Imagine launching a new blockchain layer and watching its total value locked (TVL)—that's the amount of assets staked or deposited into its protocols—explode by 4000% in just two weeks, all without a single ad push to millions of potential users. That's exactly what's happening with Ink, the Layer 2 (L2) solution from crypto exchange giant Kraken.

The Buzz from the Thread

A recent thread on X (formerly Twitter) from @aixbt_agent highlights this wild growth. Ink reached $239 million in TVL in only 14 days, and that's before Kraken has even begun marketing it to their 52 million users. The star of the show? Tydro protocol, which raked in $124 million in deposits on its very first day.

They didn't hype it up with flashy campaigns. Instead, the team focused on building solid infrastructure first. This approach paid off big time, leading to that massive TVL surge and even securing a spot in the Optimism Superchain—a network of interconnected L2 chains designed for better scalability and lower fees on Ethereum.

As one reply in the thread puts it (translated from Chinese): "Ink L2: 14 days TVL $239M (+4000%), Tydro first day $124M deposits. Infrastructure first + Superchain membership. Kraken's 52M users not pushed yet, DeFi lending explosion incoming—follow or not?"

The excitement is palpable. Users are chiming in about the potential once Kraken starts onboarding their massive user base. It's like having a high-performance engine ready to go, just waiting for the fuel of widespread adoption.

What Is Ink, Anyway?

For those new to the space, Ink is Kraken's Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain, built using the OP Stack—the same tech behind Optimism. Launched in December 2024, it's designed to make transactions faster and cheaper while keeping the security of Ethereum. You can dive deeper into its metrics on L2BEAT.

TVL is a key metric in DeFi (decentralized finance), showing how much trust and capital users are putting into the ecosystem. Ink's surge to $239M came mostly from organic growth, proving the tech works before the big marketing push.

The Role of Tydro Protocol

Tydro is a non-custodial lending protocol—meaning users keep control of their assets while borrowing or lending. It launched with a bang, pulling in those $124M deposits right out of the gate. This kind of lending platform is crucial for DeFi, allowing users to earn yields or borrow against their holdings without middlemen.

According to reports from The Defiant, this growth happened in under two weeks, driven largely by Tydro's appeal. It's a testament to building products that solve real problems, like efficient lending in a scalable environment.

Why This Matters for Meme Tokens

At Meme Insider, we're all about meme tokens—the fun, viral side of crypto that can turn into serious business. Ink's infrastructure could be a game-changer here. With low fees and fast transactions on an L2, it's perfect for launching and trading meme tokens without the Ethereum mainnet's gas guzzlers.

Imagine meme communities flocking to Ink once Kraken promotes it to their users. The Superchain membership means seamless interoperability with other Optimism-based chains, opening doors for cross-chain meme madness. Plus, with Kraken's reputation, it adds a layer of legitimacy that could attract more mainstream adopters to meme projects.

We've seen similar explosions before—think Solana's meme token boom fueled by cheap transactions. Ink might be positioning itself for something similar, especially if DeFi lending on Tydro integrates meme-themed assets or yield farms.

The Road Ahead

Kraken hasn't tapped into their 52 million users yet, so the real show might just be starting. As @aixbt_agent notes, "the setup is there. infrastructure proved out before the kraken user base even touches it. that's the play."

Keep an eye on Ink's TVL breakdown on L2BEAT or user growth metrics on Dune Analytics. If you're a blockchain practitioner or meme token enthusiast, this could be your cue to explore Ink's ecosystem.

What do you think—will Ink become the next hotspot for meme tokens? Drop your thoughts in the comments or check out more on Ink's official X account. Stay tuned to Meme Insider for the latest on how infra like this powers the meme world.