Starknet

Starknet (STRK) is a permissionless Layer 2 validity rollup that scales Ethereum with STARKs, cryptographic proofs that let one succinct attestation vouch for the correctness of thousands of transactions executed off-chain and settled back to mainnet.

Cairo contracts and what the STRK token does

Contracts are written in Cairo, a purpose-built language for provable computation, which sets Starknet apart from EVM-equivalent rivals but historically raised the barrier for developers. The STRK token carries three jobs the network defines for it: paying transaction fees, voting in protocol governance, and staking to help secure and progressively decentralize the sequencer and prover set.

The value-accrual question hanging over STRK

Value accrual is the open question. Fees can also be paid in ETH, so STRK demand leans on staking participation and governance weight rather than a hard fee sink. It competes for rollup mindshare with Arbitrum, Optimism, zkSync, Linea and Scroll, several of which shipped ecosystems faster. The bull case rests on STARK maturity, prover performance and staking uptake; the bear case is dilutive unlocks against uncertain token utility. Realistically it suits users betting on ZK scaling infrastructure and Starknet's specific technical bet, who can stomach emission-driven supply pressure.

1. 1. Choose an exchange. Pick a reputable exchange that lists STRK — among the venues we rate highest are Binance, OKX and Kraken.
2. 2. Create & verify your account. Register, enable two-factor authentication, and complete identity verification (KYC).
3. 3. Deposit funds. Add money by bank transfer, card, or a stablecoin, depending on what the exchange supports in your region.
4. 4. Buy STRK. Search for STRK, choose a market or limit order, enter your amount, and confirm.
5. 5. Secure your coins. For long-term holdings, withdraw STRK to a self-custody wallet you control rather than leaving it on the exchange.

Compare venues in our independent exchange ratings. This is not financial advice.