NearPAD is a return to form for blockchain innovation where development is driven by a desire to solve palpable problems rather than abstractions. Developed on the emerging NEAR blockchain. Focusing on interoperability, accessibility, negligible gas fees, and scalability, NEAR’s development has incorporated some of the best researches in the field with none of the weaknesses, creating a blockchain ready for mass consumption and adoption.

With $PAD token, our design philosophy is based on creating cyclic mechanisms for token utility rather than slapping a title on it and calling it a day. Broadly speaking, token holders will be able to:

• Stake
• Governance
• Earn Protocol Fees

Stake: To participate in the Token Distribution Event (TDE) for any project launching on NearPad, users have to stake $PAD tokens in any of the five pools to be eligible. The first time users stake their token into any pool, the token will be locked for 21 days before the user can unstake the asset. However, every time they participate in a TDE, their lockup is extended by a week.

In our roadmap article, we proposed a three-tier staking model with a base minimum of 1000 $PAD tokens staked and a maximum of 10,000 $PAD. However, in light of the recent feedback we’ve received from the community backed by our own research and modelling, we have decided to revise the model into a five-tier system as follows:

• The entry-tier is pegged to 1,000 $PAD with a multiplier of 1
• The second tier starts t 5,000 $PAD with a multiplier of 1.375
• The third tier starts at 25,000 $PAD with a 1.75 multiplier
• The fourth tier has a 75,000$PAD requirement and a 2.125 multiplier
• The final tier is capped at 150,000 $PAD and possess a 2.5 multiplier

As previously stated, the DAO will be able to change this model or propose entirely new models through the governance module.

Governing the Protocol: While governance has been one of the emergent narratives for DeFi, most implementation remains perfunctory when it comes to community participation, relegating them to pushing buttons that rarely have any impact at the protocol level. Of course, when you’re dealing with immutable data, you have to measure risk differently — there’s no CTRL + Z button anywhere. That being said, we believe the crypto community has matured to a stage where there is merit in the wisdom of the crowd. This belief is further bolstered by how the community has contributed to shaping Yearn and Sushiswap’s ecosystem.

Governance will not be limited to protocol changes only. NearPad community will also play an active role in the pitching, screening, and voting of projects simply by staking their tokens to their preferred projects. Rather than depending on the good ol’ boys’ network, developers will be able to pitch their projects forward for launchpad reviewing by staking $PAD tokens to project proposals for the community to vote on.

Projects looking to pitch to the community are required to minimally provide information so the core team and the community can do proper due diligence. We will be publishing an initial proposal to get started with and will tailor this based on community feedback.

Earn Fees

The $PAD tokens are capturing value based on the following mechanics:

• Launchpad: The launchpad will have a 0,5% fee collected in stable coins. This will be converted to $PAD and burned;
• Yield Aggregator (soon): The second product which will be developed is a yield aggregator for farmers, a bit similar to the concept of Autofarm on BSC. The protocol will charge a certain fee (to be decided by governance) for the increased yields. This fee will be used to buyback $PAD and burn;
• DEX Aggregator (soon): A fee will be charged based on swaps made. This fee will be used to buyback $PAD tokens and burn them;
• Future products: The $PAD token will be integrated in any future product and will bring value to the protocol (treasury or burn mechanic).