Based – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Mon, 08 Sep 2025 03:40:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.7 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Based – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 Kaiko’s 3rd Quarter Kraken #1 2025 Exchange Rankings: Wins Based on Client-First Innovation https://earlybirdsinvest.com/kaikos-3rd-quarter-kraken-1-2025-exchange-rankings-wins-based-on-client-first-innovation/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/kaikos-3rd-quarter-kraken-1-2025-exchange-rankings-wins-based-on-client-first-innovation/#respond Mon, 08 Sep 2025 03:40:45 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/kaikos-3rd-quarter-kraken-1-2025-exchange-rankings-wins-based-on-client-first-innovation/

Every decision we make returns to one principle. We will build the best possible experience for you. So we’re proud to announce it Silkworm ranked Kraken as the No. 1 global crypto exchange in 2025 – This is the first-ever top finish, and has steadily risen from third place in the first quarter of 2025 to #2 in the second quarter of 2025.

This perception is more than where we stand now. That’s about how we got here. Listen to our clients, strengthen our infrastructure and drive the industry forward with transparency and trust.

First of all, who is the silkworm?

Kaiko is one of the world’s leading providers of digital asset market data. Quarterly Exchange Ranking Methodology evaluates global trading venues across a wide range of criteria, including governance, security, technology, liquidity, business and data quality. The rankings are widely held institutions, regulators and market participants, making them a meaningful benchmark for exchange quality and reliability.

Climb #1: What the rankings reveal

Kaiko’s top position in the third quarter 2025 rankings highlights the categories that Kraken continues to lead.

safety

Kraken won 100. This is a 6 points higher than any other exchange with the highest possible security score. This reflects an uncompromising approach to asset protection, robust custody regimes and industry-leading safeguards. Our clients trust us with their financial freedom and we take that responsibility seriously.

Data Quality

Accuracy, timeliness and transparency are essential to a client’s confidence. We regularly publish proofs of bookings, and real-time data feeds give traders and institutions unparalleled clarity.

Fluidity

Deep purchase orders and tough spreads will make your execution smoother at the price you want. Our liquidity ensures that clients, from everyday traders to global institutions, can trade with efficiency and confidence.

The strength of business

From product range to executive leadership, our business fundamentals continue to be strong. This reflects both our innovative spirit and our strong foundation, allowing us to continue offering for our clients.

Together, these pillars strengthen what is most important. Build a major platform that clients can rely on every day.

Based on all client-first philosophy

That’s because all high marks lead to simple truth: client Deserves A platform they can rely on.

  • Security means peace of mind
  • Data quality means trust in every transaction
  • Liquidity means fairness and efficiency
  • Business strengths mean innovation in the long term

These are not abstract metrics. They are the living experiences of Kraken clients.

“Reaching #1 is a powerful milestone, but that’s just the beginning. A score of 100 in security shows that client protection is always our top non-negotiable priority.”

“When you combine it with deep fluidity, transparent data and relentless innovation, it builds more than exchange. It builds trust. That’s what Kraken represents, and that’s how it continues to accelerate the global adoption of crypto.”

#1 better build from spot

Our rapid rise from Kaiko’s rankings is evidence that prioritizing our clients will drive sustainable growth. It validates the vision of a transparent, resilient, and accessible cryptographic ecosystem.

We are proud to be leading the industry in 2025. But even more importantly, I’m excited about what’s coming next. It’s about raising the bar for the client experience, building new products and expanding global access to crypto.

In Kraken, #1 is not the finish line. It is the foundation of the future.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/kaikos-3rd-quarter-kraken-1-2025-exchange-rankings-wins-based-on-client-first-innovation/feed/ 0 57321 Bitcoin signals uptrend resumption in late September based on holding patterns https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-signals-uptrend-resumption-in-late-september-based-on-holding-patterns/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-signals-uptrend-resumption-in-late-september-based-on-holding-patterns/#respond Sun, 31 Aug 2025 04:37:46 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-signals-uptrend-resumption-in-late-september-based-on-holding-patterns/

Bitcoin (BTC) holding patterns suggest a potential resumption of the uptrend starting in late September 2025, as long-term accumulation data reveals evolving market dynamics driven by institutional adoption and policy catalysts.

CryptoQuant Korean Community Manager Crypto Dan’s analysis reveals that the current cycle differs from previous bull markets due to extended timeframes and flattening momentum slopes.

The percentage of Bitcoin held for over one year based on realized market cap demonstrates the current cycle’s unique characteristics compared to previous phases.

Unlike past cycles, where sharp surges led to rapid peaks, institutional adoption through spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and nation-state purchases has extended the bull market’s duration while gradually flattening the uptrend’s slope.

Market momentum faces periodic stalls when capital flows shift toward altcoins, a pattern that has repeated multiple times during the current cycle. It contrasts with 2023-2024, when Bitcoin dominated market attention before capital began migrating to alternative cryptocurrencies.

Favorable backdrop

Crypto Dan noted that September rate cut expectations align with Bitcoin’s seasonal patterns and technical indicators.

Polymarket traders currently place 81% odds on a 25 basis point Federal Reserve rate cut at the September FOMC meeting, providing a potential catalyst for risk asset appreciation.

The analysis also anticipates additional momentum from the expected approvals of altcoin ETFs in October.

Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart stated in April that most crypto ETF applications face final deadlines in October, making it the likely approval month for spot altcoin products.

This timeline creates a favorable policy window for crypto markets as they enter the fall season.

Combined with seasonal patterns that show Bitcoin’s strength in autumn months, the convergence of dovish monetary policy and regulatory clarity positions the market for renewed upward momentum following the current consolidation phase.

Extended cycle characteristics

Institutional adoption fundamentally altered Bitcoin’s cycle dynamics compared to the retail-driven phases that preceded it.

The introduction of spot ETFs and corporate treasury adoption created more stable demand flows but extended the cycle’s duration. The analysis suggested these structural changes support sustained bull market conditions despite periodic consolidation phases.

Given the favorable policy backdrop and development of institutional infrastructure, any additional corrections during the transition period could present attractive opportunities for accumulation.

The combination of rate cuts, ETF approvals, and seasonal factors supports an optimistic market outlook for fall and winter 2025.

Mentioned in this article
]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-signals-uptrend-resumption-in-late-september-based-on-holding-patterns/feed/ 0 55988 2,700% XRP Rise? Analyst Predicts Monster Move Based On The Charts https://earlybirdsinvest.com/2700-xrp-rise-analyst-predicts-monster-move-based-on-the-charts/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/2700-xrp-rise-analyst-predicts-monster-move-based-on-the-charts/#respond Mon, 26 May 2025 21:44:03 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/2700-xrp-rise-analyst-predicts-monster-move-based-on-the-charts/ A well-known crypto analyst, going by the name Egrag Crypto, has laid out some eye-popping targets for XRP. According to his charts, the token could climb as high as $45, a 2,700% jump from its current price.

A more modest scenario would still send it to $19, up a little over 1,000%. He points to past cycles where similar moves took shape over roughly 770 days. Yet not everyone is on board with his bullish outlook.

Historical Moves And Cycle Timing

Based on reports, Egrag Crypto stresses that XRP’s rallies in 2017 and 2021 followed almost identical paths. The token hit $3.25 in 2017 after surging 2,770%. Then in 2021 it jumped 1,052% to about $1.80.

Each rally was marked by a bearish crossover on the 21 EMA and the 33 MA, followed by sideway trading for around 777 days after the 2018 peak and 770 days after the 2021 high. He believes the same setup started late in 2024, when XRP climbed nearly sixfold from its previous low.

Bullish Targets And Risks

According to the analysis, a repeat of past moves could push XRP as high as $45. A less aggressive run would still see it reach $19. Egrag Crypto even points to an intermediate target of about $27 as a likely milestone.

Those numbers assume a straight path up, but markets rarely move in straight lines. Big jumps often end with sharp pullbacks. Traders chasing 2,700% gains could face long wait times and steep drops.


Bearish Views Gain Ground

Other voices warn against getting swept up in the hype. Market watcher Koroush says now is a time for shorts. He pegs a possible decline to $1.30. Others favor a short bias, pointing to weakening demand and faltering momentum.

Advice For Traders

Egrag Crypto recommends a simple Dollar-Cost Averaging plan. Buy small amounts at regular intervals. That way, no one big buy leaves you exposed. He says to sell in slices, too. Lock in gains at key levels instead of betting everything on the top. This kind of step-by-step play can cut losses and smooth out wild swings.

Looking Ahead

The debate around XRP’s next phase is far from over. Historical charts show one side of the story. On-chain trends, legal battles, and macro factors tell another. If charts really don’t lie, as Egrag Crypto quips, XRP might be gearing up for a fireworks show.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/2700-xrp-rise-analyst-predicts-monster-move-based-on-the-charts/feed/ 0 38479 Ethereum Foundation introduces new leadership model based on management team, board of directors https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ethereum-foundation-introduces-new-leadership-model-based-on-management-team-board-of-directors/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ethereum-foundation-introduces-new-leadership-model-based-on-management-team-board-of-directors/#respond Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:06:44 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ethereum-foundation-introduces-new-leadership-model-based-on-management-team-board-of-directors/

The Ethereum Foundation (EF) announced a restructuring of its leadership on April 28, highlighting the focus areas of its two co-executive directors and separating the work areas of its management team and board of directors. 

The changes are part of an effort to enhance strategic execution, strengthen internal operations, and further support the Ethereum (ETH) ecosystem as it expands.

Hsiao-Wei Wang and Tomasz K. Stańczak were appointed as co-executive directors in March, as part of a restructure intended to balance technical expertise with operational leadership.

The EF clarified that the co-executive directors will work closely with the broader management team, executing the foundation’s vision through strategic planning, ecosystem stewardship, and operational oversight. 

Bastian Aue and Josh Stark have also joined the management team with defined focus areas, including organizational strategy, hiring, project execution, and communications.

Management structure and board oversight

Under the new structure, the management team is responsible for daily operations, while the board of directors oversees vision and compliance. 

The current board consists of Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, president Aya Miyaguchi, Swiss counsel Patrick Storchenegger, and co-executive director Hsiao-Wei Wang. 

The board ensures that management decisions and the foundation’s principles are aligned and has the authority to appoint and, if necessary, terminate executive leadership.

Buterin and Miyaguchi reiterated that Ethereum’s resilience depends on technical decentralization and social and structural decentralization. 

The board emphasized that the Ethereum Foundation must maintain a flexible, supportive role rather than exert centralized control over the ecosystem’s evolution.

Strategic priorities

In a joint statement, Wang and Stańczak outlined their focus areas for the next 12 months, with the priorities including scaling Ethereum’s mainnet, improving interoperability between L1 and L2 networks, to enhance user and developer experience. 

They added that technical excellence would remain the foundation for all initiatives. The two co-executive directors detailed four guiding principles that will shape decision-making: censorship resistance, open-source innovation, privacy protection, and security. 

They said that these values are central to supporting Ethereum’s long-term resilience and usefulness as a global public good.

Stańczak, a Nethermind affiliate who participates in venture activities, will serve a two-year term as co-executive director, focusing on accelerating the execution of projects critical to Ethereum’s technical infrastructure. 

Wang will bridge board directives and management activities, drawing on her research experience and historical knowledge of the Ethereum Foundation’s operations.

Vision for Ethereum’s future

In a separate post, the Ethereum Foundation articulated its broader vision, describing its role as a steward of the “Infinite Garden,” the title given to the Ethereum ecosystem. 

The foundation stated its commitment to identifying and addressing high-leverage areas where its contributions are uniquely necessary, while intentionally stepping back to empower independent teams whenever possible.

The foundation’s long-term goals include maximizing meaningful Ethereum usage across various applications such as decentralized finance, social media, and AI coordination platforms. Another core objective is to ensure the resilience of Ethereum’s technical and social infrastructure through decentralization, risk management, and diversified development teams.

EF leadership noted that purposeful subtraction, designing systems that distribute power rather than accumulate it, remains a key part of its governance philosophy. The foundation aims to adapt its structure and initiatives without compromising Ethereum’s foundational values as the ecosystem grows.

The Ethereum Foundation concluded that it would continue strengthening its management structure and strategic focus, supporting Ethereum’s mission to serve as a resilient, neutral platform for global coordination across technology, finance, and governance.

Mentioned in this article
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]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/ethereum-foundation-introduces-new-leadership-model-based-on-management-team-board-of-directors/feed/ 0 33317 “Bitcoin is a unique asset that all of its rules are based on mathematics.” -Paolo Ardoino https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-is-a-unique-asset-that-all-of-its-rules-are-based-on-mathematics-paolo-ardoino/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-is-a-unique-asset-that-all-of-its-rules-are-based-on-mathematics-paolo-ardoino/#respond Mon, 21 Apr 2025 11:45:29 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-is-a-unique-asset-that-all-of-its-rules-are-based-on-mathematics-paolo-ardoino/

April 21st “Bitcoin is a unique asset that all of its rules are based on mathematics.” -Paolo Ardoino

Posted on April 21, 2025
Uncategorized
By Tammy

CTO Bitfinex -Paolo Ardoino revealed his views on the decentralized financial revolution in Bitcoin News in a previous interview. And why financial freedom focuses on Bitfinex’s mission.

  1. “Spark” Bitcoin: In 2012, Ardoino “Sunstroke” Bitcoin is due to the idea that it gives everyone, especially billions of people who don’t have bank accounts, the right to self-manage their property. “A global financial revolution!”
  1. “Freedom” philosophy: Bitcoin is a commitment to the financial freedom, decentralization and awarding of personal assets. Ardoino has achieved this by developing secure, transparent P2P technology.
  1. Success = Practical Application: Bitcoin’s success is not the price, but the fact that people believe it more than traditional currency. “Bitcoin is managed by mathematics, not policy! Peers (P2P) is a revolution!” Education is the key to helping people understand Bitcoin’s core values.
  1. Bitfinex’s greatest creativity:

The creative possibilities of Bitfinex lie in building tools to help financial sovereignty become practical and expandable. This means that we continue to promote the limits of performance, security and openness not only for traders, but also for developers, creators and communities.

We are more than just trading platforms. Bitfinex has evolved from a very fast API from trader programming APIs to P2P protocols to a high-performance financial technology stack to support communication and connectivity at will. I am particularly interested in integrating P2P infrastructure to build recovery in regions where access to traditional financial products is limited or threatened.

It’s a real creative place that happens – at the boundaries where technology meets people’s daily needs. Whether you’re activated with microscope payments via Lightning or building anti-sensorship protocols through projects like HolePunch, our focus is expanding access as well as liquidity.

  1. “Maximalist” Choice: Ardoino believes Bitcoin is uniquely “Northern Star”, but does not rule out other technologies if it serves humans and is suitable for a decentralized and autonomous spirit.
  1. Reduce the distance: Bitcoin is not only priced, but in principle it is shady and censored. “The foundation is the ability to recover, privacy and decentralization!”
  1. Balance between “Bitcoin Spirit” and Web3/defi: The core spirit of Bitcoin is “guidelines.” Bitfinex accesses new technologies based on the prism of Bitcoin principles. It strengthens freedom and personal recovery.
  1. Value-Building Community: The most valuable relationships are for those who build, educate and protect Bitcoin’s core values ​​through actual actions.
  1. Bitfinex Route – Towards the Organization: It focuses on meeting your infrastructure needs, reliability, speed and compliance for large investments and organizational funding.
  1. Advice for new people: Focus on building real value: contributions by improving source code, education, project improvements, and solving practical problems. “Don’t chase the ‘hype’. Immerse yourself in the enduring rhythm of Bitcoin. ”
  1. heritage: Contribute to making Bitcoin more accessible: Ardoino doesn’t need a name. We want to contribute to building a system that makes Bitcoin more useful to everyone.
  1. Question for Satoshi: If Ardoino could go back to time and ask Satoshi questions, it would probably be “Do you think you’re trying to cause a financial revolution?”

Because it is precisely Bitcoin, it is proof that humans can overthrow the current financial background and bring about the balance and the ability to recover our global economy is in need. This is just the beginning.

This was the overall interview with Paolo Ardoino, CTO Bitfinex and CEO Tether.

– –

Don’t forget to follow the bitfinex Vietnam Community telegram, Twitter & Facebook To update articles, information and events as soon as possible!

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-is-a-unique-asset-that-all-of-its-rules-are-based-on-mathematics-paolo-ardoino/feed/ 0 32019 Bitcoin bull market could be over until 2026 based on PnL index – CryptoQuant CEO https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-bull-market-could-be-over-until-2026-based-on-pnl-index-cryptoquant-ceo/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-bull-market-could-be-over-until-2026-based-on-pnl-index-cryptoquant-ceo/#respond Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:13:03 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-bull-market-could-be-over-until-2026-based-on-pnl-index-cryptoquant-ceo/

According to CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju, Bitcoin’s latest bullish cycle has concluded, signaling a likely shift to bearish or sideways momentum for the next six to 12 months.

The Profit and Loss (PnL) Index Cyclical Signals indicate a recent peak, aligning with historical patterns marking the end of growth phases. Bitcoin, which reached an all-time high of $109,300 during President Trump’s second inauguration on Jan. 20, now may be poised for correction or consolidation.

Bitcoin PnL Cycles (Source: CryptoQuant)
Bitcoin PnL Cycles (Source: CryptoQuant)

Historical trends from prior Bitcoin cycles consistently show a pattern of price peaks followed by prolonged consolidation phases. Young Ju believes current signals closely mirror previous cycle tops, reinforcing expectations of muted performance in the near term.

Following Trump’s election victory in November 2024, Bitcoin surged rapidly. However, as optimism waned and market forces shifted, momentum gradually tapered, culminating in the current cycle peak.

The data from the PnL Index chart suggest Bitcoin investors may encounter sustained price stagnation or declines through much of 2025.

However, should Bitcoin follow historical cycle timelines, the peak would be around September 2025. Bitcoin has historically taken around 500 – 550 days to reach the cycle top from the last halving and 780 – 990 days to reach the cycle bottom. This would place the market bottom around May 2027.

Bitcoin halving cycle patterns (Source: TradingView)
Bitcoin halving cycle patterns (Source: TradingView)
]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bitcoin-bull-market-could-be-over-until-2026-based-on-pnl-index-cryptoquant-ceo/feed/ 0 25801 WisdomTree Launches ETP Based on CoinDesk 20 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/wisdomtree-launches-etp-based-on-coindesk-20/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/wisdomtree-launches-etp-based-on-coindesk-20/#respond Wed, 19 Feb 2025 11:51:15 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/wisdomtree-launches-etp-based-on-coindesk-20/

HONG KONG – Investors in Europe can now get direct exposure to the CoinDesk 20, an index representing the largest crypto assets, thanks to a new exchange-traded product (ETP) from WisdomTree launched at Consensus Hong Kong.

“The launch of the first CoinDesk 20 ETP with WisdomTree is a defining moment for digital asset investing in Europe,” Alan Campbell, President of CoinDesk Indices, said in a release. “The CoinDesk 20 provides institutional investors with a streamlined way to access the largest digital assets beyond Bitcoin.”

WisdomTree’s Physical CoinDesk 20 ETP (WCRP) offers exposure to the digital assets listed on the CoinDesk 20, in a similar way to other ETPs that offer exposure to traditional finance’s S&P 500 or the NASDAQ.

WCRP is listed on Deutsche Börse Xetra, the Swiss Stock Exchange SIX, and Euronext exchanges in Paris and Amsterdam.

Additionally, WCRP generates a staking yield, allowing investors to benefit from rewards earned by helping secure the underlying blockchain networks.

The CoinDesk 20 Index, launched in January 2024, has quickly become a key benchmark for digital asset investors, with over $14 billion in trading volume in its first year.

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/wisdomtree-launches-etp-based-on-coindesk-20/feed/ 0 20489 The Protocol: Can Based Rollups Solve Ethereum’s Layer-2 Problem? https://earlybirdsinvest.com/the-protocol-can-based-rollups-solve-ethereums-layer-2-problem/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/the-protocol-can-based-rollups-solve-ethereums-layer-2-problem/#respond Thu, 13 Feb 2025 00:30:28 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/the-protocol-can-based-rollups-solve-ethereums-layer-2-problem/

Welcome to The Protocol, CoinDesk’s weekly wrap-up of the most important stories in cryptocurrency tech development. I’m Ben Schiller, CoinDesk’s Opinion and Features editor.

In this issue:

  • Can Based Rollups solve Ethereum’s problem?
  • Lido goes modular
  • Uniswap finally unveils Unichain
  • Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade is coming

Network news

BASED ROLLUPS TO THE RESCUE: In recent years, Ethereum has embraced a layer-2 scaling roadmap—a plan that encouraged the development of third-party auxiliary networks called “layer-2 rollups”—to help scale the base Ethereum ecosystem. Offloading activity to these upstart networks has helped bring down fees and improve speeds for end-users, but it has led to a massive, deeply fragmented ecosystem of layer 2s. But while layer-2 networks all post data back down to Ethereum, they often struggle to communicate directly with one another, meaning passing assets and data between them can become expensive and cumbersome. There’s also the risk of centralized sequencers: reliance on company-controlled black boxes to pass transaction data between blockchain layers. As a result, some Ethereum developers are pushing rollup tech that takes a new approach to security and interoperability: “based rollups.” Based rollups differ from most existing rollups because they shift execution duties—such as processing transactions—back to Ethereum’s layer-1 rather than handling them on a separate layer-2 network. When someone transacts on a layer-2 rollup, their transaction is processed through a component called a “sequencer.” The sequencer batches multiple transactions and submits them to Ethereum for settlement. While sequencers provide efficiency and generate revenue for rollup operators by strategically ordering transactions, they also introduce a single point of failure. Based rollups avoid this vulnerability by using Ethereum’s built-in sequencing—its massive community of validators—rather than a single centralized sequencer. Rollups like Optimism, Arbitrum, Base, zkSync, and Blast have quickly grown to support larger transaction volumes than Ethereum itself. According to L2Beat, there are currently 140 live layer-2 networks, but the experience of operating between them—passing assets and other data between networks—has become clunky. As Ethereum becomes bigger and layer-2 networks become more integral to its functioning, improving communication between layer-2s—in other words, improving “composability”—has become more important than ever. — Margaux Nijkerk Read more.

LIDO GOES MODULAR: The developers behind Lido, the largest staking service on Ethereum, have proposed revamping the staking platform with modular “vaults.” The new framework would introduce stVaults, a customizable component designed to help Lido accommodate institutions and more complex staking strategies. Lido currently allows investors to pool their ether (ETH) together and “stake” their crypto — locking up their tokens with the network, helping to secure it in exchange for interest. Lido pioneered liquid staking: users get a receipt on their deposits called Lido staked ETH (stETH) that they can trade at any time. With liquid staking on Lido, entering and exiting staking positions became as simple as buying and selling stETH tokens. Lido V3’s stVaults are “modular smart contracts designed to meet the diverse and evolving needs of Ethereum participants,” according to a press release shared with CoinDesk. The upgrade would enable staking setups beyond cut-and-dry liquid staking. Specifically, stVaults will be able to help institutional stakers who want to personalize their staking setups, node operators who want to attract high-volume stakers, and asset managers who want to create new staking use cases. “What is important to understand with customizable infrastructure, is that you can in general build even more complex products,” said Konstantin Lomashuk, the founder of the Lido staking protocol. — Margaux Nijkerk Read more.

UNICHAIN FINALLY: Uniswap Labs, the primary developer behind one of the largest decentralized exchanges (DEX), Uniswap, shared Feb 13 that its long-awaited layer-2 network, Unichain, is now live. Powered by Optimism’s OP stack, Unichain—like other layer-2s on Ethereum—offers faster and cheaper transactions compared to Ethereum’s mainnet. Developers can deploy apps onto the network, which has been optimized specifically for decentralized finance (DeFi) and aims to serve as “the home for liquidity across chains,” according to Uniswap Labs. For Uniswap Labs, the benefit of launching a layer-2 is twofold: it will provide a better experience for users of Uniswap and similar platforms, and it will create a new revenue opportunity in the form of network fees. A representative for Uniswap Labs told CoinDesk that “around 20%” of the chain’s revenue will go directly to the company. Unichain has been in testing since October 2024 and is classified by Uniswap Labs as a “stage-1” rollup, meaning it has elements of decentralization but retains some centrally-controlled safeguards at this early phase. The network is built on the OP Stack, a modular framework that lets developers build interoperable layer-2 chains based on Optimism’s optimistic rollup technology. Several well-known teams have come out with their own OP Stack-based layer-2’s, including Coinbase’s ‘Base’, Kraken’s ‘Ink,’ World’s ‘World chain,’ and Sony’s ‘Soneium.’ “We are anticipating a world of many, many different use cases, of which trading is a small subset,” Adams told CoinDesk in an interview. In collaboration with Ethereum research and development firm Flashbots, the Uniswap team said it has created a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) on Unichain, a secure area for more sensitive transactions and is meant to optimize the chain for DeFi by allowing for more advanced trades and faster transaction finality. — Margaux Nijkerk Read more.

PECTRA IN APRIL: Ethereum developers have officially set test dates for Pectra, the network’s first upgrade in 11 months, putting it on track for a potential April release date. Pectra will contain an array of improvements — with a special focus on wallets and validators — but it comes at a period of heightened scrutiny for Ethereum, which has recently faced pressure from its community to refocus and catch up with competitors. Ethereum’s core builders decided on Thursday during their bi-weekly “All Core Developers” call to begin testing Pectra on Feb. 26 on the Holesky testnet, with a follow-up test on the network’s Sepolia testnet slated for Mar. 5. Should those tests succeed, the developers will reconvene on Mar. 6 to determine when to launch the upgrade officially. According to Tim Beiko, the protocol support lead at the Ethereum Foundation, developers expect the upgrade to hit mainnet in early April. Pectra — a portmanteau representing two separate upgrades, Prague and Electra — includes eight major improvements to the second-largest blockchain. Among the most-anticipated is EIP-7702, which is supposed to improve the user experience of crypto wallets. The Ethereum community has been facing an identity crisis over the last few weeks. Its native token, ether (ETH), is underperforming against other cryptocurrencies, and competitor networks like Solana have drawn attention and talent from the Ethereum ecosystem — the first-ever programmable blockchain and still the most trafficked. Amid the controversy — much of it directed at the Etheruem Foundation, which coordinates chain upgrades and is currently undergoing a major leadership shuffle — developers are hoping that Pectra will help put the network on steadier footing. — Margaux Nijkerk Read more.

Money Center

El Salvador Dispatch

Berlín, a city of 20,000 people, is home to El Salvador’s second Bitcoin circular economy. “Bitcoin City already exists. It’s called Berlín,” said one resident. Tom Carreras reports.

LinksDAO Launches on Base

LinksDAO began by selling NFTs, but the market has moved on in the time since.

Regulatory and policy

Hester Peirce, head of the SEC’s new crypto taskforce, says that memecoins likely to fall outside the regulator’s jurisdiction.

Calendar

]]> https://earlybirdsinvest.com/the-protocol-can-based-rollups-solve-ethereums-layer-2-problem/feed/ 0 19096