Polygon (POL): what you need to knowPolygon (POL): what you need to know

Polygon is a scaling solution for Ethereum that makes transactions faster and cheaper. The project started in 2017 as Matic Network, was renamed Polygon in 2021, and in 2024 its native token migrated from MATIC to POL. POL is used for staking, governance and securing multiple Polygon chains within the Polygon 2.0 vision.

Whitepaper: https://polygon.technology/papers/pol-whitepaper

The best-known chain in the Polygon ecosystem is Polygon PoS, a Proof-of-Stake sidechain that periodically anchors 'checkpoints' back to Ethereum. Alongside it sits Polygon zkEVM, an EVM-compatible zero-knowledge rollup that bundles transactions and confirms them on Ethereum using mathematical proofs. Validators stake POL to confirm transactions and produce blocks.

• Ticker: POL

• Category: Layer 2 / Scaling

• Blockchain: Polygon PoS / zkEVM

• Protocol: Proof of Stake (PoS) + Zero-Knowledge Rollups

• Year of launch: 2017 (as Matic), 2023 (rebranded to POL)

Polygon is working on the Polygon 2.0 vision, in which multiple ZK chains are connected through a shared protocol and shared liquidity. POL is the central token: validators can use it to secure multiple chains at the same time. Thanks to full EVM compatibility, Ethereum applications can run on Polygon without major changes.

The Polygon ecosystem is one of the largest on Ethereum and includes DeFi protocols, NFT platforms, gaming projects and major brands that have launched Web3 applications on Polygon. Polygon Labs has worked with partners such as Reddit, Starbucks and Disney to build consumer applications on Polygon.

Polygon was founded in 2017 in India by Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal, Anurag Arjun and later Mihailo Bjelic. The project started as Matic Network and was renamed Polygon in 2021. Development is driven by Polygon Labs and a large open-source community.

BTC Direct has been the European entry point to crypto since 2013. We make buying Polygon straightforward, even if it is your first time:

• Trusted in Europe. BTC Direct is registered with the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and operates under MiCA, the EU regulation for crypto.

• Familiar payment methods. Pay with iDEAL, Bancontact, Sofort, SEPA bank transfer, credit card, PayPal or Apple Pay. Your POL is on its way within minutes.

• Your coins, your control. We do not store your POL. After your purchase, your coins are sent straight to your own wallet address.

• Based in the Netherlands, serving all of Europe. Our experts are based in the Netherlands and answer in your language across the SEPA zone. Need help? We are here.

• Start with a small amount. From just €30. The minimum varies per coin.

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For more technical information about Polygon, visit the official website.

Cryptocurrencies, including Polygon (POL), are volatile and carry risks. The value of POL can fluctuate greatly and investments can lead to financial losses. Always do your own research and only invest money that you are willing to lose.

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