Ink Airdrop

Problem Solved

Ink is a DeFi-focused L2 that doesn't reinvent the wheel but seeks to make it faster and easier to use. Backed by Kraken, it provides a user-centric on-ramp that reduces friction when moving funds onchain. Ink’s Optimism-based rollup bundles transactions to lower costs and offers one-second finality, tackling Ethereum’s scalability issues. As part of the Optimism Superchain, it also solves liquidity fragmentation by enabling seamless cross-chain token movement, so users don’t face cumbersome bridging processes across Layer 2s. In short, Ink’s approach combines familiar CeFi trust with onchain efficiency to make decentralized finance more accessible and capital-efficient for a broad audience.

Tokenomics

Initially, Kraken had no plans for a token to avoid regulatory pitfalls. However, in mid-2025 the nonprofit Ink Foundation introduced INK, a native utility token with a permanently fixed supply of 1 billion. INK’s design emphasizes utility over speculation: it has no governance role over the Layer 2 itself. Instead, INK incentivizes liquidity and lets holders guide resource allocation for DeFi protocols on Ink (for example, deciding rewards for lending markets). Distribution is community-focused – the foundation will airdrop INK to early users of Ink’s Aave-powered lending platform and other genuine participants, using strict anti-Sybil measures to curb unfair farming. This approach aims to decentralize token ownership without compromising the network’s technical control (which remains with the Ink team until further decentralization).

Perspectives

Ink’s future depends on its ability to establish a unique identity among dozens of Layer 2s targeting the same liquidity, dev talent, and users. Its edge lies in Kraken’s support and deep OP Stack integration, but neither guarantees traction. The challenge is to convert initial hype into long-term relevance, especially as users and builders become more selective. Without clear differentiation, Ink risks being another short-lived L2 experiment.

Founders and Team

Ink was incubated by Kraken and is led by founder Andrew Koller, a Kraken product lead who spearheaded the project. Kraken’s role is central – the exchange’s decade-long expertise in security and compliance provides a strong foundation for Ink’s development. Kraken engineers and product teams worked to build Ink, which is now stewarded by the independent Ink Foundation for neutrality.

The team has shown solid execution capability so far: they launched Ink’s mainnet ahead of schedule due to high builder demand and a successful testnet. Kraken’s backing also means Ink can draw on substantial resources and talent, and the exchange’s reputation lends credibility when attracting partners.

Funding

Unlike many crypto projects, Ink did not go through traditional VC fundraising, it has been financed internally by Kraken, ensuring a stable funding pipeline from a profitable exchange. In addition, the Optimism Foundation awarded a 25 million OP token grant (valued at approximately $42.5 million) to Ink to support its integration into the Superchain. The combination of Kraken’s backing and this substantial grant gives Ink a strong runway to execute its roadmap.

Community

Ink’s official X profile attracted over 120,000 members, and the public testnet saw millions of transactions from hundreds of thousands of wallets – a clear sign of massive early interest. Much of this buzz has been driven by airdrop speculation and Kraken’s reputation, drawing in both DeFi enthusiasts and opportunistic “airdrop hunters.” At the same time, the Ink Foundation is keen to encourage genuine participation over pure speculation – it has signaled that airdrops will target real users of the network’s DeFi protocols. To cultivate a lasting community, Ink’s team has organized hackathons, developer meetups, and offers support for builders. This approach suggests Ink is striving for a sustainable community that can persist after the initial hype.

Competitors

Ink competes directly with Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, Linea, and other OP Stack or zkEVM rollups. Most offer similar features: low fees, fast finality, and EVM support. Kraken’s backing and DeFi-first orientation provide some narrative edge, but not an exclusive one. Ink must differentiate on actual dApp traction and builder retention. Most users won’t care about underlying infra if the UX and incentives are better elsewhere. Without standout apps, incentives, or a distinct ecosystem culture, Ink risks being just another technical clone in a market oversaturated with L2s. Execution, speed, and ability to create a sticky ecosystem are critical.