Too Long; Didn't Read
NEAR protocol is a proof of stake blockchain that uses its nightshade to leverage competition. Nightshade works by having each node on the blockchain to hold only a small subset of the platform's data. This sharding solution enhances efficiency, increases transactions conducted per second and allows saving on gas fees. NEAR was able to raise more than $20m in venture capital funding even before the work on the platform kicked off. By the end of 2021, NEAR had reported an almost 300% growth on the community.