AntShares

AntShares was a blockchain platform and cryptocurrency project developed by the NEO blockchain team in 2016. It represented an early phase in the evolution of what would later become the NEO blockchain ecosystem, serving as a foundational precursor to the more advanced NEO platform.

The project was initially launched as AntShares Network and operated on a dual-token model consisting of ANS (AntShares) and ANC (AntCoins). The ANS token functioned as the primary equity token, representing ownership stake in the network, while ANC served as the utility token used for network operations and smart contract execution. This dual-token system was designed to separate governance and operational functions within the blockchain.

AntShares implemented a delegated Byzantine Fault Tolerance (dBFT) consensus mechanism, which allowed for faster transaction processing compared to traditional proof-of-work systems. The platform aimed to create a smart economy by digitizing assets and automating management through smart contracts. It positioned itself as a "smart contract platform" that could support decentralized applications and digital asset issuance.

The project underwent a significant rebranding in 2017 when it was renamed NEO, with AntShares (ANS) tokens being swapped for NEO tokens at a 1:1 ratio. This transition marked the end of the AntShares era and the beginning of NEO's development as a more comprehensive blockchain platform focusing on digital identity and asset registration.

During its brief existence, AntShares attracted attention in the cryptocurrency community for its innovative consensus mechanism and vision of creating a smart economy. However, it faced challenges common to early blockchain projects, including limited adoption and competition from established platforms like Ethereum. The rebranding to NEO represented a strategic shift toward a more ambitious vision for blockchain-based digital asset management and smart contract functionality.