Elevate is a decentralized cross-chain bridge that facilitates rapid, secure, and cost-effective transfers of Ethereum-native assets across various Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks, as well as Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible chains.
Layer Bank is a noncustodial on-chain lending protocol aiming to be a liquidity hub for EVM-based Layer 2 networks, offering users control over their funds with attractive decentralized market interest rates. Its tokenomics, centered around the $LAB stake, include yield boosting, revenue sharing, and a buyback and burn mechanism to support long-term growth. While governance is currently centralized with decisions made by the LayerBank team, the project has received funding from Manta Network to enhance security and expand its ecosystem.
Gyroscope is developing GYD, a decentralized, noncustodial stablecoin fully backed by diversified assets in smart contracts. Governed on-chain by the Gyroscope DAO, the community can propose and vote on changes. The stablecoin maintains a 100% reserve ratio with 1 USD worth of collateral per GYD. Gyroscope raised $4.5 million in seed funding, co-led by Placeholder VC and Galaxy Ventures.
Extra Finance, a community-driven leveraged yield farming (LYF) protocol on OP Mainnet and Base. Extra Finance integrates with major DEXs like Velodrome, providing diverse farming strategies and catering to various risk profiles. The protocol uses two tokens, $EXTRA for liquidity provider rewards and $veEXTRA for governance, with $veEXTRA holders influencing decisions and enjoying benefits like higher leverage and access to exclusive pools. Governance is community-focused, with $veEXTRA token holders having significant input in the protocol's direction. Remarkably, Extra Finance is self-bootstrapped, relying on its own resources rather than external funding, showcasing its commitment to organic growth and independence in the DeFi space.