From network tokens to meme coins, a16z crypto has laid out a framework to help businesses navigate the evolving crypto landscape.

According to Wikipedia's definition, it is a digital currency designed to work through a computer network that is “not reliant on any central authority”

From network tokens to meme coins, a16z crypto has laid out a framework to help businesses navigate the evolving crypto landscape.

What is a cryptocurrency? According to Wikipedia’s definition, it is a digital currency designed to work through a computer network that is “not reliant on any central authority, such as a government or bank, to uphold or maintain it.”

And while at the very beginning in 2009 there was one and only cryptocurrency out there, called Bitcoin (BTC), things have changed significantly since then. Now, there over 12 million different tokens, per data from crypto price aggregator platforms. But how to differ them? There are memecoins, utility tokens, security tokens, and many more. No wonder crypto has become so complex.

“So, whether you’re building a blockchain-based project, investing in tokens, or simply using them as a consumer, it’s essential to know what to look for. It’s important not to confuse, for instance, memecoins with network tokens.”

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To help sort the crypto things out, Miles Jennings, Scott Duke Kominers, and Eddy Lazzarin from a16z crypto created a framework for understanding the seven categories of tokens they see entrepreneurs building with most often. Below is a breakdown of these categories.

Network tokens

Network tokens are used to keep a blockchain or smart contract protocol running. Basically, their value comes from how the network works. They usually have a clear purpose, like helping with network operations, forming consensus, upgrading the protocol, or rewarding certain actions within the network.

As a16z crypto explains, these networks, where the tokens live, usually have features like “programmatic buybacks, dividends, and other changes to the total token supply via token creation or burning to introduce inflationary and deflationary pressures in service of the network.”

Network tokens depend on trust. And in this aspect a16z crypto says these tokens “are similar to both commodities and securities.”

“Recognizing this, both the SEC’s 2019 Framework and FIT21 provided for network tokens to be excluded from U.S. securities laws when those trust dependencies are mitigated through decentralization of the underlying network.”

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These tokens are used to launch new networks, distribute ownership or control, and keep the network secure. The brightest examples are Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Uniswap (UNI), and Dogecoin (DOGE).

Security tokens

While network tokens might seem like securities, security tokens are actually digital versions of traditional securities, like company shares or corporate bonds. They can also have special features, like giving profits interest in an LLC or rights to future settlement payments from lawsuits.

While securities give holders specific rights, titles, or interests, and the issuer often controls the asset’s risk, these tokens will still be under U.S. securities laws, as a16z crypto points out. Even though these tokens aren’t as common as network tokens or memecoins, they’ve still been used to raise money for business ventures.

For example, Etherfuse Stablebonds and Aspen Coin gave people fractional ownership in the St. Regis Aspen Resort.

Company-backed tokens

Company-backed tokens are tied to an off-chain application, product, or service run by a company or centralized organization.

Like network tokens, company-backed tokens may use blockchain and smart contracts (e.g., to facilitate payments). However, they primarily serve off-chain operations rather than network ownership. As a result, a company has more control over the issuance, utility, and value of the token.

Although these tokens don’t provide a defined right or title like traditional securities, they still have trust dependencies akin to securities.

“Their value is inherently dependent upon a system that is controlled by a person, company or management team.”

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For this exact reason, company-backed tokens could be subject to U.S. securities laws when they attract investment, the analysts warn. Historically, company-backed tokens have been used to circumvent securities laws in the U.S., acting as proxies for equity or profits interests in companies.

For instance, examples include (FTT), which was a profit interest in the notorious FTX exchange. Binance Coin (BNB) is another example of a company-backed token that transitioned into a network token after the launch of BNB Chain.

Arcade tokens

Arcade tokens are primarily used within a system and are not meant for investment, a16z crypto explains. These tokens often serve as currencies within virtual economies, like digital gold in a game, loyalty points for a membership program, or credits for digital products.

What makes arcade tokens unique is that they are designed to discourage speculation. They may have an uncapped supply — meaning an unlimited number can be minted — and/or limited transferability.

As a16z crypto points out, these tokens may even “