Know Your Validator: Staking Land
Since Fetch.ai is a Proof-of-Stake blockchain network, the essential task of maintaining the whole system and guaranteeing its security is entrusted into the “hands” of its validators. Additionally, validators are trusted with delegations by FET stakers of all sizes, which practically translates into increasing their voting power and, by extension, their influence over the network. Consequently, they become the keepers of the fragile balance between accumulating power while also, for the health of the chain, striving to make it as decentralized as possible.
Unfortunately, these custodians of the protocol are usually shrouded in secrecy, and users often find it challenging to make an informed choice of whom to delegate their funds. In an attempt to remedy that and to create a space for Fetch validators to talk directly with our community, we initiated the Know Your Validator campaign.
Now, almost two years later, we are boosting transparency even further. We are launching a series of blog posts, each dedicated to one of our validating partners, so as to help you know them better.
Two pieces from the series are already out — one focused on Blockscope.net and one — on Posthuman.Digital.
Below is our third interview featuring the team of Staking Land. Enjoy!
Q: In a couple of sentences, introduce yourself and/or your organization and tell us where you are based.
Staking Land: Staking Land is a validator managed by Datarella. While Datarella is based in Munich, Germany, with subsidiaries in Gdansk, Poland, and Skopje, North Macedonia, Staking Land is located in Portland, Oregon, and maintained by our partner Emerge Interactive.
Q: What got you into the Web3/crypto space, and how long have you been in it?
Staking Land: At Datarella, we have been on the cutting edge of Web3 technology since our founding in 2013. Our dedication to decentralized systems has led to the creation of groundbreaking projects, such as the Building Blocks payment system. Implemented on behalf of the UN World Food Program in a Jordan refugee camp in 2017, this system now serves over 1 million users across multiple countries. We are passionate about making Web3 more accessible and user-friendly for everyone. Join us in shaping the future of decentralized technology.
Q: Tell us your story about how and when you became a validator on the Fetch.ai Network. How did you first hear about Fetch.ai?
Staking Land: We have been partnering with Fetch.ai for years on several projects. When mainnet was to be launched, we immediately launched Staking Land.
Q: Have you participated in Fetch testnets?
Staking Land: Yes. Testing is our first hobby ;-)
Q: What commission do you offer FET holders as a delegation incentive?
Staking Land: The commission on Staking Land is 9%.
Q: Have you participated in governance discussions and voted on any of the governance proposals?
Staking Land: Our team regularly participates in governance discussions and votes on proposals.
Q: Are you running (or are you planning to run) any ecosystem features such as seed nodes, client RPC endpoints, block explorers, or a DApp?
Staking Land: Launched in 2021, MOBIX utilizes the power of the Fetch.ai blockchain to provide a seamless and secure wallet experience for managing MOBX and FET tokens. The MOBIX app encourages users to make eco-friendly transportation choices, such as riding a bike or e-bike, and rewards them for doing so. If you haven’t already, join us in making a difference and give MOBIX a spin!
We are excited to unveil more groundbreaking apps that will revolutionize various industries, all built on the Fetch.ai ecosystem.
Q: Please describe your involvement as a validator or in any other development work in the overall Web3 ecosystem.
Staking Land: With years of expertise in Web3 projects dating back to 2015, Datarella has made a significant impact in the industry. In 2017, we created the revolutionary Building Blocks system for the United Nations World Food Program (UNWFP), which now serves over 1 million refugees globally and saves the UN millions of dollars annually.
Most recently — in 2021, in partnership with Fetch.ai, we launched MOBIX — the Ecomobility Marketplace.
Q: Which is your favorite DApp and why?
Staking Land: Easy answer: MOBIX is our favorite DApp! MOBIX rewards users for choosing eco-friendly modes of transportation with MOBX tokens. Not only do you reduce your carbon footprint, but you also contribute to solving one of humanity’s greatest challenges. Give MOBIX a spin and see the positive impact you can make!
Q: What are your plans for the coming 5 years?
Staking Land: Datarella is committed to developing a portfolio of up to 5 applications within the Fetch.ai ecosystem that will target various industries and have the potential to reach millions of users.
Also, we are actively participating in the development of decentralized digital identity infrastructure within the Gaia-X project, in collaboration with Fetch.ai and other industry leaders — check out the MoveID project. The aim of the project is to provide a secure and trustworthy infrastructure for digital identities and data.
Q: Is there something you would like to share with our community?
Staking Land: Never give up on our combined decentralization efforts!
Q: How can our community members reach out and contact you? Please share your website and/or social media profiles.
Staking Land:
