Eclipse, the First Layer-2 Network That Combines Ethereum and Solana into One Blockchain, Has Gone Live

Eclipse allows users to transact on Ethereum faster and more cheaply using the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) to execute transactions.

Eclipse, a first-of-its-kind layer-2 (L2) network that combines the Ethereum and Solana blockchains, has officially launched.

Eclipse enables users to perform transactions on Ethereum faster and at a lower cost by utilizing the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM) to execute transactions. The network bundles transactions and settles them on the Ethereum mainnet, similar to other Ethereum L2s.

According to the Eclipse Foundation, the network has integrated the automated market maker Orca, the lending protocol Save and “other leading projects.”

During the launch on November 7, Eclipse also announced that its network supports 60 decentralized applications (DApps) and service providers across multiple sectors such as decentralized finance (DeFi), consumer applications and gaming.

“Our aim is to enable developers from both ecosystems to build and scale their DApps to unprecedented heights, unlocking new possibilities across the industry’s largest networks,” stated Eclipse CEO Vijay Chetty.

While Ethereum is renowned for its strong decentralization and boasts over $500 billion in onchain assets, Solana is valued for its speed and low transaction costs.

According to the Eclipse Foundation, the Eclipse network will offer users and developers the “best of both worlds,” enabling DApps on the Ethereum L2 to communicate with native Solana applications.

Eclipse claims to combine Solana's speed with Ethereum's liquidity. Source: Eclipse

Several major industry players have contributed to funding Eclipse, with the project concluding a $50 million Series A funding round led by Placeholder and Hack VC on March 11, bringing its total funding to $65 million.

Related: Eclipse aims to launch ‘Solana on Ethereum’ L2 in October

The project also received angel and strategic funding from a diverse group of investors, including Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko, Helius CEO Mert Mumtaz and independent blockchain sleuth ZachXBT.

The project encountered controversy in May when its now-former CEO, Neel Somani, stepped down following allegations of sexual assault. No charges have been filed.

Chetty, who was previously Eclipses’ chief growth officer, took over from Somani.

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