Blockchains / Mode Network
MOD

Mode Network

MODE

Optimism-based Layer 2 focused on DeFi innovation with yield-generating mechanisms

Layer 2 optimismsuperchaindefiyield
Launched
2024
Founder
James Ross
Website
mode.network
Primitives
2

Technology Stack

Introduction to Mode Network

Mode Network positions itself as the DeFi-native L2, built on the OP Stack as part of Optimism’s Superchain. The network differentiates through revenue-sharing mechanisms that reward builders and users, creating alignment between the chain and its ecosystem participants.

The project launched during the L2 boom, joining the Superchain alongside Base and other OP Stack chains. Mode’s focus on DeFi primitives and yield optimization attracted significant liquidity, establishing it as a meaningful player in the increasingly competitive L2 landscape.

How Mode Works

OP Stack Foundation

Technical base:

  • Built on Optimism’s OP Stack
  • Optimistic rollup security
  • Ethereum settlement
  • Superchain interoperability

Revenue Sharing

Economic model:

  • Sequencer revenue shared
  • Developers earn from users
  • Referral rewards
  • Ecosystem alignment

DeFi Focus

Product positioning:

  • Native DeFi protocols
  • Yield optimization
  • Liquidity incentives
  • Builder rewards

Technical Specifications

MetricValue
TypeOptimistic Rollup
StackOP Stack
SettlementEthereum
EcosystemSuperchain
FocusDeFi

The MODE Token

Utility

MODE serves multiple purposes:

  • Governance: Protocol decisions
  • Staking: Earn rewards
  • Ecosystem: Incentive programs
  • Alignment: Holder benefits

Tokenomics

Distribution approach:

  • Community airdrop
  • Ecosystem development
  • Contributors
  • Treasury

Airdrop

Distribution:

  • Multi-season approach
  • Activity-based allocation
  • Points program
  • Community building

Revenue Sharing Model

Sequencer Fee Distribution

How it works:

  • L2 generates sequencer revenue
  • Revenue shared with builders
  • Developers earn from user activity
  • Sustainable economics

Developer Incentives

Builder benefits:

  • Earn from contract usage
  • Gas fee sharing
  • Referral programs
  • Growth alignment

User Benefits

Participant rewards:

  • Reduced fees indirectly
  • Ecosystem participation
  • Token rewards
  • DeFi opportunities

Superchain Position

OP Stack Membership

Ecosystem role:

  • Part of Optimism Superchain
  • Shared technology
  • Cross-chain messaging
  • Collective development

Interoperability

Cross-chain features:

  • Communication with other OP chains
  • Shared security model
  • Bridge infrastructure
  • Ecosystem connectivity

Differentiation

Standing out:

  • DeFi-native positioning
  • Revenue sharing unique
  • Yield focus
  • Builder alignment

DeFi Ecosystem

Native Protocols

Built on Mode:

  • DEXs and AMMs
  • Lending protocols
  • Yield aggregators
  • Derivatives

TVL Growth

Liquidity attraction:

  • Incentive programs
  • Native protocol development
  • Bridge liquidity
  • User migration

Yield Opportunities

DeFi activities:

  • Liquidity provision
  • Lending/borrowing
  • Staking
  • Farming programs

Competition and Positioning

vs. Other L2s

L2StackFocus
ModeOP StackDeFi
BaseOP StackConsumer
ArbitrumNitroGeneral
OptimismOP StackPublic goods

Mode Differentiation

Key advantages:

  • Revenue sharing
  • DeFi specialization
  • Builder alignment
  • Superchain membership

Points and Incentives

Points Program

Engagement mechanism:

  • Earn points for activity
  • Convert to tokens
  • Seasonal structure
  • Community participation

Incentive Alignment

Economic design:

  • Early user rewards
  • Builder incentives
  • Liquidity mining
  • Sustained engagement

Challenges and Risks

L2 Competition

Market dynamics:

  • Many L2 options
  • Developer attention split
  • Liquidity fragmentation
  • Differentiation difficulty

Superchain Dependency

Ecosystem risks:

  • OP Stack reliance
  • Collective decisions
  • Upgrade coordination
  • Technology dependency

Sustainability

Long-term questions:

  • Revenue vs. incentives
  • User retention
  • DeFi market cycles
  • Competition intensifying

Team and Backing

Leadership

Core team:

  • DeFi experience
  • Technical capability
  • Marketing execution
  • Ecosystem building

Investors

Funding support:

  • VC backing
  • Strategic investors
  • Ecosystem partners
  • Development capital

Recent Developments

Network Growth

Traction metrics:

  • TVL growth
  • Transaction volume
  • Active addresses
  • Protocol deployments

Ecosystem Expansion

Development:

  • New protocol launches
  • Partnership announcements
  • Feature updates
  • Community growth

Future Roadmap

Development priorities:

  • DeFi: More native protocols
  • Ecosystem: Builder onboarding
  • Interoperability: Superchain integration
  • Products: New features
  • Adoption: User growth

Conclusion

Mode Network carved out a niche as the DeFi-focused L2 within the Superchain, with revenue-sharing mechanisms that attempt to solve the builder alignment problem. The economic model where developers earn from their deployed contracts creates different incentives than most L2s.

The challenge is maintaining relevance in an increasingly crowded L2 market where larger players like Base and Arbitrum command most attention and liquidity. The Superchain membership provides infrastructure benefits but also means competing with sister chains.

For DeFi builders seeking an L2 with revenue-sharing and for users exploring yield opportunities across L2s, Mode offers differentiated economics—though the long-term viability depends on sustaining DeFi activity against formidable competition.