Polkadot (DOT)
Fact sheet · reviewed October 26, 2026
Polkadot is a network designed to connect separate blockchains so they can share security and talk to each other. It was founded by Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood and launched in 2020. Its coin, DOT, is used for staking and governance.
Key facts
| Launched | May 2020 |
|---|---|
| Created by | Gavin Wood, with Robert Habermeier and Peter Czaban (Web3 Foundation and Parity Technologies) |
| Supply | Capped at 2.1 billion DOT by a 2025 governance vote; new issuance steps down over time |
| How it's secured | Nominated proof of stake |
| Used for | Staking, governance votes, and securing connected chains |
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What it's used for
A central "relay chain" secures many connected blockchains (originally called parachains), which can pass messages and tokens between each other.
Risks to know
- Its connected-chain model is complex and competes with many other approaches.
- DOT's price is volatile.
Buying and storing it
If you decide to buy, use a regulated exchange you reach directly, check fees with the true cost calculator, and store long-term holdings in a wallet you control. Read how to buy crypto safely. This page isn't a recommendation to buy.
Questions
Who founded Polkadot?
Gavin Wood, an Ethereum co-founder.
Where to next
Sources
Facts checked against the sources listed, as of October 26, 2026. Educational only; not financial advice.