GOAT Network Unveils Economic Model for Bitcoin Layer 2 with Decentralized Sequencer and BitVM2 in Beigepaper
PROTOCOL VILLAGE EXCLUSIVE: GOAT Network, which positions itself as the “first Bitcoin layer 2 to offer shared network ownership,” has released its economic model through a beigepaper. The document outlines how GOAT Network addresses security challenges and the limitations of BTC income generation. By utilizing a decentralized sequencer framework with shared rewards, the network aims to deliver sustainable yields for BTC holders. The platform integrates BitVM2 and zkVM technologies to ensure security while catering to diverse investor needs.
Solana-Based Restaking Protocol Solayer Goes Live on Mainnet
PROTOCOL VILLAGE EXCLUSIVE: Solayer, a restaking protocol built on Solana, has officially launched its mainnet. This milestone follows recent backing from Binance Labs. Solayer offers decentralized cloud infrastructure on Solana in collaboration with Bonk, AltLayer, SonicSVM, and Hashkey Cloud. The platform enables Solana dApps to secure network bandwidth and processing power by exchanging staked tokens, enhancing overall network efficiency and reliability.
Wormhole’s ‘Era3’ Roadmap Introduces UX/UI Enhancements and Streamlined Deployment
Wormhole, a blockchain interoperability platform that powers multichain bridges and applications, has unveiled its updated roadmap. “Wormhole Era3” introduces major UX/UI improvements and new products designed to simplify the development and deployment process. The roadmap also includes Wormhole Institutional, which aims to attract institutional players by offering advanced interoperability solutions for the crypto ecosystem.
Cronos Labs Debuts Cronos zkEVM on Alpha Mainnet
Cronos Labs has launched Cronos zkEVM, a layer-2 chain on Ethereum, on its “Alpha” mainnet. Developed with the collaboration of Matter Labs, Crypto.com, and others, Cronos zkEVM introduces $zkCRO as its gas token and features enhanced security through a native Ethereum bridge. The network supports a variety of DeFi, NFT, and gaming applications and includes a Pioneer Program to reward early participants. The alpha phase will continue until September 2024.
Lumia, ‘Hyper-Liquid’ Rollup, Secures Strategic Funding Led by Nomura’s Laser Digital
Lumia, a “next-gen, ultra capital-efficient, hyper-liquid restake layer 2 rollup,” has announced a strategic fundraising round led by Laser Digital, the digital asset arm of Nomura. Key investors, including DWF Labs and TRGC, also participated. Lumia has surpassed 25,000 nodes sold, marking a significant step in its mission to revolutionize DeFi and Real-World Assets (RWAs) integration. The funds will be used to enhance Lumia’s innovative layer-2 solution and liquidity infrastructure.
Burnt Banksy’s XION Introduces XION Foundation and Plans for XION Token
XION, a proof-of-stake network with Burnt Banksy as a core contributor, has introduced the XION Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to guiding the XION ecosystem and upholding its core values. The team also announced the XION utility token, which will secure the network and encourage ecosystem participation, collaboration, and growth while ensuring continued decentralization and resilience.
Ham Chain, Layer-3 on Coinbase’s Base, Launches SocialFi App ‘Hamcaster’
Ham Chain, a layer-3 network on top of Coinbase’s Base layer-2 network, has launched Hamcaster, a SocialFi application built on Farcaster and the Ham ecosystem. Hamcaster expands on Ham’s existing social ranking and daily rewards systems, allowing participants to monetize their Farcaster accounts. The app aims to take social tokens and social tipping to new heights within the thriving Ham community.
Holonym Foundation Raises $5.5M for Privacy-Preserving Identity Protocol Zeronym
The Holonym Foundation, developer of the privacy-preserving identity protocol Zeronym, has raised $5.5 million in seed funding. The round was led by Finality Capital and Paper Ventures, with additional support from Draper Dragon and Arrington Capital. Zeronym uses cryptographic protocols called “Human Keys,” which leverage biometrics to secure personal data, aiming to provide global digital personhood with enhanced privacy and security.
Chainlink’s Data Streams and VRF Now Live on Coinbase-Incubated Layer-2 Base
Chainlink, the blockchain data oracle project, has announced that its Data Streams and VRF products are now live on Base, the Ethereum layer-2 blockchain incubated by Coinbase. With these new integrations, Base developers have access to the entire Chainlink product suite, enabling them to build next-gen on-chain applications.
Cyber, Ethereum Layer-2 for Social Apps, Launches CyberDAO with Dual-Token Governance
Cyber, an Ethereum layer-2 network designed for social apps, has launched CyberDAO, featuring a dual-token governance model that gives decision-making power to the most active contributors rather than just token holders. The first proposal, up for a vote on August 15, will ratify CyberDAO’s Working Constitution, with early delegates including industry leaders like Dorothy L. (AltLayer CGO) and Charles Wayn (Galxe co-founder).
Offchain Labs Introduces ‘Tandem’ to Support Blockchain App Development
Offchain Labs, the team behind Arbitrum and Ethereum consensus client Prysm, has announced the launch of Tandem, a partner studio aimed at assisting select projects in building blockchain applications. Tandem will leverage Offchain Labs’ market positioning to drive growth across emerging technologies and support the development of industry-altering projects.
Rhinestone Raises $5M in Seed Round for Modular Smart Accounts on Ethereum
Rhinestone, a provider of infrastructure for building modular smart accounts, has raised $5 million in a seed round led by 1KX. The round also saw participation from CoinFund, Lattice, Heartcore, Circle Ventures, and others. Rhinestone will use the funds to accelerate the development of its ERC-7579 smart account ecosystem, focusing on powering compelling application use cases.
Pyth Network to Provide Real-Time Data for DeFi Projects on TON Blockchain
Pyth Network, a blockchain oracle project, will begin supplying high-fidelity, real-time price feeds to the TON blockchain, which is affiliated with the Telegram messaging app. Pyth’s low-latency data is designed to scale to thousands of feeds and assets, allowing game developers on TON to create more immersive and financially viable experiences.
Rebar Labs Unveils Rebar Shield for MEV-Protected Bitcoin Transactions
Rebar Labs has announced Rebar Shield, a new product designed to offer MEV-protected Bitcoin transactions. Rebar Shield allows users to submit transactions through a private mempool, bypassing the public mempool and protecting against MEV strategies. The product offers reduced MEV exposure, enhanced privacy, easy integration for users and wallet providers, and new revenue streams for miners.
Nebra Introduces Universal Proof Aggregation Protocol for Zero-Knowledge Proofs
Nebra, a provider of zero-knowledge solutions, has launched the Universal Proof Aggregation (UPA) protocol, a new standard for cost-effective ZKP verification. UPA, the first protocol of its kind to go live on the Ethereum Mainnet, aggregates multiple ZK proofs into a single, recursive proof, reducing verification costs by tenfold.
Covalent Integrates Ethereum Wayback Machine with Cronos zkEVM for Enhanced Data Availability
Covalent, a modular data infrastructure provider, has integrated its Ethereum Wayback Machine with Cronos zkEVM to bolster blockchain scalability and security. This integration ensures long-term data availability for Cronos zkEVM users, providing verifiable blockchain data and fostering the growth of DeFi and other decentralized applications.
Marinade Launches Stake Auction Marketplace on Solana
Marinade, the leading native and liquid staking protocol on Solana, has launched the Stake Auction Marketplace (SAM), a public auction platform where validators can bid for staked SOL. The marketplace allows validators to gain more stake while offering stakers the best yield on the market, with an APY of 9.99%. This initiative is part of Marinade’s broader effort to elevate staking on Solana.
Supra Blockchain Launches Testnet with MultiVM Support
Supra, a layer-1 blockchain, has launched its testnet, featuring MultiVM support, in-protocol oracles, and cross-chain communication. The testnet achieved over 500K TPS in recent tests and is currently open to select partners for stress-testing. Supra plans to support both Move and EVM smart contracts, with integration for Solana and Cosmos expected following the Token Generation Event.
