Dear IOST Community, As I pen this letter, I’m reminded of Peter Drucker’s profound words: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

I am Blake, CEO of IOST. Our journey since 2017 has been nothing short of a relentless pursuit of innovation. In February 2019, we didn’t just launch a blockchain — we made history with Olympus v1.0, becoming the fourth operational Layer 1 after Ethereum, EOS, and Tron. While many projects faded after their ICOs, we stood firm and delivered.

Yet, our voyage wasn’t without storms. The prolonged bear market of 2019 was a storm that tested our resilience. Despite our dedication and cutting-edge developments, we faced the hard truth that timing is crucial. The unfavorable market conditions were like headwinds that slowed our ascent, but they did not diminish our spirit as we’ve learned from this and have been preparing for the next opportunity.

Today, the blockchain landscape is brimming with new opportunities — DeFi, NFTs, DePIN, RWA, Meme, and more. We recognize that to thrive, we must adapt and focus on where we excel. That’s why we’re undergoing a transformation. By honing in on our strengths in PayFi (Payment Finance) and DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks), we’re proud to introduce PayPIN — the synergy of these two powerful domains.

This isn’t just a shift; it’s a transformation — a renewed commitment to our vision. We’re aligning our strategy to seize the moment in the upcoming bull market, unveiling our plans with precision to make a lasting impact. With PayPIN, we’re building more than an ecosystem — we’re creating a legacy and fostering collaborations that promise sustainable growth.

In the weeks ahead, we’ll share a series of eight articles detailing our rebranding journey — the reasons behind our shift, the exciting changes on the horizon, and the exceptional team driving this new chapter. But we can’t embark on this journey alone. The heartbeat of Crypto is its community, and your support is the wind beneath our wings. Together, we can turn this transition into a triumph, building something extraordinary and moving toward a future where we all celebrate our collective success.

This moment marks not just a new chapter but a testament to our unyielding spirit of innovation. With PayPIN, we’re not merely advancing technology; we’re strengthening the bonds within our community, creating ripples that will resonate far beyond today. Your participation isn’t just support — it’s the force that will shape our shared legacy. Join us as we write this enduring story together.

Let’s Make IOST Great Again 🫡

With unwavering dedication, Blake Jeong CEO, IOST

PS: The goals we share are the same. Let’s aim higher, achieve together, and smile when we get there.

The Manifesto: Redefining IOST with PayPIN was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.