The end of a (very) long wait? Ethereum has finally started its launch process for phase 0 of its version 2.0. Already, future stakers have sent their ETHs on the contract. But are they as numerous as expected?
Community begins to commit funds for Ethereum 2.0
To say that Ethereum 2.0 and staking were expected is an understatement for the community of the second largest cryptocurrency at the moment. Ethereum went through long years of development and several hitches before it could move the project forward. But we now know the launch date of phase 0, which was announced by the Ethereum foundation on Wednesday.
On Ethereum Launchpad, which gathers information about the launch of Ethereum 2.0, we can see that more than 15,400 ETH have already been “staked” . This is a considerable commitment for users: these ETHs cannot be withdrawn before phase 2 of Ethereum 2.0, i.e. in at least two years.
Currently 15,400 ETH is over $ 6 million . For the mainnet to start, however, the community will have to send 524,888 ETH to the contract, so we are still a long way from it. Which did not fail to raise doubts within the crypto community.
Will Ethereum succeed in mobilizing investors?
A recently published Consensys report pointed to a potential limitation of Ethereum 2.0. Investors may want to wait before committing their funds … Especially if the grass is greener elsewhere:
“There is concern that ETH hodlers might (at best) wait to see how much the initial staking brings in , comparing it to the DeFi sector . At worst, they could also choose not to “risk” locking in their ETH before phase 1.5, which will take place at least in a year and a half, in case a bull run […] occurs in the meantime. “
The launch of ETH 2.0 indeed comes at a time when the prices of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether are on an upward slope. For ETH holders, therefore, it makes sense to wait and see where it goes.
In addition, the DeFi sector is also in competition … If one is ready to assume the risks. The „Degens“ have shown that they do not hesitate to send their funds to risky contracts in order to take advantage of opportunities, Andre Cronje has experienced this several times. A less risky investment, but also less immediate, will it therefore be enough to tempt ETH holders in sufficient numbers?