Flow
Flow is a proof-of-stake Layer 1 blockchain governed by the Flow Foundation, powering consumer-scale Web3 applications including NBA Top Shot, NFL ALL DAY, and Disney Pinnacle through Cadence smart contracts and EVM-equivalent execution.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersVancouver, Canada
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Flow does
Flow is a proof-of-stake Layer 1 blockchain governed by the Flow Foundation, designed as consumer-first infrastructure for Web3 applications. The network serves three primary segments: consumer DeFi users seeking institutional-grade financial products (prediction markets, yield strategies, credit lines), Web3 developers building on EVM-equivalent infrastructure with the Cadence resource-oriented smart contract language, and global brand partners (NBA, Disney, NFL, Ticketmaster, PayPal) deploying blockchain-powered consumer experiences at scale.
The core protocol features a multi-role node architecture (Collection, Consensus, Execution, Verification, and Access nodes) that separates scalability, decentralization, and security concerns across specialized node types. Flow supports dual execution environments: a Cadence-native environment with resource-oriented programming that eliminates reentrancy and other common vulnerabilities at the compiler level, and a fully EVM-equivalent environment (chain ID 747) requiring no code changes for Solidity deployment. The October 2025 Forte upgrade introduced Scheduled Transactions (native protocol-level automation), Flow Actions (composable DeFi primitives), Flow VRF (verifiable randomness), and 128-bit fixed-point math. As of early 2026, the network reports 40M+ unique accounts and 950M+ cumulative transactions with a Nakamoto coefficient of 13, the highest among major Layer 1s compared.
Revenue mechanics are denominated in the FLOW token and include usage-based transaction fees, storage fees tied to account balances, and staking/delegation yields to validators. Distribution combines product-led developer growth through hackathons (Flow World Tour, Forte Hacks with $250K prize pools) and developer documentation with enterprise field sales cultivated through Dapper Labs' IP relationships. The foundation operates with approximately 40+ employees across 8 countries and holds a non-profit governance structure, with FLOW token holders lacking equity ownership of the foundation itself.
Flow firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Flow
- Legal name
- Flow Foundation
- Website
- https://flow.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Flow is a proof-of-stake Layer 1 blockchain governed by the Flow Foundation, powering consumer-scale Web3 applications including NBA Top Shot, NFL ALL DAY, and Disney Pinnacle through Cadence smart contracts and EVM-equivalent execution.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Flow industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Layer 1 Blockchain
- akta.pro primary industry
- Liquidity Infrastructure (RFQ, order-book engines, matching, liquidity-as-a-service) (FSAPADAI)
Keywords
Where Flow is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Vancouver
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Flow business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Transaction Fees (Gas): FLOW token is used to pay transaction fees on the network. Fees are calculated based on inclusion fees plus execution effort multiplied by unit cost, with a surge factor for network pressure.
- Storage Fees: Accounts pay storage fees tied to their FLOW token balance. Minimum 0.001 FLOW required per account to cover storage costs.
- Staking and Delegation: FLOW token holders can stake or delegate their tokens to network validators, earning staking rewards. Validators must meet substantial staking requirements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Flow network transaction fees are usage-based, calculated dynamically based on network conditions |
| Subscription | Monthly | FLOW token staking for network validation and rewards |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
Flow product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Flow is a proof-of-stake Layer 1 blockchain designed as a consumer-first Web3 platform supporting decentralized applications, NFTs, DeFi, and AI agents. It is fully EVM equivalent and extends beyond EVM through Cadence, a resource-oriented smart contract language built for digital assets. Consumer-scale applications powered by Flow include NBA Top Shot, NFL ALL DAY, Disney Pinnacle, prediction markets, on-chain credit lines, and autonomous AI agent execution.
Product overview
Flow is a multi-purpose, proof-of-stake Layer 1 blockchain designed as a consumer-first Web3 platform. The core offering consists of the Flow blockchain itself, the FLOW native cryptocurrency token, the Cadence resource-oriented smart contract language, and the fully EVM-equivalent Flow EVM environment. The Forte network upgrade (October 2025) introduced Scheduled Transactions, Flow Actions, Flow VRF, and Flow Credit Market as native protocol-level primitives. Consumer-scale applications powered by Flow include NBA Top Shot, NFL ALL DAY, and Disney Pinnacle (all built by Dapper Labs), while developer-facing products include the React SDK, Flow Developer Portal, Flow AI Tools (Claude Code Plugin), Flow MCP server, Cadence Playground, Flow Scan block explorers, and the Flow Rewards Store. The ecosystem is supported by bridges (Stargate/LayerZero), wallets (MetaMask, Rabby, Ledger, Flow Wallet), and integrations with Crossmint (fiat payments, token minting, wallets) and Gelato Smart Wallet (gasless transactions). Flow's AI strategy centers on enabling autonomous on-chain AI agents through native infrastructure, with Flow AI Tools providing Claude Code integration and Flow MCP enabling AI agents to self-execute on-chain.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Forte: The major network upgrade on Flow that went live on mainnet October 22, 2025. It introduced Scheduled Transactions (native protocol-level automation), Flow Actions (composable DeFi primitives), 128-bit fixed-point math for financial precision, WebAuthn/Passkey support for biometric onboarding, PebbleDB storage migration, and hash-based message integrity across node communication.
Products and services
- Flow Blockchain Core Layer 1 blockchain platform that supports consumer-scale Web3 applications, decentralized applications, NFTs, DeFi protocols, and AI agent execution. It is fully EVM equivalent and runs both Cadence-native and EVM-equivalent execution environments.
- FLOW Cryptocurrency Token FLOW is the native cryptocurrency token used for staking, delegating, paying transaction fees, and paying storage fees on the Flow network, as well as for buying, selling, and trading assets within the Flow ecosystem.
- Cadence Smart Contract Language Resource-oriented smart contract programming language designed specifically for digital assets and security, with granular access control, a powerful transaction model, and language-level safeguards enforced by the compiler that eliminate common vulnerabilities like reentrancy.
- Flow EVM Fully EVM-equivalent execution environment on Flow that allows developers to deploy any Solidity smart contract from Ethereum Mainnet natively on Flow with no code changes, extending EVM with native VRF, batched transaction writes, and Cadence interoperability.
- Forte Network Upgrade Major network upgrade that advanced the protocol across consumer-scale readiness, developer experience, and protocol robustness. It introduced Scheduled Transactions for native protocol-level automation, Flow Actions for composable DeFi primitives, 128-bit fixed-point math for financial precision, and WebAuthn/Passkey support for biometric onboarding.
- Flow AI Tools (Claude Code Plugin) Free Claude Code plugin that equips AI with Cadence and Flow context, skills, and security standards needed to rapidly and reliably build production Web3 applications on the Flow Network.
- Flow MCP (Model Context Protocol Server) Model Context Protocol server enabling AI agents to interact with the Flow blockchain natively, providing the infrastructure layer for autonomous AI agent execution on Flow.
- Flow React SDK Modern React library that simplifies wallet connections, authentication, and transactions on Flow for dApp developers, with familiar hooks, components, and a growing component library for quick app setup.
- Flow Developer Portal Comprehensive developer documentation, tutorials, quickstarts, and API references for building on Flow with Cadence and Solidity/EVM, including SDK references and tools.
- Flow Wallet and Flow Port Native wallet solution for storing private keys and interacting with the Flow blockchain, alongside a web-based portal for managing Flow accounts, staking, and delegation. Flow also works with major wallet providers including MetaMask and Rabby.
- Flow Swap and Flow Bridge Flow Swap enables users to swap assets across the Flow ecosystem with low gas fees and MEV resistance, while Flow Bridge enables cross-chain asset transfers from over 30 chains into Flow via Stargate Finance and LayerZero.
- Cadence Playground In-browser IDE for learning and experimenting with Cadence smart contract programming, enabling developers to write and test Cadence code without local setup.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40 million+ unique user accounts on the Flow network
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Flow
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Flow technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration19 records
AI capability10 records
Feature10 records
Flow partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, regional and major.
- BinancecoreBinance is a Tier-1 global crypto exchange that independently verified and restored FLOW services following the December 2025 security incident. Full deposits and withdrawals restored with normal listing status confirmed.
- KorbitregionalKorean cryptocurrency exchange Korbit confirmed full FLOW services in Korea, providing Korean users with access to FLOW trading and withdrawals.
- HTXcoreHTX (formerly Huobi) is a leading global crypto exchange that confirmed full restoration of FLOW trading, deposits, and withdrawals following December 2025 security incident. HTX activated internal risk management and asset verification procedures to safeguard user interests.
- Dapper LabscoreDapper Labs is the creator of Flow blockchain and major consumer applications including NBA Top Shot, NFL ALL DAY, and Disney Pinnacle. Roham Gharegozlou is CEO of Dapper Labs and Board Member at Flow Foundation. Dapper Labs developed CryptoKitties which inspired the creation of Flow.
- NBAcoreNBA partners with Flow through Dapper Labs to power NBA Top Shot, the official NBA digital collectibles platform featuring officially licensed NBA highlight Moments.
- NFLcoreNFL partners with Flow through Dapper Labs to power NFL ALL DAY, the official NFL digital collectibles platform where fans collect, trade, and compete using officially licensed NFL highlight Moments.
- DisneycoreDisney partners with Flow through Dapper Labs to power Disney Pinnacle, a digital collectibles platform featuring Disney and Pixar characters.
- TicketmastermajorTicketmaster is a major global brand leveraging Flow blockchain for event ticketing applications and fan engagement.
- PayPalmajorPayPal is listed as a trusted partner of Flow, providing payment infrastructure support for consumer DeFi applications.
- LayerZerocoreLayerZero provides omnichain interoperability infrastructure powering Flow's cross-chain bridge capabilities, enabling token transfers from Ethereum and 30+ other chains.
- Stargate FinancecoreStargate Finance provides the primary bridge interface to Flow from Ethereum, allowing users to bridge USDC, USDT, ETH, BTC and OFTs across chains to Flow.
- CoinbasemajorCoinbase is listed as a trusted partner providing exchange infrastructure and services for the Flow ecosystem.
- BitGomajorBitGo provides institutional-grade digital asset custody and security infrastructure for the Flow ecosystem.
- UniswapmajorUniswap is listed as a trusted partner providing DEX infrastructure and liquidity for the Flow ecosystem.
- SamsungmajorSamsung is listed as a trusted partner of Flow, collaborating on blockchain technology integration.
- Warner Music GroupmajorWarner Music Group is listed as a trusted partner of Flow, exploring music industry blockchain applications.
- CrossmintcoreCrossmint provides enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure including embedded wallets, gasless payments, fiat payments, and AI agent commerce for Flow developers.
- GelatocoreGelato Smart Wallet provides gasless transactions on Flow EVM through sponsored transactions, eliminating gas fees for users and enabling EIP-7702 functionality.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Flow competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Aptos: Aptos is a Layer 1 blockchain using the Move smart contract language, targeting consumer-scale applications with a focus on safety and parallel execution. It is directly comparable to Flow given similar architecture philosophy, Move-based language (analogous to Cadence's resource-oriented design), and consumer adoption focus.
- Sui: Sui is a Layer 1 blockchain built by Mysten Labs using the Move language, emphasizing high throughput and object-centric data model. Directly comparable to Flow as a next-generation L1 with a resource-oriented smart contract language targeting consumer and gaming applications.
- Ethereum: Ethereum is the dominant smart contract platform L1 with the largest DeFi and NFT ecosystem. Directly comparable to Flow as a base-layer blockchain competing for the same developer mindshare, liquidity, and application deployments, though Ethereum's mature EVM ecosystem sets a high bar.
- Solana: Solana is a high-throughput Layer 1 blockchain targeting consumer applications, payments, and DeFi. Directly comparable to Flow as a performance-oriented L1 vying for the same consumer-scale Web3 applications, with strong retail mindshare and aggressive ecosystem incentives.
- Polygon: Polygon is an EVM-compatible Layer 1/L2 network with strong consumer brand partnerships (including Starbucks, Reddit, Nike). Comparable to Flow as a scaling-focused chain with major brand integrations and a consumer adoption thesis, though Polygon leans toward L2 Ethereum scaling.
- Avalanche: Avalanche is a Layer 1 blockchain with subnets architecture targeting enterprise and DeFi use cases. Directly comparable to Flow as a competing L1 with customizability features and institutional adoption focus, though Avalanche's subnet model differs from Flow's multi-role architecture.
- Near Protocol: Near Protocol is a sharded Layer 1 blockchain with account abstraction and consumer-friendly onboarding features. Comparable to Flow as an L1 emphasizing developer ergonomics and mainstream user onboarding, with similar focus on AI agent infrastructure and WebAuthn/passkey support.
- Immutable: Immutable is an Ethereum Layer 2 focused specifically on gaming and NFTs, with major gaming studio partnerships. Comparable to Flow as a blockchain purpose-built for consumer gaming and digital collectibles, though Immutable specializes as an L2 while Flow operates as a standalone L1.
- Ronin: Ronin is an EVM-compatible blockchain purpose-built for gaming, originally created for Axie Infinity. Comparable to Flow as a gaming-and-consumer-focused L1 with major studio relationships, though Ronin's narrower gaming-only positioning contrasts with Flow's broader consumer DeFi ambitions.
Emerging players
- Dapper Labs: Dapper Labs is the creator of Flow blockchain and operator of NBA Top Shot, NFL ALL DAY, and Disney Pinnacle. Comparable as both a strategic partner and ecosystem participant that builds the consumer applications driving Flow's user growth, though it operates as a separate corporate entity with its own funding and roadmap.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Flow social profiles
Digital presenceFlow financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Flow leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Flow funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors7 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Flow M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments2 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Flow
What does Flow do?
Flow is a proof-of-stake Layer 1 blockchain designed as a consumer-first Web3 platform supporting decentralized applications, NFTs, DeFi, and AI agents. It is fully EVM equivalent and extends beyond EVM through Cadence, a resource-oriented smart contract language built for digital assets. Consumer-scale applications powered by Flow include NBA Top Shot, NFL ALL DAY, Disney Pinnacle, prediction markets, on-chain credit lines, and autonomous AI agent execution.
Is Flow a public or private company?
Flow is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Flow founded?
Flow was founded in 2020. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Flow based?
Flow is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Flow make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Transaction Fees (Gas) is the primary driver. The others are storage Fees and staking and Delegation.
Who are Flow's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Aptos, Sui, Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, Avalanche, Near Protocol, Immutable and Ronin. Dapper Labs is listed as an emerging player.
Does Flow have an API?
Yes. Flow exposes a full Ethereum-compatible JSON-RPC API on public RPC nodes (https://mainnet.evm.nodes.onflow.org for mainnet, https://testnet.evm.nodes.onflow.org for testnet) enabling developers to build on Flow EVM with the same tools used for Ethereum. The EVM Gateway (https://github.com/onflow/flow-evm-gateway) implements the Ethereum JSON-RPC specification. Flow also provides a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server enabling AI agents to interact with the Flow blockchain natively. The platform supports standard Ethereum JSON-RPC methods including web3_clientVersion, eth_blockNumber, eth_call, eth_getBalance, eth_getBlockByHash, eth_getBlockByNumber, eth_sendRawTransaction, eth_syncing, debug_traceTransaction, and others. Cadence-based development uses the React SDK (react.flow.com) for frontend interactions. Flow EVM mainnet chain ID is 747; testnet is 545. Developer documentation is at developers.flow.com/build/evm/networks.
What industry is Flow in?
Flow's product category is Layer 1 Blockchain. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAPADAI, Liquidity Infrastructure (RFQ, order-book engines, matching, liquidity-as-a-service).