EigenLayer Introduces EigenDA Data Availability Layer on Ethereum

The restaking platform EigenLayer and its data availability layer EigenDA (in beta version) have been launched on the Ethereum mainnet.

Announcing: EigenLayer ♾ EigenDA Mainnet Launch pic.twitter.com/bTp5BfnsKE

— EigenLayer (@eigenlayer) April 9, 2024

“Until now, restaking on EigenLayer meant simply depositing LST or transferring validator funds via EigenPod. Now, with operators and AVS (EigenDA) operational, being an active staker means delegating authority to one of the top 200 services,” the statement reads.

The project aims to implement a shared security mechanism for decentralized applications, which will simplify and reduce the cost of launching and maintaining dapps by providing AVS services.

The team emphasized that the mainnet launch does not include the implementation of in-protocol payments from AVS to operators and slashing.

EigenLayer noted that more data availability layers will soon join EigenDA — over 10 are currently being tested on Holesky.

9/ AVSs

In addition to EigenDA, many more AVSs will be launching on mainnet (10+ are actively testing on Holesky). This screenshot is a preview of what’s to come.

If you’d like to launch an AVS, learn more: https://t.co/ArcvJjwmhs
To reach the AVS team: https://t.co/LAkiXEu9fL pic.twitter.com/QPdQoXbFpU

— EigenLayer (@eigenlayer) April 9, 2024

EigenLayer founder Sreeram Kannan described the mainnet launch as “the first step towards building verifiable digital communities.” According to him, in the system being created:

• Ethereum acts as the internet;
• rollups are the web servers;
• AVS are the Software-as-a-Service providers;
• EigenLayer is the cloud service.

@eigenlayer launches on mainnet today, taking the first steps towards our vision of building the verifiable digital commons!
————
Ethereum is the verifiable internet.
Rollup is the verifiable web server.
AVS is verifiable SaaS.
Eigenlayer is the verifiable cloud.… https://t.co/Rq5Hhtnus4

— Sreeram Kannan (@sreeramkannan) April 9, 2024

According to DeFi Llama, the total value locked in EigenLayer assets has exceeded $13.5 billion. The protocol ranks second only to the unchallenged leader, Lido.

In March, the EigenLayer team raised $50 million in a Series A funding round, with Blockchain Capital as the lead investor.