Weekly News from Polkadot & Kusama #163
1. Messari releases State of Polkadot Q4 2024 report
The latest State of Polkadot Q4 2024 report from Messari is out, revealing impressive growth:
- 163M transactions — a 120% YoY increase
- XCM activity up 66%, boosted by the Hyperbridge launch
- 1,261 active developers continue building the future of Polkadot
The numbers speak for themselves — Polkadot’s momentum is undeniable.
2. Leadership transition at Web3 Foundation, Fabian Gompf steps down from CEO role
The Web3 Foundation announces a leadership shift as Fabian Gompf transitions from CEO to council member. Stepping in as interim CEO is Thomas Fecker Boxler (current CFO/COO), while Angie Darrow takes on the role of interim Chief Ecosystem Officer (CECO).
With their deep expertise, Fecker Boxler and Darrow will drive the foundation’s mission forward, ensuring seamless continuity and fresh strategic direction. Meanwhile, Gompf’s new role on the council will support long-term governance and innovation for the decentralized web.
3. Web3 Foundation awards Decentralized Futures grant to SunSet Labs
The Web3 Foundation has awarded its next Decentralized Futures Grant to SunSet Labs, a visionary organization dedicated to growing the Polkadot ecosystem in Brazil.
By collaborating with government bodies, research institutions, and businesses, SunSet Labs bridges the gap between blockchain and institutional adoption. With expertise in consulting, research, and education, they drive innovative Web3 use cases and help organizations navigate Polkadot’s multi-chain landscape.
Looking ahead, SunSet Labs aims to expand development, consulting, and training initiatives while leveraging government incentives to advance blockchain adoption in Brazil.
4. Web3 Foundation Awards Grant to BEEFtainer
The Web3 Foundation has awarded a Decentralized Futures grant to BEEFtainer, a project led by Cryp GmbH and Robert Hambrock, focused on improving Polkadot’s BEEFY bridges. These bridges connect Polkadot to ecosystems like Ethereum, ensuring seamless interoperability.
With bridges like Snowbridge & Hyperbridge benefiting, BEEFtainer is set to make Polkadot’s cross-chain infrastructure faster, safer, and more scalable!
5. Alice & Bob break down the 2024 Polkadot Treasury
Alice & Bob just dropped a must-read thread on the 2024 Polkadot Treasury — here are the highlights:
💰 $133M spent over the year
📊 $210M still on the balance sheet
⏳ Treasury “runway” now extends to 10 years!
Polkadot’s financials remain strong, ensuring long-term sustainability for ecosystem growth. 🚀
6. 197M HDX distributed to stakers over 25 weeks
A total of 197M HDX is being distributed to stakers over 25 weeks, delivering over 30% APR — all funded by protocol-owned liquidity (POL) through market buybacks, not inflation.
In fact, staking HDX now earns almost 33% APR, making it one of the most rewarding opportunities in the ecosystem. Hydration really does play well.
7. Hydration DEX Rolls Out Key Updates
Hydration DEX just introduced major updates to improve trading efficiency:
- Dynamic fees now start at just 0.2% during low volume & adjust faster in volatility
- Referral & protocol fees updated in runtime release v35.0
- Stableswap fees could drop further next week
More flexibility, lower costs, better trading experience, this is Hydration Network.
8. Energy Web Marketplace now live on your browser
The Marketplace application is now officially accessible via your favorite browser. Easily check your workernode, rewards, and more — anytime, anywhere, from your browser or phone.
Pick your pool, stake your $EWT, and start earning at https://marketplace.energywebx.com/
- Support our Polkadotters 🦐 Shrimp, 🐙 Octopus & 🐬 Dolphin validators on Polkadot and be a part of a more secure Web3 future
- Enhance Polkadot’s governance process by delegating your DOT or KSM to POLKADOTTERS, dedicated community supporters within the Polkadot ecosystem, enabling seamless participation in on-chain governance through Nova wallet or Polkadot Delegation Dashboard
