EigenLayer is an Ethereum-based protocol that introduces a novel concept known as “restaking,” allowing Ethereum stakers to extend their staked ETH (or liquid staking tokens) to secure additional services. This mechanism enables services, known as Actively Validated Services (AVSs), to leverage the pooled security of Ethereum’s validator network, reducing capital costs and increasing security guarantees for all participants in the ecosystem. EigenLayer’s restaking feature opens up opportunities for decentralized innovation, making it easier for developers to build new services without having to bootstrap their own security networks.
In 2024, EigenLayer launched its mainnet and successfully onboarded the first set of AVSs, starting with EigenDA, a scalable data availability solution designed to address Ethereum’s data throughput limitations. The launch attracted over 4.1 million ETH in restaked assets and saw participation from over 70% of new Ethereum validators. The protocol’s mainnet functionality allows restakers to delegate their assets to operators who run AVSs, providing additional cryptoeconomic security to these services. This setup establishes EigenLayer as a foundation for building a decentralized network of innovative services leveraging Ethereum’s trust layer.
The future vision for EigenLayer includes further integration of AVSs, slashing mechanisms for security enforcement, and expanding its operator set. With EigenDA expected to play a pivotal role in scaling rollups and improving Ethereum’s data availability, EigenLayer aims to become the go-to infrastructure for developers building highly secure and scalable decentralized applications on Ethereum.
Explore the tokenomics of Eigenlayer (EIGEN) and review the project details below.
What is the allocation & supply schedule for Eigenlayer (EIGEN) ?
At launch, the total initial supply of EIGEN was 1,673,646,668.28466 tokens, symbolizing "1. Open Innovation" as encoded on a telephone keypad. The allocation of this initial supply was divided as follows:
1. Community Allocation (45% of Total Initial Supply):
~251,047,000 tokens were allocated for stakedrops.
As of September 30, 2024, ~158,774,855 EIGEN have already been claimed during Seasons 1 and 2.Unclaimed tokens are reallocated to future community initiatives.
These initiatives incentivize users, developers, and contributors through grants and rewards programs.While these tokens are part of the Available Supply, they may be subject to vesting or lock-up conditions to ensure the network's sustainable growth.
Dedicated to supporting research, ecosystem development, and operational costs of the Eigen Foundation.These allocations are implemented over a multi-year timeframe to align with the network's evolving needs.
2. Unlock Schedule for Early Contributors and Investors:
After the EIGEN contract’s transfer restrictions are lifted, tokens allocated to early contributors and investors will be locked for one year.Following the one-year lock-up, 4% of the allocated tokens unlock monthly.
Inflation and Programmatic Rewards
EigenLayer employs an annual inflation rate of 4% on the total initial supply of EIGEN. Inflationary tokens are distributed through programmatic incentives to reward validators and node operators.
EigenLayer is an Ethereum-based protocol that introduces a novel concept known as “restaking,” allowing Ethereum stakers to extend their staked ETH (or liquid staking tokens) to secure additional services. This mechanism enables services, known as Actively Validated Services (AVSs), to leverage the pooled security of Ethereum’s validator network, reducing capital costs and increasing security guarantees for all participants in the ecosystem. EigenLayer’s restaking feature opens up opportunities for decentralized innovation, making it easier for developers to build new services without having to bootstrap their own security networks.
In 2024, EigenLayer launched its mainnet and successfully onboarded the first set of AVSs, starting with EigenDA, a scalable data availability solution designed to address Ethereum’s data throughput limitations. The launch attracted over 4.1 million ETH in restaked assets and saw participation from over 70% of new Ethereum validators. The protocol’s mainnet functionality allows restakers to delegate their assets to operators who run AVSs, providing additional cryptoeconomic security to these services. This setup establishes EigenLayer as a foundation for building a decentralized network of innovative services leveraging Ethereum’s trust layer.
The future vision for EigenLayer includes further integration of AVSs, slashing mechanisms for security enforcement, and expanding its operator set. With EigenDA expected to play a pivotal role in scaling rollups and improving Ethereum’s data availability, EigenLayer aims to become the go-to infrastructure for developers building highly secure and scalable decentralized applications on Ethereum.