Unique Network
Unique Network builds Substrate-based NFT blockchain infrastructure for the Polkadot and Kusama ecosystems, offering advanced NFT features (RFTs, nested NFTs, XCM cross-chain transfers) and developer tooling. It serves gaming publishers, NFT creators, brands, and sustainability NGOs via its parachain, Quartz, and the unqnft.io marketplace.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersGibraltar, Gibraltar
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Unique Network does
Unique Network is a Substrate-based blockchain infrastructure provider purpose-built for advanced NFTs on the Polkadot and Kusama networks. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Gibraltar, the company operates a platform-plus-networks architecture: the main Unique Network parachain on Polkadot (live since April 2022), the Quartz parachain on Kusama (live since December 2021), and the Opal Testnet for R&D. The protocol differentiates on technical features unavailable on competing chains, including native non-fungible tokens and re-fungible tokens (RFTs) for fractional ownership, nested NFTs for composable bundles, layered access management, scheduled transactions, a Sponsorship Pallet for gas-fee abstraction, and the official NFT XCM cross-chain transfer standard approved by 91.9% of Polkadot OpenGov. Throughput is claimed at 6,000 TPS with a measured 1.2 mcg CO2 per mint, positioning the chain on sustainability versus Ethereum-based alternatives.
The product surface extends to end-user tooling and developer infrastructure: the unqnft.io marketplace, UniqueScan block explorer, UniqueWallet, UniqueMinter no-code tooling, and JavaScript SDKs designed to onboard Web2 developers. The company serves four primary segments—gaming publishers (TapNation, Mythical Games, Evrloot, ChessOnChain), creators and collectors, brands seeking fan-engagement solutions (Conor Daly / Indy 500, Lemonade Social), and sustainability NGOs (Sovereign Nature Initiative, DigitalArt4Climate with UN-Habitat). Revenue is generated through a combination of NFT minting and trading transaction fees, marketplace commissions on unqnft.io, and token economics around the UNQ (Polkadot) and QTZ (Kusama) native tokens, which power staking, governance, and gas.
Go-to-market is hybrid: product-led growth through self-serve SDKs and the no-code marketplace is paired with community-led developer engagement via the $250k NFTs 2.0 CodeCraft Grant Fund, Discord, Telegram, and event-driven activations (MintFest, Polkadot hackathons). Distribution relies on direct self-serve (marketplace, wallet integrations with Nova Wallet, SubWallet, Polkadot.js, and Fearless Wallet) and channel partners including CEXs (Gate.io, MEXC, Kraken parachain staking) and DeFi protocols (Bifrost SALP, Parallel Finance, Equilibrium). As of Q3 2025 the platform has minted 2.5M+ NFTs, reached 1M+ accounts, and ranks 3rd among Polkadot roll-ups for Monthly Active Addresses; total funding to date is $16M across rounds led by Outlier Ventures and supported by Animoca Brands, DFG, LongHash Ventures, and five Web3 Foundation grants.
Unique Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Unique Network
- Legal name
- Unique Network Limited
- Website
- https://unique.network
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Unique Network builds Substrate-based NFT blockchain infrastructure for the Polkadot and Kusama ecosystems, offering advanced NFT features (RFTs, nested NFTs, XCM cross-chain transfers) and developer tooling. It serves gaming publishers, NFT creators, brands, and sustainability NGOs via its parachain, Quartz, and the unqnft.io marketplace.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Unique Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- NFT Blockchain Infrastructure
- NAICS
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518210)
- SIC
- Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services (6200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- NFT Infrastructure APIs & Indexing (NFT data APIs, indexing, search, analytics) (FSAPAFAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- NFT Commerce, Ticketing & Utility Enablement (token-gated access, memberships, passes, ticketing rails) (FSAPAFAJ), Utility, Membership & Pass NFTs (Access/Subscriptions) Marketplaces (FSADANAJ), Interoperability & Integration Middleware (ERP/core banking connectors, messaging, APIs, cross-chain to permissioned) (FSAPAIAL)
Keywords
Where Unique Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Gibraltar
- HQ country
- Gibraltar
Offices1 record
Markets served
Unique Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- NFT Minting and Trading Fees: Transaction fees from NFT minting and trading on the marketplace
- Marketplace Commission: Commission from NFT marketplace transactions on unqnft.io
- Token Economics: UNQ token used for staking, governance, and platform utility; QTZ token for Quartz network gas fees
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | Self-serve NFT creation tools available to all users |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels10 records
Marketing channels10 records
Unique Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Unique Network operates a Substrate-based NFT blockchain parachain on Polkadot (with sister Quartz parachain on Kusama and Opal testnet) that provides advanced on-chain NFT features such as nested NFTs, re-fungible tokens (RFTs), cross-chain NFT transfers (NFT XCM), scheduling, and gas-fee sponsorship. It sells developer tooling (JavaScript SDKs, Substrate C++ and .NET APIs, NFT Palette module), an end-user marketplace (unqnft.io), minting tools, a block explorer (UniqueScan), and a white-label wallet (UniqueWallet), with native UNQ and QTZ tokens powering staking, governance, and network gas.
Product overview
Unique Network is a blockchain platform purpose-built for NFTs on Polkadot and Kusama, operating through a platform-plus-networks architecture. The core product is Unique Network (Polkadot parachain) paired with Quartz (Kusama parachain) and Opal Testnet for development. The ecosystem includes UniqueScan block explorer, UniqueWallet, and Unqnft.io marketplace for NFT creation and trading. Advanced NFT features include native NFTs and RFTs, nested NFTs, layered access management, scheduling, and sponsorship pallet for gas-free transactions. JavaScript SDKs enable developer integration, while the CodeCraft Grant Fund ($250k) supports ecosystem growth. Native tokens include UNQ (Unique Network) and QTZ (Quartz) tokens.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Quartz: NFT chain and parachain on Kusama providing advanced NFT infrastructure with low barriers for entry, flexible economic models, scheduled transactions, re-fungibility, and nested NFTs.
- Opal
- UNQ
- QTZ
Products and services
- Unique Network (Polkadot Parachain) Main NFT parachain on Polkadot providing advanced NFT features including native NFTs, RFTs, nested NFTs, layered access management, and scheduling. Scalable to 6,000 TPS and designed for blockchain-enabled applications, games, marketplaces, and brand experiences.
- Quartz (Kusama Parachain) NFT chain on Kusama providing a versatile environment for NFT experimentation and marketplace building. Features low barriers for entry with advanced capabilities including flexible economic models, scheduled transactions, re-fungibility, and nested NFTs; powered by the QTZ token.
- Opal Testnet
- UniqueScan Block Explorer Block explorer and blockchain search engine for Unique Network enabling users to view NFTs, transactions, and access wallet functionality.
- UniqueWallet White-label, open-source wallet for non-technical users to store digital assets. Offers MetaMask compatibility and multi-network support for Unique Network and Quartz.
- UniqueMinter No-code NFT collection minting tool available on Quartz and Opal networks. Enables users to create (mint) NFT collections and individual NFTs without writing code.
- Unqnft.io Marketplace NFT marketplace supporting next-generation NFT utility tools for creators. Enables no-code creation and trading of advanced NFTs on Unique and Quartz Networks.
- UNQ Token Native token of the Unique Network ecosystem with total supply of 1,000,000,000 UNQ. Used for staking, governance, and platform utility within the NFT platform.
- QTZ Token Native token of the Quartz Network on Kusama, used for gas fees and NFT minting on the Quartz blockchain with minimal fees.
- NFT Palette (NFT Tracking Module) Core NFT functionality module providing the base for creating NFT collections, minting NFTs, and managing ownership; the foundational NFT module of the Unique Network parachain in the Polkadot ecosystem.
- JavaScript SDK and Substrate APIs Comprehensive developer SDKs and APIs (JavaScript, Substrate C++, Substrate .NET, SR25519 in C/C#, PostgreSQL indexer, Consensus Ensurer) that enable developers to build NFT dApps, read chain state, and sign/publish transactions without requiring Rust expertise.
Quantifiable outcome
- 3rd place among Polkadot roll-ups for Monthly Active Addresses in Q1 2025
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Unique Network
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Unique Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration13 records
Feature8 records
Unique Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Sovereign Nature InitiativecoreNon-profit using Unique NFT infrastructure for ecological conservation and regeneration; partnered for Hackathon and Germinators Program with NFT solutions enabling eco-conscious project development
- VernissagecoreCommunity-focused NFT art marketplace using Unique-powered technology with low transaction fees and sustainability; aligned vision for democratizing NFT space for developers and artists
- DigitalArt4ClimatecoreJoint venture with UN-Habitat, IAAI GLOCHA, Social Alpha Foundation, Exquisite Workers for NFT marketplace focused on sustainability; showcased at COP26 and COP27
- TapNationcoreWeb3 mobile gaming publisher onboarding 650k+ Web2 gamers to Polkadot using Unique SDK; 16% retention increase and 89% ad revenue improvement
- BifrostcoreSALP protocol enabling DOT liquidity during crowdloan bonding; allows vsDOT for unlocked liquidity
- Parallel FinanceminorDeFi platform for Unique Network crowdloan participation
- Nova WalletcoreMobile wallet integration with full Unique NFT support and UNQ token staking capability
- SubWalletcoreMobile wallet with Unique UNQ token staking access via dApp browser
- Indy 500 / Conor DalyminorDigital Insider Pass for fan engagement at Indy 500 showcasing accessible Web3 experiences for non-crypto users
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Unique Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Rarible: Rarible is a multi-chain NFT marketplace and aggregation protocol with its own RARI token and marketplace tooling. It directly competes with unqnft.io for NFT trading volume and offers marketplace infrastructure that overlaps with Unique's creator tooling.
- Flow (Dapper Labs): Flow is a Layer 1 blockchain purpose-built for NFTs and consumer apps, home to NBA Top Shot and NFL All Day. Both Unique and Flow focus on NFT-first infrastructure with advanced token features and developer-friendly tooling for non-crypto-native brands and creators.
- Immutable: Immutable is a leading NFT-focused Layer 2 on Ethereum purpose-built for Web3 gaming. Both Unique and Immutable target gaming publishers and developers needing advanced NFT infrastructure (gasless minting, marketplaces, advanced token standards), making them direct competitors for the same Web3 gaming customer base.
- Enjin: Enjin provides NFT infrastructure for gaming and enterprise use cases, including Efinity (a Polkadot parachain). Both Enjin and Unique serve Web3 gaming and enterprise NFT customers with developer tooling and advanced token features on Substrate-based infrastructure.
- KodaDot: KodaDot is an NFT marketplace on the Polkadot ecosystem. As both are Polkadot parachain-based NFT platforms, they directly compete for creators, collectors, and trading volume within the same ecosystem.
Broad incumbents
- Magic Eden: Magic Eden is the dominant multi-chain NFT marketplace. While not parachain-specific, it competes with unqnft.io for cross-chain NFT trading liquidity and has expanded into Bitcoin Ordinals, Solana, Polygon, and other ecosystems adjacent to Unique's positioning.
- OpenSea: OpenSea is the largest NFT marketplace by historical volume. While currently focused on Ethereum, it represents the incumbent that all parachain NFT marketplaces compete against for developer mindshare and cross-chain NFT integration.
- Polygon NFT ecosystem: Polygon is a leading Ethereum Layer 2 with significant NFT gaming and brand adoption (e.g., Reddit avatars, Starbucks Odyssey). It competes broadly with Unique for Web3 gaming publishers and brand NFT use cases due to its scale, tooling, and low fees.
Emerging players
- RMRK (Singular): RMRK is an NFT protocol originally built on Kusama, pioneering concepts like nested NFTs and multi-asset NFTs that overlap significantly with Unique's feature set. It is a direct conceptual and technical competitor within the same Polkadot/Kusama ecosystem.
Others
- Alchemy NFT API: Alchemy provides NFT APIs, indexing, and developer infrastructure across multiple chains. While not a competing chain, it offers NFT data APIs and tooling that overlap with Unique's NFT Palette / PostgreSQL Indexer developer offerings for cross-chain teams.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Unique Network social profiles
Digital presenceUnique Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Unique Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Unique Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds6 records
Investors10 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Unique Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Unique Network
What does Unique Network do?
Unique Network operates a Substrate-based NFT blockchain parachain on Polkadot (with sister Quartz parachain on Kusama and Opal testnet) that provides advanced on-chain NFT features such as nested NFTs, re-fungible tokens (RFTs), cross-chain NFT transfers (NFT XCM), scheduling, and gas-fee sponsorship. It sells developer tooling (JavaScript SDKs, Substrate C++ and .NET APIs, NFT Palette module), an end-user marketplace (unqnft.io), minting tools, a block explorer (UniqueScan), and a white-label wallet (UniqueWallet), with native UNQ and QTZ tokens powering staking, governance, and network gas.
Is Unique Network a public or private company?
Unique Network is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Unique Network founded?
Unique Network was founded in 2019. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Unique Network based?
Unique Network is headquartered in Gibraltar, Gibraltar.
How does Unique Network make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. NFT Minting and Trading Fees are the primary driver. The others are marketplace Commission and token Economics.
Who are Unique Network's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Rarible, Flow (Dapper Labs), Immutable, Enjin and KodaDot. Broad incumbents are Magic Eden, OpenSea and Polygon NFT ecosystem. RMRK (Singular) is listed as an emerging player. Alchemy NFT API is listed as an others.
Does Unique Network have an API?
Yes. JavaScript SDKs enabling developers to build NFT applications on Unique Network blockchain. The SDKs support advanced NFT features including native NFTs, RFTs (refungible tokens), nested NFTs, layered access management, and scheduling. Developer documentation is at docs.unique.network.
What industry is Unique Network in?
Unique Network's product category is NFT Blockchain Infrastructure. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAPAFAE, NFT Infrastructure APIs & Indexing (NFT data APIs, indexing, search, analytics), with a secondary code of FSAPAFAJ, NFT Commerce, Ticketing & Utility Enablement (token-gated access, memberships, passes, ticketing rails). Its NAICS code is 518210 and its SIC code is 6200.