XTZ, also known as Tezos, is a decentralized blockchain platform that allows developers to create smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It was founded in 2014 by Arthur and Kathleen Breitman and launched in 2018 after a successful initial coin offering (ICO) that raised over $230 million. Tezos uses a unique consensus algorithm called Liquid Proof of Stake (LPoS), which allows token holders to participate in the network's governance and decision-making processes. This means that the Tezos community can vote on proposed changes to the protocol, such as upgrades or amendments, making it a more democratic and decentralized platform.

One of the key features of Tezos is its ability to upgrade itself without the need for a hard fork. This means that the network can evolve and adapt to changing market conditions and user needs without disrupting the existing ecosystem. Tezos also has a strong focus on security and formal verification, which is a mathematical process that ensures the correctness of smart contracts. This makes it a more reliable and trustworthy platform for developers and users alike. Overall, Tezos is a promising blockchain platform that offers a unique combination of governance, security, and flexibility.