Mina

What Mina does

Mina Protocol is a layer-1 blockchain developed by o1Labs and stewarded by the Mina Foundation, a non-profit headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It differentiates itself through a recursive zk-SNARK architecture (Kimchi and Pickles proof systems combined with Ouroboros Samasika proof-of-stake consensus) that compresses the entire chain to a constant ~22KB, enabling full-chain verification from any device in milliseconds. The primary audience is ZK developers building privacy-preserving decentralized applications via zkApps, written in TypeScript using the o1js library, with supporting frameworks including Protokit, the zkML library, and Mina Attestations.

The protocol's commercial mechanics are token-based rather than enterprise SaaS. Users pay a one-time 1 MINA account creation fee plus standard transaction fees; block producers and SNARK workers earn network rewards averaging ~7% APY through the Snarketplace. The Foundation does not capture direct revenue and instead funds operations through token sales and strategic funding rounds, with total disclosed capital of ~$120.65M across rounds ($15M in 2019, $10.9M in 2020, $18.75M CoinList sale in 2021, and a $92M round in March 2022 led by FTX Ventures and Three Arrows Capital). Go-to-market is community-led and product-led: developers are reached through Discord, documentation, conferences, and a multi-tier grants program (Exploration $1k–$5k, Builder $5k–$30k, Partnerships $100k+), while end users access the network via major exchanges (Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, OKX) and self-custody wallets (Auro, Clorio, Ledger).

Recent strategic activity centers on the Mesa upgrade (on-chain state expansion, slot time halving to 90 seconds) and new developer surfaces (Protokit, Native Prover, Mina Attestations, NFT standard and launchpad). Partnerships with the Ethereum Foundation, Polygon, SingularityNET, and Mirae Asset span cross-chain interoperability, AI, and the South Korean market. Customer segments are horizontal, with ZK developers as the primary persona; no named enterprise customers or revenue-generating commercial agreements are disclosed.

Name

Mina

Legal name

Mina Foundation

Website

https://minaprotocol.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mina Protocol is a layer-1 blockchain using recursive zk-SNARKs to maintain a constant 22KB chain size, enabling trustless verification from any device. It serves ZK developers building privacy-preserving decentralized applications via zkApps, the o1js TypeScript library, and supporting developer tooling.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Layer-1 Blockchain Infrastructure

NAICS

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518)

SIC

Finance Services (6199), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Layer 1 Base Protocols & Consensus (execution, consensus, security, clients) (FSAPAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Privacy, Data Protection & Compliance (zk compliance, GDPR/PII handling) (FSAPAJAM), Cross-Chain Messaging Protocols (general-purpose message passing) (FSAPAKAA), Protocol Security, Monitoring & Risk Tooling (audits, formal verification, analytics) (FSAPAAAL), Key Management Infrastructure (HSMs, key vaults, MPC/TSS key mgmt, rotation) (FSAPACAE)

Keywords

• Zero knowledge blockchain
• Zk-SNARK protocols
• Layer-1 blockchain
• Privacy preserving applications
• Recursive proofs

Headquarters

HQ city

San Mateo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Transaction Fees: Users pay a one-time fee of 1 MINA when their account is first created to prevent spam. Standard transaction fees apply for sending MINA tokens and interacting with zkApps.
2. Block Rewards: Block producers earn block rewards, coinbase rewards, transaction fees, and network fees for producing blocks on the Mina network through the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism.
3. SNARK Work Fees: SNARK producers generate SNARK proofs of transactions and sell those proofs to block producers on the Snarketplace in return for a portion of the block rewards.
4. Staking Rewards: Users who delegate or stake MINA tokens help secure the network and may receive rewards distributed by validators. Historical returns have averaged around 7% APY.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Mina Protocol is a layer-1 blockchain that uses recursive zk-SNARKs to maintain a constant 22KB blockchain size, enabling trustless verification from any device. The platform provides zkApps (zero-knowledge applications) that allow developers to build privacy-preserving decentralized applications using TypeScript via the o1js library, with off-chain computation and fixed proof verification costs instead of variable gas fees. The ecosystem is supported by developer tools (Protokit, zkML, o1js), infrastructure standards (Mina Attestations, NFT standard), and a multi-tier builder grants program.

Product overview

Mina Protocol is a unified blockchain platform built around zero-knowledge cryptography, centered on its core 22KB fixed-size blockchain powered by recursive zk-SNARKs and Ouroboros Samasika consensus. The platform's primary product offering is zkApps (zero-knowledge applications), built using the o1js TypeScript library, which provide programmable privacy, off-chain computation, and composable infinite recursion without gas fees. Supporting the core protocol are the Kimchi and Pickles proof systems, the Snarketplace for SNARK proof trading, and developer tools including o1js, the zkML library, and Protokit for building L2 applications. The ecosystem encompasses developer grants (Exploration $1k-$5k, Builder $5k-$30k, Partnerships $100k+), infrastructure products like Mina Attestations for private credentials, the NFT standard and launchpad, and community projects including Zeko's Lumina DEX SDK, zkNoid gaming platform, and Clorio wallets. Major network upgrades like the upcoming Mesa hard fork continue to expand protocol capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mina Protocol The world's lightest blockchain protocol at approximately 22KB fixed size, powered by recursive zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARKs) and Ouroboros Samasika proof-of-stake consensus. Enables trustless verification from any device while providing programmable zero-knowledge applications (zkApps) with privacy and scalability features. Used by developers, node operators, token holders, and ecosystem builders globally.
• zkApps (Zero Knowledge Applications) ZK-powered programs that are Turing complete, offering enhanced privacy, off-chain computation, and composability with no gas fees. Written in TypeScript using the o1js library for a streamlined developer experience. Targeted at professional developers and teams building privacy-preserving decentralized applications.
• o1js TypeScript-based library for building zero-knowledge applications on Mina. Provides mainstream programming semantics with native functionality for privacy, scalable verification, recursion, and composability. The primary SDK for zkApp development, targeted at developers.
• Protokit Protocol development framework for building privacy-enabled applications on Mina with shared-state execution environment. Provides automatic recursive proofs, trustless state verification, real-time pre-confirmations, and client-side proving for complex applications like DEXs, private trading systems, and DeFi. Targeted at developers building L2/rollup applications.
• Mina Builder Grants Program Three-tier grant program supporting professional developers and teams building real-world solutions with Mina. Offers Exploration Grants ($1k-$5k), Builder Grants ($5k-$30k), and Partnership & Investment opportunities ($100k+) with direct support from o1Labs team, co-marketing, and ecosystem connections.
• Mina Attestations Standard and library for private credentials, audited and ready-to-use by developers. Enables privacy-preserving credential verification where users can prove attributes without exposing underlying data. Targeted at developers building identity and credentialing applications.
• Mina NFT Standard and Token Launchpad Community-built NFT standard and token launchpad infrastructure for the Mina ecosystem, delivered by DFST and available in mainnet beta. Targeted at developers and creators building tokenized assets on Mina.
• zkML Library Developer library enabling AI models to function on-chain with full privacy and verification on Mina. Allows verifiable, privacy-preserving AI inference for decentralized applications. Targeted at developers building AI-related applications requiring verifiable inference.
• Lumina SDK for building DEXs on Mina, released by Zeko Labs. The first DEX to use Lumina (Solis) went live on mainnet. Targeted at developers building decentralized exchanges and DeFi applications.
• Wizard Battle First fully verifiable PvP game on Mina mainnet, built by zkNoid. Demonstrates competitive gaming powered by zero-knowledge proofs with full verifiability. Targeted at consumers interested in blockchain gaming.
• Clorio Connect Browser extension wallet developed by WeStake.Club, providing the Mina ecosystem with a second browser wallet option. Targeted at consumers and developers needing a browser-based Mina wallet.
• FROST Multisig Threshold signature wallet implementation for Mina, currently undergoing audit with Veridise. Enables multiple parties to collectively authorize transactions without requiring all signatures simultaneously. Targeted at users and organizations requiring multi-party wallet custody.

Quantifiable outcome

• 22KB blockchain size vs 300GB+ for other blockchains
• +3 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• SingularityNETminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 November 2024SingularityNET partnered with Mina for privacy-focused decentralized AI, combining AI and zero-knowledge proof technologies.
• Mirae Asset Financial GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 June 2024Mina partnered with Mirae Asset Financial Group for enhanced privacy security token offering (STO) solutions, targeting the South Korean market.
• Ethereum FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 September 2021The Ethereum Foundation and Mina Foundation awarded a $1.2M contract to =nil;Foundation to implement Mina's privacy-preserving zk-SNARKs on Ethereum, enabling cross-chain interoperability.
• PolygoncoreTechnology or Integration · 9 September 2021Polygon integrated Mina Protocol, bringing privacy features to Ethereum scaling solutions through Mina's zero-knowledge technology.
• CoinListcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 5 May 2021CoinList hosted Mina's $18.75 million community token sale in May 2021, which became the platform's record for the highest number of purchasers. The sale was oversubscribed with high demand.
• Teller FinanceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Teller Finance partnership announced for building privacy-preserving applications using Mina's lightweight blockchain technology.
• ZkNoidminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerzkNoid built Wizard Battle, the first fully verifiable PvP game on Mina mainnet, demonstrating ZK-powered competitive gaming.
• Zeko LabscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZeko Labs launched Lumina SDK for building DEXs on Mina and the Zeko mainnet, a cross-chain zero-knowledge scaling solution.
• NoriminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNori team is integrating the Aligned Layer bridge to enable two-way bridging with Ethereum, currently undergoing audit for production readiness.
• o1LabscoreStrategic or Co-development Partnero1Labs is the core development team behind Mina Protocol, building the protocol, o1js library, and driving ecosystem growth including the Mesa Upgrade and Protokit framework.
• WeStake.ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeStake.Club developed Clorio Connect browser extension for Mina, offering the ecosystem a second browser wallet option.
• Raspberry DevsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRaspberry Devs team is implementing FROST threshold signature wallet for Mina, currently preparing for audit with Veridise.
• Mina FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMina Foundation is the non-profit organization supporting the Mina Protocol ecosystem, managing grants, governance, and ecosystem development.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Aleo: Privacy-focused L1 blockchain built on zero-knowledge proofs, with a similar developer-tooling narrative (Leo language) and zk-focused smart contract capabilities. Closest direct competitor to Mina's ZK-native L1 positioning.
• Zcash: Pioneer ZK-based L1 with privacy-preserving transactions (zk-SNARKs). Overlaps with Mina on ZK-based privacy but lacks Mina's constant-size architecture and zkApp programmability.
• Oasis Network: Privacy-focused L1 with confidential smart contracts (using secure enclaves) and a focus on data sovereignty. Addresses similar privacy-and-decentralization narratives, though more enterprise-oriented.
• Secret Network: Privacy-preserving L1 with encrypted smart contracts using TEEs. Competes with Mina for developers building privacy-first decentralized applications, with a different privacy primitive (TEE vs ZK).

Broad incumbents

• StarkNet: ZK-rollup on Ethereum (StarkEx-based) with developer tooling for ZK applications. Competes in the same ZK-application narrative but as a Layer-2 rather than a standalone L1 with a 22KB chain.
• zkSync: ZK-rollup on Ethereum targeting TypeScript-friendly developer experience via its SDK, mirroring Mina's emphasis on making ZK accessible to mainstream developers, and recently exploring ZK app-chains.
• Polygon: Ethereum scaling ecosystem with Polygon zkEVM, a ZK-based L2. Existing integration partner of Mina but also a competitor in the ZK-application space and the broader rollup narrative.

Emerging players

• Scroll: ZK-rollup on Ethereum with a focus on bytecode-equivalent EVM compatibility. Competes for ZK-application developers and emphasizes verifiability, conceptually overlapping with Mina's trustless-verification thesis.
• Immutable: ZK-rollup focused on Web3 gaming with verifiable game state. Adjacent to Mina's zkNoid gaming demonstrations and shares the ZK-verifiability thesis for consumer applications.

Others

• Ethereum Foundation: Although not a direct competitor, the Ethereum Foundation is a strategic partner that funds zk-SNARK work on Ethereum (via =nil; Foundation) and the dominant L1 ecosystem where Mina seeks interoperability. Its roadmap materially shapes Mina's opportunity.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MinaProtocol
• GitHubgithub.com/MinaProtocol/mina
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCWzKMFfIlMzHUXKSnYot5HA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mina-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds6 records

Investors27 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments5 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mina