Kraken’s Ink Blockchain Launches Early on Mainnet

Kraken’s new Layer-2 blockchain, Ink, has launched on the mainnet earlier than expected, driven by strong community backing and developer excitement. Originally planned for 2025, Ink's debut reflects the overwhelming demand shown through millions of testnet transactions and connected wallets.

Ink is built on the Optimism Superchain and focuses on decentralization and interoperability. Kraken plans to begin Stage 1 decentralization in January, introducing permissionless fault proofs to enhance the network’s security and trust. According to Ink founder Andrew Koller, “Today is just the beginning. We’re pushing the boundaries of on-chain experiences to unlock new opportunities for users and builders.”

The early launch is credited to significant support from both builders and the community. Kraken’s collaboration with Optimism aims to drive Ethereum scaling, with Ink set to actively participate in Optimism’s governance and support the development of the OP Stack. Ryan Wyatt, Chief Growth Officer at Optimism Unlimited, stated, “Ink’s accelerated launch shows the dedication of its team and the enthusiasm of the developer community. Together, we aim to attract more developers and users to scale Ethereum.”

Ink has already gained significant momentum, surpassing 100,000 users after its first announcement. Despite challenges faced by Optimism earlier this year, including price drops in the OP token and ecosystem pressure, Ink’s successful mainnet launch could boost Optimism’s growth and ecosystem synergy.

Kraken has faced setbacks recently, including an $8 million fine in Australia and the closure of its NFT marketplace. However, the positive reception of Ink suggests a promising future. Both Kraken and Optimism are optimistic about their partnership, expecting long-term benefits for both platforms. Moving forward, Ink will play a significant role in the Optimism Superchain, dedicating revenue to collective development and strengthening the ecosystem.