In the fast-paced world of crypto, opinions from big players can shift perspectives overnight. Recently, Arthur Hayes, the CEO and CIO of DeFiance Capital, dropped a straightforward tweet that's sparking discussions across the blockchain community. He stated, "Genuinely think the investment case for funding a new generalized L1/L2 is very weak these days." You can check out the original post here.
For those new to the jargon, let's break it down simply. Layer 1 (L1) blockchains are the foundational networks like Ethereum or Solana – they're the base layer where everything starts. Layer 2 (L2) solutions, on the other hand, build on top of L1s to make transactions faster and cheaper, think Optimism or Arbitrum. Generalized ones mean they're designed to handle a wide range of applications, not just specific uses.
Arthur's view isn't isolated; it's echoing a sentiment that's been building. With established players like Ethereum and Solana dominating, pouring money into yet another all-purpose chain feels like reinventing the wheel in a crowded garage. The replies to his tweet highlight this shift. One user, DCinvestor, chimed in: "going to be all about app-chains for a while." App-chains are specialized blockchains tailored for particular applications, which could be more efficient and targeted.
This ties directly into the meme token scene, where hype and community drive value more than tech specs. Meme tokens often thrive on existing, battle-tested chains like Solana, known for its speed and low fees – perfect for viral pumps. A reply mentioning "$SOL and $S" (likely referring to Solana and perhaps a meme like Slothana or another token) suggests that the real parabolic moves might be in established ecosystems or hype-driven assets rather than new infrastructure plays.
Another reply humorously cuts to the chase: "When are you fking idiots gonna learn to just full port hype." It's a raw reminder that in today's market, narrative and momentum often outperform pure tech innovation. For meme insiders, this means focusing on tokens that capture cultural moments on solid platforms, rather than betting on unproven layers that might never gain traction.
Looking back, a quoted reply from antiprosynthesis.eth references a post from a year ago urging to "stop launching more general purpose L2s (let alone L1s lol) and do something more interesting with rollups." Rollups are a type of L2 that bundles transactions for efficiency. This ongoing conversation points to a maturation in the space – we're moving from building endless foundations to creating value on top of what's already strong.
What does this mean for you as a blockchain practitioner or meme token hunter? It could signal a pivot towards app-specific chains or even niche L2s that cater to memes, gaming, or DeFi innovations. Investing in new generalized L1/L2s might carry higher risks due to competition, high development costs, and the challenge of attracting users and liquidity.
At Meme Insider, we're all about decoding these insights to help you navigate the meme token landscape. Whether it's spotting the next viral coin on Solana or understanding how chain choices impact token performance, staying informed is key. Keep an eye on voices like Arthur's – they often foreshadow where the smart money is heading.
If you're diving into meme tokens, remember: hype can be king, but it's built on reliable tech. What's your take on this? Drop a comment or share your favorite chain for launching memes!