Vesting is an integral part of the cryptocurrency landscape, allowing project teams and early investors to access tokens over a set period of time. It can be compared to a rewards package for the first contributors of a crypto project, helping ensure that everyone involved in the project has enough incentive to stay invested in its success.
In this article, we will take a look at how crypto vesting works. We will also discuss the importance of it for crypto projects and how it can be used to incentivize project team members and early investors.
How crypto vesting works
Crypto vesting works through a schedule, which is used to control the release of tokens over a predefined period of time. The vesting schedule typically spells out the duration and percentage of the token to be paid out to each early investor, as well as when they can sell the tokens from the initial coin offering (ICO) period.
Once the vesting period is activated, the held tokens are then released to their owners in a predetermined fashion. For example, if you have 10,000 tokens and they are subject to a six-month vesting period, then after six months you will be able to access 2,500 tokens (25% of your total). After 12 months, you will be able to access 5,000 tokens (50% of your total).
The length of the vesting period is determined by the project’s founding members. It can range from six months to a few years after the introduction of the token into the market. Vesting schedules allow for the release of a certain percentage of the held token after every six to eighteen months or even more.
Types of crypto vesting schedules
There are three main types of crypto vesting schedules: linear, cliff, and graded.
Linear Vesting Schedule
This type of vesting schedule is the simplest and most straightforward. With a linear vesting schedule, the tokens are released over a set period of time at an even rate. For example, if you have 10,000 tokens and they vest linearly over two years, then after year one you will be able to access 5,000 tokens (50% of your total), and after two years you will be able to access all 10,000 tokens (100% of your total).
Cliff Vesting Schedule
With a cliff vesting schedule, the tokens are released all at once after a set period of time. For example, if you have 10,000 tokens and they vest with a cliff schedule over two years, then after two years you will be able to access all 10,000 tokens (100% of your total).
Graded Vesting Schedule
With a graded vesting schedule, the tokens are released over a set period of time at an uneven rate. For example, if you have 10,000 tokens and they vest with a graded schedule over two years, then after year one you will be able to access 7,500 tokens (75% of your total), and after two years you will be able to access all 10,000 tokens (100% of your total).
Factors to consider
Here are some tips on how to implement a successful vesting plan and factors to consider:
1. Consider the vesting length and the rate of release.
2. Make sure that all participants are aware of the vesting details before they commit to investing in your project.
3. Ensure there is flexibility built into your vesting plan to accommodate changes in the market or regulatory conditions.
4. Establish clear milestones and expectations for the vesting plan.
5. Consider creating a vesting agreement that outlines the terms of the vesting period, as well as provisions for early release or termination.
6. Monitor and adjust the vesting plan over time to ensure it meets the project’s goals and objectives.
Bottomline
In conclusion, vesting is an important tool for investors and startups to consider when making decisions on how to allocate resources over time. While it can be complicated to create and maintain, it provides a way for companies to protect their investments and promote long-term growth. It’s important for all parties involved in the process to clearly understand the details of the plan and ensure that everyone is aligned on objectives. With this knowledge at hand, you can make informed decisions about your venture capital funds and ensure that your business reaches its goals.
