What is The Graph (GRT)?

The Graph (GRT), a name we're hearing more and more frequently in the crypto world, is a powerful project often referred to as the "Google of Web3." So, what is The Graph coin, what does GRT coin do, and why is it so important? Essentially, The Graph is a decentralized protocol that collects and organizes data across many blockchain networks, especially Ethereum, and allows developers to easily query this data. In other words, by making complex blockchain data readable, organized, and accessible, it enables the smooth operation of Web3 applications in the background. Used in many areas today, from DeFi protocols to NFT platforms, The Graph provides speed and security not only to developers but also to the entire ecosystem. GRT coin, on the other hand, is at the center of this ecosystem, ensuring both economic functioning and encouraging user participation in the network. For those curious, this guide provides all the details about The Graph, from its history and technical structure to its value and future potential.

The Graph's Definition and Origins

The Graph, a decentralized protocol that stands out as one of the most critical building blocks of the Web3 ecosystem, facilitates indexing and querying blockchain data. Blockchain networks record every transaction and smart contract interaction that occurs on them; however, this data is often in a raw, scattered, and difficult-to-process form. This is where The Graph comes in. It organizes data across networks like Ethereum and IPFS and provides developers with standard, readable, and fast access to this data using the GraphQL query language. Thus, blockchain data, which is otherwise complex and fragmented, is structured and made usable for Web3 applications thanks to The Graph.

One of The Graph's most striking features is the "subgraph" structure it offers developers. Subgraphs act as specialized APIs that index and query the data of a specific blockchain application or smart contract. For example, when a DeFi protocol wants to display users' transaction history or liquidity data, it can define its own subgraph and access this data through The Graph network. This approach allows developers to access data easily and in a standardized way without having to set up complex node infrastructure.

The Graph's origins date back to 2018. The project was conceived by three experienced software development and blockchain experts: Yaniv Tal, Brandon Ramirez, and Jannis Pohlmann. At the time, the team wanted to solve one of the biggest problems facing Web3 applications: the inaccessibility of data generated on the blockchain. In traditional applications, developers could easily extract and process data. However, things were different on the blockchain; data was dispersed, raw, and directly unusable. Tal and his team designed a decentralized and reliable indexing protocol to address this issue, creating The Graph.

After an intensive development and testing process, The Graph officially launched its mainnet in December 2020. At the same time, the GRT token, central to the ecosystem, was launched. Thus, The Graph became not only a technical solution but also an economic model. Today, The Graph has evolved beyond simply being an indexing protocol. It assumed the role of the data access layer necessary for Web3's growth and began to be recognized as a fundamental infrastructure that makes data accessible, organized, and queryable in the blockchain world.

The Graph's History: Key Milestones

The Graph quickly became an indispensable part of the Web3 ecosystem. First announced as an idea in 2018, within a few years, the project became not only a technical solution but also a core infrastructure for Web3 applications. Making blockchain data accessible, organized, and queryable, in particular, played a critical role in the rapid development of DeFi protocols and NFT platforms. The Graph's journey has featured numerous milestones, from the vision set by the founding team to the launch of the mainnet, the launch of the GRT token, and multi-chain support. Now, let's take a closer look at The Graph's history and examine the most significant developments that brought the project to its current status.

• 2018: Project announcement. The Graph was launched in 2018 by Yaniv Tal, Brandon Ramirez, and Jannis Pohlmann. During this period, the first prototypes were developed and the project was introduced to the blockchain ecosystem.

• 2020: Mainnet launch. Following an intensive development process, The Graph's decentralized mainnet officially launched in December 2020. This date is considered the Graph launch date.

• 2020: GRT token launch. With the mainnet launch, GRT coin, The Graph's native cryptocurrency, entered circulation. So, the answer to the question "When did the GRT coin launch?" is late 2020. The GRT token was designed to form the basis of the protocol's economic structure.

• 2021: Adoption in DeFi and NFT projects. Starting in 2021, popular Web3 projects such as Uniswap, Aave, and Decentraland began indexing and querying their data through The Graph. During this period, The Graph reached billions of queries monthly, becoming one of the most critical components of the ecosystem. In particular, The Graph's DeFi integration and usage on NFT platforms were the biggest drivers of growth.

• 2022–2024: Multi-chain support and L2 solutions. The Graph expanded beyond Ethereum to support numerous networks such as Polygon, Arbitrum, Avalanche, and Near Protocol. In 2023, it began migrating from Ethereum to Layer-2 solutions like Arbitrum to increase scalability. This move both reduced costs and increased network efficiency. During these years, a rapidly growing global developer community emerged around The Graph, and the project gained strong community support.

2025: The GRT token traded at $0.090 as of September 2025.

Why Is The Graph Valuable?

There are many reasons why The Graph is so prominent in the Web3 ecosystem today. Some call it the "Google of Web3," while others describe it as the invisible infrastructure of the DeFi and NFT world. In fact, all of these comparisons are true, as The Graph is a critical protocol that enables decentralized applications to thrive by facilitating access to data. Let's take a closer look at the key features that make The Graph valuable.

The "Google" of Web3

The Graph is often called the "Google of Web3" because it provides fast and reliable access to data on the blockchain. Developers can query the data they need directly through The Graph without having to set up their own nodes. This significantly saves time, cost, and effort.

The Infrastructure of the DeFi and NFT Ecosystem

Many popular Web3 applications we use today actually run on the infrastructure provided by The Graph. For example, Uniswap, Aave, or Decentraland index their data through The Graph and present it to the user. This integration makes data instantly accessible, making The Graph a critical backend in the DeFi and NFT worlds.

Decentralized and censorship-resistant

The Graph operates in a completely decentralized structure, meaning data isn't stored on a single server. Indexing and querying are handled by different participants in the network. This structure makes the protocol censorship-resistant and contributes to the reliable and uninterrupted operation of Web3 applications.

Special "Subgraph" tools

One of the most powerful features The Graph offers developers is the subgraph structure. Each project can index the data it needs by defining its own subgraph. Subgraphs function like small databases that expose a dApp's data to GraphQL queries. This flexibility allows developers to build their applications much faster, easier, and more efficiently.

GRT token and staking mechanism

At the heart of The Graph is its native token, GRT. GRT is an economic incentive used to secure the network. Roles like Indexer, Delegator, and Curator secure the network through GRT staking. Users can earn rewards by staking GRT and also have a say in the protocol's future by participating in the governance process. This system both sustains the ecosystem with incentives and ensures the proper and reliable operation of The Graph.

The Graph's Technical Specifications

One of the most valuable features of this massive protocol is the technical specifications of GRT and the network. As mentioned earlier, at the heart of The Graph lies the protocol's native token, GRT. This token is not just a tradable digital asset; it also serves as the fuel that powers the entire network. The Graph doesn't have its own dedicated blockchain, but it operates much like a Proof of Stake system. Participants in the network (indexers, delegators, and curators) deposit a certain amount of GRT tokens as collateral. In this way, they both ensure the security of the network and earn rewards for their work. This economic model incentivizes the network to operate consistently and fairly.

While the total supply of GRT was initially set at 10 billion, there is no fixed upper limit. New GRTs enter circulation at an annual inflation rate of 3 percent, but a portion of these new tokens are burned to maintain a net inflation rate of around 2 percent. So, what do these tokens do? DApps, or decentralized applications, pay fees in GRT to use the data services offered by The Graph. Furthermore, network participants (indexers, delegators, and curators) stake GRT, contributing to the network and earning passive income. GRT holders also have a say in the project's future by voting, making The Graph a truly decentralized community project.

Initially focused solely on Ethereum, The Graph has now evolved into a data bridge. It can now index and query data not only on Ethereum but also on nearly 40 other blockchains, including Polygon, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Celo, Fantom, and Near Protocol. This has made The Graph the data indexing standard for the entire Web3 world, without being tied to a single ecosystem.

Who is the Founder of The Graph?

The Graph project is led by three founders: Yaniv Tal, Brandon Ramirez, and Jannis Pohlmann. The trio set out in 2018 to find a solution to one of the biggest problems in the Web3 world. At the time, finding and using data for decentralized applications (dApps) running on blockchains was a nightmare. Each dApp had to set up its own database and retrieve data individually, which was both time-consuming and inefficient.

It was at this point that Yaniv Tal (project leader), Brandon Ramirez (research), and Jannis Pohlmann (technology leader) came together to found The Graph. Their goal was to create an infrastructure where anyone could easily access, index, and organize data on the blockchain. In short, they wanted to create a protocol that would enable searching and querying the blockchain's complex and dispersed data, akin to a "Google."

With this vision, the founding team built not just a product but also an ecosystem. In 2020, with the launch of GRT, The Graph's native cryptocurrency, the project gained global reach. Throughout this process, The Graph's development hasn't been solely driven by the founders.

• Graph Foundation: A non-profit foundation established to ensure the project's long-term sustainability. It undertakes tasks such as supporting the ecosystem, organizing grant programs, and strengthening the community.

• Edge & Node: A company, including the founders, that serves as The Graph's core development team. They drive the protocol's technological development, add new features, and grow the ecosystem.

• Extensive Developer Community: Because The Graph is an open-source project, it continues to grow with contributions from thousands of developers worldwide. This ensures its decentralized structure, and the project's future is not dependent on the decisions of a single central authority.

In short, although Yaniv Tal, Brandon Ramirez, and Jannis Pohlmann laid the foundations for The Graph, its current status is the result of a large community that embraces the founders' vision and works towards a common goal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

After this lengthy guide, you might still have some questions. Therefore, below, we've compiled some frequently asked questions and answers about The Graph:

• When did The Graph (GRT) come into being?: The Graph project first emerged in 2018. Yaniv Tal and his team announced the project and began development this year. The protocol became available with the mainnet launch in December 2020.
• Who are the founders of The Graph?: The Graph's co-founders are Yaniv Tal, Brandon Ramirez, and Jannis Pohlmann. These three individuals jointly conceived and implemented the project. The project is also supported by the Graph Foundation and core teams like Edge & Node.
• How does The Graph work?: The Graph organizes blockchain data into indices called "subgraphs" and makes them accessible using the GraphQL query language. When an application adds data to the blockchain (e.g., a smart contract event), the Graph Node processes this data into the relevant subgraph. This allows developers to easily retrieve the data they need from The Graph network with GraphQL queries. This process is reliable and scalable because it takes place on a decentralized infrastructure.
• What is the total supply of the GRT token?: The total supply of the GRT token is set at 10 billion units. Initially, 10 billion GRT were issued and entered circulation. The supply is also planned to increase slightly due to annual inflation of ~2%.
• What is The Graph used for, and why is it valuable?: The Graph is an infrastructure that allows you to easily index and query blockchain data, acting as a data backbone for Web3 applications. It is particularly valuable in areas like DeFi and NFTs because it provides the data applications need quickly and reliably. Its decentralized and open protocol, coupled with its broad community adoption, makes The Graph an indispensable part of the Web3 ecosystem.
• Which blockchains does The Graph support?: The Graph was initially designed to index data on Ethereum, but today it supports multiple blockchains. It supports many popular blockchains, including Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Fantom, Celo, and Near Protocol. In total, The Graph can index over 30 mainnets, and this number is growing over time.

Follow the JR Crypto Guide series for more content on The Graph and other projects shaping the Web3 infrastructure.