Ethereum ($ETH) is more than just a cryptocurrency — it's the foundation of Web3 innovation. Created by Vitalik Buterin in 2015, Ethereum introduced smart contracts: self-executing agreements that don’t require a middleman. This technology fuels decentralized apps (dApps), DeFi ecosystems, NFTs, and even virtual worlds like Decentraland.
While Bitcoin mainly serves as a store of value, Ethereum functions as a global supercomputer. With the rollout of Ethereum 2.0 upgrades (including proof-of-stake), $ETH became faster, more scalable, and cut its energy consumption by over 99%. Today, most major blockchain projects either build directly on Ethereum or are heavily inspired by it, cementing $ETH ’s role as a true digital trailblazer.