and beyond. The project’s token follows a clear, predetermined allocation. In fact, 25% of the coins will go to marketing operations, while the presale will get 20% of the funds. Moving on, 15% of the tokens will be locked in a treasury, and the same amount will fund staking rewards. The team will set aside 10% of $APORK for community rewards and another 10% for liquidity. Lastly, the remaining 5% will cover exchange and listing operations. One can learn more about Angry Pepe Fork and its token on its official project website . The price of APORK token is currently $0.0269, with the price set to increase in 3 days. The social pages below are also available for anyone interested in joining this online community. X (Twitter) | Telegram

LAXMINT Signs Strategic MOU with Federation of Indigenous Native Peoples in Mexico

By Press Release • July 1, 2025

In a landmark collaboration aimed at empowering indigenous communities through digital technology, Real World Digital Assets (RWAs) and sustainable mining practices, LAXMINT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federation of Indigenous Native Peoples in Mexico (Federación de los Pueblos Originarios Indígenas, FEPOI). FEPOI, representing over 1.5 million members across more than 60 distinct communities and 39 native languages, is committed to unifying indigenous tribes within a civil framework to enhance social inclusion and economic prosperity. Through this strategic partnership, FEPOI will act as the South American representative for LAXMINT, facilitating community inclusion and promoting the ecosystem’s shared vision throughout indigenous populations. The significant agreement was formalised in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Al Ghareeb, Chairman of LAXMINT, and His Excellency Mr. Manuel Neri Ramirez Castilli, President of FEPOI. This signing reflects the mutual commitment of both organisations to uplift tribal communities globally. LAXMINT, known for its transformative initiatives in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), will provide essential training, education, and skills to communities, ensuring the development of sustainable mining practices aligned with clear environmental and social objectives. Marisol Pineda Torres, CEO of FEPOI, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership, stating: "This is an incredible opportunity. Blockchain and technology are much needed in these communities, especially where there is significant reliance on internal support and education. Our partnership with LAXMINT is a powerful way to empower our communities in all areas, and we are excited to represent and drive this initiative throughout Mexico and South America." Thanveer Ummer, CEO of LAXMINT, commented: "This collaboration marks an exciting step forward for LAXMINT. While our current gold production focus is primarily on Africa, this partnership extends our vision directly to the artisanal communities of Mexico and South America. It is through collaborations like these that the LAXMINT community will strengthen, sharing resources, knowledge, education, and opportunities for mutual benefit. We look forward to exploring more avenues of impact and cooperation." About LAXMINT LAXMINT is a blockchain-driven ecosystem dedicated to transforming the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector. By leveraging advanced blockchain technology, LAXMINT aims to empower underserved mining communities through transparent, sustainable, and responsible mining practices. The ecosystem promotes economic inclusion by tokenising real-world assets (RWAs), enabling miners and communities to achieve fair valuation and better market access. LAXMINT’s broader goal is to create a globally recognised standard for verified, traceable, and ethically sourced gold, significantly enhancing economic opportunities and environmental sustainability within the mining industry. The MOU outlines mutual cooperation in several key areas, including: Promoting ethical, sustainable, and responsible ASGM practices Developing traceability, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards Creating educational content and comprehensive onboarding programs Establishing technical and digital infrastructure for tokenised RWAs Enhancing economic inclusion and digital empowerment of underserved mining communities FEPOI will manage regional activities such as token distribution, community onboarding, strategic marketing, event management, and forming partnerships with responsible artisanal mining operations. Additionally, significant focus will be placed on CSR activities specifically benefiting indigenous and tribal communities. This strategic alliance between LAXMINT and FEPOI sets a new standard for international collaboration and sustainable development, leveraging cutting-edge blockchain technology to benefit some of the world's most vibrant and culturally diverse communities.

Bety Casino Raises the Stakes: New VIP Program Delivers Exclusive Crypto Gaming Benefits for High-Value Players

By Press Release • June 26, 2025

Bety, the innovative crypto casino and sportsbook platform, unveiled the core pillars of its new highly anticipated VIP Program. Designed to recognize and reward its most dedicated players, the program offers unparalleled benefits for high-rollers alongside substantial rewards for all community members. Premium Perks for Elite Players: High-Roller Welcome Bonuses: New VIP members access a massive 280% welcome package, spread across their first three deposits, totalling up to €12,000. This significantly surpasses the standard €1,200 package, reflecting Bety’s commitment to high-value players (Min. deposit: €200). Accelerated Loyalty Tiers: Bety’s status-based loyalty program (Bronze to Diamond III) rewards every bet. While open to all, VIP players progress faster due to larger wagers, unlocking exclusive cash bonuses, free spins, and bespoke rewards more rapidly. Personalized & Priority Access: VIPs receive tailored promotions, early access to new games and features, higher-value reload bonuses, and dedicated priority customer support. A Program Built on Fairness and Value: "Our philosophy is simple: reward engagement," stated a Bety product manager Hardy Turnin. "While our VIPs enjoy accelerated perks and personalized offers, our core loyalty program is fundamentally inclusive. Every spin, every bet – whether at the slots, tables, or sportsbook – earns comp points and moves every player closer to greater rewards. High-stakes players demand exceptional value and speed, and that’s precisely what our VIP tier delivers." Beyond the welcome bonuses and loyalty program, Bety crypto casino offers a lineup of weekly and surprise promotions to keep things fresh. Other perks offered include a Wednesday reload bonus of 50% up to €500, up to 90 free spins on Friday, Wheel of Fortune spins, and Mystery Lootboxes with surprise prizes. These perks are available to both regular players and VIPS but the VIP often gets personalized offers, early access, and higher-value rewards. ‘’We’ve built the Bety Casino platform to feel like a place where something exciting is always just around the corner. It’s not just about those big wins. It is actually about offering consistent perks, clear rewards, and fun every time you log into your Bety account’’, says a Bety promotion team member Thomas Jacob. About Bety Casino Bety Casino is a crypto gambling platform designed to deliver value, fairness, and entertainment to all players. Whether a player is starting out with casual spins or wants to chase jackpots with huge deposits, Bety ensures that every wager counts. The platform is also home to 10,000+ games, it’s mobile optimized and has one of the best customer support. With competitive bonuses and promotions, Bety is undeniably a platform worth checking out. For more information, follow Bety on social media Website: https://www.bety.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/betyofficial88 Telegram: https://t.me/Betyofficial08 / https://t.me/Betyofficial888 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/BETY/61577217343728/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betyofficial88/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Betyofficial88 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betyofficial0 Kick: https://kick.com/betyofficial88 Contact: inquiry@bety.com

CrocCoin Introduces Groundbreaking Meme-to-DeFi Ecosystem on Solana, Featuring Progressive Decentralization

By press release • June 24, 2025

CrocCoin ($CROC) , a pioneering cryptocurrency project built on the Solana blockchain, today announced the official launch of its comprehensive ecosystem. This platform redefines traditional meme token concepts, transforming them into a sustainable, utility-driven model. CrocCoin delivers an innovative fusion of viral meme culture with robust DeFi infrastructure, a progressive community governance structure, and a clear path toward complete decentralization. A New Chapter in Meme Token Evolution CrocCoin signifies a fundamental shift in the cryptocurrency landscape, directly addressing the common limitations faced by conventional meme tokens. While most meme-based cryptocurrencies rely primarily on social media buzz and speculative trading, CrocCoin has developed a holistic ecosystem that provides genuine utility, transparent governance, and mechanisms for sustainable value creation. As articulated in the project's whitepaper, "CrocCoin began as a bold experiment: a meme born of chaos, forged into structure. Built on the Solana blockchain, $CROC blends meme culture with lasting DeFi utility, creating a living digital relic where story meets utility, and the community becomes the storyteller." The project's distinct narrative-driven approach differentiates it from typical cryptocurrency offerings. CrocCoin's rich lore and mythology are not merely marketing tools; they serve as foundational elements that guide product development, community engagement, and strategic decision-making. This approach fosters an immersive experience, empowering community members to actively shape the project's ongoing evolution. Institutional-Grade Security and Unwavering Transparency CrocCoin has implemented institutional-level security standards through rigorous auditing and verification. SolidProof, a leading European blockchain security firm, has officially audited and KYC-verified the project, resulting in an impressive TrustNet Score of 83.5 with no critical, high, or medium vulnerabilities identified. Key security milestones include: Complete Audit Verification: Comprehensive smart contract and tokenomics audit finalized on April 28, 2025. KYC Verification: Team identity secured and formally documented with SolidProof for enhanced institutional transparency. Domain Security: Premium domains croccoin.io and croccoin.com secured to safeguard brand integrity. Whitepaper Integrity: SHA256 cryptographic locking ensures the immutability of project documentation. Multi-Signature Security: Strategic reserves are controlled by community-governed multi-signature wallets. Innovative Tokenomics for Sustainable Growth CrocCoin's tokenomics model meticulously balances immediate utility with long-term sustainability through a precisely designed 100 million token distribution system. This allocation strategy prioritizes widespread community participation while ensuring ample resources for development, marketing, and ecosystem expansion. Token Distribution Breakdown: Fair Launch (35%): 35 million tokens allocated for broad community participation , with wallet caps in place to prevent whale accumulation. Liquidity Provision (20%): 20 million tokens permanently locked in automated market maker pools to ensure stable trading conditions. Community & Staking Rewards (15%): 15 million tokens dedicated to incentivizing long-term holders and active community members. Core Team (10%): 10 million tokens with 12-month vesting schedules tied to performance milestones. Pre-sale Whitelisted (7%): 7 million tokens for early supporters, with 75% locked in vesting contracts. Marketing & Strategic Growth (7%): 7 million tokens allocated for partnerships and community growth initiatives. Strategic Reserve (6%): 6 million tokens held by SwampDAO for future opportunities and exchange listings. The project incorporates multiple deflationary mechanisms designed to support long-term value appreciation. These include transaction fee burning, utility-based burns from NFT minting and in-game purchases, and strategic DAO-based burns approved through community governance. SwampDAO: A Model of Progressive Decentralization CrocCoin introduces the SwampDAO, an innovative governance model that strikes a balance between efficiency and inclusivity, ensuring meaningful participation opportunities for all stakeholders. This governance system offers diverse participation avenues, including token-weighted voting, NFT-based governance rights, and community contribution rewards. The project is committed to a carefully structured decentralization roadmap: Phase 1 (Months 1-6): Foundation Governance – The core team maintains operational control while establishing the governance infrastructure and community participation mechanisms. Phase 2 (Months 7-12): Shared Governance – Community governance expands to include treasury allocations, partnership approvals, and strategic initiatives. Phase 3 (Months 13-24): Community Governance – Full community control over all non-security decisions, with multi-signature requirements for critical operations. Phase 4 (Months 25+): Full Decentralization – Complete community control, complemented by emergency procedures for critical security situations. This progressive approach fosters the development of community governance experience and engagement while maintaining operational efficiency during crucial development phases. Multi-Utility Ecosystem and Future Vision CrocCoin's ecosystem extends beyond basic token functionality, incorporating diverse utility vectors that create varied value propositions for participants. The $CROC token serves as the core for governance participation, staking rewards, NFT marketplace transactions, and GameFi integration. Current Ecosystem Components: FangVault Staking Protocol: Offers competitive yield generation for long-term token holders, with staking periods ranging from 30 days to 2 years. Founder NFTs: Functional collectibles that provide governance rights, exclusive access, and revenue-sharing opportunities. Native Marketplace: The central economic hub for NFT trading, access to exclusive content, and limited-edition drops. Community Rewards System: Leverages the Zealy platform to gamify community engagement, with experience points translating into governance influence. Future Development Milestones: Q3 2026: Launch of CrocWorld, a comprehensive GameFi platform that integrates play-to-earn gaming, virtual real estate, social interaction, and DeFi protocols. Ongoing: Release of chapter-based lore, fostering narrative engagement and community participation in ecosystem development. Evolution Systems: Dynamic NFT evolution based on holder activities, governance participation, and ecosystem contributions. Robust Technical Foundation: Solana Integration The strategic decision to build CrocCoin on the Solana blockchain provides significant advantages for ecosystem development and user experience. Solana's high throughput, low transaction costs, and robust DeFi ecosystem enable CrocCoin to offer sophisticated financial products while remaining accessible to everyday users. Key Technical Advantages: High Performance: Solana's capacity to process thousands of transactions per second ensures seamless user experiences, even during peak demand. Low Costs: Minimal transaction fees make micro-transactions and frequent interactions economically viable. DeFi Integration: Seamless connectivity with existing Solana DeFi protocols and automated market makers. Scalability: Infrastructure capable of supporting future ecosystem expansion and increased user adoption. Developer Ecosystem: Access to Solana's rapidly expanding developer community and technical resources. Authentic Community-Driven Growth CrocCoin prioritizes organic community growth through genuine engagement mechanisms, eschewing artificial promotion strategies. The project utilizes the Zealy platform to gamify community participation, rewarding active members with experience points that translate into governance influence and ecosystem benefits. Community Engagement Initiatives Include: Interactive Lore Development: Community members actively shape narratives through governance proposals and creative contributions. Educational Content: Comprehensive resources designed to help newcomers understand DeFi concepts and ecosystem participation. Creator Partnerships: Collaborations with content creators and influencers who align with the project's values. Event Sponsorships: Support for community events and cryptocurrency education initiatives. Discord Integration: An active community hub for real-time communication and collaboration. Strategic Market Position and Competitive Edge CrocCoin enters the cryptocurrency market at an opportune moment, as investors and users increasingly demand higher standards of transparency, utility, and governance from new projects. The project's comprehensive approach addresses common criticisms leveled against meme tokens while retaining the accessibility and community focus that have made such projects popular. Competitive Advantages Include: Institutional Standards: Professional-grade security, auditing, and transparency, typically associated with enterprise blockchain projects. Sustainable Economics: Multiple revenue streams and deflationary mechanisms supporting long-term value creation. Progressive Governance: A planned transition to full community control with clear milestones and accountability measures. Multi-Utility Platform: Integration of DeFi, NFTs, GameFi, and governance within a unified ecosystem. Narrative Innovation: A unique approach to community engagement through interactive storytelling and lore development. Social Media and Community Presence CrocCoin actively engages across various social media platforms, providing community members with multiple touchpoints for participation and information access: Website: https://crocswamp.io/ - The official website. Twitter/X: https://x.com/crocthecoin – Official announcements, community updates, and ecosystem news. Telegram: https://t.me/CrocCoiners – Real-time community discussions and support. Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Xjrwa3zccQ – A comprehensive community hub About CrocCoin CrocCoin is a next-generation DeFi protocol and meme-powered ecosystem built around $CROC, combining concentrated and ambient liquidity into one powerful AMM on Ethereum. Designed for efficiency, flexibility, and community governance, it simplifies trading and liquidity provision through a unified smart contract architecture. With a bold brand and an engaged cult-like following, CrocCoin is redefining what it means to be both a utility-driven and culture-rich crypto project.