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Kraken Launches Layer-2 Network Ink, Boosted by Optimism Foundation’s 25M Token Grant
- Kraken has launched its Layer-2 scaling solution, Ink, ahead of schedule as part of Optimism’s broader “Superchain” project.
- Ink, built on Optimism’s OP stack, received 25 million OP tokens from Optimism to enhance Ethereum’s efficiency and interoperability.
- Early features include developer toolkits, ETH token bridges and access to several dApps.
Have you ever heard of a crypto project being released ahead of schedule?
If not, may I introduce you to Kraken’s L2 scaling solution, Ink?
The global crypto exchange announced the launch of its Ethereum Layer-2 network last night, coming months earlier than its proposed 2025 debut.
The move comes as part of the broader “Superchain” project, where several platforms boosting Ethereum’s efficiency are built atop the same framework to ensure interoperability.
Related: Bitwise Forecasts Ethereum Boom in 2025 Due to RWA Tokenisation Wave
Ink to Form Part of Optimism’s “Superchain”
Ink is built atop an OP stack, which utilises popular technology created by Optimism.
As part of the integration, Optimism agreed to send Kraken 25 million OP tokens (valued at approx US $58m).
Coinbase, Uniswap and Sony Blockchain Labs have all reached deals with Optimism to build using their tech stack, helping to create an intertwined DeFi ecosystem.
Ultimately, Ink intends to “bridge the gap between users and…builders engineering the future of DeFi by creating a seamless, connected ecosystem.”
Early Features Unveiled For “Builders” and DeFi Users
Full functionality isn’t quite unlocked, however, Ink already supports several features for developers and DeFi users.
Primarily, “Builders” can begin by accessing developer toolkits, equipped with templates and themes, as well as participate in the protocol’s first-ever Hacker House event.
Related: Solana Blockchain Hits New Records After PENGU Token Launch
On the investor side, users can connect their wallet to the Ink network (supporting popular dApps like MetaMask and Wallet Connect) and begin bridging funds from ETH to the L2 protocol.
Other popular dApps already live include Curve finance, Dune and Polymer.
Author
Ben Knight
Ben Knight is a writer and editor from Melbourne with a passion for all things music and finance. He enjoys turning complex topics – especially the technical details of cryptocurrency – into digestible bites that anybody can understand. He acquired his Master’s in Writing, Editing and Publishing from RMIT in 2019 and has run his own creative writing business ever since.
