Solana continues to push the boundaries of blockchain innovation, and one of its most promising developments is Solayer—a native restaking protocol designed to supercharge scalability, security, and yield for decentralized applications (dApps). At the heart of this ecosystem lies LAYER, the protocol’s utility and governance token. But what exactly is Solayer LAYER, and why is it gaining attention across the crypto community? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Solayer, its technology, team, tokenomics, and future potential.
Understanding Solayer and the Role of LAYER
Solayer is a restaking protocol built natively on the Solana blockchain, enabling users to re-stake their SOL or Solana-based liquid staking tokens (LSTs) to support network security and dApp infrastructure. Unlike traditional staking, restaking allows assets to serve dual purposes—securing the base layer while also powering higher-layer services like Layer 2 solutions and middleware protocols.
The LAYER token is central to this system. It functions as the primary asset for governance, staking incentives, and participation in active verification services (AVS). By holding or staking LAYER, users gain influence over protocol upgrades and earn rewards tied to network performance and adoption.
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How Solayer Works: Core Components Explained
Solayer operates through three integrated modules that ensure efficiency, security, and scalability:
1. Restaking Pool Manager
This component accepts deposits of SOL or LSTs and converts them into sSOL, a restaked derivative token. The single sSOL/SOL pool design reduces price slippage and gas fees, making asset conversion seamless for users.
2. Delegation Manager
Once users have sSOL, they can delegate it to various AVSs across the Solana ecosystem. Popular destinations include:
- Sonic Layer 2 Chain – for high-speed transaction processing
- HashKey Cloud – offering enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure
- Bonk ecosystem – supporting community-driven DeFi and NFT projects
This delegation strengthens these services' security while allowing stakers to earn yield.
3. Reward Accounting Unit
An off-chain module that tracks staking contributions and calculates rewards. These rewards can be distributed as yield payouts, loyalty incentives, or eligibility for future airdrops, encouraging long-term engagement.
Together, these components create a robust framework that addresses liquidity fragmentation in LST markets and enhances capital efficiency across Solana dApps.
The Founders Behind Solayer
Solayer was co-founded by Anatoly Yakovenko and Raj Gokal, the visionary architects behind the Solana blockchain. Their deep understanding of high-performance distributed systems has been pivotal in shaping Solayer’s technical direction.
Joining them are key leaders who bring operational and engineering excellence:
- Rachel Chu – Co-founder, driving strategic partnerships and ecosystem growth
- Jason Li – Co-founder and Head of Engineering, overseeing protocol development
- Joshua Sum – Head of Product, focusing on user experience and product innovation
The project has also secured strong institutional backing from Polychain Capital and Binance Labs, along with personal investment from Yakovenko. As of August 2023, Solayer raised $12 million in seed funding, underscoring investor confidence in its mission.
InfiniSVM: Powering Next-Gen Blockchain Performance
One of Solayer’s standout innovations is InfiniSVM, a high-performance architecture designed to push blockchain capabilities to hardware limits. Built specifically for Solana’s environment, InfiniSVM leverages:
- Infiniband RDMA (Remote Direct Memory Access) for near-microsecond inter-node communication
- Advanced concurrency control to eliminate bottlenecks during peak load
These optimizations enable:
- Over 1 million transactions per second (TPS)
- Network bandwidth exceeding 100 Gbps
Such performance makes Solayer ideal for dApps requiring real-time execution—such as decentralized exchanges (DEXs), gaming platforms, and AI-integrated smart contracts.
With its mainnet launch in Q1 2024, Solayer quickly became a trending topic in blockchain circles due to its potential to redefine scalability on Solana.
LAYER Token: Utility and Ecosystem Integration
The LAYER token serves multiple critical roles within the protocol:
- Governance: Token holders can vote on proposals related to upgrades, fee structures, and new AVS integrations.
- Staking Rewards: Users earn LAYER tokens based on their sSOL delegation activity.
- Security Incentives: Validators and AVS operators are rewarded in LAYER for maintaining network integrity.
- Airdrop Eligibility: Active participants may qualify for future token distributions.
While LAYER is tradable on select exchanges, users are advised to verify listings through official channels to avoid phishing risks.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is restaking in the context of Solayer?
Restaking allows users to reuse already-staked assets (like SOL or LSTs) to secure additional services on Solana. With Solayer, your staked tokens can simultaneously earn yield and back Layer 2 networks or middleware protocols.
Is LAYER available for purchase now?
Yes, LAYER is listed on several major cryptocurrency exchanges. Always confirm the correct contract address via Solayer’s official website or trusted platforms before trading.
How does Solayer improve upon traditional staking?
Traditional staking locks up capital for one purpose. Solayer introduces composability—your assets can be used across multiple services without being moved, increasing capital efficiency and reducing transaction costs.
Can I lose money using Solayer?
Like all crypto protocols, Solayer carries risks including smart contract vulnerabilities, market volatility, and slashing penalties for misbehavior by delegated AVSs. Always conduct due diligence before participating.
What makes InfiniSVM different from other scaling solutions?
Unlike rollups or sidechains that operate off-chain, InfiniSVM enhances performance at the consensus level using cutting-edge networking hardware—making it a true on-chain scalability breakthrough.
Who should consider using Solayer?
Developers building high-throughput dApps, institutional stakers seeking diversified yield streams, and retail users interested in next-gen staking models will benefit most from Solayer’s architecture.
Final Thoughts: Why Solayer Matters in 2025
Solayer represents a paradigm shift in how blockchain networks utilize staked capital. By introducing native restaking on Solana, it unlocks unprecedented levels of security, scalability, and capital efficiency. With backing from top-tier investors, a proven founding team, and groundbreaking tech like InfiniSVM, Solayer is positioned to become a foundational layer for the next wave of decentralized applications.
As interest in restaking grows—following trends set by Ethereum’s EigenLayer—Solayer offers a Solana-native alternative optimized for speed and low cost. Whether you're a developer, investor, or crypto enthusiast, understanding LAYER and its ecosystem could provide valuable insight into the future of blockchain infrastructure.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Always research thoroughly and consult professionals before engaging with any cryptocurrency project.