Render (RENDER) Tokenomics

The Render Network has undergone a significant evolution in its tokenomics, transitioning from its original Ethereum-based model to a more complex Burn Mint Equilibrium (BME) model on the Solana blockchain. This transition was formalized through a series of Render Network Proposals (RNPs), most notably RNP-001, which introduced the new economic framework to support the network's growth as a decentralized GPU compute marketplace.

Issuance Mechanism

The Render Network utilizes a Burn Mint Equilibrium (BME) model for token issuance. This model is designed to balance the supply and demand of the network's native token, RENDER (formerly RNDR).

• Minting and Emissions: New tokens are minted and distributed as network emissions to various stakeholders, including node operators and creators. Following the migration to Solana, the initial maximum supply of approximately 536.87 million was increased to 644.25 million.
• Emission Schedule: The additional 107.38 million tokens are scheduled to be issued over a ten-year period. In the first year (2024), approximately 9.13 million RENDER were planned for minting. For the second year (2025), the schedule calls for approximately 5.90 million RENDER.
• Burn Mechanism: To use the network, creators must burn RENDER tokens. When a job is completed, the network automatically deducts a 5.00% transaction fee and burns the equivalent USD value of the requester's RENDER deposit. This burning process is managed by BME smart contracts on Solana.

Allocation Mechanism

The allocation of RENDER tokens is divided between legacy holders, the Render Network Foundation, and active network participants.

Usage and Incentive Mechanism

The RENDER token serves as the primary medium of exchange and incentive within the ecosystem:

• Work Credits: Creators burn RENDER to receive Render Credits. These are non-fungible, non-transferable "coupon tokens" that represent the USD value of the burned RENDER and are used to submit rendering or AI tasks to the network.
• Node Incentives: Node operators are incentivized to provide GPU power through RENDER emissions. Rewards are distributed based on an epoch-based system (typically weekly or monthly) and are calculated using factors such as compute quantity, bandwidth, GPU model, and uptime.
• Creator Rebates: To encourage network usage, creators receive rebates in RENDER for the tokens they expend to request services.
• Governance: Tokenholders can participate in off-chain governance by submitting and voting on Render Network Improvement Proposals (RNPs) via platforms like Nation.

Locking Mechanism and Unlocking Time

The locking and unlocking of tokens primarily relate to the migration and bridging processes between Ethereum and Solana:

• Lock-and-Mint Bridge: When moving from Ethereum (RNDR) to Solana (RENDER) via the Wormhole bridge, the origin tokens (RNDR) are locked on Ethereum to mint the destination tokens (RENDER) on Solana.
• One-Way Upgrade: The swap from RNDR to RENDER is a one-way mechanism; once tokens are upgraded to the Solana SPL format, the process cannot be reversed.
• Escrow and Custody: Legacy tokens not yet in circulation (from the RNDR Reserve) are held in third-party custody and escrow accounts. These are released into the ecosystem as needed for user acquisition, node operator bonuses, or airdrops.
• Emission Decay: While not a traditional "lockup" for private investors, the emission of the 107.38 million new tokens follows a predefined declining schedule over 10 years, ensuring a gradual release of supply rather than a sudden influx.

Specific individual investor unlocking schedules or cliff dates for the original 2017 sale participants were not detailed in the provided records beyond the "Genesis Bonus" distributed in December 2018.