Polygon (formerly Matic Network) is a blockchain platform which aims to create a multi-chain blockchain system compatible with Ethereum. As with Ethereum, it uses a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism for processing transactions on-chain. Polygon's native token is POL, an ERC-20 token which allows for compatibility with other Ethereum cryptocurrencies. It is operated by Polygon Labs.

Polygon is a natively Layer-2 network that uses Ethereum as a base network. In particular, transactions are first validated inside Polygon and then periodically committed in a "checkpoint": a Merkle root of transaction hashes is committed to Ethereum's mainnet by using "Core contracts".

Polygon runs various decentralized applications (dApps) such as Defi, DAOs, and NFTs.

The blockchain company Polygon was originally known as Matic Network. The Matic Network was launched in 2017 by four software engineers: Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal, Anurag Arjun, and Mihailo Bjelic. In February 2021, the project was rebranded as Polygon Technology.

In August 2021, Polygon acquired Hermez Network for $250 million. In December 2021, Polygon acquired the Mir blockchain network for 250 million MATIC tokens, with the tokens having a value of around $400 million at the time of the deal.^{[citation needed]}

In December 2021, Polygon disclosed a security vulnerability that resulted in the theft of 801,601 MATIC tokens.

In February 2022, Polygon raised $450 million by selling MATIC tokens in a round led by Sequoia Capital India including Tiger Global and Softbank Vision Fund.

In November 2022, JPMorgan Chase executed its first live trade on a public blockchain, using Polygon and modified Aave.