As the DePIN ecosystem grows, so does the need for clear, effective token models. In the final video of the DePIN Token Economics Report, Tom Trowbridge, co-founder of Fluence and host of the DePINed podcast and DePIN Day events, wraps up with the most important lessons for founders, investors, and contributors alike.
If you’ve been following this series, this one is your essential summary — with a look ahead at what’s next for the space.
The #1 Rule of Tokenomics: Keep It Simple
“If you can’t explain your tokenomics on one page — that’s a red flag.”
Overly complex models confuse users and scare off investors. In the fast-moving world of Web3, clarity is king. Simplicity builds trust, drives adoption, and helps a project stay agile as it grows.
The most successful DePIN protocols will be the ones that can articulate:
- What their token does
- How it gains value
- How it aligns incentives
And they’ll do it clearly — in one page or less.
Align With Token Holders Or Lose Them
Whether you’re building a cloud network or a physical one, token holder alignment is non-negotiable.
Tom outlines two core mechanisms:
- Staking for digital DePIN (storage, compute, CDN) — ensures service providers have skin in the game
- Buy & Burn for physical DePIN (IoT, data capture) — ties real revenue directly to token demand
These models ensure that as revenue grows, so does token value. Projects that skip this step risk losing both users and capital.
Fiat Integration Is the Missing Link
Crypto-native tooling isn’t enough. For DePIN to go mainstream, projects must adopt:
- Fiat frontends (bank transfers, credit cards, wires)
- Fiat pricing for predictable billing
Why? Because businesses don’t budget in volatile tokens. They need stable, transparent costs and fiat-based pricing delivers that.
In short: fiat-first UX, crypto-powered backend — that’s the formula for scale.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next for DePIN
As Tom emphasizes, 2025 will be a breakout year for DePIN with:
- Significant revenue growth
- Wider mainstream adoption
- More attention from major investors
Want to stay ahead?
- Follow the DePINed podcast — interviews with the founders building this new internet
- Attend a DePIN Day event — meet the teams and see projects live
- Read the full DePIN Token Economics Report — your roadmap to understanding this evolving ecosystem
