<p>It may come as no surprise, but Proof of Stake is the most common form of consensus for new Layer-1 protocols launching in the space.</p><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.stakingrewards.com/assets/proof-of-stake">Global Staking Market Cap</a> is currently valued at $163+ billion (at time of writing). With over 300+ PoS Networks live on mainnet and more set to launch in the coming months, this total is only set to grow.&nbsp;</p><p>In this article, we take a look at 10 Proof of Stake networks with killer use cases launching in 2024. For each, we look at their unique value proposition and the role that validators play on the network.</p><p>In no specific order, let's dive straight in...</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>1. Aleo</h2><p><strong>Funding: </strong>$228M&nbsp;<br><strong>Mainnet release date: </strong>Q1 2024</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aleo.org/">Aleo</a> is a programmable PoS network with a strong focus on privacy, enabled by Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proofs at the protocol layer.</p><h3>What Makes Aleo Unique?</h3><p>Unlike other Zero-Knowledge protocols, like ZCash, Aleo adds a programmability layer, allowing users to build privacy-focused solutions across Finance, Identity, Gaming and Machine Learning.</p><p>For those of you not as familiar, Zero-Knowledge (ZK) is a mathematical way to prove something, without showing the work for how you proved it. ZK has been evolving since the 1980s, however it is only recently that technology has enabled it to be more efficient on a protocol level with more efficiency.&nbsp;</p><p>Aleo is special because it is ZK by design. Instead of trying to build ZK proofs backwards, like other layer 2 networks on Ethereum (also known as ZK and Optimistic rollups), Aleo has privacy baked in at a protocol level.</p><p>Aleo also has its own purpose-built Zero Knowledge programming language called LEO. Based on Rust, LEO allows developers to build privacy-preserving dApps on the network, without the need for advanced cryptography or math expertise. With LEO, developers can integrate ZK features like privacy and scalability into their dAPPs, using high level syntax. This also removes the need to use a band aid solution for providing these advanced features.</p><h3>The Role of Validators on Aleo</h3><p>Validators on the Aleo network play a vital role in ensuring the security and scalability of the network.</p><p>Aleo utilizes a hybrid consensus mechanism called Aleo Byzantine Fault Tolerance (AleoBFT), which combines the security of proof-of-work with the scalability of proof-of-stake.</p><p>Validators on the network are required to stake their tokens and also solve a proof-of-work puzzle. The proof-of-stake aspect involves validators verifying transactions based on their stake, while the proof-of-work component selects validators based on their ability to solve computationally challenging puzzles.</p><p>Discover more via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aleo.org/">aleo.org</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>2. Berachain</h2><p><strong>Funding: </strong>$42m Series A<br><strong>Mainnet release date: </strong>Q2 2024</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://berachain.com/">Berachain</a> is an EVM-compatible PoS network, built on the Cosmos SDK. The network aims to align liquidity with security at the protocol level to build a highly capital efficient and liquid ecosystem for financial primitives.</p><h3>What makes Berachain unique?</h3><p>Berachain uses a unique proof-of-liquidity (POL) model as a sybil resistance mechanism. POL enables users to contribute liquidity to a set of DeFi primitives that are built into the chain (DEX, perpetual futures vault, stable coin lending market) in order to earn the natively illiquid, soulbound staking and governance token of the network, BGT. Berachain employs a form of native restaking, allowing sources of liquidity on the chain to bootstrap its security.</p><p>Validators use a series of Curve-style gauges to direct the distribution of block rewards (in the form of BGT) to different pools across the network and its applications, which can eventually expand from the aforementioned DeFi primitives to any given smart contract launched on Berachain. This gives validators on Berachain an essential role in determining financial incentives across the network, while creating the first chain environment which allows applications to become a core part of security by fuelling their own capital efficiency.</p><h3>The role of validators on Berachain</h3><p>At genesis, validators on Berachain are expected to participate in consensus, and to work closely with applications to direct liquidity to their pools and smart contracts. Over time, it is expected that validators will be able to incur more responsibility within the ecosystem, such as acting as price oracles or bridges.</p><p>Discover more via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://berachain.com/">berachain.com</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>3. Tenet</h2><p><strong>Funding: </strong>$30m Series A<br><strong>Mainnet release date: </strong>Q1 2024</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://tenet.org/">Tenet</a> is an EVM-compatible Layer-1, with a focus on creating a strong foundational layer for DeFi to flourish.</p><p>The Tenet blockchain is purpose built to support an ecosystem of LSTfi protocols.</p><h3>What makes Tenet unique?</h3><p>Tenet uses a diversified pos (DiPoS) consensus model, which enables LSTs (also known as LSDs) from other PoS networks to be used as collateral on the network.</p><p>Users can bridge their current LSTs and stake them again on Tenet. This gives users further opportunities to earn a yield within Tenet's DeFi ecosystem, whilst maintaining the current ETH staking yield on their original LST.</p><p>Tenet's native DeFi ecosystem includes an LST backed stablecoin, "LSDC" and "Meta LSDs", which represent a basket of LSTs staked to Tenet's validators.</p><h3>The role of validators on Tenet</h3><p>Validators on Tenet facilitate consensus through the DiPoS model, which is aimed at enhancing the security of the network.</p><p>By utilizing a basket of different LSTs, Tenet dilutes the chances of any single large player dominating or compromising the network, increasing network security and governance inclusivity.</p><p>Discover more via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://tenet.org/">tenet.org</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>4. Zetachain</h2><p><strong>Funding: </strong>$27m raise<br><strong>Mainnet release date: </strong>Q1 2024</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.zetachain.com/">ZetaChain</a> is PoS Network that is focussed solely on interoperability between other chains.</p><h3>What Makes ZetaChain Unique?</h3><p>Multi-chain solutions are often fragmented and high-risk. It’s common to see the same dApp deployed on different chains, with bridges set up between those chains to enable the exchange of assets. This often ends up being a very poor experience for the developer building the solution, but also for the end user.</p><p>ZetaChain provides a platform for developers to build omni-chain smart contracts. This allows users to manage assets across multiple chains.</p><h3>The Role of Validators on ZetaChain</h3><p>ZetaChain consists of three core validator types, each of which work together to create an omni-chain development environment with minimum vulnerability. The three validator types consist of:</p><p>Main Validators: ZetaChain uses the Tendermint consensus protocol. Similar to other Cosmos blockchains, ZETA token holders can delegate to validators in the active set, earning rewards for contributing to network security.</p><p>Observer Validators monitor actions on blockchains connected to ZetaChain and pass back any relevent events, enhancing the network's awareness.</p><p>TSS Signer Validators enable decentralized transaction writing/signing from ZetaChain to connected blockchains.&nbsp;</p><p>In this setup, Omnichain Smart Contracts can oversee accounts and handle asset custody on external chains, then execute custom logic in response to events on those chains through the TSS function.</p><p>Discover more via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.zetachain.com/">zetachain.com</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><br>5. Monad</h2><p><strong>Funding: </strong>$19m seed funding<br><strong>Mainnet Release date: </strong>Q3 2024</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.monad.xyz/">Monad</a> is a high performant pos network, with a focus on optimizing and scaling the ethereum virtual machine (evm).</p><h3>What makes Monad unique?</h3><p>Monad is the first layer-1 blockchain that utilizes parallel execution, whilst simultaneously providing backward compatibility for EVM.</p><p>This compatibility means that any dApps on Ethereum can seamlessly transition to Monad with minimal adjustments. This strategic move aims to leverage the existing ethereum developer community and capitalize on the network effect.</p><h3>The role of validators on Monad</h3><p>Validators on monad play a crucial role in achieving a higher throughput, helping the network reach speeds of up to 10,000 transactions per second.</p><p>To achieve this, validators are set up with parallelization in mind. This allows them to strategically execute transactions in a more efficient way, whilst still arriving at the end state as if the transactions had been executed one after the other.</p><p>Discover more via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.monad.xyz/">monad.xyz</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>6. Namada</h2><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://namada.net/">Namada</a> is a pos layer-1, built by the anoma foundation, that provides privacy to users in an interchain world.</p><h3>What makes Namada unique?</h3><p>Namada's core innovation lies within their Multi-Asset Shielded Pool (MAPS), which empowers users to engage in private transactions with both native and non-native assets.</p><p>The MASP leverages cryptography and zero-knowledge proofs, derived from the sapling circuit (initially implemented by zCash). This approach guarantees that when transactions occur, the blockchain observer remains unaware of the specific assets involved in a transaction.</p><p>This privacy-preserving mechanism enhances user confidentiality and makes nevada censorship resistant.</p><h3>The role of validators on Namada</h3><p>Validators on Namada provide security and privacy for the bridging of assets across networks.</p><p>On Namada a user can instruct the validator set to do actions on their behalf, all without leaving the shielded set.</p><p>As an example scenario, a user could execute a swap between armada and another ibc protocol like osmosis, whilst maintaining their privacy. By instructing the validator set to execute the swap the entire process unfolds within the secure confines of the shielded set. To external observers, the swap would appear to originate from namada's validator set, allowing the user to protect their anonymity.</p><p>Discover more via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://namada.net/">namada.net</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><br>7. Xion</h2><p><strong>Funding: </strong>$11m raise<br><strong>Mainnet Release date: </strong>Unknown</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://xion.burnt.com/">Xion</a> is a PoS network built specifically for consumer adoption.</p><p>The layer-1 was formed to address some of the challenges in the crypto space such as poor user experience, complex onboarding, jargon overload and a high-barrier to entry.</p><h3>What makes Xion unique?</h3><p>Xion uses generalized abstraction on a protocol level, going beyond the usual account abstraction. This includes abstracting away accounts and signatures, allowing users to interact seamlessly using various methods like Metamask, EVM, Solana, and even apple's face ID. Xion prioritizes interoperability, working closely with partners to ensure a user-friendly experience.</p><p>Gas complexities are another hurdle for widespread crypto adoption. Xion addresses this by interacting with debit and credit cards directly on the base layer, simplifying the payment process. Additionally, the platform collaborates with circle to denominate everything in USDC, making it more user-friendly.</p><h3>The role of validators on Xion</h3><p><br>Xion is another POS network that is built on the cosmos SDK, Comet BFT consensus. Validators verify the chain's state, maintaining the integrity and security of operations.</p><p>Discover more via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://xion.burnt.com/">xion.burnt.com</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><br>8. Avail</h2><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.availproject.org/">Avail</a> is a modular blockchain, purpose built to help scale other blockchains through their data availability layer.</p><p>The project, spearheaded by the founder of Polygon, focuses on addressing the growing importance of rollups in blockchain execution.</p><h3><br>What makes Avail unique?</h3><p>Avail uses a novel approach to scaling data availability, which enables lightweight clients to verify blocks using much less resource. This greatly improves throughput and cost-efficiency for networks using avail.</p><h3>The role of validators on Avail</h3><p>Validators on the Avail ensure the integrity and security of data.</p><p>Settlement on the network revolves around ensuring data availability for rollups, while actual execution and finality occur at the rollup layer.</p><p><br>After transactions are submitted by rollups, erasure coding ensures that the data is reliable. Validators, constituting over 2/3 of the network, validate the erasure-coded data through consensus, providing robust security. They play a vital role in reaching consensus on block accuracy, ensuring only verified data is propagated.</p><p>Discover more via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.availproject.org/">availproject.org</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>9. Autonity</h2><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://autonity.org/">Autonity</a> is an evm based blockchain built to transform market risks into smart, tradable derivative products within a fully decentralized ecosystem.</p><h3>What makes Autonity unique?</h3><p>Currently, DeFi derivatives are traded on exchanges that forcibly bundle together trading and clearing. This can lead to fragmented liquidity and an increase in centralization.</p><p>The Autonity protocol allows users to create smart derivative products, made up of anything that the market wants to speculate or hedge against. These derivatives can then be traded within a fully decentralized ecosystem of price discovery and trade execution.</p><h3>The role of validators on Autonity</h3><p>Validators on Autonity take part in a delegated proof-of-stake model with a twist.&nbsp;</p><p>The twist includes the introduction of a Penalty Absorbing Stake (PAS), which allows validators to vary the insurance they provide to stake delegators against the potential loss from a slashing event. PAS also discourages the concentration of delegated stake into large staking pools.</p><p>Also, deterministic inflation lets validators project their inflationary revenue into the future and thus plan with full confidence.</p><p>Oracles are also a native component of the protocol, and are run by validators to bring data on-chain. Due to the derivatives application that Autonity caters for, having a fast, reliable, and stable data feed is essential which native oracles do provide.</p><p>Discover more via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.autonity.org/">autonity.org</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>10. Altlayer</h2><p><br><strong>Funding: </strong>$7.2m seed<br><strong>Mainnet Release date: </strong>Unknown</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://altlayer.io/">Altlayer</a> is building a decentralized network for rollup sequencers and validators. The network allows anyone to build tailored rollup solutions for dApps across different chains.</p><h3>What makes Altlayer unique?</h3><p>Altlayer offers a no code rollups-as-a-service (RAAS) solution, that lets users with not much coding experience set up a customized rollup in minutes.</p><p>In addition, Altlayer also cater for dApps developers who are expecting an increase in demand for their application over a certain timeframe. With altlayer's "ephemeral rollups", developers can quickly spin up a dapp secured by a layer-1, then use a rollup for as long as they needed, before disposing of it through an"end of life" settlement on the layer-1.</p><h3>The role of validators on Altlayer</h3><p>Rollups provisioned by Altlayer are secured by a decentralized set of validators, running on its underlying network the Beacon Layer.</p><p>The beacon layers core purpose is to aggregate all the sequencers to one dedicated network and later select and assign its validators as the sequencers for a rollup. The network also provides a soft confirmation before the rollup transactions achieve finality.</p><p>Discover more via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://altlayer.io/">altlayer.io</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><br>2024 is shaping up to be a big year for POS...</h2><p>In conclusion, the landscape of new pos networks is rapidly evolving, and 2024 promises to be a groundbreaking year. Many new networks set for launch in the coming months address key industry issues such as scalability, interoperability, and privacy.</p><p>Notable innovations include new privacy-focused networks (Aleo, Namada), modular solutions for scaling (Avail, Altlayer) an omnichain smart contract environment (Zetachain), networks focused on speed and usability (Monad, Xion) and novel DeFi models (Tenet, Berachain, Autonity).</p><p>The maturation and diversification of new POS networks will play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of blockchain technology in years to come.</p>

10 Top Staking Networks Launching in 2024

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