BlockDAG is a distributed ledger network that organises blocks as vertices in a directed acyclic graph (DAG) rather than a single linear chain. Each block can reference multiple previous blocks, which allows multiple valid blocks to coexist and be processed in parallel while still converging on an agreed ordering for transaction execution and conflict resolution.

The network is designed around a hybrid ledger model:

• A UTXO domain for payments and transfers.
• An account-based, EVM-compatible domain for smart contracts.

A bridging layer connects the two domains so the same network can support both payment-style transactions and Ethereum-style smart contract interactions.

Block production and network security use proof of work (PoW). The consensus design allows concurrent block production and uses a DAG ordering approach based on GhostDAG/PHANTOM concepts to derive a stable ordering of blocks over time. Nodes validate data against protocol rules and a typical setup includes an execution client (transaction processing and state) and a consensus client (PoW and agreement on history) with an optional mining component. The network supports full nodes that store and validate the full DAG and miner nodes that construct blocks and solve PoW puzzles.

On the smart contract side, BlockDAG supports Ethereum-style tooling patterns, including account abstraction using an ERC-4337 flow built around an EntryPoint contract, bundler services that batch user operations and optional paymasters that can sponsor transaction fees.

BDAG is the network’s native token. It is used for:

• Transaction fees for value transfers in the UTXO domain.
• Gas and execution costs for smart contracts in the EVM-compatible domain, with gas priced in fractions of BDAG.
• Mining-related incentives, where transaction fees are part of what miners can earn for producing valid blocks under PoW.
• Moving value between the UTXO and EVM domains via an internal bridge with a 1:1 conversion rule, where a unit is held in one domain or the other at any time. Transfers follow a burn-and-unlock style flow so the same value is not available in both domains simultaneously.
• Account abstraction fee flows on the EVM side, including cases where a paymaster sponsors gas or where alternative payment arrangements are implemented through smart contracts, while the underlying settlement remains tied to network fee payment.
• Governance staking and voting, where BDAG can be staked to create proposals and to vote, with voting power determined by the amount staked and proposal execution subject to an additional council approval step.

BlockDAG is led by Nicolaas David van den Bergh, listed as CEO and Founder. He is described as having over 20 years of experience in the media and digital industry and holding an MBA from Oxford Brookes University, with a background in marketing, communication and business development.

Other named contributors include:

• Jeremy Harkness, Chief Technology Officer, with a background in blockchain technology, AI, data engineering and decentralised systems and experience leading technical teams.
• Dr. Prof. Youssef Khaoulaj, Chief Security Officer, with a background in cybersecurity, smart contract auditing and security architecture and experience in security leadership roles and academic teaching.
• Marcus Xavier, Head of Learning, focused on course and curriculum design and development of training materials.
• Joshua Sack, focused on Mining and Miners, with experience in proof of work mining and a background in IT and cybersecurity.