Kraken-Backed Ink Foundation Unveils Plan to Mint 1 Billion INK Tokens for Layer-2 Growth

The Ink Foundation, supported by major cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, has announced an ambitious initiative to mint 1 billion INK tokens. These tokens are designed to bootstrap liquidity on Ink, an Ethereum layer-2 network. The fixed-supply tokens will serve as protocol incentives while adhering to technical parameters under Optimism''s Superchain framework. Notably, INK holders will not govern the rollup itself but will play a crucial role in directing resource allocation for deployed protocols. This strategic move highlights Kraken''s continued commitment to fostering innovation in the blockchain space and strengthening Ethereum''s layer-2 ecosystem. The distribution mechanism for these tokens is expected to be revealed in subsequent announcements, marking an important development in the evolution of decentralized finance infrastructure.

Kraken-Backed Ink Foundation to Mint 1 Billion INK Tokens for Layer-2 Incentives

The Ink Foundation announced plans to mint 1 billion INK tokens to bootstrap liquidity on Ink, an ethereum layer-2 network supported by Kraken. The fixed-supply tokens will fund protocol incentives while maintaining technical parameters under Optimism''s Superchain framework.

INK holders won''t govern the rollup itself but will direct resource allocation for deployed protocols. Distribution will occur via an audited airdrop tied to an Aave-powered liquidity protocol, with Sybil-resistant measures to prevent farming. The foundation positioned this as a MOVE to align stakeholders for Ink''s next development phase.

Kraken launched the Optimism-based Ink network in October 2024 with built-in incentive mechanisms. The INK tokenomics mirror the growing trend of L2 networks using native tokens to bootstrap ecosystems while maintaining compatibility with underlying infrastructure.

Kraken’s Ink Foundation to Launch INK Token With Fixed Supply for Layer 2 DeFi Growth

The Ink Foundation, backed by Kraken, is set to launch the INK token with a permanent supply cap of one billion. The token will debut without governance functions, focusing instead on utility within DeFi applications and liquidity protocols. Distribution begins with targeted airdrops to early users of AAVE liquidity pools.

Ink’s Layer 2 blockchain, part of the Optimism Superchain, will integrate INK to fuel decentralized finance and onchain capital markets. The foundation emphasizes a "single-token model designed for usage, not speculation," distancing itself from speculative token launches.