What is Persistence (XPRT)?
Quick Facts
- Type: Cosmos SDK Layer-1 blockchain
- Native token: XPRT (staking, governance, fees)
- Focus: Liquid Staking Finance (LSTfi)
- Key dApps: pSTAKE (LST issuance), Dexter (DEX)
- Consensus: Proof of Stake (Tendermint)
- Interoperability: IBC-enabled across Cosmos ecosystem
- Unbonding period: 21 days for staked XPRT
Introduction
Persistence is a Cosmos appchain purpose-built for Liquid Staking Finance, or LSTfi. Its mission is to make liquid staked assets the default assets of the Proof-of-Stake economy — allowing users to earn staking rewards while still putting their assets to work in DeFi.
The native token, XPRT, powers the entire ecosystem by securing the network, enabling governance, and paying transaction fees.
History & Background
Persistence started with an early focus on real-world assets (RWA), but pivoted toward liquid staking before the concept became mainstream in crypto. It was among the first chains to adopt the Cosmos SDK and the IBC protocol.
An early XPRT StakeDrop campaign — which locked hundreds of millions of dollars in assets from seven different chains — helped put Persistence on the map and onboard users into the Cosmos ecosystem. The project later secured a $10 million seed round from investors including Coinbase Ventures and Galaxy Digital.
How Persistence Works
Persistence runs on a Tendermint-based Proof-of-Stake consensus, secured by validators who are delegated XPRT by token holders. The chain is IBC-enabled, meaning assets and LSTs can flow freely between Persistence and other compatible Cosmos chains.
Two core DeFi primitives power the ecosystem:
- pSTAKE: A multichain liquid staking protocol. Users stake PoS tokens from networks like Cosmos Hub, dYdX, and Osmosis, and receive liquid staked tokens (LSTs) — such as stkATOM or stkDYDX — in return.
- Dexter: A decentralized exchange optimized for LST liquidity, enabling efficient swapping and liquidity provisioning.
Tokenomics
XPRT is an inflationary token, designed to incentivize network security. Stakers who delegate XPRT to validators earn rewards from both inflation and transaction fees. Of the inflation distributed, 90% goes directly to stakers and 10% flows to the community pool, which is governed by XPRT holders.
The token also grants governance rights, letting holders vote on protocol upgrades, fee structures, and ecosystem grants. XPRT has been bridged to Ethereum and Base, broadening its accessibility.
|
Circulating supply
| 262.78 million XPRT |
|---|---|
|
Total supply
| 262.78 million XPRT |
|
Max supply
| -- XPRT |
Ecosystem & Use Cases
Persistence is expanding beyond Cosmos. XPRT is available on Ethereum and Base, aiming to build deeper liquidity for a global audience. Within the Cosmos ecosystem, it sits at the center of the ATOM Economic Zone, with integrations across Osmosis, Neutron, and Astroport.
Developers can access the Persistence Grants Program to build new LSTfi products within the ecosystem.
Team, Governance & Community
The team includes co-founder Abhitej Singh, who heads strategy and community and also co-founded Cosmos India. Governance is community-driven: XPRT holders submit and vote on on-chain proposals that shape the protocol's direction.
The community pool funded by token inflation provides ongoing resources for ecosystem development.
Advantages
- First-mover advantage in Cosmos-native liquid staking infrastructure
- Multi-chain LST support across Cosmos Hub, dYdX, Osmosis, and more
- IBC interoperability enables seamless cross-chain asset movement
- Real yield potential as ecosystem dApps may share revenue with stakers
- Expanding reach to Ethereum and Base broadens the token's utility
Risks & Challenges
- Inflationary pressure on XPRT could dilute value if staking participation drops
- Validator slashing risk for delegators who choose poorly performing validators
- Competitive LSTfi market with rivals like Stride and Quicksilver on Cosmos
- Smart contract risk across pSTAKE and Dexter dApps
- Ecosystem dependency — XPRT value is closely tied to Cosmos ecosystem growth
Long-Term Vision
Persistence aims to become the central hub for Liquid Staking Finance across multiple PoS chains. Its roadmap includes restaking infrastructure, deeper integrations with high-activity chains, and growing XPRT liquidity on EVM networks like Base and Blast. The overarching goal is a thriving, multi-chain LSTfi economy where liquid staked assets are the standard — not the exception.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Persistence (XPRT)?
Persistence is a Cosmos SDK Layer-1 blockchain focused on Liquid Staking Finance (LSTfi). XPRT is its native token, used for securing the network, governance, and paying transaction fees.
- What is pSTAKE?
pSTAKE is the flagship liquid staking dApp on Persistence. It lets users stake PoS tokens from chains like Cosmos Hub, dYdX, and Osmosis, receiving liquid staked tokens (LSTs) in return that can be used in DeFi.
- What is Dexter?
Dexter is Persistence's decentralized exchange, optimized for trading and providing liquidity for liquid staked tokens (LSTs) within the Persistence ecosystem.
- How do XPRT staking rewards work?
XPRT holders can delegate their tokens to validators and earn rewards from inflation and transaction fees. 90% of inflation is distributed to stakers and 10% goes to the community pool.
- What is the unbonding period for XPRT staking?
The unbonding period for XPRT is 21 days, during which tokens are locked and cannot be transferred or traded.
- Is XPRT available outside of the Cosmos ecosystem?
Yes. XPRT has been bridged to Ethereum and Base, allowing users on EVM-compatible networks to access the token and contribute to broader liquidity.
- How does governance work on Persistence?
Persistence uses on-chain governance where XPRT holders can submit and vote on proposals. These proposals can cover protocol upgrades, fee changes, and community pool spending.
- What blockchains does pSTAKE support for liquid staking?
pSTAKE supports liquid staking for multiple PoS chains including Cosmos Hub, dYdX, Osmosis, Stargaze, and Celestia, issuing corresponding liquid staked tokens for each.