

Hyperlane is an open interoperability framework, providing tools for developers to connect and build cross-chain applications that communicate securely across blockchains. It operates without a token or governance process. In 2022, Hyperlane raised $18.5 million in seed funding led by Variant, with support from investors like Galaxy Digital and Circle.

PWN is a universal, peer-to-peer lending and borrowing protocol that enables users to leverage any standard on-chain asset as collateral while maintaining full control over loan terms.

USDT0 is an omnichain version of Tether’s USD₮ stablecoin, launched on 16 January 2025 in partnership with LayerZero Labs. It uses the LayerZero Omnichain Fungible Token (OFT) standard and a lock-and-mint design: USD₮ is locked on Ethereum and the same amount of USDT0 is minted on the destination chain, so parity is always 1 USDT0 = 1 USD₮.

DeFiLlama provides transparent, real-time data on over 3,000 DeFi projects across 240+ blockchains, helping users make informed decisions. Its open-source approach encourages community collaboration to ensure accurate and comprehensive analytics. DeFiLlama operates without a formal governance structure, does not have a native token, and is self-funded through various grant initiatives.

Across is an interoperability protocol using an intents-based architecture to enable fast, low-cost, and secure cross-chain transactions. Unlike traditional message-passing solutions, Across relies on relayers to fulfill user-defined outcomes instantly, with a separate settlement layer ensuring secure and verifiable fund transfers.

Curve Finance specializes in efficient, low-slippage trading of stablecoins on its DEX protocol. Governed by CRV token holders, Curve encourages participation through vote-escrowed CRV for enhanced governance and yield farming rewards. Initially funded without an ICO, Curve leverages venture capital and community-driven efforts to support its growth and liquidity provision incentives.





The Retro Funding: Dev Tooling program rewards open-source toolchain software that supports onchain application development on the Superchain, with a budget of up to 8M OP and monthly rewards from March to July 2025.





Retro Funding: Onchain Builders rewards projects driving cross-chain interoperability on OP Chains, with up to 8M OP





Featured in ETHDenver 2026 Official Side Event Calendar Backers & Builders by Kraken & Ink Feb 18 Wednesday 18 February 12:00 - 17:00 GMT-7 Register to See Address Denver, Colorado Registration Approval Required Your registration is subject to host approval. Welcome! To join the event, please register below. Jash jash@kolektivo.co Request to Join About Event Backers & Builders is a curated ETHDenver side event for early-stage and late-stage protocol founders and serious builders, not conference noise.





Here's a concise description for the Kraken Institutional Forum 2026: Kraken Institutional Forum 2026 is an invitation-only, executive-level gathering for senior leaders in asset management, hedge funds, and digital asset infrastructure.
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Invite-only capital formation summit hosted by Yield Network and co-hosted by Ink, Funders VC, DIA, and STS Digital. Curated networking environment for institutional deal flow





Three-day builder-focused Hacker House hosted by Kraken for top EVM developers to design and ship xStocks applications. xStocks is Kraken and Backed's next-generation framework for tokenized equities, enabling seamless transfer of real-world assets between centralized and decentralized environments.





Intimate, application-based brunch hosted by Magna (now powered by Kraken) bringing together curated founders, operators, and investors during EthCC. Relaxed networking space outside conference chaos with direct access to Magna and Kraken teams.

OP Mainnet, previously known as Optimism, is a Layer 2 scaling solution built on top of Ethereum. It utilizes optimistic rollups to provide faster and cheaper transactions while maintaining the security of the Ethereum mainnet.

Unichain is an L2 purpose-built for DeFi, exclusively on the OP Stack. Unichain is part of the Superchain’s path to interoperability, and will support ERC20s that are Superchain interop compatible. Uniswap Labs is also working with Flashbots to develop a new TEE-based block builder that reduces Unichain confirmation times from 1 second to 250 milliseconds.

Soneium is a Layer 2 blockchain developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture between Sony Group and Startale. Designed to bridge Web2 and Web3, Soneium aims to create a versatile, developer-friendly ecosystem that empowers creativity and innovation. It provides a scalable, accessible platform for developers, creators, and communities, enabling them to build and deploy applications that blend entertainment, gaming, finance, and more.

Mode Network is a Layer 2 solution built using the OP Stack, designed to foster growth and collaboration within the DeFi space. As a part of the Superchain, Mode aims to create an ecosystem where developers and users are rewarded for their contributions, enhancing the overall network's scalability and efficiency.