What Is Ankr?
Ankr is a Web3 infrastructure platform built to make blockchain development faster, easier, and far more accessible. Instead of forcing developers to run their own nodes or stitch together complex backend systems, Ankr provides the building blocks needed to interact with dozens of blockchain networks through simple APIs, RPC endpoints, and turnkey infrastructure tools.
The project was founded in 2017 by Chandler Song and Ryan Fang, and its mainnet went live in 2019. Today, Ankr supports everything from decentralized applications to enterprise blockchain deployments, all powered by its native token, ANKR. The token is used for payments, staking, node incentives, and governance.
How Ankr’s Infrastructure Works
Running a blockchain node usually takes time, hardware, and a fair bit of technical expertise. Ankr solves this pain point by pooling a decentralized network of independent node providers into a single, global service. Developers can plug into these nodes instantly, skip the setup process, and focus on building their applications.
Because traffic is distributed across many high-performance machines, apps benefit from faster response times, better uptime, and more scalable access to blockchain data. For teams building on multiple chains, Ankr eliminates the overhead of maintaining separate infrastructure for each network.
APIs and RPC Services
Developers rely on blockchain data to deploy smart contracts, query balances, track transactions, and keep apps running smoothly. Ankr’s Node API connects to full and archive nodes using standard RPC or REST requests, while the Advanced API offers indexed access to deeper historical data across multiple chains. This lets teams run more complex queries without maintaining their own archival infrastructure.
Key Features and Services
Scaling Tools
Ankr also offers infrastructure for blockchains that need more throughput. Its Rollup-as-a-Service (RaaS) lets teams spin up their own rollups without building the underlying tech from scratch. Projects can also deploy sidechains with optional incentive models, including liquid staking integrations.
Liquid Staking
On Proof of Stake networks, staking normally locks your tokens. Ankr’s liquid staking solution sidesteps that limitation by issuing liquid staking tokens (LSTs) that represent both your staked assets and the rewards they generate. Stake ETH through Ankr, for example, and you’ll receive ankrETH. These tokens can still be traded or used in DeFi while continuing to earn staking rewards.
Bitcoin Secured Infrastructure
Through Asphere, its enterprise division, Ankr offers Bitcoin Secured Infrastructure (BSI). This service helps teams build new blockchains that borrow security from the Bitcoin network. Developers can launch custom Layer 1 or Layer 2 networks using templates that include RPC services, validator setups, and modular components compatible with ecosystems like Cosmos and ZKStack.
Enterprise Solutions
For businesses that need scale, Ankr provides dedicated multi-chain RPC and API infrastructure with guaranteed performance and engineering support. Companies can also request custom features like white-label liquid staking or appchains. Major partners include BNB Chain, Polygon, Chiliz, and SushiSwap.
The ANKR Token
With a maximum supply of 10 billion, ANKR powers nearly every part of the network:
• Payments: Users can pay for infrastructure services and receive discounts when paying in ANKR.
• Collateral: Node providers must deposit ANKR to ensure stability and service quality.
• Rewards: Providers earn ANKR for serving network traffic, and stakers can earn a share of those rewards.
• Staking: Users can stake ANKR to support the decentralized node network.
• Governance: Token holders can vote on proposals through the Ankr DAO, shaping how the platform evolves.
Final Thoughts
Ankr has grown into a versatile Web3 infrastructure layer that supports developers, enterprises, and everyday users across the multi-chain ecosystem. With decentralized nodes, liquid staking, customizable scaling tools, and enterprise-ready solutions, it aims to make blockchain development simpler and more reliable as the industry continues to expand.
