Development Reward Program?

Start by getting a wallet (Nautilus for browser, Terminus for mobile). Back up your seed phrase securely offline. Get some ERG from an exchange (Gate.io, KuCoin) or DEX (Spectrum). Make a test transaction. Then explore: try DeFi on Spectrum, check out NFTs, or dive into the technology if you're a builder.

This is not financial advice. Ergo has strong fundamentals: fair launch (no VC dump risk), innovative technology (eUTXO, Sigma Protocols, NiPoPoWs), active development, and a cypherpunk ethos. It's a smaller market cap project with higher risk/reward than established chains. Research thoroughly, understand the technology, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

VC-funded chains have misaligned incentives: VCs need exits, so they push for hype over substance, centralized control, and token dumps. Ergo's fair launch means no insider allocations, no pressure to pump price, and no corporate governance. The community controls Ergo, not investors seeking returns.

Building DeFi on Ergo starts with understanding the eUTXO model and ErgoScript. Unlike account-based chains, Ergo's box model provides deterministic execution, no MEV by design, and predictable gas costs. Use Oracle Pools for price feeds, and leverage existing patterns from Spectrum Finance and SigmaUSD.