Research Summary
The report provides a comprehensive update on the Layer 2 and Modular Blockchain space for the week of 14th – 20th January. It covers key developments and announcements from various blockchain platforms including Arbitrum, zkSync, Metis, dYdX, Base, Linea, Mantle, Loopring, Scroll, Taiko, Mode, PGN, Kroma, Ten, Kinto, Immutable, ApeX, rhinofi, Myria, Movement Labs, Dymension, Saga, Caldera, AltLayer, Lumoz, EigenLayer, Avail, Near, and Madara.
Key Takeaways
Expansion and Development in Layer 2 and Modular Blockchain Space
- Arbitrum’s Expansion: Arbitrum introduced its Orbit expansion program, which aims to launch custom Orbit chains (L2s or L3s) that settle on Ethereum. This development signifies Arbitrum’s commitment to enhancing its platform’s capabilities and expanding its reach.
- zkSync’s Gaming Chain: zkSync welcomed zkCandy, an L2 gaming chain, to its ZK Stack. This addition could potentially boost zkSync’s user base and diversify its offerings.
- Metis’s Community Testing: Metis launched Season 1 community testing for its decentralized sequencer, indicating its efforts to improve its platform through user feedback and testing.
- dYdX’s Fiat Onboarding: dYdX announced direct fiat onboarding to its chain, which could potentially attract more users by simplifying the process of entering the crypto market.
- Base’s Open Source Meetup: Base open-sourced its Meetup, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and community involvement.
Partnerships and Collaborations
- Ten’s Partnership with Cashmere Labs: Ten announced a partnership with Cashmere Labs for cross-chain swaps, which could potentially enhance its platform’s interoperability and user experience.
- rhinofi’s Partnership with Tether: rhinofi partnered with Tether to supercharge seamless cross-chain transactions of USDT. This collaboration could potentially boost rhinofi’s transaction speed and efficiency.
- Saga’s Partnership with Intract: Saga announced its partnership with Intract for its upcoming event, indicating its efforts to expand its network and reach.
- Caldera’s Partnership with Decent: Caldera announced a partnership with Decent to enable one-click transactions onchain using any token on any chain, which could potentially enhance its platform’s user experience and functionality.
- EigenLayer’s Partnership with Polymer: EigenLayer partnered with Polymer to bring EigenDA to its ecosystem, which could potentially boost its platform’s capabilities and offerings.
Actionable Insights
- Monitor the Progress of Arbitrum’s Orbit Expansion Program: The introduction of the Orbit expansion program could potentially enhance Arbitrum’s platform capabilities and reach. Stakeholders should monitor the progress of this program to understand its impact on Arbitrum’s growth and market position.
- Assess the Impact of zkSync’s Addition of zkCandy: The addition of zkCandy to zkSync’s ZK Stack could potentially boost its user base and diversify its offerings. Stakeholders should assess the impact of this addition on zkSync’s user engagement and revenue.
- Track the Outcomes of Metis’s Community Testing: The launch of Metis’s community testing could potentially improve its platform through user feedback and testing. Stakeholders should track the outcomes of this testing to understand its impact on Metis’s platform performance and user satisfaction.
- Understand the Implications of dYdX’s Fiat Onboarding: The announcement of direct fiat onboarding to dYdX’s chain could potentially attract more users by simplifying the process of entering the crypto market. Stakeholders should understand the implications of this development on dYdX’s user growth and market share.
- Examine the Effects of Base’s Open Source Meetup: Base’s decision to open-source its Meetup demonstrates its commitment to transparency and community involvement. Stakeholders should examine the effects of this decision on Base’s community engagement and brand reputation.
