Mapping out the staking ecosystem

A recent trend to gain momentum in the cryptocurrency space is PoS (Proof-of-Stake) networks. From Tezos to the recent arrival of Cosmos, and the anticipation of others like Polkadot, investors have been eager to provide capital toward the development of the alternative consensus mechanism that rivals PoW (Proof-of-Work), famously used by the popular cryptocurrency Bitcoin.

PoS networks have become favorable to some investors because their investment can gain rewards by having their tokens partake in the consensus mechanism securing the network. While highly controversial, some claim PoW networks such as Bitcoin, while profoundly secure, are wasteful in the amount of energy they exert to run and secure their blockchain.