The Real Reason Kraken Built an L2 | Andrew Koller & Hilmar Orth

Empire

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!

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

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$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

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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

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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.