The restaking ecosystem protocol KernelDAO, supported by Binance Labs, announces that the KERNEL token will officially go online on April 14. Currently, the total locked value (TVL) of KernelDAO's three core products - Kernel, Kelp, and Gain - has exceeded $2 billion, continuously expanding the security layer of BNB Chain and enhancing KERNEL's utility in multi-chain networks. Multiple mainstream exchanges, including Binance, Bitvavo, Gate, HTX, KuCoin, Kraken, LBank, and MEXC, have confirmed the listing of KERNEL, with more exchanges expected to join in the future.
BNB Chain Security Cornerstone, Accelerating Restaking Development
As one of the largest security layers on BNB Chain, Kernel's locked value has exceeded $600 million, supporting over 20 decentralized validation networks. These validation networks utilize KernelDAO's restaking infrastructure to enhance on-chain security and scalability. Currently, over 45 new projects plan to integrate, demonstrating the rapid expansion of restaking and KernelDAO's commitment to building long-term solutions for the DeFi community.
Additionally, the KERNEL token attracted over 1.7 million participants in the Binance Megadrop, setting a new record for the event.
Establishing the Cornerstone of BNB Restaking Economic Ecosystem
By unifying all restaking innovations under a single token, KernelDAO has officially established its position as a decentralized economic security pillar of BNB Chain. Notably, Kelp has become the second-largest liquidity restaking token in the Ethereum ecosystem, and Gain has achieved cross-chain interoperability of tokenized vaults between multiple chains. The launch of the KERNEL token marks the entry into a new era of on-chain security and composability.
KERNEL Token: Multi-Dimensional Utility Beyond Governance
KERNEL is deeply integrated into the entire KernelDAO ecosystem, with multiple core use cases:
Shared Security: Users can stake KERNEL to provide economic security for applications within the Kernel ecosystem;
Penalty Insurance Mechanism: Staked KERNEL can be used as insurance for penalty events and receive protocol reward sharing;
Governance Voting Rights: KERNEL holders can participate in governance decisions for Kernel, Kelp, and Gain, including protocol upgrades, fee structures, and network expansion;
Liquidity Mining: Users can provide liquidity on AMM and earn additional rewards.
Currently, multiple protocol partners have recognized KERNEL's value proposition. Mira (AI co-processor) and YieldNest (liquidity restaking platform) have committed to allocating 1-2% of their token supply to KERNEL holders, setting an example for future integrated projects. Additionally, among the over 25 ecosystem projects collaborating with KernelDAO, more projects are expected to adopt similar token allocation methods.
Strategic Support and $40 Million Ecosystem Fund
In 2024, KernelDAO received $10 million in funding led by Binance Labs, Laser Digital, SCB Limited, and Hypersphere Ventures. On this basis, KernelDAO has also launched a $40 million strategic ecosystem fund supported by Laser Digital, SCB Limited, Hypersphere Ventures, and Cypher Capital, aimed at supporting over 45 projects integrating Kernel restaking solutions. This fund will further expand KERNEL's ecosystem influence and accelerate the development of the broader DeFi ecosystem on BNB Chain.
Token Economic Model and Allocation Ratio
KernelDAO's token economic model is community-centric, with the team planning to allocate 55% of the token supply to community users, including:
10% for the first season airdrop;
5% each for the second and third seasons;
The remaining 35% for community token incentives.
Additionally, team tokens will be linearly unlocked over 30 months, with no sellable team shares at the initial launch to ensure incentive mechanism consistency and promote sustainable ecosystem growth. This allocation mechanism also reflects KernelDAO's long-term commitment to decentralized governance.
About KernelDAO
KernelDAO is a restaking protocol with a total TVL exceeding $2 billion, deployed on more than 10 public chains including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, and Optimism, and continuing to expand. Its three core products are:
Kernel: Restaking infrastructure on BNB Chain;
Kelp LRT: Liquidity restaking protocol on Ethereum;
Gain: A tokenized reward platform providing maximized yields, convenient access to quality rewards and airdrops.
By empowering stakers, developers, and protocol parties, KernelDAO is committed to leading the next wave of restaking innovation, enabling everyone to participate in cutting-edge technological development and becoming a cornerstone of decentralized economic security.
