Custom Blockchain: What It Is, How It's Used, and Real Examples

When you hear custom blockchain, a blockchain network built from scratch for a specific purpose, not based on existing public chains like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Also known as private blockchain, it enterprise blockchain, it’s not just a tech buzzword—it’s a tool companies use to solve real problems like supply chain tracking, internal record-keeping, or regulated financial settlements. Unlike public blockchains where anyone can join and verify transactions, a custom blockchain usually has controlled access. Only approved participants can validate data, which makes it faster and cheaper—but also less decentralized.

Many of these networks run as sidechain, a separate blockchain that connects to a main network like Ethereum or Bitcoin to handle specific tasks without overloading the main chain. For example, a gaming company might build a sidechain to manage in-game assets so players get instant trades without waiting for Ethereum gas fees. Or a bank might create a private chain to settle cross-border payments between branches without involving third parties. These aren’t just theoretical—they’re already in use by Walmart, Maersk, and even national governments. But here’s the catch: most custom blockchains sacrifice the core promise of blockchain—decentralization—for control and speed. That’s fine if you’re running an internal system, but terrible if you’re trying to build trust with the public.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real cases where custom blockchains were built, tried, and sometimes abandoned. You’ll see how Angola banned mining because its grid couldn’t handle the load, how Pakistan is now giving 2,000 MW of electricity to crypto mining as a state project, and how sidechains like Polygon are used to make DeFi cheaper. You’ll also see the flip side: dead coins like UniWorld and Bitstar that claimed to be next-gen blockchains but vanished without a trace. Some were scams. Others were just poorly built. The truth is, building a custom blockchain is easy. Making it useful, secure, and lasting? That’s the hard part. These posts cut through the hype and show you what actually works—and what doesn’t.