NEAR Protocol

NEAR Protocol is a Layer 1 blockchain founded in 2018 known for fast, cheap transactions and user-friendly design powered by Nightshade sharding. The protocol positions itself as AI-native infrastructure for autonomous agents and DeFi, with strong developer accessibility and wallet integration. While praised for technical solidity, scalability, and longevity through multiple market cycles, critics argue the ecosystem lacks compelling user adoption despite solid fundamentals, and that leadership has made strategic missteps—with some viewing the project as trend-chasing rather than delivering on its promises.