Sign: The trust engine on the Blockchain

Introduction

As tokens become the most transformative innovation in the crypto space, token distribution and management tools are becoming one of the most important infrastructures. In this context, TokenTable - Sign's flagship token management platform - has demonstrated significant market validation. The platform has achieved over $14 million in revenue in less than 12 months, starting from zero, with an astonishing growth trajectory. In fact, TokenTable has now become one of the fastest-growing products in the field.

The source of this remarkable success lies in Sign's unique attestation magic. By leveraging proofs from off-chain and on-chain data and seamlessly integrating them with the on-chain tech stack, Sign has successfully developed efficient products that are useful for both Web3 participants and non-crypto users.

In this report, I will delve into the operational mechanisms of Sign and explore the opportunities for Sign in the future. Specifically, I will focus on how Sign brings trust to trustless networks and examine its potential to drive mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency.

Establishing trust in a trustless system

Public blockchains represent a paradigm shift in data management through three core characteristics—transparency, verifiability, and trustlessness. Every transaction is permanently recorded and can be independently verified by any participant. Users can interact directly with the network without relying on centralized intermediaries. These fundamental characteristics lay an unprecedented foundation for authentication and verification.

Blockchain is a trustless environment

Sign leverages these blockchain features to build a powerful digital identity and establish human trust within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. By utilizing omnichain attestation and zero-knowledge proofs, Sign provides a decentralized, interoperable trust framework that seamlessly connects off-chain and on-chain data. It supports the creation of comprehensive user profiles while maintaining the core principles of blockchain transparency and verifiability.

The combination of the trustless architecture of blockchain and the trust-building mechanism of Sign opens up new possibilities for crypto adoption. By integrating human trust networks into the blockchain system, Sign unlocks many new application scenarios, such as targeted retroactive airdrops, credit-based lending, and KYC/AML (Know Your Customer/Anti-Money Laundering) for on-chain addresses.

Given the above situation, it now seems to be an excellent time to explore how Sign can promote on-chain trust and mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency in a new way.

Sign ecosystem

The top team behind Sign

Behind Sign is a powerful blockchain innovation team. Sign was established in 2021 by more than 20 top talents. Co-founder and CEO XinYan brings rich entrepreneurial leadership experience and profound Web3 expertise, stemming from years of experience in crypto mining and investment. Co-founders Jack and Potter are close friends of XinYan, demonstrating a deep understanding of blockchain architecture, smart contracts, and software engineering.

Core members of the Sign team

The Sign team maintains a strong technical orientation, with developers and engineers making up more than half of its staff. This development-centric approach drives high productivity and continuous innovation. In terms of fundraising, Sign has secured a total of $30 million in funding from leading venture capital firms and investors, including YZi Labs, Sequoia Capital and Balaji.

Sign Series A Fundraising

EthSign

EthSign is an on-chain "DocuSign" with cryptographic security and a user-friendly signing process. It allows users to sign, manage, and verify electronic agreements (contracts, agreements, etc.) on the blockchain in a decentralized, transparent, and secure manner.

EthSign Interface

As the first product of the Sign ecosystem, EthSign has many outstanding features that allow users to flexibly sign documents, including:

Digital signatures on EthSign are generated using EIP-712 or an equivalent standard and written into the document.

EthSign supports passwordless encryption, allowing users to not remember any document passwords. Once users enable advanced encryption features for their address, they can even retroactively view past documents.

The digital signature laws and signatures of mainstream countries have been integrated into EthSign and can be publicly verified for free.

Support multiple wallets interacting with each other across multiple blockchains.

It is worth noting that EthSign adopts a decentralized settlement approach. All settled contracts or documents are automatically submitted to Arweave and are free for end users, while users can still independently access their signed documents and encrypted proof-of-consent. As of now, over 2 million users worldwide have utilized EthSign to sign electronic agreements at a very low cost.

Sign Protocol

Sign Protocol, inspired by EthSign, is a cross-chain proof protocol that empowers users to freely prove and verify any information on-chain. It allows individuals to create proofs—declarations of digital signatures—through predefined schemas, ensuring the consistency and integrity of the data.

In simple terms, the structure of the Sign Protocol is as follows:

Schemas: Templates that define the format of proof data, ensuring clarity and verifiability.

Attestations: Signature data that follows a pattern, securely stored on-chain or off-chain.

Schema Hooks: Custom Solidity code executed when creating or revoking proofs, adding logic such as payments or whitelisting.

Indexing Service: Enhancing the searchability and retrieval capabilities of proofs.

Schema in Sign Protocol

On the Sign Protocol, users can encode data, digitally sign it, and store proofs based on patterns. Pattern hooks allow for customization, such as restricting access or triggering actions. The indexing service makes proofs easy to access. As of now, the Sign Protocol has hosted 163,608 patterns and 3,826,628 proofs across 18 blockchains.

Schemas and Attestations on SignScan

By embracing multi-chain compatibility, the Sign Protocol simplifies the traditionally complex notarization process, striving to provide an intuitive experience akin to Google Search. It enhances the trustworthiness of applications such as credit scoring and reputation systems by providing verifiable and adaptable data that spans different blockchains.

TokenTable

TokenTable is an on-chain token distribution product designed to simplify the registration and distribution of token ownership through smart contracts.

Currently, it offers three sub-products:

Airdrop Pro: Used for large-scale token distribution on networks such as Ethereum, TON, and Solana.

Airdrop Lite: A simplified option designed for small distributions, primarily on TON.

Unlocker: Used for customizing token unlocking plans, supporting cliffs, linear vesting, and discrete releases.

TokenTable is an integrated token operation management platform. It uses Merkle trees for cost-effective token airdrop distribution. In Unlocker, users deposit tokens into a contract and define an unlocking schedule, allowing recipients to receive tokens according to the plan. Users can also deploy their own instances, flexibly manage deposits and withdrawals, and integrate with EthSign to achieve legally binding on-chain signatures and fund transfers.

TokenTable, as the flagship product of the Sign ecosystem, is the largest token distribution platform in the blockchain space. It has facilitated token airdrops and unlocks worth $4 billion, earning the trust of over 200 projects including Movement, Starknet, ZetaChain, DOGS, Mocaverse, Berachain, and Kaito. As of now, TokenTable has provided a seamless distribution experience for 40 million users and investors.

TokenTable Metrics

Notably, TokenTable is one of the most profitable products in the industry, generating over $14 million in revenue in 2024 alone. As XinYan, the head of Sign, revealed during a community event, given its current growth trajectory, TokenTable is expected to achieve $30 million in revenue by 2025.

SignPass and others

SignPass is an innovative digital identity infrastructure that seamlessly connects global citizens and communities. At its core is the Sign Protocol, which supports the creation of blockchain-based verifiable identities, seamlessly integrating with existing passport systems and effectively bridging traditional and digital identity verification methods. By establishing a new framework for citizen and resident identities in an increasingly interconnected world, SignPass is committed to coordinating the emerging "networked nation" with traditional nation-states.

SignPass with SierraLeone PR

The platform has achieved significant milestones in government collaboration. In partnership with Sierra Leone, SignPass has launched the world's first blockchain-based digital permanent residency (PR) program. It has also established a strategic alliance with Ras Al Khaimah to develop a Web3 entrepreneurship program, streamlining the application process for the UAE Golden Visa. According to CEO XinYan, the Sign team is actively engaging with more governments to expand the adoption of SignPass globally.

In addition to digital identity solutions, the Sign team is also developing innovative products to enhance the daily lives of global citizens. These include:

Sign App: Connects real-world IDs to blockchain wallets in a user-friendly way.

SignCard (currently in testing phase): Provides seamless global payments with integrated cryptocurrency uplink/downlink capabilities.

Global eSIM Service (Coming Soon): Providing Borderless Connectivity.

Sign App Preview

Opportunity of Sign

So, what is Sign, and what else can we do with Sign?

Sign represents a long-term commitment to transformative innovation in the Web3 ecosystem and beyond. By connecting real-world credentials to the blockchain, Sign is building an infrastructure of transparency and trust. As XinYan elaborated: "We have mastered how to distribute tokens. Now, our focus is on who to distribute the tokens to. The blockchain is evolving into a global offshore financial center, and our mission is to make it safer and more trustworthy."

The goal of Sign is not to compete for existing cryptocurrency users, but to expand the ecosystem by attracting new participants and building a trustworthy digital domain. To achieve this goal, Sign has adopted various strategic approaches: from providing effective token distribution methods for new users to establishing partnerships with governments and real-world entities.

Now that we have a more detailed understanding of Sign, let's look at broader opportunities.

Real World Asset (RWA) Tokenization and Distribution

Tokenization and distribution of real-world assets (RWA) is a key opportunity. When physical or financial assets (such as real estate, artworks, or commodities) are converted into digital tokens on the blockchain, TokenTable simplifies token management through smart contracts and automates the distribution and unlocking processes. Meanwhile, integration with EthSign ensures legally binding on-chain signatures, meeting RWA compliance requirements. EthSign's robust data privacy framework also ensures secure management of valuable tokenized assets, addressing one of the major concerns in the RWA space.

In-depth cooperation with the government

Although many crypto startups maintain a cautious distance from regulation, Sign has taken a completely different approach. The crypto industry has historically lacked direct contact with government authorities, leading to gaps in understanding and collaboration between the two parties.

Sign bridges this gap by aligning its vision with government digital transformation initiatives. It leverages blockchain technology to drive innovation in the public sector. Strategic alignment with government priorities gives Sign a unique position in the market. More importantly, this top-down adoption of crypto infrastructure through official channels has the potential to catalyze unprecedented mass adoption.

The potential in the field of AI

Authentication is one of the main challenges faced by the AI industry, especially in key areas such as data provenance, access control, and accountability. Sign meets these fundamental needs by providing a robust authentication infrastructure, ensuring that only authenticated entities (whether human users or AI agents) can access and interact with sensitive AI tools, models, and datasets.

In addition, Sign's attestation framework can provide AI developers with a breakthrough solution that enables them to verify that training and inference data comes from a trusted, verified source and remains tamper-proof throughout its lifecycle.

Therefore, Sign has become an undervalued yet crucial force in the AI industry. Its comprehensive identity and verification infrastructure lays the foundation for developing more transparent, trustworthy, and responsible AI solutions.

Sign Community

Sign is not just an ecosystem or a brand. At its core is a thriving community-driven movement.

Orange Dynasty

Orange Dynasty is Sign's official community and embodies the spirit of Sign by emphasizing authentic connection, mutual support, and collaborative building. Initiated by Sign interns, Orange Dynasty aims to be a safe space for members to rediscover the joy of authentic online interactions. The identity of the community is uniquely revealed through the color orange and its symbols – the orange heart (🧡) and the dragon (🐉) – which have become rallying points for members.

Recently, a Sign intern drafted OrangePrint, a comprehensive guide about the Sign community and how to get involved. If you are interested, you can check it out here.

The OrangePrint Page

The Orange Dynasty is a growth strategy for community building. In less than five months, it has become a haven for over 27,000 (real!) users. The growth of the Orange Dynasty demonstrates how digital communities can foster meaningful interpersonal connections and community engagement through memetic cultures.

SBT (Sign-Bound Tokens)

Soul-Bound Tokens (SBT) are non-transferable honor badges awarded for outstanding contributions to the Orange Dynasty. There are four types of SBT, including:

Outstanding Content Creation: Reward those who consistently strive to explore and improve their content creation skills, regardless of format or style.

Serious Builders: Reward those who go beyond the norm in their own way.

Orange Bloodline: Rewards those who actively participate in community activities, join Twitter Spaces, and are active in Telegram group chats.

Support Warriors: Reward those who actively support members of the Orange Dynasty, provide genuine feedback on their posts, and participate in Sign on X activities.

Sign Community Sign-Bound Tokens

All SBTs will be distributed to community members in multiple rounds. The SBT distribution mechanism has been carefully designed to maximize the assurance that everyone has an equal opportunity in each round, regardless of when they joined.

The supply cap of SBT is 460, making it one of the rarest assets in the Sign ecosystem. Currently, the first round of SBT distribution has ended, rewarding approximately 230 community builders. Subsequent batches will be halved each round.

Seeing Signs NFT

Unlike the SBT reserved for community builders, Sign also offers 1,807 Seeing Signs NFTs to those who align with its mission and vision. These NFTs will have the same functionality as SBTs, making them equally valuable within the ecosystem. The Seeing Signs NFTs sold out in just 23 minutes during the initial minting, but they can still be purchased on secondary markets like OpenSea and Blur. Interestingly, the Sign team did not pre-allocate and needs to repurchase NFTs from the secondary market to reward loyal supporters.

Seeing Signs NFTs

$SIGN token

Sign will soon launch its token, marking an exciting milestone for its community. Although the specific details of the $SIGN tokenomics have not yet been announced, Sign has proactively accumulated a Bitcoin reserve worth $10 million to support the adoption of the token. Additionally, future profits from the Sign ecosystem will be used for $SIGN buybacks, further enhancing the long-term value of the token.

Looking to the future

After possibly the most successful business expansion and community building in the cryptocurrency space, Sign has become a strong market competitor, serving 40 million addresses. With no signs of slowing demand for token generation in the market, Sign's goal of reaching 1 billion addresses seems increasingly achievable.

In addition to its current scale, Sign's moat seems to be expanding. Through products like EthSign, Sign Protocol, TokenTable, SignPass, and SignCard, Sign utilizes proof technology and integrates real-world practicality to build a strong and thriving ecosystem. Therefore, as one of the pioneers connecting trust between the physical and digital worlds, Sign maintains its defensive capabilities.

Looking ahead, Sign is far from done. In the coming months, Sign will launch several groundbreaking products (stay tuned...), which are expected to bridge the islands of identity and trust. Strategically, Sign is preparing to deepen its influence by connecting real-world assets (RWA), government collaborations, and AI-driven data verification, all while remaining true to its core mission of making crypto useful and engaging. Let us wait and see the shaping of its impact.