Dankrad Feist and Justin Drake join Eigenlayer as advisors
Ethereum researchers join restaking startup, sparking conflict concerns
The new roles are independent of their positions at the Ethereum Foundation.
Dankrad Feist and Justin Drake, prominent researchers at the Ethereum Foundation, have taken on advisory roles with EigenLayer, a restaking protocol for the Ethereum blockchain. Their appointments had earlier sparked debate within the cryptocurrency community regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Feist used the opportunity of posting on X to clarify that his new role at Eigenlayer is in a personal capacity and has nothing to do with the Ethereum Foundation.
Together with Justin Drake, I have recently decided to become an advisor to Eigenlayer, on the same conditions — I am taking this position personally, not representing the Ethereum Foundation, and with a focus on risks and decentralization. I am therefore fully expected to take…
— Dankrad Feist (@dankrad) May 21, 2024
Both Feist and Drake have emphasized their commitment to advancing decentralization and mitigating risks associated with restaking protocols. Feist highlighted his ability to offer critical perspectives on the project due to the terms of his engagement.
Feist further disclosed that his appointment includes a significant allocation of EigenLayer’s native tokens. He maintains that this financial incentive will not influence his views on the project and believes transparency is crucial for accountability.
Feist acknowledged that EigenLayer’s long-term success is contingent upon the integrity of its leadership team. While he views the protocol as a potentially beneficial solution for the Ethereum ecosystem, its ultimate success will depend heavily on the team’s track record. He assured the public that he will hold EigenLayer’s leadership accountable and is prepared to speak out or even resign if they deviate from best practices.
Similar to Feist’s announcement, Drake had publicly disclosed his appointment, outlining his contract terms and perspective on EigenLayer’s operations. An Ethereum Foundation member himself, Drake noted that the recent recruitment by Eigenlayer means three Ethereum Foundation members are now working with the restaking protocol.
Drake assured the public of his trust in the integrity of Ethereum Foundation members, noting that working with Eigenlayer will not compromise their morals. He promised to be critical of the project, advocating for mitigations to risks like the erosion of solo validators and the intersubjective overloading of Ethereum consensus.
Drake assured the public of his trust in the integrity of Ethereum Foundation members, noting that working with Eigenlayer will not compromise their morals. He promised to be critical of the project, advocating for mitigations to risks like the erosion of solo validators and the intersubjective overloading of Ethereum consensus.
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