Internet
cliff
What does cliff mean?
A period at the start of a vesting schedule during which no tokens unlock; at the end of the cliff a first tranche releases, after which vesting continues.
"There's a one-year cliff, so no insider tokens hit the market until then."
Origin
From equity vesting terminology, adopted in crypto tokenomics.
Frequently asked questions
What does cliff mean in crypto vesting?
It is an initial lock-up period during which no allocated tokens unlock; at the end of the cliff a first tranche is released.
How long is a typical cliff?
Cliffs commonly last around one year, after which vesting continues on a regular schedule, though the exact length varies by project.
Why do projects use a cliff?
A cliff keeps insider tokens off the market early on, reassuring investors that the team is committed before any supply unlocks.
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