How The Backers Works
Everything you need to know about the platform, rewards, and tokenomics.
Overview
The Backers is a Solana-based co-ownership platform for PSA-graded Pokémon cards. Community members pool together to back rare cards, share in trading volume rewards, and participate equally — regardless of wallet size.
🎯 Core principle: Equal entry. Shared rewards. Every backer gets the same slot size and the same reward rate. No whale advantages.
How It Works
Step 1 — Creator Lists a Batch
A verified creator submits two PSA-graded Pokémon cards as a Batch. Cards are validated through the Validator System (PSA cert check, grade minimum PSA 8+, no duplicates). The batch goes live with a countdown timer.
Step 2 — Backers Join the Pool
Any wallet holding at least 500,000 $BACKERS tokens can claim a slot in the batch. Each batch has exactly 20 slots at equal SOL cost. The slot price is set when the batch opens.
- Max 20 backers per batch
- Each slot costs equal SOL — fair pricing for all
- Minimum 500,000 $BACKERS token balance required
- Funds held in Streamflow escrow vault (on-chain)
Step 3 — Rewards Distributed
Once the batch timer ends or all slots fill, rewards are distributed automatically on-chain via Streamflow.
Batches
Each batch contains exactly two PSA-graded Pokémon cards. Batches are the core unit of the platform. Here's what you see in each batch listing:
- Card images — Large PSA-graded card photos
- Countdown timer — Time left to join (typically 2 hours)
- Slot progress — How many of 20 slots are filled
- Pool value — Total SOL in the pool (set on launch)
- Min requirement — 500,000 $BACKERS
⏱ Batches run for a limited time window. Once the timer expires or all 20 slots are filled, the batch closes and rewards are distributed.
$BACKERS Token
$BACKERS is the platform utility token deployed on Solana. It serves as the access key to join any batch on the platform.
- Minimum to participate: 500,000 $BACKERS per slot
- Not spent — $BACKERS is checked as a balance requirement, not consumed
- Governance (upcoming): $BACKERS holders vote on batch approvals and fee changes
- Staking (upcoming): Stake $BACKERS to earn platform fee share
Backer Reward Pool
The Backer Reward Pool is funded by 5% of all trading volume processed through the platform (SOL and USDC, including pump.fun volume).
| Recipient | Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Non-Winning Backers | ~70% | The 19 who didn't win the main prize |
| All 20 Backers (equal) | ~20% | Bonus shared by everyone in the batch |
| Creator Incentive | ~5% | For the batch creator |
| Platform Treasury | ~5% | For development and operations |
Distribution is automatic and trustless — no manual withdrawal needed. Funds flow from the escrow vault to each backer's wallet on-chain.
Fee Structure
The platform charges a 5% fee on total trading volume. This is the only fee — there are no hidden charges, no listing fees, and no withdrawal fees.
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Joining a batch (slot purchase) | 0% — no fee |
| Trading volume (buy/sell on platform) | 5% → Reward Pool |
| Reward claim | 0% — no fee |
| Batch creation | Creator stake required |
Validator System
Every action on The Backers is gated by the multi-stage Validator System. This ensures only legitimate cards, eligible wallets, and valid transactions make it onto the platform.
- Card Validator — PSA cert format check, grade minimum (PSA 8+), no duplicate listings
- Wallet Validator — 500K $BACKERS balance, denylist check, SOL fee balance
- Batch Validator — Slot count (5–20), price range, duration, card-to-pool value ratio
- Transaction Validator — On-chain signature verification, amount match
- Creator Validator — Reputation score, collateral stake, active batch limit
→ Explore the Validator System Dashboard
FAQ
Do I need to spend $BACKERS to join?
No. $BACKERS is a balance requirement only — you must hold 500,000 $BACKERS in your wallet, but they are not spent or locked when you join a batch.
What happens if a batch doesn't fill?
If the timer expires before all 20 slots fill, the batch closes with however many backers joined. Rewards are still distributed proportionally based on trading volume generated.
How do I claim rewards?
Rewards are distributed automatically to your wallet once the batch completes. You can also view and claim pending rewards on the Portfolio page.
What is Streamflow?
Streamflow is a Solana-native token vesting and payment streaming protocol. The Backers uses Streamflow escrow to hold batch funds securely and distribute rewards automatically on-chain.
Are there any risks?
All crypto investments carry risk. The value of Pokémon cards fluctuates. Rewards from the pool depend on trading volume generated. This is not financial advice.