POAP Shuts Down After Five Years

POAP, the popular protocol for issuing digital collectible badges, is shutting down after more than five years of operations. The team announced that the project is winding down because its current funding model is no longer sustainable. Even though major brands like Coinbase and American Express used the technology, the business could not keep going in the long run.

Millions of existing badges will remain safely onchain, meaning users can still access and view their digital history. The shutdown marks the end of an era for one of the most recognizable tools used by communities to prove attendance at events, both online and in person.

Crypto users should watch for other projects attempting to fill the gap left by POAP in the digital identity and community engagement space. As the broader market evolves, funding sustainable models for public goods remains a major challenge for builders.