Tokenomics Framework

Value Capturing Mechanisms

Composite patterns that combine Origins of Value to form real-world token value mechanisms

[1] Value Transfer
[2] Future Cashflow
[3] Governance
[4] Access
[5] Representation
[6] Hedonic Value
[1]
V
Value Transfer
[2]
D
Dividends
[4]
A
Access
[5]
R
Representation
[6]
H
Hedonic Value
[2][8]
Dt
Discount Token
[2][7]
Sm
Pooled Insurance
[3][8]
G
Generalized Governance
[4][6]
C
Collectible club
[4][8]
Ca
Work-based access
[5][2]
Lp
Active managed portfolio
[6][2]
Hd
Hedonic dividends
[6][1]
Mt
Meme tokens
[2][3][8]
Pf
Protocol Fees
[2][7][8]
Wt
Work Token
[2][7][8]
Cs
Consensus Token
[4][3][8]
Ms
Membership
[4][2][8]
Pc
Private cooperative
[5][2][8]
Rw
Tokenized real-world assets
[6][2][5]
Ta
Tokenized digital art
[6][3][8]
Hg
Hedonic governance
[4][7][8][2]
VeA
Vote-escrowed Access
[7][2][8][2][3]
VeV
Vote-escrow (Velodrome version)

Origins of Value

A systematic approach to analyzing how tokens create and transfer value across 8 distinct categories

1

Value Transfer

The value of an asset originates from its involvement in transactions and settlements. Pegged assets and representation-based assets are out of scope.

2

Cashflow

An income stream received by token holders (either directly or indirectly) originating from the protocol's operation. Using tokens in third-party protocols for yield generation is out of scope.

3

Governance

It represents the value derived from token holders' unique ability to influence protocol governance. This value originates from managing the distribution of limited resources (typical examples: emissions, rewards, protocol parameters/upgrades, and treasury assets).

4

Access

Value originates from access to a unique protocol resource, which generates additional value for token holders. The amount of additional value gained depends on the actions of the token holders.

5

Representation

Asset value is extrinsically sourced and originates from representing other assets, which have intrinsic value. Examples: stablecoins, LP positions, wrapped assets.

6

Hedonic Value

Represents value that is gained as a result of a social contract (as a result of popularity or other context) and not captured by the regular economic models. Examples: digital art.

7

Transferability Restriction

It represents the requirement to deposit an asset into a specific contract that has a lock-up or cooldown period, which prevents the asset from being released instantly. It often acts as a requirement for activating token utility.

8

Conditional Action

It indicates that token holders must perform specific actions to activate their tokens' additional utility. Examples include: (1) casting a vote to gain governance value and (2) running a node to participate in network consensus.