Solana Co-Founder Questions Layer-2 Relevance—BlockDAG’s $208M Layer-1 Provides a Real-World Answer

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Layer-2 solutions have often been promoted as the fix for blockchain’s scalability problems. But Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, recently shared a different view. In a direct critique, he argued that Layer-2s create more problems than they solve.

His comments sparked discussions across the crypto space, and one project—BlockDAG—is already putting his theory into action. With over $208 million raised in its ongoing presale, BlockDAG is proving that a well-designed Layer-1 can meet the demands others leave to extra layers.

Solana’s Anatoly Yakovenko Says Layer-2s Add Risk, Not Value

Yakovenko didn’t hold back when speaking about Layer-2s. He questioned the need for multiple L2s, saying that if one can handle parallel processing, why not stick with just that? His deeper point was simple: strong Layer-1 networks can eliminate the need for secondary solutions.

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He explained that most Layer-2s rely on slower main chains for data, and many depend on upgrade processes controlled by small groups. These setups can make networks less secure and less open. Yakovenko said,

“If you’re going to build a community and launch a token, you should do it on a Layer-1 that performs well.”

BlockDAG: A Layer-1 That Raised $208M in Just 10 Months

While debates over Layer-2s continue, BlockDAG is showing what a Layer-1 chain can do when built for real-world use. In less than a year, its presale has brought in more than $208 million. That funding isn’t based on hype alone—it reflects the appeal of its architecture.

At Keynote 3, the team laid out their priorities: strong security, real scalability, and true decentralization. BlockDAG uses a mix of Proof-of-Work and Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) systems. This combination lets it process many transactions at once without needing L2s for extra capacity.

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BlockDAG plans to reach 2,000 transactions per second (TPS) at launch, scaling up to 15,000 TPS within two years. But its focus goes beyond just speed.

Security Without Add-Ons: BlockDAG Builds Protection into the Core

Security was a main focus during Keynote 3. Youssef Khaoulaj made it clear that BlockDAG isn’t adding security features later—it’s building them in from the beginning.

The consensus model uses advanced cryptographic tools and asynchronous validation to avoid delays and reduce attack risks. Instead of checking transactions one by one, BlockDAG confirms many at the same time, making it harder for bad actors to interfere.

blockdag audit security

Smart contracts go through deep reviews. Certik and Halborn have already verified key parts of the code, and more audits are planned before the full launch. The team is also using Multi-Party Computation (MPC) to protect its treasury. This approach spreads out control, so no one person can access all the funds.

Khaoulaj shared that the system also includes live monitoring and threat alerts, supported by global backup systems. All of this is part of the core Layer-1. There is no need for added layers to cover weak spots.

Balancing Complexity and Cohesion: The Key to Efficiency

Both Yakovenko and BlockDAG are highlighting the same idea: when a Layer-1 is built well, there’s less need to rely on extra components. Many Layer-2s bring added steps, extra trust points, and complex user flows.

BlockDAG takes the opposite approach. Its beta testnet is already active, offering real-time operations, wallet tools, and a simple way to create tokens with no coding. When the mainnet launches later this year, it will include DeFi functions, governance features, and Ethereum app support—all part of the Layer-1.

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The response has been strong. More than 170,000 people hold BDAG tokens, over 750,000 users are active on the X1 miner app, and a global ambassador program is growing. These numbers suggest that users are choosing simplicity over added layers.

Conclusion

Layer-2s will likely continue to serve specific roles, but Yakovenko’s comments have shifted the conversation. His focus on building stronger Layer-1s is reflected in what BlockDAG is doing right now.

With over $208 million raised, a solid design focused on built-in security and speed, and a mainnet launching soon, BlockDAG is showing that fewer layers can lead to better systems.

And that may be exactly what the next phase of blockchain needs.