Polygon began in 2017 as Matic Network, an Ethereum-scaling proof-of-stake sidechain founded by Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal and Anurag Arjun, and rebranded to Polygon in 2021 as it broadened into a wider family of Ethereum-scaling technologies. In 2024, the ecosystem migrated its token from MATIC to POL, intended as the native asset securing a broader, multi-chain 'Polygon 2.0' vision rather than a single sidechain.
Category
layer-2
Consensus mechanism
Proof of Stake (PoS sidechain/validator layer, settling to Ethereum)
Launched
2017
From a single PoS sidechain to a multi-chain ecosystem
Polygon's original product — the PoS sidechain, still widely used — runs its own proof-of-stake validator set and periodically commits checkpoints back to Ethereum, giving users lower fees than Ethereum's main chain while still anchoring security to it. Since then, Polygon has expanded into zero-knowledge rollup technology (Polygon zkEVM) and an 'Aggregation Layer' intended to let multiple Polygon-family chains share liquidity and interoperate, positioning it as a broader scaling ecosystem rather than a single network.
The MATIC-to-POL migration
The 2024 migration from MATIC to POL introduced a new token model intended to let a single asset secure multiple chains within the Polygon ecosystem via restaking-style mechanics, alongside a defined emission schedule funding validator rewards and a community treasury over a multi-year period. Check Polygon's current documentation for the up-to-date state of this migration and emission schedule, as the model has continued to evolve since introduction.
Tokenomics
| circulating-supply | — |
|---|---|
| max-supply | — |
| issuance-model | No fixed cap under the POL token model; new emission funds validator rewards and a community treasury on a defined multi-year schedule |
Last verified: 8 July 2026. before you rely on any figure — live circulating supply and market cap are never published here; check a live tracker.
Risks & criticisms
- The ecosystem has undergone a significant token migration (MATIC to POL) and multi-chain architectural shift — verify you are interacting with current, correct token contracts and bridges before transacting.
- As a scaling network whose security ultimately anchors to Ethereum, Polygon's risk profile is not identical to Ethereum's own, and specific bridge or sidechain-validator risks should be understood separately.
- The broader 'Polygon 2.0' multi-chain vision is still an evolving roadmap rather than a fully settled, mature architecture — treat forward-looking claims accordingly.
Where to buy
Frequently asked questions
Is Polygon the same as MATIC?
Polygon was originally called Matic Network, and its native token was MATIC; in 2024 the ecosystem migrated to a new token, POL, as part of a broader multi-chain redesign.
Is Polygon a layer-2 or a sidechain?
Its original PoS network operates as a sidechain (its own validator set, periodically checkpointing to Ethereum); it has since added layer-2 rollup technology (Polygon zkEVM) as part of a broader scaling ecosystem.
Does Polygon have a fixed maximum supply?
Under the POL token model there is no simple fixed hard cap; new emission follows a defined multi-year schedule funding validator rewards and a community treasury — check current documentation for specifics.