Nuffle Labs are the builders behind NEAR Data Availability (DA) and the NEAR Fast Finality Layer (NFFL). ^[1][2]

Overview

Nuffle Labs is enhancing NEAR's modular product suite with a special focus on the NEAR Data Availability Layer (NEAR DA) and the NEAR Fast Finality Layer (NFFL). They are committed to advancing innovation in modular blockchain design, bridging the gap between ecosystems, and contributing to a more efficient, scalable, and secure blockchain landscape. ^[1]

On June 13, 2024, Nuffle Labs announced a $13 million fundraise to continue the build out of two flagship products: NEAR DA and NFFL (Nuffle Fast Finality Layer). The raise was led by Electric Capital with participation from NEAR, Lyrik Ventures, Fabric, Robot Ventures, Canonical Crypto, Caladan, and a few other angel investors. ^[3]

"The notable strategic grant investment of $7m from NEAR Foundation and the $6m in external funding led by Electric Capital, one of crypto’s top tier VCs, is a clear testament of what to expect from Altan, Sam, Firat and Donovan. They’re top doers on a mission to establish new partnerships while pushing the limits of the NEAR tech stack." - the blogpost wrote^[3]

NEAR Data Availability (DA)

NEAR's Data Availability (DA) modularizes the data availability layer from the NEAR blockchain for use as a roll-up solution by builders on other chains. This infrastructure includes a smart contract that accepts blob data, processed through NEAR's consensus, a light client that verifies data availability for rollups, and an RPC node that serves as the point where users can transmit their data. NEAR DA is well suited for applicants that produce large information/data such as DePIN and AI. ^[4][3]

NEAR Fast Finality Layer (NFFL)

The NEAR Fast Finality Layer (NFFL) is an EigenLayer Actively Validated Service (AVS) designed to aggregate state across various rollups. Leveraging NEAR DA, NFFL offers an efficient, universal, and secure finality layer, enhancing block finality across different protocols. It integrates additional public DA layers into the blockchain stack, paving the way for innovative cross-chain applications. ^[3][5]