A shift in token launches is underway as the Quadratic Accelerator (q/acc) officially launches on Polygon’s zkEVM. By merging the power of Augmented Bonding Curves (ABC) and Quadratic Funding (QF), q/acc introduces a fairer, community-driven approach to token economies. (Griff Green, architects behind q/acc)
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Unlike traditional token launches that prioritize short-term speculation, q/acc’s model is built for long-term sustainability. Its core mechanisms promote true alignment between projects, communities and protocols. Small-cap tokens, often at the mercy of speculative swings, have now found a path to resilience, thanks to q/acc’s focus on sustainable growth and value creation.
Griff Green, co-founder of Giveth and one of the architects behind q/acc, explains:
“We’ve taken the quadratic financing model and given it advanced token engineering. This delivers huge dividends for all stakeholders: communities benefit from early-stage projects, founders can effortlessly launch liquid utility tokens, and ecosystems see the utility of TVL and tokens increase.”
Community first: access for all, not just whales
A key feature of q/acc is its commitment to community-based participation. By integrating identity verification tools such as Privado zkID and Passport XYZ, the protocol ensures fair participation, limits individual contributions and limits whale dominance. This expands access and strengthens community trust.
Token unlock schedules also prioritize the community, with early supporters unlocking their tokens months before others. This approach encourages long-term engagement and prevents sudden exits that could destabilize token prices.
Out of more than 200 applications, only 8 high-quality teams were accepted into the first cohort of q/acc.
q/acc comes at a time when skepticism around token launch platforms is growing. Many existing bonding curve implementations, especially on memecoin launch pads, have become fertile ground for scams and low-quality projects. In contrast, q/acc’s rigorous selection process ensures that only the highest level projects are considered.
Notable Participants: x23’s Governance AI
A notable project in the first round of q/acc is x23, an initiative developing AI-powered tools for onchain governance. The project’s vision has captivated early supporters and reflects the power of q/acc’s cohort model. By supporting a curated group of high-potential projects, q/acc promotes a network effect where community support focuses on teams with real potential.
Core features of q/acc:
Community-led financing: Backers can access token rounds at market caps of ~$2M or lower – well before VC firms and speculators.
Guaranteed Liquidity: Instead of handing out subsidies, Polygon’s equity-free financing flows directly to the bond curves, boosting liquidity pools and protecting supporters’ interests.
Whale Control: Identity verification tools such as Privado zkID and Passport XYZ limit individual contributions, promoting broader community access.
Anti-Rugpull Protections: Token unlock schemes are designed to reward early community participation. Community tokens unlock months before tokens are in the hands of larger investors.
Scam Prevention: Unlike launchpads that allow anyone to list tokens, q/acc’s rigorous selection process ensures only the best projects are approved.
Post-Round Price Floor: By using bonding curves, q/acc’s token mechanics create a higher price floor for tokens entering the open market, protecting early supporters from drastic price drops.
These features distinguish q/acc as a protocol that prioritizes community security, fair participation, and sustainable token growth. Early supporters get more than just access; they make an essential contribution to the success of a project.
Backed by industry veterans
The Quadratic Accelerator is a collaboration between established Web3 leaders including Giveth, Commons Stack, General Magic and Inverter Network. Q/acc runs on Polygon zkEVM and leverages the expertise of experienced token engineers and community building veterans.
With the first funding season running from December 6 to 20, 2024, q/acc’s model will become a recurring opportunity for Web3 founders and communities to align their goals. By reducing whale influence, promoting liquidity, and creating clear pathways to long-term value, q/acc aims to redefine the token launch experience.