Eclipse Labs, a blockchain builder, recently secured $50 million in funding to support the launch of its solution aimed at scaling the Ethereum network. The news was shared on March 11 via social media, signaling a significant milestone just ahead of the mainnet rollout.
Eclipse Labs is known for its developer-first focus, offering a versatile Layer-2 solution (rollup) for blockchain developers. This solution allows developers to select from various virtual machines, such as Sealevel, to create customized blockchains that leverage the security features of established networks like Ethereum and Polygon.
In a recent move, Eclipse Labs introduced the Sealevel virtual machine (SVM) Layer 2 blockchain for Polygon, streamlining the transition from Solana to Polygon. The newly funded initiative aims to replicate the success of the Polygon SVM but with a primary focus on Ethereum. By integrating cutting-edge technologies from prominent blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, Celestia, and RISC Zero, Eclipse Labs aims to enhance transaction speeds on Solana without compromising Ethereum’s security.
Neel Somani, the CEO of Eclipse Labs, emphasized that the solution will bring added value to both the Ethereum and Solana ecosystems. He highlighted the importance of scalability for Ethereum and the opportunity to onboard more users to the Solana Virtual Machine.
The recent test net launch in December 2023 was geared towards developers, setting the stage for the upcoming mainnet release. This strategic approach prioritizes developers, providing them with a platform to create applications that leverage Eclipse Labs’ innovative architecture.
Eclipse Labs is committed to decentralization and plans to gradually transition control to its stakeholders, hinting at a potential shift towards a community-driven governance model. While specific details are yet to be disclosed, the company is considering a token airdrop to engage the community, aligning with the decentralized project ethos.
Eclipse Labs aims to bridge the gap between the Ethereum and Solana ecosystems, fostering collaboration and interoperability. This strategy enables applications designed for Solana to seamlessly operate on Eclipse with minimal adjustments. The utilization of SOL tokens as the primary currency within the Eclipse ecosystem further strengthens the connection between the two blockchain giants.
While the initial focus is on developers, Eclipse Labs has attracted interest from prominent players in the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) sector. Notable Solana protocols like Solend have shown interest in deploying on Eclipse, recognizing the potential benefits of this collaboration.
Rooter, the developer behind Solend, expressed optimism about the advantages of integrating with Eclipse, highlighting the project’s potential. The success of Eclipse Labs hinges on delivering its promises of faster, secure, and interoperable transactions, positioning it as a key player in bridging existing blockchains and fostering a more interconnected future for decentralized applications.