Vetoken Governance

Definition ∞ Vetoken governance refers to a specific model of decentralized autonomous organization where users lock up tokens for a set period to receive vote-escrowed tokens, or veTokens. These veTokens grant enhanced voting power and often a larger share of protocol fees or rewards. The longer the lock-up period, the greater the voting power and benefits. This system aims to incentivize long-term participation and alignment with the protocol’s success.
Context ∞ News frequently discusses veToken governance in the context of decentralized finance protocols seeking to optimize their incentive structures and strengthen community participation. Debates often center on the effectiveness of these models in preventing short-term speculation and promoting sustainable growth. A critical future development involves the evolution of veToken designs to address issues of voter apathy or concentrated power. This governance mechanism is key for understanding the economic dynamics of many DeFi projects.