What is kira.network (KEX)?
Quick Facts
- Token: KEX — native asset of the KIRA Network
- Launched: 2020 on Ethereum, expanded to BNB Chain
- Core feature: Liquid staking of any digital asset
- Consensus: Delegated Proof-of-Stake with on-chain governance
- Interoperability: Built around Cosmos and cross-chain ecosystems
- Team: Led by CEO Milana Valmont and CTO Mateusz Grzelak
- Governance: On-chain, guided by whitelisted validator actors
Introduction
KIRA Network is a base layer protocol designed to let anyone stake any digital asset — cryptocurrency, stablecoins, or NFTs — and earn real block and fee rewards in return. Unlike traditional staking models that lock up capital, KIRA's approach is built around liquid staking, meaning users retain access to 100% of their working capital while still participating in network security and earning yield.
The native token, KEX, sits at the heart of this ecosystem, serving as the base currency, governance instrument, and reward mechanism all in one.
History & Background
KIRA Network launched its ERC-20 KEX token in 2020, followed by trading on Uniswap and the activation of staking functionality. The project raised $5.14M across seed and private sale rounds before its Token Generation Event. A cross-chain bridge was later introduced to support asset transfers across ecosystems.
The project has grown to span multiple blockchains including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Cosmos, and Injective.
How kira.network Works
KIRA removes restrictions on validator count and staked value, which enables horizontal scaling through shards and zones. Validators are responsible for mining new tokens, while delegators earn the majority of block rewards and network fees. To incentivize ongoing development, the protocol uses an on-chain contracting system that compensates builders directly.
Cross-chain interoperability is powered via integrations with Cosmos, Polkadot, and other interchain systems, allowing KIRA to access liquidity from multiple ecosystems.
Tokenomics
KEX is allocated across several stakeholder groups: developers and the team, advisors, the KIRA Foundation, and a reserve and liquidity pool. This multi-bucket design is intended to balance long-term ecosystem funding with community incentives.
Token utility spans three core areas: governance participation, staking and delegation, and fee payments. Delegators earn close to 99% of all block rewards and around 50% of network fees, while validators earn commissions and a share of fees based on their configuration.
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Circulating Supply
| 225.07 million KEX |
|---|---|
| |
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Total supply
| 301.07 million KEX |
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Max supply
| -- KEX |
Ecosystem & Use Cases
KEX holders benefit from reduced transaction and exchange costs. Delegators and validators both earn yield from network activity. The protocol supports the creation of customizable blockchain zones, enabling developers to deploy applications without needing smart contracts or dedicated side-chain infrastructure.
KIRA's cross-chain bridge facilitates seamless asset movement across blockchain networks, broadening access to DeFi opportunities.
Team, Governance & Community
The project is led by Milana Valmont (CEO) and Mateusz Grzelak (CTO), with strategic backing from firms including AlphaBit, TRG Capital, and NGC Ventures. Advisors include contributors from Tendermint, underscoring the team's roots in the Cosmos ecosystem.
Governance on KIRA is on-chain and permissioned — only whitelisted validators can execute certain actions, gradually shifting dependency away from pure wealth-based voting.
Advantages
- Universal staking: Any digital asset, including NFTs and stablecoins, can be staked
- Liquid capital: Users keep 100% of working capital accessible while earning yield
- Cross-chain reach: Native interoperability with Cosmos, Polkadot, and other ecosystems
- On-chain incentives: Built-in developer contracting system drives protocol growth
- Scalable design: No cap on validators or stake value enables horizontal scaling
Risks & Challenges
- Low trading activity: On-chain volume has remained very thin, indicating limited adoption
- Competitive landscape: Liquid staking is a crowded sector with well-established rivals
- Governance centralization risk: Whitelisted-actor model may limit community participation
- Market awareness: The project has struggled to maintain broad visibility since launch
Long-Term Vision
KIRA Network envisions a future where any digital asset can participate in securing a blockchain and earning yield — without sacrificing liquidity. By building cross-chain infrastructure that abstracts away complexity, the protocol aims to become a foundational layer for interchain DeFi. Continued development of governance tooling, validator incentives, and cross-chain bridges will be key to realizing this vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is KIRA Network?
KIRA Network is a base layer interchain protocol that enables liquid staking of any digital asset, including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and NFTs. Users earn block rewards and fee rewards while keeping full access to their capital.
- What is the KEX token used for?
KEX is the native token of KIRA Network used for governance, staking, transaction fees, and rewarding holders, delegators, and validators. It also serves as the base currency against which other assets on the network are valued.
- How does liquid staking work on KIRA?
Unlike traditional staking that locks up funds, KIRA's liquid staking lets users delegate assets to validators while retaining 100% of their working capital. Delegators earn a share of block rewards and network fees without sacrificing liquidity.
- What blockchains is KEX available on?
KEX exists on Ethereum as an ERC-20 token and on BNB Smart Chain as a BEP-20 token. The network itself integrates with the Cosmos ecosystem and supports cross-chain interoperability.
- Who leads the KIRA Network team?
KIRA Network is led by CEO Milana Valmont and CTO Mateusz Grzelak. The team also includes advisors from Tendermint and is backed by strategic partners such as AlphaBit and NGC Ventures.
- How does governance work on KIRA Network?
Governance on KIRA is conducted on-chain and is guided by whitelisted validators who are authorized to execute specific actions. This model is designed to gradually shift away from pure wealth-based voting toward merit-based participation.
- When was KIRA Network launched?
The KEX token was launched on Ethereum in 2020, followed by the Token Generation Event later that year. Staking functionality and a cross-chain bridge were activated in subsequent phases of development.
- What makes KIRA Network different from other staking protocols?
KIRA allows staking of any digital asset — not just its native token — without locking up capital. It also removes caps on validator count and stake value, enabling horizontal scaling through shards and zones.