Jupiter Founder Identifies Ethereum’s Core Issue: Overinvestment in L2/3/4 Networks

As an experienced analyst in the crypto space, I believe that the Jupiter founder’s concerns about Ethereum’s current path are valid and worth considering. The excessive focus on Layer 2 (L2), Layer 3 (L3), and Layer 4 (L4) networks is causing Ethereum’s liquidity and community to become fragmented, which is the opposite of what many in the community want. This trend may result in increased transaction costs, reduced market efficiency, and potential security risks for users.


As a crypto analyst, I’ve noticed a significant concern raised by the founder of Jupiter regarding Ethereum‘s current trajectory. Based on his June 13 tweet, he expresses apprehension over the substantial resources being directed towards Layer 2 (L2), Layer 3 (L3), and Layer 4 (L4) networks in Ethereum’s ecosystem.

Placing this emphasis means forgoing the development of beneficial apps and added value on the primary Ethereum network.

Ethereum’s Liquidity and Community Fragmentation

The tweet reveals that this emerging trend is contributing to Ethereum’s liquidity and community becoming increasingly fragmented, which goes against the desires of many within the community. In spite of demands for a more cohesive network, the ongoing emphasis on extra layers appears poised to exacerbate the divide.

When assets and trading activity are dispersed among multiple Layer 2 platforms, a phenomenon known as liquidity fragmentation takes place. This fragmentation can diminish the overall market efficiency by making it more complex for traders to access all available liquidity. Consequently, users may encounter higher transaction fees and increased security risks due to the frequent need to transfer assets between these various Layer 2 solutions.

On the bright side, Ethereum’s mainnet will experience lower transaction fees due to an increase in transactions being processed on Layer 2 solutions. However, Ethereum’s mainnet fees remain higher than those of Layer 2 solutions and new-generation Layer 1s, so it’s unclear if fee reductions alone would make Ethereum more attractive for direct usage.

Potential Issues for Solana

The founder of Jupiter noted in passing that Solana, another notable blockchain network, could encounter similar challenges if the demand for blockspace intensifies. At present, the development of Solana’s Virtual Machine (SVM) app chains and L2 solutions is progressing at a rate comparable to Ethereum’s initial L2 expansion phase.

Nonetheless, constructing projects explicitly on the Solana platform could potentially bypass the challenges Ethereum currently encounters.

Previous Insights from VanEck’s Report

According to a recent analysis from investment management firm VanEck, Ethereum L2 (Layer 2) networks are poised for significant expansion. In their April 3rd report, they projected that the market capitalization of L2 networks could surpass $1 trillion by the year 2030. This insight underscores the immense growth potential these networks hold.

According to VanEck’s assessment, countless specialized L2 networks are projected to materialize, catering to distinct use cases. Their emergence is anticipated to significantly transform sectors such as decentralized finance (DeFi) and social media, bringing about numerous innovative opportunities.

Despite the bright prospects for L2 networks, VanEck’s analysis urges a note of caution. The experts issue a word of warning over the intense competition among L2-related tokens. Notably, the top seven Ethereum L2 tokens currently boast a combined valuation of $40 billion.

The intense competition among market participants suggests that the Layer 2 market is nearing saturation point. A significant number of new projects might not survive, potentially leading to substantial financial losses for investors. This could also undermine faith in the effectiveness of Layer 2 solutions as a whole.

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2024-06-13 16:41