Avail is a platform aimed at unifying the Web3 ecosystem by providing a modular technology stack that enhances data availability, security, and interoperability. ^[4][5]

Overview

Avail's ecosystem is structured into three primary layers, each serving a distinct function to support the overall goal of creating a cohesive blockchain environment.^[5]

Data Availability (DA) Layer: This foundational layer focuses on data availability, providing a scalable and optimized environment for modular chains. The DA layer ensures developers can independently verify data availability using validity proofs, removing the need to trust Avail's claims.^[6][1]

Nexus Layer: Nexus is a zero-knowledge proof-based coordination rollup that acts as a verification hub, unifying rollups both within and outside the Avail ecosystem. It leverages Avail DA for its root of trust and includes a proof aggregation/verification layer and a sequencer selection mechanism.^[7][1]

Fusion Security Layer: Fusion enhances the security of the Avail network by allowing assets from major ecosystems like Bitcoin and Ethereum to be staked alongside Avail's native assets. This integration of foreign tokens bolsters Avail's tokenomics security.^[8][1]

Avail Nexus

Avail Nexus is a permissionless framework designed to connect multiple blockchains within and outside the Avail ecosystem. It leverages Avail DA as its root of trust, providing a structured integration standard for rollups. Nexus consists of a proof aggregation/verification layer and a sequencer selection mechanism enabled by embedding validity proof-based Data Availability Sampling (DAS) light clients and execution proof aggregation. The aggregated proof is also sent to Ethereum.^[7][1]

Avail Fusion

Avail Fusion completes the unification layer by providing additional security to the Avail ecosystem. It enables native assets from major ecosystems like Bitcoin and Ethereum to be staked alongside Avail's native assets. This approach leverages mature assets to bolster Avail's cryptoeconomic security.^[8][1]

Tokenomics

AVAIL's allocation is designed with the community and long-term growth in mind. Over 65% of the AVAIL token allocation is dedicated to the community through categories such as the Unification Drop, Public Allocation for Future Initiatives, Ecosystem Development, and Community & Research.^[9]

Governance and Staking

The AVAIL token plays a crucial role in the governance of the Avail ecosystem. Avail adopts a phased approach to governance. Additionally, AVAIL holders can participate in staking to secure the blockchain and earn rewards. There are various ways to stake AVAIL, including using the official Avail staking dashboard, the Avail Apps explorer, and external staking UIs.^[10]

Staking Reward Payout Lifecycle

When staking AVAIL, rewards start accruing in the next era after the stake is placed. An era is a 24-hour period during which validators produce blocks and perform other actions on the chain. The lifecycle of a stake involves placing the stake, activation in the next era, reward accrual in the following era, and the first rewards payout thereafter.^[10][11]

Chain Integrations

Avail integrates with several blockchain ecosystems to enhance interoperability, scalability, and security:

Arbitrum: An Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution that uses optimistic rollup technology to increase transaction throughput and reduce costs. Integrating with Avail ensures that Arbitrum benefits from Avail's data availability layer, enhancing performance and security.

Madara: Strengthens Avail's modular approach, ensuring robust data availability and seamless interoperability with other blockchain networks.

Optimism: A Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum using optimistic rollups. Integrating with Avail improves data availability and security.

Polygon CDK: Offers a flexible framework for developers to build and deploy decentralized applications. Avail integration ensures applications built on Polygon have access to a scalable and secure data availability layer.

Polygon zkEVM: An advanced scaling solution combining the security of Ethereum with the efficiency of zero-knowledge proofs. Avail integration enhances the reliability and security of its transactions.

StarkWare: Develops scalability and privacy solutions using STARK technology. Integrating with Avail allows StarkWare to utilize Avail's data availability layer, enhancing performance and security.

zkSync: A Layer 2 scaling solution using zero-knowledge rollups to provide low-cost and fast transactions on Ethereum. Avail integration ensures efficient data availability, supporting zkSync's high throughput and low latency requirements.^[12]

Mainnet Launch and Funding

On July 23, 2024, Avail launched its data availability solution, Avail DA, on the mainnet, alongside the introduction of the AVAIL token. This event marked the beginning of Avail’s operations within the modular blockchain ecosystem.

Avail DA is a solution developed to meet the demand for scalable data availability, specifically catering to Layer 2 rollups and application-specific chains. The mainnet launch introduced support for over 70 chains and technology stacks, including integrations with Arbitrum Orbit, Arbitrum AnyTrust, OP Plasma, ZK Stack, Polygon Chain Development Kit, and StarkWare’s Madara rollup framework. By facilitating off-chain data storage, Avail DA aims to reduce transaction costs while maintaining security.

The deployment of Avail DA also initiated the rollout of additional products within Avail’s suite, referred to as the “Unification Layer”. This suite includes Avail Nexus, a cross-chain interoperability solution, and Avail Fusion, a staking hub designed to support various assets within the Avail ecosystem.

In terms of funding, Avail has raised $75 million through multiple funding rounds, including a $43 million Series A round led by Founders Fund, Dragonfly Capital, and Cyber Fund. These funds are allocated for the development of Avail’s core products, including the DA layer, Nexus, and Fusion.

Avail also executed an airdrop of 600 million AVAIL tokens to 345,605 wallets. The AVAIL token is intended for use in transaction fees, staking and network security.

Avail originated as a spinout from Polygon in March 2023. Since then, the project has focused on addressing challenges related to data availability, cross-chain interoperability, and security within the blockchain ecosystem.^{[14][15][16][17]}

Avail Foundation

The Avail Foundation is established to promote the development of trust-minimized digital systems, with the aim of enhancing societal trust in the modern, interconnected world. The Foundation is dedicated to fostering an environment where individuals can interact and conduct transactions securely, without reliance on intermediaries.

Founded in Switzerland, the Avail Foundation benefits from a legal framework that supports non-profit organizations, allowing it to operate transparently and in accordance with international standards. The Foundation’s activities center around the Avail protocol, a key component in the blockchain scalability and interoperability ecosystem.

Strategic Focus and Initiatives

The Foundation's efforts are primarily directed towards advancing the Avail ecosystem through several key initiatives:

1. Research and Development Support:

   • Funds are allocated to projects that enhance the Avail protocol, including infrastructure, tools, and applications.

   • A bug bounty program is in place to ensure the security and reliability of Avail’s technologies.

   • Collaborative research with academic institutions and industry partners is encouraged to explore new approaches in blockchain scalability and interoperability.

2. Educational and Community Engagement:

   • Educational resources are developed to assist users and developers in understanding and integrating Avail’s technologies.

   • Community initiatives such as workshops, hackathons, and ambassador programs aim to foster widespread adoption and innovation within the Avail ecosystem.

Leadership and Governance

The Foundation is guided by a council comprising key figures in the blockchain industry:

• Anurag Arjun: Co-founder of Avail with experience in blockchain technology, particularly through his involvement with Polygon Labs.

• Prabal Banerjee: A co-founder with a background in crypto and blockchain research.

• Andreas Traum: A consultant specializing in capital markets and digital assets.

The Avail Foundation aims to continue to evolve, with ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding the ecosystem and promoting the widespread adoption of trust-minimized systems. Details on grants, educational programs, and community events will be released as the Foundation progresses in its mission. ^[18]