A while ago, we shared our updated vision for the future: Astar 2.0. Last week, we reflected on how we got here and what made Astar 2.0 a logical progression. In this post, we want to provide further context on how we will build the unstoppable.
This bears the following question.
What do we mean by unstoppable?
As the word suggests, unstoppable is something that cannot be stopped. Generally, blockchains are considered unstoppable, as no one entity has the power to shut them down. Nevertheless, ecosystems and app builders can run out of steam without sufficient demand or activity on their products.
Especially teams working on public goods that do not offer any monetization options yet maintain crucial infrastructure will be stopped in their tracks whenever bear markets hit, or their own funds run out.
With Astar 2.0, we’re creating an infrastructure and support system that will address challenges faced by teams. Some aspects are more on the adoption side, with Astar ensuring that enterprises are entering the space, signifying stable demand, and other elements address a lack of sustainable funding for open-source development.
Astar 2.0 also makes builders unstoppable by covering passive income through Staking and giving them the tools and infrastructure needed to build out-of-the-box multichain apps, tapping into the liquidity of one of the most decentralized ecosystems.
In short, when we say unstoppable, we mean it. It refers to the longevity of the entire Astar ecosystem and projects built in it. It also covers tools and education, giving builders all the foundations they need to leverage their skills.
What does Astar 2.0 contain to build the unstoppable?
As described in our initial post, Astar 2.0 impacts every aspect of our ecosystem to enhance Astar further and drive us closer to our vision of onboarding billions. All the pillars below contribute to making the unstoppable a reality.
Astar Link
Astar offers a wide variety of code blocks already that give builders tools to combine EVM and WASM (2 different virtual machines) in their apps, allowing them to tap into the best of different ecosystems. With Astar Link, we’re further building on our expertise and creating more tools and infrastructure necessary to facilitate any use case, from gasless transactions to SDKs that facilitate zk technology and more. With our Multichain connections, builders don’t start with a blank sheet but have ready-to-use pieces they combine as they wish. This contributes to making development unstoppable, as it lowers friction and time burden.
Staking 2.0
Many mechanisms to fund open source development are being experimented with, including RPGF (retroactive public goods funding), grant allocations through foundations and DAOs, VC funding, and mechanisms where devs earn directly from the transaction fees paid for using their smart contracts, such as Contract Secured Revenue (see Canto and NEAR).
All of the above have their benefits and challenges. Take RPGF. It’s hard to continue building when you’re uncertain about ever being able to receive any funding. Grants require careful management and don’t consistently deliver the desired results. Astar believes that apps can’t become genuinely unstoppable if they are only funded through centralized entities.
With our dApp staking, also dubbed the build2earn program, we created a mechanism that allowed users of an app to stake their funds on behalf of that app. The app's creators would then be funded indirectly through the inflation of the network and all the funds staked with them. With the first iterations of Astar staking, we’ve proven the concept.
With Astar Staking 2.0, we will take it further, adding more advanced analytics to staking dashboards, broadening the scope under which dApps can become part of the program, and ensuring that those who earn through it are active in the ecosystem.
Ultimately, Staking 2.0 will give stakers better insights into who they are staking with and reward them for their contributions. This will lead to the creation of constant rewards flowing to both builders and stakers, which makes dApps and the community unstoppable.
Naturally, staking rewards are very closely tied to the next aspect.
Tokenomics
Our tokenomics are actively discussed on our governance forum, where many have rightfully pointed out that the current rate of issuance might not be the best solution for the long-term health of the ecosystem. While it helped us get Astar off the ground, we’re working with an external party on modeling how to structure our tokenomics best, including rewards and setting-up fees, in a way where there are no differences for users interacting on EVM or WASM.
While we cannot disclose much as of now, you can expect drastic changes coming to ASTR token issuance. We’re analyzing what other networks, such as Ethereum, have done with their introduction of a burn and how this would look if we did it on Astar. As of now, nothing has been decided, so feel free to get involved in the discussions.
And even though most people will think only about the supply side when looking at tokenomics, demand is another crucial factor. After all, without demand, there won’t be any need for tokens to begin with.
That’s why we’re also working on the demand side, which will come from network usage. Startale is our entity on the ground in Japan to facilitate that sitting in one of the biggest economies.
Startale Labs
Startale Labs is a technology company focused on the Japanese market. They are building the tools necessary for enterprises to start using Astar Network. Backed by a recent investment by Sony Network Communications, part of the worldwide renowned Sony Group, Startale will be partnering with major Japanese brands to onboard millions to web3 using Astar Network as the backend.
What users interact with in most cases isn’t directly the blockchain but apps built on top. That’s why one pillar for mass adoption in Astar 2.0 is supporting companies with existing users to bridge their apps to web3, which will instantly increase the number of active users - without them even having to understand blockchain.
Sustainable tokenomics + demand through enterprise users -> Unstoppable.
Governance
When enterprises look to build on a protocol, credible neutrality becomes increasingly important. Credible neutrality means that they can rely on a protocol’s stability without fearing sudden drastic changes that will overthrow their business models. Protocols should remain accessible, open, and transparent. This only happens when they are run by more than one party.
At Astar, we believe strongly in the core principles of crypto, including decentralization and the power of having networks that are not governed by a single party but by the community using them. Getting Astar off the ground required a foundation and a centralized contributor. Now that we’ve established Astar in the ecosystem, we are laying the floor to slowly transition to a more decentralized structure: governance through all our stakeholders.
Currently, we are still in the process of defining how exactly governance on Astar will look. We are investigating existing structures and carefully evaluating which one will best serve the ecosystem. One thing is for sure; you won’t be able to buy influence in Astar Governance, as we want to ensure all voices are heard.
You can follow the progress of our CTO's deliberations on governance here: https://forum.astar.network/t/the-state-of-astar-governance-and-our-development-plans/4633/16
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All of the above are contributing to building the unstoppable with us. Like a supernova once we reach critical mass, no one will be able to stop us from onboarding billions of users to web3 and impacting all corners of the industry.
Stay tuned for more, and follow us on Twitter to never miss an update.
