Neo describes itself as a rapidly growing ecosystem aiming to serve as the foundation for the next generation of the internet—a digital economy integrating payments, identities, and assets. Originally launched as Antshares in February 2014, the project was considered China's first public blockchain. It later rebranded to Neo in 2017. The platform fosters a global developer community focused on expanding network infrastructure and reducing barriers to adoption. Through its EcoBoost initiative, Neo encourages the development of decentralized applications and smart contracts on its blockchain. Frequently compared to Ethereum, Neo is often referred to as the "Chinese Ethereum." The co-founders of Neo and its predecessor, Antshares, are Da Hongfei and Erik Zhang. Both serve as chairmen of the Neo Foundation, which works to advance the adoption of the Neo blockchain. Da Hongfei has emphasized that while the internet is a significant innovation, it has inherent flaws, often leaving consumers without full control over their data. He believes blockchain technology will eventually achieve mainstream adoption. Erik Zhang developed the Delegated Byzantine Fault Tolerance algorithm, designed to prevent untrustworthy participants from disrupting blockchain operations. This mechanism was later implemented in the Neo blockchain. As the network's core developer, Zhang has played a key role in shaping Neo's infrastructure, including its ongoing evolution toward Neo 3.0. The Neo blockchain stands out for its ongoing development, ensuring long-term viability and scalability to handle surges in demand. The project introduced Neo 3.0, which improves network security and increases transaction processing capacity. Unlike most blockchains, Neo features two native tokens: NEO and GAS. NEO functions as an investment token and enables holders to vote on blockchain upgrades, while GAS is used to pay transaction fees on the network. Neo also distinguishes itself with its strong commitment to developer support. Through initiatives like EcoBoost, launched in 2019, the project offers comprehensive assistance—including grants, technical guidance, and promotional support—to promising projects building on its platform. Learn more about GAS, the second native token of the Neo blockchain. Compare Neo's features with Ethereum's. For step-by-step guides on cryptocurrencies, visit DroomDroom. Stay updated with the latest developments in the crypto space through our blog. NEO has a circulating supply of 70.5 million tokens out of a total supply of 100 million. Unlike mined cryptocurrencies, all NEO tokens were generated at the blockchain's launch. The initial distribution allocated 50% to token sale participants, while the remaining 50% was divided between developers and the NEO Council. These funds were designated for supporting blockchain protocols backed by the organization. GAS is produced approximately every 20 seconds with each new block. The annual GAS issuance decreases gradually, and the full supply of 100 million GAS is expected to enter circulation over 22 years. Neo utilizes Delegated Byzantine Fault Tolerance (dBFT), a consensus mechanism inspired by the Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance algorithm. This approach enables the blockchain to handle thousands of transactions per second. Similar to delegated proof-of-stake, dBFT allows token holders to vote for delegates responsible for processing transactions. For a block to be added to the blockchain, at least two-thirds of the delegates must reach consensus. This structure is designed to enhance security by preventing malicious actors from disrupting the network. NEO is available for trading on several exchanges, including Binance, Poloniex, and HitBTC. However, it is not listed on all platforms, such as Coinbase. Some exchanges support trading pairs between NEO and Bitcoin. For those looking to acquire Bitcoin first, more information is available on converting fiat currency to BTC. (Note: The link to external resources has been removed to maintain an evergreen format.)