Overview
KernelDAO envisions restaking as a transformative force within Proof-of-Stake (PoS) ecosystems. By unlocking shared security and enabling additional reward generation, restaking promotes greater capital efficiency and significantly reduces crypto-economic security costs—by as much as 10x.
Since the introduction of restaking in June 2023, a comprehensive ‘restaking stack’ has been developed on Ethereum, serving as a foundational layer for a diverse array of new services and middleware. We foresee the ‘restaking stack’ evolving into an omni-chain phenomenon, showcasing its universal applicability, with KernelDAO positioned as a core pillar of this architecture.
Currently, KernelDAO provides three strategic product categories, each tailored to meet specific market demands while laying a robust groundwork for expansion into prominent verticals across restaking, DeFi, and Real World Assets (RWAs)
Product Categories
1. Kernel:
- A shared security product on BNB Chain, utilizing BNB, BTC, and other reward-bearing assets.
- Achieved USD ~\$300 million TVL within weeks and supports 25+ ecosystem projects.
- Hundreds of middleware solutions leveraging restaking.
- Roadmap includes expansion across multiple ecosystems.
2. Kelp LRT (rsETH):
- The leading Liquid Restaking solution on Ethereum, providing instant liquidity and enhanced rewards for restaked assets.
- Currently the second-largest LRT on Ethereum with USD ~\$2 billion TVL.
- Over 400,000 unique restakers and integration with 50+ DeFi platforms, including major Layer 2 solutions.
3. Gain:
- Non-custodial automated Yield Vaults on Ethereum, offering one-click solutions to maximize rewards for users.
- Surpassed USD 200 million+ TVL shortly after launch.
- Plans for expansion into Bitcoin and RWAs, targeting a multi-trillion-dollar market.
Tokenomics
$KERNEL Overview
The $KERNEL token serves as the unified governance token across the KernelDAO ecosystem, encompassing the Kernel, Kelp LRT, and Kelp Gain products. It is designed to foster community engagement through a user-centric token distribution model.
- Total Supply: 1 Billion tokens
- Community Allocation: 55% of the total supply is allocated to users and the broader community.
Token Utility
The $KERNEL token will feature multiple utilities across Kernel and Kelp products, including:
- Shared Security:
- Staked $KERNEL tokens will act as economic security for applications built on the Kernel platform.
- Slashing Insurance:
- Staked tokens will provide insurance against slashing events related to rsETH and Kernel operations, rewarding stakers with protocol earnings.
- Governance:
- Token holders can participate in governance decisions regarding the Kernel platform, including fees and slashing conditions.
- Decision-making for LRT & Gain protocols, focusing on AVS selections, rebalances, and operator proposals.
Technical Architecture
Product 1: Kernel is the shared security protocol on BNB Chain, launched in December 2024. Users can perform restaking and unstaking of whitelisted assets. Future developments will include delegations to operators and DVNs.
Vision and Roadmap
Vision
The KernelDAO ecosystem aspires to harness multiple market opportunities, including:
- Liquid restaking for Ethereum and other major assets.
- Infrastructure for restaking across Layer 1 and beyond, including BNB Chain.
- Tokenized DeFi, CeDeFi, and RWAs, facilitating connections between DeFi, CeFi, and traditional finance.
By delivering robust products and fostering innovation, we aim to redefine the DeFi landscape and create lasting value for all stakeholders.
Kernel Roadmap
- Q2 2025: Operator Testnet launch
- Q3 2025: Operator Mainnet launch
- Q3 2025: Middleware Testnet launch
- Q4 2025 and beyond: Middleware Mainnet launch and introduction of slashing mechanisms.
This enhanced version provides a clearer, more organized presentation of KernelDAO's offerings, tokenomics, and vision for the future, making it easier for stakeholders to understand the value proposition and strategic direction of the project.