Blockchains / VeChain
VET

VeChain

VET

Enterprise blockchain focused on supply chain and sustainability solutions

Layer 1 enterprisesupply-chainsustainability
Launched
2018
Founder
Sunny Lu
Website
vechain.org
Primitives
2

Introduction to VeChain

VeChain has pursued enterprise blockchain adoption longer and more persistently than perhaps any other project. Founded in 2015 by Sunny Lu, former CIO of Louis Vuitton China, VeChain focuses on supply chain management, sustainability tracking, and enterprise solutions. The network uses Proof of Authority consensus, prioritizing performance and predictability for business applications with smart contracts.

Unlike projects chasing DeFi or consumer applications, VeChain maintains a laser focus on real-world enterprise use cases, partnering with major corporations including Walmart China, BMW, and DNV to bring blockchain to supply chain and sustainability verification.

Enterprise-First Philosophy

The Vision

VeChain targets enterprise needs:

  • Supply chain transparency
  • Product authenticity verification
  • Sustainability tracking
  • Data management and trust

Real-World Focus

Practical applications over speculation:

  • Fortune 500 partnerships
  • Working production systems
  • Measurable business value
  • Long-term relationships

How VeChain Works

Proof of Authority

VeChain’s consensus mechanism:

Authority Masternodes: 101 vetted nodes produce blocks Known Validators: Enterprises and institutions High Performance: Predictable throughput Trade-off: Less decentralized, more efficient

VeChainThor Blockchain

Technical architecture:

  • EVM compatible
  • Smart contract capability
  • Designed for enterprise use cases
  • Governance built in

ToolChain Platform

Enterprise offering:

  • Blockchain-as-a-Service
  • No technical expertise required
  • Ready-made solutions
  • Managed infrastructure

Technical Specifications

MetricValue
Block Time~10 seconds
ConsensusProof of Authority
Authority Nodes101
TPS~10,000
VMCompatible with EVM
EnergyCarbon neutral

Dual Token System

VET (VeChain Token)

Primary token functions:

  • Value Transfer: Send between accounts
  • Staking: Generate VTHO
  • Governance: Voting rights
  • Store of Value: Network asset

VTHO (VeThor Energy)

Utility token:

  • Gas Fees: Pay for transactions
  • Generated by VET: Holding VET produces VTHO
  • Burned on Use: Deflationary when used
  • Separates Value from Utility: Predictable costs

Why Two Tokens?

Enterprise considerations:

  • Predictable transaction costs
  • VET value fluctuations don’t affect operations
  • VTHO generation provides yield
  • Clear separation of concerns

Enterprise Partnerships

Walmart China

Major implementation:

  • Food traceability platform
  • Millions of products tracked
  • Consumer-facing transparency
  • Production deployment

BMW Group

Automotive use case:

  • Vehicle data management
  • Mileage verification
  • Ownership history
  • VerifyCar application

DNV

Certification partnership:

  • My Story platform
  • Product lifecycle tracking
  • Sustainability verification
  • Quality assurance

Other Partners

Extensive enterprise network:

  • PwC (service partner)
  • Shanghai Gas
  • H&M
  • Givenchy
  • And many more

Sustainability Focus

Carbon Tracking

Environmental applications:

  • Carbon credit verification
  • Emissions tracking
  • Sustainability certification
  • ESG reporting

ToolChain Carbon

Dedicated solution:

  • Carbon footprint calculation
  • Offset verification
  • Reporting tools
  • Enterprise integration

San Marino

Government partnership:

  • National digital transformation
  • Sustainability initiatives
  • Blockchain adoption
  • Public sector use cases

Competition and Positioning

vs. Other Enterprise Blockchains

BlockchainFocusModel
VeChainSupply chainPublic PoA
HyperledgerEnterprisePrivate
HederaGeneral enterpriseHashgraph
IBM BlockchainEnterprisePermissioned

Unique Position

VeChain’s differentiation:

  • Public but enterprise-friendly
  • Real production deployments
  • Sustainability focus
  • Long-term partner relationships

Challenges and Criticism

Decentralization Trade-offs

PoA limitations:

  • 101 authority nodes only
  • Centralized compared to PoS/PoW
  • Trust in known validators
  • Governance concentration

Token Performance

Market concerns:

  • Price action disconnected from usage
  • Two-token complexity
  • Competition for attention
  • Crypto market dynamics

Adoption Speed

Enterprise challenges:

  • Long sales cycles
  • Integration complexity
  • Regulatory navigation
  • Conservative enterprises

Recent Developments

VeChain Renaissance

Ecosystem upgrade:

  • Improved sustainability tools
  • Enhanced developer experience
  • Community initiatives
  • Marketing refresh

Carbon Management

Growing focus:

  • More carbon solutions
  • Enterprise tools
  • Verification platforms
  • ESG integration

Developer Tools

Technical improvements:

  • SDK updates
  • Documentation
  • Developer programs
  • Hackathons

Future Roadmap

Development priorities:

  • Sustainability: Carbon and ESG solutions
  • Enterprise Adoption: More partnerships
  • Developer Experience: Better tooling
  • Interoperability: Cross-chain capabilities
  • Decentralization: Governance improvements

Conclusion

VeChain represents the most sustained enterprise blockchain effort in the industry, with nearly a decade of focus on real-world business applications. The supply chain and sustainability focus addresses genuine enterprise needs, while partnerships with major corporations demonstrate production-level adoption.

The Proof of Authority consensus represents a clear trade-off: sacrificing decentralization for the predictability and performance enterprises require. Whether this positions VeChain well for long-term success depends on whether enterprises ultimately embrace public blockchain infrastructure.

For those evaluating enterprise blockchain solutions, VeChain offers proven technology, established partnerships, and a clear focus on practical business value over speculative use cases.