# Api3

> Oracles that pay you

Api3 is a blockchain oracle provider that delivers data feeds to smart contracts across EVM networks and returns Oracle Extractable Value to dApps as OEV Rewards.

Api3 is a decentralized oracle provider that supplies verifiable, multi-source data feeds to decentralized applications across a range of EVM-compatible networks. Rather than relying on third-party node operators, it sources data directly from first-party oracle nodes run by data providers, which reduces intermediaries and adds transparency to how data reaches smart contracts. Its data feeds are aimed at decentralized finance protocols and other applications that need reliable pricing and market data on-chain.

A distinguishing element of the system is its integrated oracle extractable value mechanism, which captures the value created around oracle updates, such as those triggering liquidations on lending markets. Instead of that value going to external searchers or validators, it is auctioned and a share is returned to the decentralized applications that use the feeds, in the form of OEV Rewards. Data feeds and related services are accessed through the Api3 Market, a marketplace that lets developers activate feeds without a lengthy onboarding process.

Beyond price feeds, Api3 offers services such as a quantum random number generator and infrastructure for signed data delivery. Governance of the protocol, including its insurance pool and treasury, is carried out by holders who stake the API3 token, giving them voting rights over protocol parameters. The oracle network is used by decentralized finance protocols and other on-chain applications seeking direct-sourced data and a share of the value their oracle usage generates.

- Type: DAO
- Sector: Infrastructure
- Status: Active
- Profile: https://thegrid.id/profiles/api3

## Products

- [Api3 DAO](https://thegrid.id/profiles/api3): Api3 DAO is a decentralized governance framework that manages the Api3 oracle protocol through staking of the API3 token. Token holders stake API3 into a DAO pool to vote on proposals covering staking parameters, collateralization ratios, and treasury grants, while staked tokens also act as collateral backing oracle service quality. The governance structure relies on primary and secondary voting agents to handle different categories of proposals. (DAO Management Platform, Live)
- [Api3 Market](https://thegrid.id/profiles/api3): Api3 Market is a permissionless data feed marketplace that delivers a large catalog of real-time price feeds to decentralized applications across multiple EVM-compatible blockchains. It sources data through first-party oracle nodes operated directly by API providers, removing intermediaries between data sources and smart contracts. The platform integrates an oracle extractable value auction system that lets protocols recapture value from data updates, distributing most auction proceeds back to the integrating application as OEV Rewards. Data feeds follow a standard aggregator interface, allowing them to serve as drop-in replacements for other oracle providers. (Oracle, Live, Main Product)
- [Airnode](https://thegrid.id/profiles/api3): Airnode is serverless oracle node software that lets API providers run first-party oracle nodes delivering their own data directly to smart contracts. Operators configure existing REST API endpoints into blockchain-compatible data feeds and deploy the node through managed cloud infrastructure without maintaining dedicated servers. It supports both continuous data feed publishing and direct on-chain data requests, letting providers sign their own data at the source and establishing clear cryptographic attribution for oracle inputs. (Developer Tooling, Live)

## Assets

- [API3 (API3)](https://thegrid.id/profiles/api3): API3 is the governance token of the API3 DAO. It is used for staking to earn weekly rewards, voting on protocol parameter changes and grant proposals, and as collateral for oracle service coverage. The token uses an adaptive reward mechanism that adjusts the staking APR weekly until a target staking level is met. (Governance)

## Links

- [Main](https://api3.org)
- [Terms of Service](https://api3.org/terms-and-conditions)
- [Whitepaper](https://old-docs.api3.org/api3-whitepaper-v1.0.3.pdf)
- [Privacy policy](https://api3.org/privacy-policy)
- [Media Kit/branding](https://api3data.notion.site/mediakit)
- [Governance](https://dao-docs.api3.org/overview/governance.html)
- [GitHub](https://github.com/api3dao)
- [Medium](https://medium.com/api3)
- [Telegram](https://t.me/API3DAO)
- [Twitter / X](https://x.com/api3dao)

## Legal

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Model 1 - open data. The open data core is licensed under the Open Database License (ODbL) — a copyleft/share-alike license allowing free use, modification, and sharing for any purpose. Attribution is required: include "Powered by The Grid" linking to https://thegrid.id wherever the data is used. Derivative databases must be shared under ODbL terms. Trademarks, logos, and brand names (marked "Special TPIP") are not covered by the ODbL. For ML/AI use: training datasets that substantially extract ODbL data are Derivative Databases and must be shared under ODbL if publicly used; models must be attributed in documentation.

Model 2 - commercial licenses. The Grid Data Service (TGDS) is also available as a commercial license. See [Web Services Terms](https://about.thegrid.id/legal/web-services-terms) for commercial use that is not covered by the open data service.

The following applies to both licensing models.
- All data is provided AS IS with no guarantees of accuracy.
- The Grid does not provide investment, legal, or tax advice, and
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- [Data Licensing & Disclaimers](https://about.thegrid.id/legal/data-licensing-and-disclaimers): Licensing models and disclaimers
- [Open Data (ODbL)](https://about.thegrid.id/legal/open-data): Open Database License terms and scope for The Grid's open data service.
- [Attribution Guidelines](https://about.thegrid.id/legal/open-data-attribution-guidelines): How to attribute The Grid's data when using the open data service.
- [Web Services Terms](https://about.thegrid.id/legal/web-services-terms): commercial Terms for using data services.
- [All Legal Documents](https://about.thegrid.id/legal): Full index of terms, policies, and disclosures

## Optional

- [TGS Field Descriptions](https://github.com/The-Grid-Data/workspace-public/blob/main/references/tgs-field-descriptions.md): Schema field definitions for The Grid's data model
- [TGS JSON Structure](https://github.com/The-Grid-Data/workspace-public/blob/main/references/tgs-json-structure.md): Data model structure and relationships
- [Product Type Definitions](https://github.com/The-Grid-Data/workspace-public/blob/main/references/product-type-definitions.md): Definitions for each product type
- [Product Type Classification](https://github.com/The-Grid-Data/workspace-public/blob/main/references/product-type-classification.md): Guide for classifying products into types
- [Grid MCP Guide](https://github.com/The-Grid-Data/workspace-public/blob/main/grid-search/skills/grid-query/references/grid-mcp-guide.md): How to query The Grid programmatically via MCP