Source: Ethereum Foundation, CoinGecko | Updated: July 2025
💡 Why Was Ethereum Born? Vitalik's Dream
In 2015, Vitalik Buterin (31) created Ethereum to solve a key limitation of Bitcoin: the inability to run complex applications. While Bitcoin was a "ledger," ETH was designed as a "world computer" where anyone can program self-executing contracts (smart contracts). His motto: "Decentralize Everything."
⚙️ Function: The Engine of Web 3.0
Ethereum is the base platform for:
- NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens): 92% of collections like Bored Ape Yacht Club use ETH.
- DeFi (Decentralized Finance): Lend, trade, or earn returns without banks (Uniswap, Aave).
- DAOs: Autonomous organizations where token holders vote (e.g., ConstitutionDAO).
> "Bitcoin stores value, Ethereum transforms it into action." - Vitalik Buterin.
👑 Who Owns It?
- No one! Ethereum is decentralized.
- Vitalik Buterin (its creator) has only 0.3% of the total supply.
- The Ethereum Foundation (Switzerland) oversees technical improvements but does not control the network.
🌍 Why is it #2 in the World?
Bitcoin leads in market capitalization with approximately $1.2 trillion, while Ethereum is second with around $450 million. In terms of applications, Bitcoin primarily focuses on transactions, while Ethereum supports more than 4,000 decentralized applications (dApps). In the NFT sector, Ethereum dominates with 92% of the market, while Bitcoin doesn't have a significant share.
Key:** The Ethereum blockchain is **indispensable** to the crypto ecosystem. Without ETH, MetaMask, OpenSea, and 78% of DeFi projects wouldn't exist.
🎨 ETH and NFTs: The Undisputed King
- ERC-721 Technology: Standard created on Ethereum for NFTs.
- Advantage: Unparalleled security and liquidity.
- Example: A CryptoPunk sold for $23.7M using ETH.
🏢 Who Manages Ethereum?
- Ethereum Foundation: Non-profit organization that funds developments (e.g., the transition to ETH 2.0).
- Team: 300+ developers led by Vitalik and Gavin Wood (founder of Polkadot).
💰 Staking: Your Passive Gold Mine
What is it? Locking up your ETH to help secure the network (after the switch to Proof-of-Stake in 2022).
Benefits:
- Annual returns: 4-7% in ETH (vs. 0.5% for banks).
- Example: If you stake $10,000 in ETH, you generate an extra $600 per year.
- **Ease: Do it from Binance, Coinbase, or Lido with 1 click.
❓ The Question That Determines Your Digital Future:
> Will you continue to watch from the sidelines as ETH revolutionizes the internet, or will you be part of the 47 million users already generating wealth with its technology?
✨ Act Now and Master Ethereum!
👉 SUBSCRIBE: Receive "The Ultimate Guide to ETH Staking" for FREE (learn how to earn 7% annually).
👉 COMMENT: Are you already using ETH for NFTs, DeFi, or staking? Tell us about your experience!
👉 SHARE: If you think someone should join the Web 3.0 revolution.
⚠️ Sources: Ethereum Whitepaper, Etherscan, DappRadar (DeFi/NFT data), Staking Rewards.
ℹ️ Disclaimer: Variable returns. Staking involves risk (slashing).