The Graph (GRT), launched in December 2020, is a decentralized protocol for indexing and querying blockchain data, often called the “Google of Web3.” Built on Ethereum, The Graph enables developers to build efficient dApps by accessing structured data via subgraphs. Its native token, GRT, incentivizes network participants.

Key Features

  • Subgraph Indexing: Organizes blockchain data into queryable subgraphs, powering dApps like Uniswap and Aave.
  • Decentralized Network: Over 40,000 subgraphs and 1,000+ indexers process ~1B queries monthly.
  • Multi-Chain Support: Indexes data from Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Solana, and 40+ chains.
  • Ecosystem: Trades on 200+ exchanges (e.g., Binance, Coinbase) and 300+ markets, with wallet support like MetaMask.

GRT Token

  • Purpose: Used for staking, governance, paying indexers, and curator signaling.
  • Supply: ~9.5B GRT in circulation, with a maximum supply of 10.79B.
  • Contract Address: On Ethereum, GRT’s contract is 0xc944e90c64b2c07662a292be6244bdf05cda44a7 (addable to MetaMask) CoinGecko CMC.

Who Are the Founders of GRT?

The Graph was co-founded by Yaniv Tal (CEO), Jannis Pohlmann, and Brandon Ramirez in 2018. Backed by The Graph Foundation, it raised $50M in funding from Multicoin Capital, Coinbase Ventures, and others. The project is governed by a decentralized council and GRT holders.

What Makes GRT Unique?

The Graph stands out in Web3:

  • Web3 Data Layer: Simplifies blockchain data access, enabling dApps to query complex data without centralized servers.
  • Incentive Model: Indexers and curators stake GRT to earn query fees, ensuring data availability.
  • Broad Adoption: Powers 70%+ of DeFi dApps, including Uniswap, Curve, and Balancer, with ~$1T in query volume.
  • Scalability: Layer-2 integrations (e.g., Arbitrum) reduce query costs by 90% compared to Ethereum L1.

GRT Network Upgrades (2025)

  • Sunrise Upgrade (Q1 2025): Transitioned indexing to fully decentralized, boosting query efficiency by 20%.
  • Layer-2 Expansion (March 2025): Added Optimism and Base support, reducing costs for subgraph queries.
  • AI Subgraphs (June 2025): Introduced AI-driven data indexing, enhancing real-time analytics for dApps.

How Is GRT Secured?

The Graph and GRT are secured through:

  • Ethereum PoS: Leverages Ethereum’s Proof-of-Stake for transaction and contract security.
  • Staking Penalties: Indexers stake GRT, with slashing for malicious behavior, ensuring data integrity.
  • Smart Contract Audits: Regular audits by Trail of Bits and OpenZeppelin maintain protocol safety.
  • Decentralized Governance: GRT holders and council vote on upgrades, preventing centralized control.

Conclusion

The Graph (GRT) is a critical Web3 infrastructure, indexing blockchain data for dApps with a 9.5B circulating supply. Integrated across 200+ exchanges and supporting 40,000+ subgraphs, GRT’s decentralized model and 2025 upgrades like Sunrise position it as a DeFi backbone. While competition from newer indexing protocols exists, The Graph’s broad adoption and scalability make it indispensable in Web3.