> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://taolend.gitbook.io/taolend-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://taolend.gitbook.io/taolend-docs/quick-start.md).

# Quick Start

> This guide will help you get started with Taolend in just 5 minutes.

## Choose Your Role

Taolend supports three participation modes. Choose the one that fits your needs:

### 📈 I Want to Earn Interest (Lender)

If you hold **TAO** and want to earn yield through lending:

👉 [**Go to Lender Quick Start Guide**](/taolend-docs/quick-start/quick-start-lend.md)

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### 💰 I Need Liquidity (Borrower)

If you hold **ALPHA** and want to borrow TAO:

👉 [**Go to Borrower Quick Start Guide**](/taolend-docs/quick-start/quick-start-borrow.md)

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### 🚀 I Want to Trade with Leverage (Leverage-Long)

If you hold **TAO** and want to amplify your ALPHA position by borrowing TAO against your existing holdings:

👉 [**Go to Leverage-Long Quick Start Guide**](/taolend-docs/quick-start/quick-start-leverage.md)

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## Before You Start

Make sure you have completed the following:

* ✅ **EVM Wallet** (e.g. MetaMask)
* ✅ **Bittensor Wallet**
* ✅ TAO or ALPHA tokens bridged to the Bittensor EVM chain
* ✅ Sufficient gas fees in your EVM wallet

⚠️ **Important**: You must bridge your assets from the Bittensor chain to your EVM account before using Taolend.

👉 **For detailed bridging instructions**, please refer to [Bridge Assets Guide](/taolend-docs/account/bridge-assets.md)