Celo

Celo is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain platform designed to make cryptocurrency and decentralized finance accessible to mobile users globally. Founded in 2017 and launched on Earth Day 2020, the platform operates as a carbon-negative, EVM-compatible blockchain with a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. Celo is headquartered in San Francisco, California and operates internationally, though it is not a Mexican entity.

The platform features native stablecoins including cUSD, cEUR, cREAL, and cKES, which are pegged to fiat currencies and maintained through a programmatic reserve system. Celo distinguishes itself through mobile-first design, allowing users to make payments using phone numbers, pay transaction fees with multiple ERC-20 tokens including stablecoins, and achieve sub-cent transaction costs with one-second block finality. The platform supports over 1,000 projects across 150 countries and maintains a global ecosystem of developers and partners.

Celo operates with a Byzantine Fault Tolerance consensus mechanism requiring validators to stake a minimum of 10,000 CELO tokens. Major validators include Google Cloud, Deutsche Telekom, and Telefonica. The CELO token serves as the governance asset, enabling token holders to vote on protocol changes and participate in network security. Recent developments include the platform's transition to an Ethereum Layer-2 through community governance approval, achieving the number one ranking among Ethereum L2s by daily active addresses, and MiniPay surpassing 11 million wallets. The Celo Foundation partners with organizations like Opera for payment scaling and maintains active operations in Latin America, including Mexico, through regional hubs supporting builder onboarding and smart contract deployment.