According to Blockworks, EigenLayer, the much-awaited Ethereum restaking protocol, has officially launched on the mainnet. The protocol, which has drawn billions in customer deposits, also introduced its data availability solution, EigenDA, as an actively validated service (AVS) built on EigenLayer. However, some key components of EigenLayer are not expected to be operational until later this year.
Ethereum's security is maintained by ether (ETH) that is staked, or pledged, to earn yield in return for accurately verifying transactions. EigenLayer enhances this process with restaking, enabling staked ETH to be restaked and used to secure and operate AVSs, which are various blockchain-based platforms built on EigenLayer. With the mainnet launch, restakers can now delegate their restaked balance to EigenLayer operators, who can then run AVSs.
EigenLayer's total value locked (TVL) has surged above $13 billion in recent months, making it the second-largest DeFi protocol as per DeFiLlama. The protocol's rapid growth can be attributed to its offering of points for depositors, which some believe will determine allocation in a future token. It has also gained traction due to the popularity of liquid restaking tokens that restake deposits and issue liquid tokens in return, similar to how Lido's stETH operates.
Despite the excitement, some have voiced concerns about potential risks associated with restaking, which until now was an untested model for Ethereum security. Sebastian Higgs, COO of Cordial Systems, expressed caution, stating that any risk EigenLayer could create feels very systemic. However, these risks are unlikely to emerge immediately. EigenLayer has stated it will allow its marketplace to develop and stabilize before introducing in-protocol payments and slashing later this year.
The mainnet launch also signifies the beginning of some significant venture bets. A16z invested $100 million into Eigen Labs in February, adding to the $50 million it raised in early 2023. Several recently-funded startups are also set to become AVSs, including shared sequencer marketplace Espresso and restaked rollup provider AltLayer.