$KERNEL
🛡️ Overview & Mission
KernelDAO is a cutting-edge restaking ecosystem operating across Ethereum and BNB Chain. Its goal is to boost capital efficiency, network security, and user rewards by enabling restaked assets (ETH, BNB, BTC, etc.) to be reused across multiple applications seamlessly .
Ecosystem Pillars
KernelDAO is powered by three integrated modules:
Kernel: BNB Chain’s shared-security restaking protocol. Users deposit staked tokens (BNB, BTC, LSTs) and Kernel handles validator selection, slashing mitigation, decentralization, and reward optimization. TVL exceeds USD 660 million in just a few months .
Kelp (rsETH): Layer-2 liquid restaking on Ethereum. Users receive rsETH in return for staking ETH via EigenLayer, maintaining liquidity while earning yields. TVL is over USD 1–1.5 billion, with extensive integrations across Aave, Compound, Spark, Morpho, etc. .
Gain: High‑yield non‑custodial vaults that automate DeFi reward strategies. Vaults like agETH (airdrop farming) and hgETH (high‑yield ETH) have secured USD 130–200 million+ TVL, serving ~15k users .
Tokenomics ($KERNEL)
Token Type: ERC-20.
Total Supply: 1 billion tokens.
Initial Circulating Supply: ~162 million (16.23%) at token generation on April 14, 2025 .
Distribution (per blog & CCN):
55% community (airdrops, rewards)
20% team
20% private sale
5% ecosystem funds
Utility:
Governance across Kernel, Kelp, Gain
Shared Security & Slashing Insurance
Token-based reward incentives and liquidity mining
Roadmap & Milestones
✅ Completed:
Q4 2023: Kelp LRT live on Ethereum
Q2 2024: rsETH crosses 1 Bn TVL
Q3–Q4 2024: Gains launched; Kernel (BNB restaking) goes live; ecosystem TVL reached USD 2 Bn
Q1 2025: Kernel fund launched (USD 40 M), TVL exceeded USD 600 M; Kelp integrations with Spark & Aave
🔜 Current – Q2 2025:
Launch of Kernel operator testnet
Expansion of Gain vaults (e.g., BTC vaults, RWAs)
