Jito (JTO) is a cryptocurrency launched in 2023, operating on the Solana blockchain. It plays a pivotal role within the Solana ecosystem by providing a liquid staking solution through its JitoSOL pool, along with a suite of MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) products. Jito’s infrastructure allows users to convert their SOL (Solana's native token) into JitoSOL, enabling them to earn staking rewards while maintaining liquidity and access to DeFi (Decentralized Finance) opportunities.

One of the unique features of Jito is its approach to MEV. By redistributing profits generated from MEV activities, such as transaction re-ordering and arbitrage, Jito mitigates the negative effects typically associated with MEV, ensuring a fairer and more profitable ecosystem. When users stake their SOL in exchange for JitoSOL, their assets are utilized by MEV-enabled validators to generate higher yields, offering a more attractive staking alternative. This mechanism not only enhances yield potential for stakers but also preserves liquidity and active participation in on-chain governance for SOL holders.

Jito Labs, the team behind Jito, was established in 2021. The project gained early support through a Series A funding round in August 2022, backed by prominent crypto venture firms including Multicoin Capital and Framework Ventures. Its innovative approach to liquid staking and MEV has also attracted the attention of major exchanges, with Binance listing Jito (JTO) as a governance token, further solidifying its presence in the broader crypto market.