Co-Founder Addresses Token Unlock Delay
Recently, Story Protocol co-founder SY Lee publicly responded to the postponement of the project's first major IP token unlock, now scheduled for August 2026. The six-month extension aims to provide additional time for the development of real-world applications.
Lee noted that the current near-zero on-chain revenue does not accurately reflect Story's overall business progress. The project's core business model does not rely on gas fees but instead generates income by licensing human-created data for AI training through off-chain mechanisms.
Strategic Shift Supports Long-Term Growth
To better adapt to market dynamics and unlock long-term value, Story Protocol is shifting its focus from tokenized media content to more discreet human contribution data and enterprise licensing partnerships. While this transition may reduce short-term on-chain revenue visibility, it is expected to alleviate token supply pressure and support sustainable development over time.
Team and Investor Commitment
Alongside the token unlock delay, tokens held by the team and investors will remain locked, helping to reduce short-term market pressure. This move demonstrates the team's confidence in the project's future and its commitment to long-term stability and growth.