Circle Layer is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain that is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). It utilizes a Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) consensus mechanism and aims to provide high transaction throughput and an integrated AI security layer for decentralized applications (dApps). ^{[1] [2]}

Overview

Circle Layer is being developed to address performance limitations and economic challenges for developers in the blockchain industry. The project identifies that the operational efficiency of dApps, especially in high-demand sectors such as gaming and the metaverse, is often constrained by the transaction speeds of underlying blockchain networks. To counter this, Circle Layer employs a DPoS consensus model to increase transaction throughput. ^[2]

A core component of the project's design is its economic model, which aims to create a more sustainable financial ecosystem for developers. Unlike traditional models where transaction fees are primarily directed to miners or network stakers, Circle Layer's model redistributes a portion of these fees to the developers who deploy the smart contracts. This is intended to generate a direct revenue stream for dApp creators based on their application's usage. The platform is built to be fully compatible with the EVM, allowing developers to migrate existing Ethereum-based applications and use familiar tools and programming languages like Solidity. ^{[1] [2]}

History

The development and launch of Circle Layer are structured in a multi-phase roadmap. The initial phase focused on the launch of an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network to build a community, alongside the development of the core testnet infrastructure. The project's native token, CLAYER, was officially deployed on the Ethereum blockchain, with the contract verified on July 19, 2025. Trading for the token commenced on July 22, 2025. ^{[3] [2]}

Road Map

• Phase 1: Token Launch & Core Infrastructure: Included the ERC-20 token launch, development of a testnet capable of approximately 5,000 TPS, and the implementation of the DPoS consensus mechanism. ^[9]
• Phase 2: Ecosystem Expansion: Plans include the development of a native bridge and a decentralized exchange (DEX), iOS and Android wallets, and the integration of an "Agentic AI" security layer. This phase also focuses on optimizing the network to reach a target of 50,000 TPS. ^[10]
• Phase 3: Mainnet Launch: Involves the genesis launch with an initial set of 21 validators, migration of the CLAYER token to the native chain, and the activation of DeFi infrastructure. ^[11]
• Phase 4: Global Expansion: Sets long-term goals for user adoption and further performance enhancements, targeting over 100,000 TPS. ^[12]

Features

• EVM Compatibility: The platform is fully compatible with the EVM at the bytecode level, enabling developers to deploy smart contracts from Ethereum or other EVM-compatible chains without code modifications. It supports standard development tools like Solidity, Remix, Hardhat, and Truffle, as well as libraries such as Web3.js and Ethers.js.
• Consensus Mechanism: Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) with a minimum of 5 active validators and a maximum of 21 validators.
• High Performance: The architecture targets high throughput and low latency, with testnet metrics showing 3-second block times and 1-3 second finality.
• Developer Revenue Share: A portion of network transaction fees is allocated to the deployers of smart contracts, providing a direct economic incentive for developers.
• Energy Efficiency: The use of a DPoS consensus mechanism results in significantly lower energy consumption compared to Proof-of-Work blockchains.
• Cross-Chain Support: The roadmap includes plans for a native asset bridge to allow for the mapping of assets from other blockchains, such as ETH and BNB.
• Meta-Transactions: The platform incorporates a meta-transaction function, which can help reduce gas fee costs for users and developers. ^{[2] [8]}

Use Cases

• Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs): Enables high-frequency trading, low-latency order matching, cost-efficient transactions, and secure smart contract execution.
• Lending Platforms: Facilitates real-time interest calculations, automated liquidations, collateral tracking, and integrated risk assessment.
• Yield Farming: Supports efficient reward distribution, automated compounding, multi-pool investment strategies, and risk management tools.
• Stablecoins: Provides mechanisms for rapid minting and burning, price stability maintenance, collateral oversight, and cross-chain operability. ^[7]

Ecosystem

The Circle Layer Foundation works to foster growth through developer support and community initiatives. The project provides comprehensive documentation, grant programs, and developer support channels. To further encourage development, Circle Layer hosts hackathons and an accelerator program designed to provide mentorship and resources for new startups building on the platform. The ecosystem supports a wide range of standard blockchain development tools, including MetaMask, WalletConnect, The Graph, and OpenZeppelin. The project maintains an active community on platforms like Telegram and X (formerly Twitter). ^{[1] [6]}

Tokenomics

Circle Layer Token ($CLAYER)

The $CLAYER token was initially launched as an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum network. ^[3]

Allocation

• Initial Liquidity (50% / 500,000,000 CLAYER): Allocated to support market liquidity and facilitate price discovery.
• Treasury (20% / 200,000,000 CLAYER): Designated for governance, grants, and strategic partnerships.
• Staking and Validator Incentives (15% / 150,000,000 CLAYER): Reserved for network security and validator rewards.
• Marketing and Operations (10% / 100,000,000 CLAYER): Used for marketing campaigns, growth initiatives, and operational expenses.
• Research and Development (5% / 50,000,000 CLAYER): Directed toward innovation and protocol enhancements. ^[13]

Token Utilities

• Gas Fees: It is used to pay for transaction fees on the network.
• Staking: Validators must stake $CLAYER to participate in the consensus process and secure the network. The minimum stake for a mainnet validator is 100,000 $CLAYER.
• Reward Distribution: Gas fees collected from network transactions are distributed to validators as rewards, proportional to their stake.
• Developer Revenue: A portion of transaction fees is redistributed to the developers of the smart contracts that facilitate the transactions.
• Burn Mechanism: The economic model includes a systematic token burn mechanism to create deflationary pressure on the token supply. ^[2]