Blast

Arbitrum

DeFi

<h2 id="key-points">Key Points</h2>
<ul>
 <li>Ethereum’s Layer 2 network, Blast, has launched its mainnet.</li>
 <li>Blast aims to offer a native yield model for ether and stablecoins, with over $2.3 billion in total value locked.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Layer 2 network of <a href="https://crypto.ro/en/cryptocurrencies/ethereum/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Ethereum</a>, known as Blast, has officially launched its mainnet.</p>
<p>The platform currently holds approximately 469,000 ETH, 77.3 million USDC, 67.1 million USDT, 148,000 stETH, and 24.7 million DAI. With the mainnet now live, users can withdraw their funds.</p>
<h2 id="introduction-to-blast">Introduction to Blast</h2>
<p>Blast was developed by Tieshun Roquerre, the founder of the NFT marketplace Blur. The platform aims to offer a native yield model for ether and stablecoins, promising 4% interest for ether and 5% for stablecoins.</p>
<p>The platform attracted over 180,000 community members and locked in over $2.3 billion in total value before the launch of the mainnet.</p>
<p>Before the mainnet launch, users observed an unofficial bridge to the platform, which drew comparisons to the events preceding the launch of <a href="https://crypto.ro/en/exchange/gdax/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Coinbase’s</a> Layer 2 Base in early August 2023.</p>
<p>“Blast has collected over $2 billion in total value locked even before its mainnet launch, putting it just behind Layer 2 giants like Arbitrum One and OP Mainnet,” stated Arnold Toh, a blockchain research analyst.</p>
<h2 id="blast-s-early-access-and-criticisms">Blast’s Early Access and Criticisms</h2>
<p>Early access to Blast, which started in late November 2023, allowed users to begin earning yields through bridging and Blast Points. These points are rewards for bridging assets to other networks and referring users to the platform.</p>
<p>Some users suggested that the platform’s model resembled a Ponzi scheme, as individuals couldn’t withdraw their rewards until the mainnet launch. Roquerre, also known as Pacman, denied these allegations, stating that the yield is “not unsustainable” and is derived from the liquid staking protocol Lido and DeFi protocol MakerDAO.</p>
<p>In November 2023, Blast raised $20 million led by crypto-focused venture firms Paradigm and Standard Crypto. The tentative date for redeeming Blast Points is May 24.</p>
<p>Note: Larry Cermak, CEO of a renowned blockchain research firm, is an angel investor in Blast.</p>

Blast Launches Mainnet: A Leap Forward for Ethereum Layer 2 Solutions

Table of Contents

crypto.ro global

Other articles published on Feb 29, 2024

New Memecoin Positioned to Surpass Dogecoin (DOGE) and Bonk (BONK)

7 Best Cryptocurrency Futures Trading Platforms in 2024

Alessandro De Crypto’s Video Update on the Best Meme Coin with Potential for 100x Returns

As Bitcoin Hits $64,000, Bulls Prep Moonshot in Bitcoin Cash And Litecoin!

Miners continue to offload Bitcoin as the halving event draws close

HashKey OTC scores in-principle approval in Singapore

Join our free newsletter for daily crypto updates!