In today's episode we unpack why Kraken is building a Layer 2, Ink. Andrew and Hilmar, dive into why companies are rushing to launch their own chains. We unpack the technical decisions behind launching an L2, and debate who actually needs their own chain, and explore predictions that hundreds of new L2s will launch in the coming months. The conversation really explores if crypto and financial products might depend on custom chain infrastructure. Thanks for tuning in!

- -

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

Follow Andrew: https://x.com/ak47ink

Follow Hilmar: https://x.com/hilmarxo

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j

Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7ww

Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

- -

Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork

- -

The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi.

Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android.

https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet

- -

Supra Containers are secured by Supra’s L1 nodes and get access to Supra’s 500k TPS throughput, sub-second consensus latency, and all their built-in services like oracle price feeds and onchain randomness without any overhead. Supra is also MultiVM compatible so you can easily deploy your EVM, Move, and SVM smart contracts here.

Get all the freedom, control, and tools you need to build super dApps and bring the world onchain. To learn more, visit www.supra.com/blockworks

- -

$cmETH, a Mantle native liquid restaking token, will launch together with Season 2: Methamorphosis, allowing users to easily participate in restaking, and earn $COOK rewards in addition to other yields.

$COOK, the governance token of mETH Protocol, will allow holders to play a pivotal role in directing the strategic future of mETH Protocol.

Learn more: https://x.com/mETHProtocol

- -

Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today.

Buy now at Ledger.com

- -

Timestamps:

00:00 intro

04:04 Why an L2?

16:37 Launching an L2

20:50 Why Optimism?

31:00 Value of Service Providers

39:05 Skale Ad

39:45 Supra Ad

40:41 Mantle Ad

41:32 Uniswao Ad

42:04 Ledger Ad

42:47 Building the App Layer

49:34 Who Needs an L2?

59:35 Bitcoin Renaissance?

01:05:07 5 Year Onchain Outlook

- -

Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

I cloned 2 apps and made $30M | Starter Story

Starter Story

Advice to His Younger Self: Big Goals and Persistence

The AI-powered Podcast Player