Total Supply

Total Supply

The total supply of ICNT tokens refers to the maximum number of tokens that will ever exist in the Impossible Cloud Network (ICN). This upper limit ensures that ICNT remains a finite resource, contributing to its long-term value and scarcity.

The total supply is capped at 1 billion ICNT tokens, which will be minted over time as the network grows. The chart below illustrates the gradual increase of total supply from 700 million ICNT to a maximum of 1 billion ICNT over the first 5 years of the network’s operation.

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Figure 1: Maximum Total Supply Over First 5 Years This chart shows the linear increase in the total supply of ICNT tokens, starting at 700 million and potentially reaching up to 1 billion ICNT over the first 5 years. This projection illustrates the minting of up to 300 million additional ICNT tokens to support network growth and incentives.

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Breakdown of Total Supply

The total supply of ICNT tokens is distributed across several key areas, each serving a specific role in the growth and operation of the ICN:

1. Initial Allocation:

   • Upon the launch of the ICN, a significant portion of the total supply was allocated to key stakeholders, including the founding team, investors, and partners.

   • For details on the initial allocation, visit the Initial Allocation page.

2. Lock-Up:

   • Many of the tokens allocated to early participants are subject to unlock schedules, which gradually release the tokens over time. This controlled release helps ensure that large amounts of ICNT are not introduced into circulation too quickly, preventing market volatility.

   • For more information on how tokens are unlocked over time, see the Unlock Schedule page.

3. Minting Over Time:

   • To meet the network’s operational needs, up to 300 million ICNT tokens may be minted over the first 5 years of the network’s operation. These tokens will be used to fund rewards for Hardware Providers (HPs), Service Providers (SPs), and SLA Oracles.

   • This ensures that the ICN has sufficient resources to incentivise participants and scale the network.

   • For more details on the minting process, visit the Token Minting page.

4. Reward Reserve:

   • The Reward Reserve is set aside to compensate participants such as HPs, SPs, and SLA Oracles for their contributions to the network.

   • It is critical for maintaining the network’s operation by ensuring that participants are properly incentivised.

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Circulating vs. Total Supply

While the total supply represents the maximum number of ICNT tokens that will ever exist, the circulating supply refers to the tokens that are currently in active circulation. The circulating supply is significantly lower than the total supply during the early stages of the network, as many tokens are still locked in vesting contracts or yet to be minted.

For more details on the circulating supply, visit the Circulating Supply page.

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Why Total Supply Matters

The total supply of ICNT is a key factor in determining the overall scarcity and value of the token. By capping the total supply at 1 billion ICNT, the ICN ensures that the token remains a finite resource, which helps:

1. Support Token Value:

   • Limiting the total supply creates scarcity, which can help maintain or increase the token’s value over time, especially as demand for network services grows.

2. Ensure Long-Term Incentives:

   • The structured release of tokens through vesting and minting ensures that ICNT remains available to incentivise network participants over the long term.

3. Promote Network Stability:

   • By controlling the release of ICNT into the market, the ICN can avoid the sudden inflationary pressures that could destabilise the token’s value. The gradual release through vesting schedules and minting helps ensure a stable token economy