Introducing Vana Early Community Rewards

Vana is dedicating 44% of its total token supply to empowering its community—rewarding participation, contributions, and innovation across the Vana Network. This includes incentives for high-quality data contributions to DataDAOs, early community rewards, and support for developers building on Vana. Future rewards will sustain engagement and ensure alignment with Vana’s vision: a world where everyone owns their data and benefits from its value.

Today we are excited to introduce the Vana Community Rewards Program. The program goes beyond recognition—it reflects a commitment to fostering a vibrant and collaborative data ecosystem. Building a sustainable, user-owned data network isn’t just about participation; it’s about rewarding the community and builders who bring high-value contributions to the Vana network.

The first phase of the program highlights three key pillars: Testnet Community, Early Explorers, and DataDAO Builders. This initiative celebrates those who have shaped Vana’s journey while inviting new participants to join the Data Revolution. The opportunity to play a pivotal role in creating a transformative, user-owned data ecosystem remains wide open—one that rewards effort, innovation, and quality as we shape the future together.

1. Testnet Community Rewards

The Vana network thrives because of the people who initially believed in its mission. The Early Community Rewards Program is a way to recognize and reward these early contributors who laid the groundwork to help the ecosystem achieve this significant milestone. Each category below highlights the specific groups involved in getting Vana to mainnet launch. 

Data Pre-Miners

To those who participated in early data pre-mines through any of the DataDAOs in Vana’s Accelerator Program, your contributions are invaluable. Since August 2024, you’ve helped bring new datasets to life, offering your time and effort to make these pre-mines possible. Whether through the Telegram Mini-App or directly on DataDAO websites, your participation has ensured the success of these early initiatives. This is a thank you for your role in shaping the foundation of the Vana ecosystem. A snapshot was taken 10 December 2024 when the mini-app officially sunsetted. 

Builder Community in Discord

Since the launch of testnet in July 2024, our Discord builder community has been an engine of collaboration and learning: from creating the foundational elements of DataDAOs and data applications, to knowledge sharing and experimenting with ways to monetize, analyze, and validate data on the network. This is not just about rewarding your efforts; it’s about acknowledging how deeply you’ve helped us shape the future of user-owned data. A snapshot was taken 13 December 2024. 

Community NFT Holders

The community-driven V on Vana NFT project has been an amazing source of inspiration for the entire Vana ecosystem. It represents the beautiful intersection of data and creativity—a reflection of how art and technology can come together to tell powerful stories. A snapshot for the Community NFT holders was taken on 13 December 2024. 

Reddit DataDAO Contributors

The Reddit DataDAO community began as a group of passionate Redditors, frustrated by the platform’s practice of monetizing user data without fair compensation. Their groundbreaking efforts—from creating the world’s largest Reddit dataset to successfully advocating for changes in Reddit’s data access policies—set the stage for many DataDAOs that followed. This honors their role in pioneering the spirit of data ownership and collaboration that underpins Vana’s mission. A snapshot was taken 13 December 2024. 

If you weren’t eligible this time, don’t worry—this is just the beginning. The Data Revolution is in its infancy, and future opportunities to join as an Early Contributor and be rewarded are abundant, as detailed below. 

2. Early Explorer Rewards

Data Hub Early Explorers

Early Explorers on Data Hub —the gateway to the Vana ecosystem—are at the heart of its growth and success. By experimenting with new DataDAOs, testing data applications, and finding innovative ways to interact with their data, they lay the groundwork for transforming Web2 data monopolies into a user-owned data economy.

Community contributions are vital to shaping and improving the Data Hub experience. Early Explorers not only pioneer new possibilities within the ecosystem but also provide the critical feedback needed to refine and enhance the platform. Their input ensures that Data Hub evolves into a powerful tool for building a sustainable, decentralized data future.

Staking and DataDAO Rewards

As the Vana ecosystem grows, $VANA staking and DataDAO Rewards will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the network thrives with high-quality, community-driven data contributions. A total of 15% of the token supply is allocated to incentivizing high quality data contributions by rewarding the top DataDAOs as weighted by $VANA stake. By staking tokens in a DataDAO, data contributors amplify its impact and earn yield every 21 days based on the DAO’s performance. If a DataDAO isn’t performing well, contributors have the flexibility to move their stake to others that align with their values. It ensures that the most impactful datasets thrive, paving the way for a robust and meaningful data economy.

3. DataDAO Builder Rewards

Vana’s success depends on experimentation and creativity, and we are dedicated to empowering those who push the boundaries of what’s possible. The DataDAO Builder Rewards program incentivizes community members to create DataDAOs and data applications that will drive the next wave of innovation in user-owned AI. This initiative ensures builders have the resources they need to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the ecosystem.

At mainnet launch, we’re offering a gas-free period to support all Aurora Cohort DataDAOs. This initiative lowers barriers to entry for builders and enables their communities to fully engage in developing and participating in innovative DataDAOs.

We’re also excited about the future: hundreds of applications have already been submitted by aspiring founders eager to join the next DataDAO cohort. Our team is actively working to help these visionary ideas thrive on Vana. If you’re ready to shape the future of user-owned data, we encourage you to apply and be part of this transformative journey.

Join us in Building the Future of User-Owned AI
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The Early Community Rewards Program is just the beginning. Vana’s mission has always been to make data truly user-owned, and this program reflects that commitment—not just to data ownership, but to community ownership of the network itself.

By participating in the ecosystem—whether through staking, creating DataDAOs, or engaging with the community—you can help shape the future of Vana and be part of the rewards that come with it. Together, we’re creating a more equitable and empowering data economy, where every contribution matters. Let’s build the future of user-owned data, together.