Lighter (CRYPTO:LIT) triggered debate across DeFi after revealing its newly launched tokenomics.
The disclosure came as the perpetual decentralised exchange continues to rank among the fastest-growing platforms in the sector.
Under the published structure, half of LIT’s total supply is allocated to the ecosystem, while the other half is reserved for the team and investors.
The team and investor allocation is subject to a one-year cliff followed by a three-year linear vesting schedule.
Lighter confirmed that 25% of the total LIT supply had already been distributed through an airdrop linked to its first two points seasons.
The points programme ran throughout 2025 and generated a total of 12.5 million points.
These points were converted directly into LIT tokens and distributed to eligible users at launch.
The remaining 25% of the ecosystem allocation has been set aside for future points campaigns, partnerships and growth incentives.
“The team and investors all have a 1-year unlock and 3-year linear vesting after,” Lighter said. “The breakdown is 26% team, 24% investor.”
The even split between ecosystem incentives and insider allocations divided opinion across social media.
Supporters praised the structure as transparent and clearly communicated ahead of trading.
Critics described the allocation as excessive for a DeFi-native protocol and warned of sell pressure after launch.
Some community members argued that large infrastructure projects require strong investor backing to scale.
Others noted that extended vesting schedules reduce the risk of immediate supply shocks.
One user described the tokenomics as “clean,” citing community focus and onchain utility.
Data from DeFi analytics platform DefiLlama showed Lighter processed nearly $200 billion in perpetuals trading volume over the past 30 days.
This performance placed Lighter ahead of competing perpetual DEXs such as Hyperliquid and Aster.
Market positioning from large traders reflected the divided sentiment around LIT.
Blockchain analytics account Onchain Lens reported multiple whales opening leveraged short positions shortly after the announcement.
These positions involved millions of dollars in capital betting against LIT’s near-term performance.
Lighter also highlighted a dormant whale wallet that added to a large long position despite being in unrealised losses.
The move was interpreted as longer-term conviction rather than short-term speculation.
Speculation extended beyond exchanges into the prediction market Polymarket.
Traders wagered more than $70 million on where LIT’s fully diluted valuation would settle one day after launch.
Betting markets showed high confidence that LIT would exceed a $1 billion FDV.
Confidence declined sharply at higher valuation ranges above $2 billion and $3 billion.
The token’s circulating market capitalisation was estimated at around $700 million.
At the time of reporting, Lighter price was $2.79.