Uniswap CEO Urges Focus on Layer 2 for Ethereum Scaling Amidst DeFi Debate

Ethereum’s blockchain lags behind Solana when it comes to building decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, so developers should focus on enhancing layer two (L2) solutions. This viewpoint was expressed by Uniswap CEO Hayden Adams during a conversation with Bankless co-founder David Hoffman.

The discussion was sparked by a post from the Unichain X account — an L2 project created by Uniswap developers — which stated, «Unichain is for DeFi.» Hoffman countered by referencing Ethereum’s layer one (L1).

*»If the goal is to build DeFi on L1 with vertical scaling, Solana has a better roadmap, team, and approach. Ethereum has been focused on an L2 and horizontal scaling roadmap for over five years. Why abandon that at the final stretch?»* Adams responded to Hoffman.

He emphasized his support for advancements in L1 scaling as part of a rollup-centric roadmap but identified a «confusion» in priorities as an issue:

*»People need to decide on a course and work to minimize the associated risks, rather than attempting to change narratives and strategies each month.»*

According to Adams, trying to pursue all approaches simultaneously is *»the only thing worse than not choosing anything.»*

Hoffman called for a collaborative effort on both layers within the Ethereum ecosystem.

*»This shouldn’t just be a ‘rollup-centric roadmap’; it should be a ‘rollup-centric roadmap built around a very strong L1,'»* replied the co-founder of Bankless.

He expressed his opposition to designating any L2 networks as the «home for DeFi,» since this would detract from DeFi on L1.

In January, Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin stated that the ecosystem would continue to scale primarily through L2 solutions.

He pointed out that the main obstacles were the lack of sufficient space for BLOB objects and the incompatibility among various L2 networks.

In April, Ethereum introduced a *»simplified roadmap»* for the coming year aimed at scaling BLOB objects and L1, as well as improving user experience through enhanced interoperability between L2 networks and application layer development.

Many commentators voiced their support for the scaling direction outlined in the Glamsterdam update.

It’s worth noting that in April, the Ethereum ecosystem regained its leadership in total trading volume on decentralized exchanges, surpassing Solana.