Apps use ICON to operate cross-chain seamlessly, build momentum and gain reputation. ICON's Cross-Chain Framework simplifies cross-chain development with its easy-to-use xCall messaging standard and connections to secure bridging protocols.
## Who Are the Founders of ICON Network?
ICON Network was co-founded by Min Kim, the former chief strategy officer of DAYLI Financial Group, Korea’s largest fintech holding company, and the chief operating officer at Tapas Media, a U.S. digital content distribution platform. He is also an alumnus of Haas School of Business at the University of California in Berkeley. Min Kim incubated ICONLOOP, ICON’s technical partner.
## What Makes ICON Network Unique?
ICON's native ICX coin fuels interoperability with a sizeable percentage of all these fees collected in ICX are burned. Apps, written in any programming language, can use the ICON Cross-Chain Framework on a growing list of blockchains. Visit the ICON Community website for an up to date overview of connected blockchains!
## How Is the ICON Network Secured?
ICON is a delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS) network, which means a majority of stakeholders delegate their share of the network – in this case, ICX – to registered validators that produce blocks and participate in governance. ICON’s DPoS consensus lets non-technical stakeholders benefit from staking without having to set up a node or join a staking pool.
On ICON, ICX holders can stake and delegate ICX to P-Reps – entities that have registered to participate in governing the ICON blockchain. This DPoS implementation offers the best of both worlds – stakers can passively earn rewards, while technical individuals that are actually interested in setting up infrastructure and governing ICON can do so.
The ICON blockchain is governed by Public Representatives (P-Reps). To become a P-Rep, a team or individual must go through an on-chain registration process which includes paying a 2,000 ICX registration fee. Following registration, a P-Rep can start receiving delegation in the form of staked ICX.
To read more: ICON Governance.
## Where Can You Buy ICON Network (ICX)?
ICX is available on Binance, Upbit, Bithumb, Uniswap (V2), BitStamp and Gate.io.
ICON is a universal blockchain ecosystem designed to connect different blockchains. This document aims to introduce technical users to the setup and usage of various components of the ICON network. As an open-source community project, contributions such as proposing new topics, adding content, and providing examples are welcome. Users can submit pull requests through the GitHub repository or edit using the Gitbook application.
How to Buy ICX
1. How to Buy ICX on Exchanges
Step 1: Choose a reputable exchange platform
Select a trustworthy platform from numerous exchanges to make your purchase. Some trusted platforms include Coinbase, Binance, OKX, among others.
Step 2: Register an account
Create an account on the chosen exchange platform. You may need to provide personal information (such as phone number, email) to complete the registration process.
Step 3: Complete identity verification
For security reasons, some platforms may require you to undergo identity verification. Follow the platform's instructions, providing necessary identity information (such as country/ID number) and undergo facial recognition if prompted. Once your identity is confirmed, you'll receive notification.
Step 4: Link your bank or payment method
Link your bank account or other payment methods to the exchange platform for making payments when purchasing ICX.
Step 5: Purchase ICX
Find the option to buy coins on the exchange platform, select the C2C buying process, then input the amount of cryptocurrency you wish to purchase. Typically, you'll choose to buy USDT first and then proceed with the purchase method. Simply place your order, make payment to the seller, and you'll receive the cryptocurrency. Once the payment is completed, you can use your exchange assets to buy ICX.
Step 6: Store your ICX
After purchase, you can choose to store ICX in the digital wallet provided by the exchange platform or transfer it to a hardware wallet under your control.
Step 7: Security Tips
To protect your exchange account and ICX assets, it's essential to use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
How to Buy ICX via Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trading
Over-the-counter (OTC) ICX trading occurs directly between buyers and sellers, bypassing exchanges or other intermediaries. Here are the general steps for OTC ICX trading:
Step 1: Find an OTC trading channel
Start by finding a reliable OTC trading platform or service provider. These platforms typically offer online marketplaces or ways to connect with brokers for trading.
Step 2: Register an account
Sign up for an account on the chosen OTC trading platform. You may need to provide some personal information (phone/email) to complete the registration process.
Step 3: Complete identity verification
For security purposes, some platforms may require you to undergo identity verification. Follow the platform's instructions to provide necessary identity information (nationality/ID) and undergo facial recognition or other verification steps.
Step 4: Browse the trading list
After logging into your account, browse through the platform's trading list to find ICX trades that interest you. You can choose trades based on the trader's reputation rating, trade volume, price, and payment methods.
Step 5: Select a trading partner
Once you find a suitable trade, click to enter the trading page and carefully review the trader's terms and conditions. Ensure you understand and agree to the trader's requirements, such as trade amount, payment method, trade time, etc.
Step 6: Negotiate trade details
After reaching an agreement with the trader, you can negotiate trade details such as trade amount, payment method, trade time, and location.
Step 7: Make payment
According to the agreement reached with the trader, use the chosen payment method to pay the ICX purchase amount to the seller.
Step 8: Confirm receipt
Once the trader confirms receiving your payment, they will release ICX to the ICX address you provided. You can check your ICX wallet balance after the trade to confirm its success.
3. How to Buy ICX through Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)
Buying ICX on decentralized exchanges (DEX) differs from purchasing other cryptocurrencies on centralized exchanges. Here are the general steps for buying ICX on DEX:
Step 1: Choose a ICX-supporting wallet
Create a new wallet supporting ICX assets, then select a decentralized exchange that supports ICX.
Step 2: Connect your wallet
Before using the DEX, you need to connect a wallet supporting the ICX blockchain. You can connect your wallet to the selected DEX via browser extension or mobile application.
Step 3: Deposit funds
In your wallet, select deposit and choose the asset you want to deposit (such as stablecoins). Follow the wallet prompts to complete the deposit process.
Step 4: Find the trading pair
Search or browse for the ICX trading pair on the DEX. Typically, you can find a search box or a list of trading pairs on the exchange's homepage or trading interface.
Step 5: Place an order
Once you find the ICX trading pair, you can choose between market or limit orders and input the quantity you want to purchase. Ensure you input the correct price and quantity in the order, then confirm the order.
Step 6: Wait for the trade to execute
Your order will be submitted to the ICX blockchain and wait for confirmation and execution by miners. Once the order is executed, you will receive the purchased ICX, which you can view in your wallet balance.
Step 7: Withdraw funds
After completing the trade, you can choose to withdraw the purchased ICX to your wallet for safer storage of your digital assets.
4. Official Channels for ICX Project Team or Community
Sometimes, the ICX project team or community may launch official channels for direct ICX purchases. This may include private placements, presales, or other forms of direct sales.