What is Puffer (PUFFER)?

What Is Puffer?

Puffer is a native liquid restaking protocol (nLRP) built on EigenLayer, designed to enhance the performance and decentralization of Ethereum validators. As a restaking platform, Puffer allows Ethereum Proof of Stake (PoS) validators to increase their capital efficiency by enabling the use of staked ETH for other operations, such as securing decentralized systems like oracles and sidechains. This allows validators to earn additional rewards through restaking, making the protocol an attractive option for both experienced and new Ethereum validators.

Puffer addresses some of the key challenges faced by decentralized staking protocols, including high capital requirements and centralization risks. By lowering the barrier to entry, allowing users to run validators with as little as 1 ETH, Puffer promotes a more decentralized Ethereum ecosystem. In addition, Puffer incorporates slash protection mechanisms to safeguard staked ETH and ensures that validators can maximize their returns while contributing to Ethereum’s security and decentralization.

How Puffer Works

Puffer operates by leveraging the concept of liquid restaking, which allows Ethereum validators to use their staked ETH for multiple purposes beyond just securing the Ethereum blockchain.

1. ETH Deposit: Users deposit ETH into Puffer’s liquid restaking protocol. This ETH is then used to support Ethereum validators who participate in the protocol.

2. Minting pufETH: Once ETH is staked, users receive pufETH, a native Liquid Restaking Token (nLRT). pufETH represents the staked ETH and accrues both Ethereum PoS rewards and additional restaking rewards from EigenLayer.

3. Validator Tickets: Puffer introduces Validator Tickets (VTs), which are ERC20 tokens that grant holders the right to run validators. These tickets represent a new way to reward stakers, offering a more stable return even if validator performance varies.

4. Rewards: Validators and stakers earn rewards from two main sources—Ethereum PoS rewards and EigenLayer restaking rewards. This dual-reward system enhances the earning potential for validators and provides liquidity to stakers holding pufETH.

5. Restaking for Additional Rewards: Validators in Puffer can restake their ETH to perform additional duties, such as running decentralized services (oracles, sidechains, etc.), which generates restaking rewards. Puffer’s permissionless design allows anyone with as little as 1 ETH to participate in these activities, lowering the entry barrier and decentralizing the network.

Who Founded Puffer?

Puffer was founded by a group of blockchain developers and crypto innovators, aiming to address the limitations of traditional staking protocols. The core team includes contributions from prominent figures in the blockchain industry and has garnered backing from key industry players. Some of the notable backers and advisors include:

• Justin Drake, Core Researcher at Ethereum Foundation

• Sreeram Kannan, Founder of EigenLayer

• John Zettler, Staking Product Lead at Coinbase

• Sandeep Nailwal, Cofounder of Polygon

The team has strong expertise in decentralized finance (DeFi), Ethereum staking, and blockchain infrastructure, making Puffer a credible project within the Ethereum ecosystem.

Conclusion

In summary, Puffer is designed to redefine Ethereum staking by providing a flexible, secure, and scalable platform for liquid restaking. With its innovative use of native Liquid Restaking Tokens and Validator Tickets, Puffer is poised to offer both new and experienced Ethereum validators a more efficient and decentralized staking solution.