• VeChain’s Hayabusa upgrade changes how staking works and gives VET holders real influence over the network
• VTHO inflation is reduced by ~50%, shifting rewards toward active participants
• To benefit, VET holders must actively stake via Stargate using VeWorld

VeChain has entered a new phase of its multi-year roadmap with the launch of the Hayabusa upgrade and Stargate 2.0, a move the network is calling its transition to “real decentralization.”

Speaking on the BeInCrypto Podcast, Jake Campton, Head of Communications & Social Media at VeChain, explained what Hayabusa changes, why it matters, and what VET holders need to do next to stay aligned with the new staking and rewards model.

Hayabusa Marks a Shift to Real Decentralization

Before Hayabusa, VeChain operated under a Proof-of-Authority (PoA) model, where validators were permissioned and required to undergo KYC. According to Campton, this structure made sense in VeChain’s early years, when enterprise partners demanded known validators and regulatory clarity.

However, the environment has changed.

With Hayabusa, VeChain has transitioned to a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS)-style model. Validators are now public and permissionless, meaning anyone with the required collateral and hardware can apply to participate.

“Hayabusa is the first time that delegators genuinely influence network security,” Campton said. “The network has moved from a permissioned setup to a public, permissionless state.”

Validator applications are managed through Stargate, where candidates can join a rotating waitlist as validator slots open up.

VeWorld and Stargate: How Users Participate

For everyday users, VeChain has simplified participation through VeWorld, its all-in-one wallet and ecosystem app.

VeWorld allows users to:

• Manage VET and other digital assets
• Access VeChain and VeBetter dApps
• Stake VET via Stargate without dealing with complex technical steps

“VeWorld is the hub for everything on VeChain,” Campton explained. “If you want to take part in Hayabusa and the new staking model, just download VeWorld and you can get started very easily.”

VTHO Inflation Drops as Rewards Shift to Active Stakers

One of the most important changes under Hayabusa is a major update to VeChain’s tokenomics.

VeChain has reduced VTHO inflation by around 50%, lowering the rate at which the network’s gas token is generated. With transaction volumes continuing to grow, this creates a tighter supply-demand dynamic for VTHO.

At the same time, rewards are now concentrated among active participants.

Previously, every VET token automatically generated VTHO. Under the new model, only staked VET earns rewards, and those rewards are distributed among a much smaller pool of participants.

“What we’ve done is condense rewards into a limited number of node tokens,” Campton said. “Per person, you get significantly more rewards, but only if you actively participate.”

In short: passive holding is no longer enough.

What VET Holders Should Do Now

For VET holders, the message from VeChain is clear:

• Download VeWorld
• Stake VET via Stargate
• Choose validators carefully, as delegator decisions now directly impact network security and rewards

Hayabusa fundamentally changes how value flows through the VeChain ecosystem. Those who take action can benefit from higher reward concentration and a more sustainable economic model, while those who don’t risk being left out.

As Campton put it, Hayabusa is “a big win for VET holders,” but only for those willing to actively participate.

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