<h2 id="introducing-babylon">Introducing Babylon</h2><p></p><h3 id="1-the-problem">1. The Problem</h3><p>Bitcoin is the most prominent and valuable cryptocurrency in the world. However, it lacks mechanisms for holders to earn passive income, similar to PoS networks such as Ethereum, leading to millions of idle Bitcoins. The evolving blockchain landscape, especially Proof-of-Stake chains, demands consistent security and liquidity contributions, a role Bitcoin has yet to play significantly.</p><p>Current yield-generating solutions for Bitcoin involve moving assets to centralized platforms, which must be wrapped or stored in custodial wallets. This introduces risks such as hacks and regulatory issues, undermining the blockchain's decentralization and security principles.</p><p>Babylon addresses these issues by offering a decentralized alternative that not only opens up new opportunities for Bitcoin holders to generate yields but also enhances the security and functionality of the broader blockchain infrastructure.</p><h3 id="2-babylons-solution"><br>2. Babylon's Solution</h3><p>Babylon is a PoS protocol designed to enable Bitcoin holders to stake their BTC in a secure and non-custodial manner, allowing them to earn rewards in tokens of chains they support.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/sVlmVDQFTBG3pHPkTQz0KzC-2lAP3woc2_MCJcFTUaXbYkd4NA1lwfmsmtP7_HfjUtHWytuiFJ_o7HsayVUEUWylqoVyzMX4oh1GTI3O3KpnJf-LjY50D2icGP-Sk_BkHn0nYHLnZNKbbKrJvLFDQ1M" class="kg-image" alt loading="lazy" width="1600" height="900"></figure><p></p><p><strong>The protocol includes two protocols:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Bitcoin timestamping: </strong>This protocol sends succinct and verifiable timestamps of any data (such as PoS blockchains) to Bitcoin</li><li><strong>Bitcoin staking: </strong>This protocol allows Bitcoin, the asset, to provide economic security to any decentralized systems through trustless (and self-custodian) staking.</li></ul><p>At its core, Babylon allows Bitcoin users to directly stake their BTC, supporting Proof-of-Stake chains while simultaneously earning yields in tokens of chains they support. This capability transforms idle Bitcoin into active, yield-generating assets without requiring holders to relinquish control or security.</p><p><strong>The key features of Babylon include:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Yield Generation:</strong> Users can earn rewards by staking their BTC directly on the platform.</li><li><strong>Fast Unbonding: </strong>A quick unbonding process allows users to withdraw their staked Bitcoin promptly.</li><li><strong>Non-Custodial Staking: </strong>Users maintain complete control over their BTC without transferring them to a third party.</li><li><strong>EOTS Signature for Security:</strong> This ensures security by ensuring the staked Bitcoin is locked and accounted for.</li><li><strong>Cross-Chain Interoperability: </strong>Facilitates interactions between different blockchain networks, enhancing the utility and reach of staked assets.</li><li><strong>Slashing Mechanism:</strong> Implements measures to penalize bad actors, thus safeguarding the network's integrity and user assets.</li></ol><p>Babylon presents an innovative and secure solution to the problems faced by Bitcoin holders and the broader blockchain ecosystem.&nbsp;</p><h3 id="3-how-does-it-generally-work">3. How does it generally work</h3><p>A user with BTC can secure the Babylon chain or other Cosmos PoS chains while receiving yields in their tokens. To do this, the user must lock their BTC coins on Bitcoin. Because Bitcoin doesn't support smart contracts, the user should initiate the staking process using a <a href="https://academy.binance.com/en/glossary/unspent-transaction-output-utxo?ref=p2p.org"><u>UTXO transaction</u></a> that creates a time lock for the BTC coins. This UTXO transaction has three main outputs: the time lock can expire, allowing withdrawal; the user can unbond their transaction before expiration; the transaction can be slashed if a validator acts maliciously.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/TlrRoo92Dv84SpZHXzPnf9Fld9RkMzwLc0MVuWAzbK1S5BfGbTDuaUNClgNPnCZcBGLuoDp57M9SR37k4b5hluaJY_52VYLSx0_d8sNUS1RivRQ65CI1o3t5gSg0GZqh4887RHI9GXK1O7YdkFNgwlg" class="kg-image" alt loading="lazy" width="1600" height="900"></figure><p>After signing the transaction, the user delegates their BTC tokens to a finality provider, who can validate the transaction. This allows the user to receive yield if the provider secures blocks correctly. However, if the finality provider acts maliciously, it can be slashed.</p><p>The cornerstone of the entire model is the pre-signed slashing transaction and EOTS keys. When staking, the user pre-signs a slashing transaction that can be broadcast to the network if the finality provider acts maliciously. If the provider double-signs a block, its EOTS keys are revealed, and the covenant committee can sign the pre-approved transaction using the finality provider’s private key.</p><ol><li><strong>Detection of malicious activity</strong>: Finality providers detect malicious activity, such as another finality provider signing a block twice.</li><li><strong>Exposure of private key:</strong> If malicious activity is detected, the malicious finality provider’s private key is leaked.</li><li><strong>Notification and slashing:</strong> The finality providers notify the covenant committee, which signs the pre-signed slashing transaction using the exposed private key and broadcasts it to the network.</li><li><strong>Slashing transaction:</strong> A predetermined amount of Bitcoins is sent to a burn address as a penalty for the malicious activity.</li></ol><p>The process results in securing PoS chains and receiving yields for BTC tokens, which depend on the chains the user secures. Initially, the Babylon chain will start on the mainnet by ensuring only the Babylon chain itself. Still, stakers can secure other Cosmos chains and receive yields in their tokens.</p><h3 id="4-investors-and-market-confidence">4. Investors and Market Confidence</h3><p>Babylon has successfully secured substantial funding across several rounds, showcasing strong market trust and investor interest in its innovative approach to Bitcoin staking.</p><p><strong>Seed Round: </strong>Babylon initiated its funding journey by raising $8.8 million in a seed round led by IDG and Breyer Capital, emphasizing early support from established investors in transformative technologies.</p><p><strong>Series A Funding: </strong>The momentum continued with a Series A round that raised $16 million. This round was co-led by Polychain Capital and Hack VC and saw additional participation from Framework Ventures, Polygon Ventures, Castle Island Ventures, OKX Ventures, Finality Capital, Breyer Capital, Symbolic Capital, and IOSG Ventures. The diverse investor base in this round highlights a robust endorsement of Babylon’s technology and strategic direction.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/iOnLuQ4shVuFqN2B21LVeJzjF_xoeqOL8i5TivZan-49K6WHj6VtPMleRAZe0IRWU-j-KxO0wvO7sRt0vH0kvNTZtwqKUYTtLcGbYESkTieJT3rXMjDY_JujXlt_4a0S8RU3bcv5k3EH0d1CPhT5wkg" class="kg-image" alt loading="lazy" width="1600" height="900"></figure><p><strong>Last Round: </strong>Binance Labs made the most recent investment, reflecting significant strategic backing. This partnership provides financial resources and enhances Babylon’s capabilities in technology development and global market positioning.</p><p>These investment milestones fund Babylon's growth and affirm its potential as a significant player in the evolving landscape of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.</p><h3 id="5-how-to-participate">5. How to Participate</h3><p>If you're interested in participating in the launch of Babylon, we recommend two main directions for involvement:</p><ol><li><strong>Testnet Participation:</strong> Engage with the Babylon testnet by staking your SignetBTC directly on Babylon’s <a href="https://btcstaking.babylonchain.io/?ref=p2p.org"><u>official website</u></a>. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the platform’s features and functionalities without risking real assets.</li><li><strong>Support for Large Bitcoin Holders: </strong>If you hold a significant amount of Bitcoin, don't hesitate to contact our team. We can provide tailored validator solutions that will be optimal for you when the mainnet launches.<br></li></ol><p>The Babylon is currently in the testnet phase, with the mainnet launch anticipated by the end of the first half of the year. The new testnet (bbn-test-4) will focus on the security of staked Bitcoins by testing user interactions with the BTC Signet test network. The Babylon team plans to launch this new testnet towards the end of May 2024. The team is closely monitoring updates and feedback from the community to ensure the robustness and security of the network before the mainnet launch. </p><p></p><h1 id="about-p2p-validator"><strong>About P2P Validator</strong></h1><p><a href="https://p2p.org/?ref=p2p.org">P2P Validator</a>&nbsp;is a world-leading non-custodial staking provider, securing over $7 billion from over 10,000 delegators/nominators across 40+ high-class networks.</p><p>Do not hesitate to ask questions in our&nbsp;<a href="https://t.me/P2Pstaking?ref=p2p.org">Telegram</a>&nbsp;chat or contact our team directly on X or LinkedIn. We are always open to communication.</p><hr><p><strong>Web:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://p2p.org/?ref=p2p.org">https://p2p.org</a></p><p><strong>Twitter:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/p2pvalidator?ref=p2p.org">@p2pvalidator</a></p><p><strong>Telegram:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://t.me/P2Pstaking?ref=p2p.org">https://t.me/P2Pstaking</a><br><br><br><br></p>

<p>On April 29, EigenLayer introduced the $EIGEN, which has a unique token design and utility. We dived deeper to explain intersubjective faults, how tokens may be forkable, and the nature of $bEIGEN.</p><h1 id="what-is-eigen">What is $EIGEN?</h1><p>Before discussing $EIGEN and its design, it's essential to understand some concepts introduced by EigenLayer.</p><p>The main idea behind any decentralized network or service is trustlessness. This means you don't need a central supervisor. Instead, the network's nodes work together to verify each other's work. If a node breaks the network rules, it gets punished through a process called slashing. For example, if an Ethereum validator creates two different blocks simultaneously, it's considered an attempt to split the network into two forks, and the validator is punished by slashing.</p><p>Decentralized services rely on the ability to verify if nodes violate network rules and punish bad behavior. However, not all types of bad behavior are easy to verify and punish. EigenLayer divides bad behavior (faults) into two types:</p><ol><li><strong>Objective Faults</strong>: These are behaviors that can be verified within a blockchain using mathematical or cryptographic methods.</li><li><strong>Intersubjective Faults</strong>: These are behaviors that cannot be objectively identified on-chain, but any reasonable observer would agree that a fault occurred and deserves a penalty.</li></ol><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/iG7oqosSleJ4W2xN_FNg4d-B6vFNCbTL1HtpmImB2uqhCCDamkgrXcLaRJdewETTpfBrL9zYCuOzOMgKHukhO7GZ6H5w85LMZ7VGyxdu2Vic3exRkJhpFrAViInyLXiTRT0eA1QsPPOb7nadNw0uZwc" class="kg-image" alt loading="lazy" width="1600" height="840"></figure><p>ETH restaking provides a way to penalize objective faults, extending Ethereum's security to other protocols. The new $EIGEN token introduces a mechanism specifically designed to address intersubjective faults.</p><p>$EIGEN works like staking, where slashing is imposed through mechanisms similar to formalized social disputes because these slashing conditions cannot be tracked on-chain. Another analogy is governance: voting for or against proposals to charge malicious actors. You can read more about objective and intersubjective faults in the white paper.</p><p>The purposes of $EIGEN are:</p><ol><li>To cover off-chain slashing conditions. Examples include transaction ordering, databases, prediction markets, storage services, oracles, artificial intelligence, and more.</li><li>To enable protocols to implement some form of slashing without designing on-chain slashing. This can be used in new launches before ETH restaking is enabled.</li></ol><figure class="kg-card kg-embed-card"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What are some usecases of AVSs with intersubjective slashing <a href="https://twitter.com/eigenlayer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=p2p.org">@eigenlayer</a><br>---------------<br>1) EigenDA - to slash for data withholding (not onchain verifiable)<br><br>2) Ordering service - to slash for censorship (not onchain verifiable)<br><br>3) Validity on arbitrary VM - to slash for… <a href="https://t.co/uvhGHdDWwJ?ref=p2p.org">https://t.co/uvhGHdDWwJ</a></p>— Sreeram Kannan (@sreeramkannan) <a href="https://twitter.com/sreeramkannan/status/1788093177288601851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=p2p.org">May 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h1 id="token-fork%E2%80%A6-how-will-it-work">Token fork… how will it work?</h1><p>$EIGEN is represented in two forms: bEIGEN and EIGEN, both of which are ERC-20 tokens that can be interchanged.</p><ul><li><strong>bEIGEN</strong>: This is a bonded (staked) token used for staking. It can be withdrawn by converting it back into EIGEN. bEIGEN is subject to forking, which is a slashing mechanism.</li><li><strong>EIGEN</strong>: This is a transferable token used for non-staking purposes, such as DeFi. It can be bonded by converting it into bEIGEN.</li></ul><p>The purpose of having two representations is to simplify the process and avoid complications related to forking. If there were only one token, every forking event would require DeFi platforms and CEXes to register a new fork and supply liquidity, which is inconvenient.</p><p>Now, let’s imagine that some AVS adopted $EIGEN to secure intersubjective slashing conditions. This AVS defines the mechanism for how the intersubjective slashing will work, i.e., conditions, dispute periods, voting design, etc. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the forking process when an operator commits an intersubjective fault:</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://p2p.org/economy/content/images/2024/05/image-4.png" class="kg-image" alt loading="lazy" width="1414" height="646" srcset="https://p2p.org/economy/content/images/size/w600/2024/05/image-4.png 600w, https://p2p.org/economy/content/images/size/w1000/2024/05/image-4.png 1000w, https://p2p.org/economy/content/images/2024/05/image-4.png 1414w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><ol><li><strong>Social Deliberation</strong>:<ul><li>A fault alert is raised by a bEIGEN staker.</li><li>Consensus participants engage in deliberation to discuss the issue.</li><li>Honest participants converge on an opinion and agree on who will raise the challenge.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Challenge</strong>:<ul><li>Raising a challenge involves launching a new version of bEIGEN (an ERC-20 contract fork), a new challenge contract, and a new fork-distributor contract.</li><li>These contracts specify how malicious operators are penalized and how challengers are rewarded.</li><li>A challenger must submit a significant number of bEIGEN tokens as a bond, which will be returned if the challenge is successful.</li><li>The new bEIGEN accounts for the operators' malicious actions, slashes them, and rewards the challengers.</li></ul></li><li><strong>Configuring the EIGEN Contract</strong>:<ul><li>If the challenge is successful, EIGEN should be tied to the new fork of bEIGEN through an upgrade transaction.</li></ul></li></ol><h1 id="eigen-allocation-details">$EIGEN allocation details</h1><p>You can read all details about token allocation and check your eligibility on the official site&nbsp;<a href="https://eigenfoundation.org/?ref=p2p.org">https://eigenfoundation.org/</a>&nbsp;Here is a summary</p><p>The total supply of EIGEN at launch is 1,673,646,668.28466 tokens.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-image-card"><img src="https://p2p.org/economy/content/images/2024/05/image-6.png" class="kg-image" alt loading="lazy" width="1418" height="806" srcset="https://p2p.org/economy/content/images/size/w600/2024/05/image-6.png 600w, https://p2p.org/economy/content/images/size/w1000/2024/05/image-6.png 1000w, https://p2p.org/economy/content/images/2024/05/image-6.png 1418w" sizes="(min-width: 720px) 720px"></figure><p>Notable that In the initial phase, the $EIGEN will be non-transferable and non-forkable. That means you can’t trade it and get slashing. According to the EigenLayer plans, we can expect enabling transferability by the end of Q3 after the <a href="https://blog.eigenfoundation.org/announcement/?ref=p2p.org#:~:text=Responsible%20Rollout%3A%20Non%2DTransferability" rel="noreferrer">following milestones</a>:</p><ul><li>Community Discussions and agreement about EIGEN’s novel design, parameters, and proposed implementation.</li><li>Payments and Slashing enable the improvement of key features for a sustainable marketplace.</li><li>Enhanced Decentralization with token allocation to the community of 15% of the EIGEN supply and community participation in upcoming protocol governance.</li></ul><h1 id="what-to-do-with-eigen">What to do with $EIGEN?</h1><p>EigenLayer <a href="https://blog.eigenfoundation.org/announcement/?ref=p2p.org#:~:text=Enhanced%20Decentralization" rel="noreferrer">announced the plans</a> to empower decentralization and distribute 8.95% more of the initial token supply for ecosystem participation before the token become transferable and forkable (so approx. next four months). </p><p>One of the few options to participate in the ecosystem right now is by staking $EIGEN. Since the token is currently non-transferable, staking is the only available action. By staking $EIGEN, you will help secure EigenDA and other upcoming intersubjective AVSs.</p><p>To get started with staking $EIGEN, check out our step-by-step staking guide in our detailed article.</p><figure class="kg-card kg-bookmark-card"><a class="kg-bookmark-container" href="https://p2p.org/economy/eigen-staking-guide-with-p2p/"><div class="kg-bookmark-content"><div class="kg-bookmark-title">$EIGEN Staking Guide</div><div class="kg-bookmark-description">EIGEN stakedrop claims are open. Season 1 starts with 6.05% of the initial supply ready to claim. Eigen Foundation has already announced the next stakedrop season plans and is considering distributing 8.95% of the initial token supply for ecosystem participation. This guide will explain how to participate in</div><div class="kg-bookmark-metadata"><img class="kg-bookmark-icon" src="https://p2p.org/economy/content/images/2020/09/favicon.ico" alt><span class="kg-bookmark-author">P2P.org Blog: Insights, Guides, and News</span><span class="kg-bookmark-publisher">Vladislav Kurenkov</span></div></div><div class="kg-bookmark-thumbnail"><img src="https://p2p.org/economy/content/images/2024/05/Guide-2.jpeg" alt></div></a></figure><h1 id="more-reading-about-eigen">More reading about $EIGEN</h1><ol><li><a href="https://blog.eigenfoundation.org/announcement/?ref=p2p.org" rel="noreferrer">Blog announcement</a></li><li><a href="https://github.com/Layr-Labs/whitepaper/blob/master/EIGEN_Token_Whitepaper.pdf?ref=p2p.org" rel="noreferrer">$EIGEN whitepaper</a></li><li><a href="https://docs.eigenfoundation.org/?ref=p2p.org" rel="noreferrer">Stakedrop season1 FAQ</a></li></ol>