ApeCoin (APE) is the native cryptocurrency launched in March 2022 by Yuga Labs, the creators of the Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC). ApeCoin serves as both a governance and utility token within the BAYC ecosystem and is designed to expand the decentralized financial opportunities available to its community. It enables users to participate in governance decisions through the ApeCoin DAO and is integrated with various decentralized applications (dApps), NFT platforms, and the metaverse.

ApeCoin operates on Ethereum and employs a consensus mechanism that combines Proof of Stake (PoS) and Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) for enhanced scalability and transaction speed while maintaining security. It powers activities within the BAYC ecosystem, including NFT purchases, metaverse interactions, and staking.

In 2022, ApeCoin integrated smart contracts, allowing users to create dApps, further expanding the ecosystem. Key partnerships with financial institutions during the same year helped improve accessibility and adoption.

2023 saw the introduction of a decentralized identity solution, which bolstered user privacy and control. The creation of the ApeCoin Foundation demonstrated the project's commitment to blockchain education and ecosystem development.

One of the most significant developments came in October 2024, with the launch of ApeChain, a Layer 3 blockchain built on Arbitrum One. ApeChain introduced native staking yields, NFT minting, and cross-chain interoperability through LayerZero, enhancing ApeCoin's functionality across multiple blockchains. The project also launched Ape Express, allowing users to easily issue memecoins, and further developed the Otherside metaverse experience

Above are only for introduction, not intended as investment advice.