# Kraken Coinbase Uniswap Launch Layer 2 Blockchains

**Published:** 2026-07-31T07:03:39.999Z  
**Topic:** Layer 2 Scaling  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/d1265804-4698-488e-8498-3407f36b4498

100+ Layer 2 networks emerge, with Kraken and Coinbase launching their own, as Ethereum's dominance drives L2 innovation, with $8.2B in Total Value Locked on

Kraken, Coinbase, and Uniswap are launching their own Layer 2 blockchains, with Kraken's "Ink" and Coinbase's "Base" utilizing Optimism's Superchain vision, as the blockchain ecosystem experiences an unprecedented proliferation of L2 solutions [1]. This surge raises important questions about necessity, sustainability, and the future of blockchain scaling, with over 100 L2 networks currently in development, according to L2Beat, an analytics platform focused on L2s [1].

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Number of L2 networks | over 100 |
| Total Value Locked on Base | $8.2B |
| Coinbase's established user base | 8.8M |
| Kraken's established user base | 10M |

## What drove the move
The launch of these new Layer 2 blockchains is driven by the need for faster, more affordable, and more scalable blockchain solutions, as Ethereum's dominance has established the Ethereum Virtual Machine as the de facto standard for chain development [1]. According to Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum's co-founder, L2s play a crucial role in scaling the network while maintaining its decentralized ethos [1]. The EVM dominance has led to a rich ecosystem of L2 solutions, each bringing unique value propositions to the table, leveraging their business USPs and connections [1].

The cultural impact of Ethereum and its L2s can't be understated, with various ecosystems attracting participants from degens and regens, all the way to financial institutions [1]. This has led to a surge in the development of new L2 networks, with 46 out of 115 listed L2s based on Optimism's OP Stack, according to L2Beat [1]. The OP Stack is a standardized, open-source, and shared developer stack that enables projects to quickly build optimistic Rollups, a type of L2 blockchain [1].

## The competitive picture
The launch of new Layer 2 blockchains has raised concerns about fragmentation and the potential for a shake-out, where smaller players either need to partner up or accept the label of a ghost chain [1]. However, solutions like chain abstraction and cross-chain bridges are being developed to address this issue [1]. Some chains, like Solana, have positioned themselves strongly outside of the EVM ecosystem, with memecoins driving a significant amount of fees on Solana [1].

## What to watch
* The performance of Kraken's "Ink" and Coinbase's "Base" in terms of user adoption and Total Value Locked
* The development of new L2 solutions, such as chain abstraction and cross-chain bridges, to address fragmentation concerns
* The impact of Ethereum's Dencun upgrade on the L2 ecosystem, with a significant drop in network fees making Ethereum more affordable [1]

The proliferation of new Layer 2 blockchains reflects the blockchain industry's dynamic nature and ongoing evolution, with the key lying in ensuring these new chains add genuine value rather than simply duplicating existing solutions [1]. The future of blockchain scaling and the role of L2s in it will depend on the ability of these new chains to innovate and provide unique value propositions to users.

## Sources
1. Forbes — [Why Kraken, Coinbase And Uniswap Are Launching Layer 2 Blockchains.](https://www.forbes.com/sites/clorischen/2024/11/06/why-kraken-coinbase-and-uniswap-are-launching-layer-2-blockchains/)
2. Coinbase — [What are Layer 2 Blockchains? - Coinbase](https://www.coinbase.com/public-policy/advocacy/documents/what-are-layer-2-blockchains)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Kraken Coinbase Uniswap Launch Layer 2 Blockchains", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/d1265804-4698-488e-8498-3407f36b4498