IOST (Internet of Services Token) is a blockchain platform that is focused on improving transaction speed and scalability. IOST has a unique Proof of Believability consensus mechanism that is based on past contributions and behavior.
The company claims that their platform will increase security and efficiency compared to other platforms. IOST uses a sharding technique that splits the network into smaller ones and randomly assigns tasks for the nodes on the network.

ARK, which is a fork of Lisk, is developing an interconnected blockchain ecosystem that will make it easier for users to develop their own blockchains. Ark emphasizes interoperability and usability. Their moto is “Point.Click.Blockchain” and their goal is to allow for easy deployment of DApps. Ark's "push button blockchains" can be easily created with minimal programming knowledge. Ark also hopes to encourage adoption by developers by accommodating 18 different programming languages.
Ark has a delegated Proof-of-Stake (dPoS) consensus mechanism. Their governance model allows users to vote for delegates that secure the network. The top 51 delegates voluntarily share there tokens with their voters.
Ark contract execution service (ACES) connects ARK with other blockchains and will enable exchanges of value between them.