Shiba Inu (SHIB): what you need to knowShiba Inu (SHIB): what you need to know

Shiba Inu is a meme coin that launched on Ethereum in August 2020. The coin is named after the Japanese dog breed and was quickly nicknamed the 'Dogecoin killer' by the community. Beyond the SHIB token, the project has grown into a broader ecosystem that includes its own DEX (ShibaSwap) and a Layer 2 network (Shibarium).

Whitepaper: https://github.com/shytoshikusama/shibawoofpaper/blob/main/SHIBAINU_Ecosystem_WOOF_Paper.pdf

SHIB is an ERC-20 token on Ethereum: transactions go through the Ethereum network and cost gas in ETH. On the Shibarium Layer 2, transactions with SHIB and related tokens are significantly cheaper and faster. The project has several tokens with distinct roles: SHIB as the main token, LEASH as a limited-supply token and BONE as the governance and gas token on Shibarium.

• Ticker: SHIB

• Category: Meme coin

• Blockchain: Ethereum / Shibarium (L2)

• Protocol: ERC-20 / Shibarium

• Year of launch: 2020

Shibarium is an EVM-compatible Layer 2 on Ethereum that increases the scalability of the Shiba Inu ecosystem. The team is also experimenting with additional layers, such as Shibarium-zk and applications for identity and gaming. A large portion of the original SHIB supply was burned, including by Vitalik Buterin, which permanently reduced the circulating supply.

The Shiba Inu ecosystem includes ShibaSwap (DEX), Shibarium (Layer 2), the Shiboshis NFT collection and plans for metaverse applications. SHIB is widely traded on large exchanges and has a big, active community (the 'SHIB Army'). The project positions itself as more than just a meme coin, although the sentiment-driven nature remains.

Shiba Inu was launched in 2020 by an anonymous person or group known under the name Ryoshi. Today the project is led by a team of lead developers headed by Shytoshi Kusama, working with the wider SHIB community. Ryoshi has largely stepped back from public communication since 2022.

BTC Direct has been the European entry point to crypto since 2013. We make buying Shiba Inu 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 SHIB is on its way within minutes.

• Your coins, your control. We do not store your SHIB. 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.

Ready to buy your first SHIB?

Buy Shiba Inu now

Click here for more information about the impact on the environment by this specific coin.

More questions about Shiba Inu or BTC Direct? Visit our help center for more answers.

For more technical information about Shiba Inu, visit the official website.

Cryptocurrencies, including Shiba Inu (SHIB), are volatile and carry risks. The value of SHIB 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.

The BTC Direct disclaimer can be found here.