A Historic Interview with MELD Labs on Cardano
The Cardano blockchain has been a hub for innovation, and one standout milestone was the first Cardano ISPO. In a Chain Reaction episode, we interviewed Ken Olling, CEO of MELD Labs, about this pioneering effort. Although MELD has since retired, its legacy endures. Let’s explore what made it special.
What Is a Cardano ISPO?
A Cardano ISPO lets users stake ADA to fund projects and earn tokens instead of regular rewards. MELD Labs launched the first one, offering a fresh take on fundraising. For instance, staking with MELD earned users MELD tokens while supporting Cardano’s security. This approach gained traction fast.
MELD Labs’ Early Success
Ken Olling shared how MELD Labs built partnerships and used Cardano’s staking system creatively. Unlike ICOs, the ISPO needed no upfront cash—just staking. As a result, it opened doors for more ADA holders to join in. For more insights, check out Media3.
Impact on Cardano’s Ecosystem
The MELD ISPO wasn’t just innovative—it was influential. For example, staking soared, with over 300 million ADA committed at its peak, per MELD’s data. Meanwhile, it inspired other projects to try staking-based funding. Visit Cardano.org for more on staking trends.
Why MELD’s Legacy Endures
Even though MELD Labs retired, its Cardano ISPO shaped DeFi discussions. Specifically, it proved Cardano could handle real-world uses like lending. Today, developers still study MELD as a model of community-driven success.
Looking Back in 2025
In 2025, the Cardano ISPO remains relevant. It showed how to align developer and user goals. Consequently, it’s a key piece of Cardano’s history and a lesson in bold blockchain experiments.
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