Plasma Network's DeFi TVL surpasses Base, signaling a shift in the decentralized ecosystem. Explore the factors driving Plasma's growth and its impact on DeFi investment.

Plasma Network's DeFi Investment Surge: Overtaking Base in TVL
Plasma Network is making waves in the DeFi space, surpassing Base Network in Total Value Locked (TVL). This surge highlights the dynamic nature of DeFi investment and the rising competition among blockchain networks.
Plasma Network vs. Base: A TVL Showdown
According to DefiLlama, Plasma Network's DeFi TVL has exceeded $4.947 billion, eclipsing Base's $4.83 billion. While Base has been a prominent player in the top DeFi networks, Plasma's recent growth indicates a significant shift. This signals Plasma's increasing ability to attract financial applications within its Layer-1 network.
What's Fueling Plasma Network's Rise?
Plasma Network's success can be attributed to the recent launch of its mainnet, which focuses on stablecoins, and its native token, XPL. The rollout has proven to be an important milestone for the protocol, enhancing stablecoin payments and DeFi solutions. Investors have flocked to the platform, pouring over $2 billion worth of digital assets into the network. It has attracted liquidity from over 100 DeFi platforms.
XPL Token: A Whale of a Time
The launch of XPL immensely captured investors’ interest, especially whales. The token drew in customer funds immediately, rising 54% from $0.82 to $1.26 on its debut day, with trading volume surging 17,000%.
Plasma Network's Solution: A Stablecoin Hub
While both are protocols, Base, a Layer-2 network powered by Coinbase, aims to develop a secure, low-cost on-chain ecosystem for DApps and cross-chain connectivity. Plasma, a Layer-1 blockchain, focuses on stablecoin optimization, aiming to be a DeFi hub where stable assets play a crucial role. This divergence illustrates that different approaches can lead to success in the DeFi landscape.
NEAR Protocol's TVL Dip: A Cautionary Tale
In contrast to Plasma's surge, Near Protocol (NEAR) experienced a 12% drop in TVL, triggered by significant outflows. This highlights the volatile nature of DeFi investments. This decline reflected a shift in investor behavior, as participants moved from a long-term outlook toward more short-term activity in the market.
Ethena's $14.5 Billion TVL: Institutional Interest
Ethena's nearly $14.5 billion TVL demonstrates the growing interest from institutional investors. M2 Capital's investment in Ethena reflects the importance of trust and security in digital asset markets. Ethena's crypto-native synthetic dollar design eliminates reliance on traditional banking relationships while maintaining dollar parity through sophisticated hedging mechanisms.
Final Thoughts
The DeFi landscape is always evolving, and Plasma Network's rise is a testament to that. While NEAR Protocol serves as a reminder of the volatility, Ethena showcases the increasing institutional interest. So, buckle up, DeFi enthusiasts, it's going to be an interesting ride!