KYVE Foundation Delegation Program: Unified, Expanded & Open to All

The KYVE Foundation is proud to announce a unified delegation program that combines and enhances our previous initiatives into a single, powerful framework. This next evolution opens more doors for community validators while introducing enhanced profitability and opportunities. Our new data-driven and community-focused Foundation Delegation Program emphasizes transparency and continuous improvement, welcoming active participation from validators and community members to help shape the future development of KYVE Network.

TL;DR:

The KYVE Foundation announces a unified delegation program that:

• Combines all previous delegation initiatives into one framework
• Allocates a total of 100M $KYVE (25M $KYVE in the first cohort among up to 20 validators)
• Sets commission rates of up to 20% for the Consensus Layer
• Evaluates validators based on performance, security, community contribution, and geographical diversity
• Applications are now open with rolling reviews

Why Unify KYVE’s Delegation Programs?

1. Upcoming Layer Merge: With Governance Proposal #43, KYVE will merge both staking layers in the upcoming Chain Upgrade*. After the merge, staking will only be possible through the Chain Layer, making previous protocol-based delegation programs obsolete.
2. Fairness and Transparency: A single delegation framework implements consistent eligibility requirements and performance metrics across the Network. This ensures equal access to delegations while elevating the overall quality of KYVE's validator set.
3. Easy Application Process: Our unified program provides one central hub for delegation applications, speeding up review times and delivering faster feedback on validator performance.

Key Changes & Updates

In addition to unifying our delegation programs, the KYVE Foundation is making further refinements to support sustainability, profitability, and growth:

1. More Slots & Openness

We’re increasing the total number of validators who can participate, encouraging broader community involvement and ensuring healthy competition and diversity in the Network. The first cohort will include up to 20 validators in the program.

2. Commission Adjustments

We've updated our commission structure to better align with validator needs:

• Maximum Commission (Consensus Layer): Raised from 10% to 20% to provide validators additional flexibility.
• Minimum Commission: Set at 10%, ensuring both competition and sustainability for validators in the long term.

3. No Limitations on Shared Staking

Validators can now leverage their stake on both the Chain and Protocol layers—effectively doubling security measures and enhancing potential commission rewards. This dual-staking approach further solidifies validator incentives while ensuring top-tier performance for the KYVE Network.

• No Commission Limit (Protocol Layer): While there’s no upper limit, we encourage Validators to keep it competitive to attract delegations.

4. Performance & Feedback Focus

We believe in constant improvement. The KYVE Foundation will actively gather feedback from validators, community members, and ecosystem stakeholders to refine program rules over time, ensuring alignment with KYVE’s mission of a truly decentralized, high-performance Network. The Delegation Program will be evaluated quarterly**.**

Program Overview

• Total Amount Earmarked: 100M $KYVE

Since genesis, KYVE has reserved 100M $KYVE for validator delegation incentives—reflecting our steadfast commitment to Network security and decentralization.

• Current Cohort: 25M $KYVE

In this round, 25 million $KYVE will be distributed among up to 20 validators. Those accepted will receive a stake from the KYVE Foundation Delegation Program, boosting both their Network security contributions and staking rewards.

• Open Applications: Starting Now

If you’ve previously participated in KYVE’s protocol or chain delegation programs, great—you’re already on our radar. However, all interested validators—whether newcomers or longtime KYVE supporters—are encouraged to apply.

Benefits for Validators

1. Foundation Support

The KYVE Foundation’s backing can kickstart or expand your validator operations, especially if you bring unique value but require an additional stake for growth.

2. Expanded Influence

Beyond earning staking rewards, top validators gain a stronger voice in governance decisions and can shape the future direction of KYVE.

3. Community Visibility

Earning a reputable spot in our validator set can elevate your standing across Cosmos and broader Web3 communities, potentially attracting additional delegations from individual token holders.

4. Higher Efficiency & Rewards

With unlimited shared staking, validators can securely operate on both the Chain and Protocol layers for twice the impact—boosting both Network security and commission-based income.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

To ensure each validator’s long-term success and the Network’s health, we evaluate:

1. Uptime & Performance

Consistently high uptime and proven reliability on KYVE’s testnets, mainnet, or similar Cosmos chains.

2. Security & Compliance

Robust infrastructure, adherence to community guidelines, compliance with terms and conditions, and best practices for operational security.

3. Community Contribution

Engagement in governance, code/documentation contributions, and overall advocacy of KYVE’s vision. Demonstrating your active role strengthens your application.

4. Geographical & Operational Diversity

Fostering a decentralized validator set is paramount. We value diversity in location and setup.

How to Apply

1. Read the Tutorial

Our docs on joining KYVE as a validator covers hardware requirements, setup instructions, and best practices.

2. Submit Your Application

Using this link, share details about your validator infrastructure, team, and commission plans. Applications are open until 5th March 2025 23:59:59 CET.

3. Await Evaluation

The KYVE Foundation will review your submission, reach out for clarifications if needed, and provide direct feedback on your eligibility and performance metrics.

4. Onboarding

Selected validators will onboard to receive a portion of the 25M $KYVE allocated for this round, with ongoing performance evaluations and feedback loops to ensure a healthy, competitive validator set.

Non-Technical? You Can Still Delegate

If running a validator isn’t for you, as KYVE is using a delegated-Proof-of-Stake-Consensus-Mechanism, you can still delegate your tokens to trusted validators. Delegating offers:

• Zero Server Maintenance: Participate in the distribution of Multicoin Reward Staking Rewards without managing infrastructure.
• Delegated Vote: Shape KYVE Network by delegating your tokens to participate in governance decisions through on-chain voting.
• Choice & Flexibility: Select validators with proven performance, community standing, or mission alignment.

Timeline & Next Steps

• Application Window: Now open—please submit your application at your earliest convenience. The application window remains open until 5th March 2025 23:59:59 CET.
• Rolling Review: We’ll continuously assess new applications and provide feedback to applicants.
• Delegation Announcements: Final decisions will be shared as each cohort closes.

Stay updated by following the KYVE blog, our Twitter, and Discord for key dates, changes to the guidelines, and the next round of cohort openings.

Open to Your Feedback

As the KYVE Foundation, we are committed to transparency and collaboration. We welcome your suggestions on how to improve the Delegation Program—from validator commission models to performance criteria. Join us on Discord or Twitter to share your insights. Together, let’s refine and strengthen KYVE for the entire community.

Building a Stronger KYVE, One Validator at a Time

With more slots, expanded commission flexibility, and unlimited shared staking options, the KYVE Foundation Delegation Program stands ready to usher in a new phase of growth and decentralization. Whether you’re a seasoned validator, a newcomer eager to learn, or someone looking to delegate your tokens, now is the perfect opportunity to contribute to a trustless Web3 data future.

Join us in making data a public good and elevating the entire KYVE ecosystem—apply today!

Ready to Begin?

• How to Run a Node: KYVE Documentation
• Submit Your Application.

Have more questions or ideas? Connect with us on Discord, or reach out on Twitter. We look forward to shaping the future of on-chain data together!

*Subject to Governance vote by the $KYVE Token Holders.

Disclaimer: The KYVE Foundation reserves the right to revise delegation terms, selection criteria, and program schedules at its sole discretion. The details provided here may change in response to community feedback or evolving Network needs.