The blockchain ecosystem is at a pivotal juncture. Research from Messari (October 2024) revealed a striking contrast in funding flows: while 40% of funding is directed to EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) application builders, a staggering 74% supports SVM (Solana Virtual Machine) app builders. This disparity highlights a challenge: the EVM ecosystem, encompassing numerous rollup ecosystems and alternative Layer 1s, must scale the volume of app development—whether through experimentation, innovation, or scaling apps that achieve Product-Market Fit (PMF). This is the next great challenge for our industry.

However, the challenge is not straightforward. Each blockchain ecosystem now functions as a micro-incubator, carving unique pathways to foster app building and drive technology adoption. In the early days of Ethereum, institutions laid the foundation for builder support, but the absence of a unifying central entity has resulted in fragmented efforts. Similar to liquidity fragmentation, builder support has become disjointed.

At Attrakt, we’re on a mission to facilitate builder communities daily. Here, we outline the essential elements for a thriving builder ecosystem. These success criteria provide a framework for assessing the health of blockchain ecosystems.

1. Builder Culture: Strength in Developers, Founders, and Users

A vibrant builder culture attracts and retains developers. Builders thrive in communities of like-minded individuals who share values and goals. While developers often focus intently on their projects, they appreciate a supportive, value-aligned community.

Moreover, non-technical communities play a crucial role in early-stage product testing and user onboarding. For builders, a strong local community capable of filling a product’s whitelist can make the difference between a promising idea and a successful project.

2. Builder Experience: Frictionless Development Environments

Ecosystems that prioritize simplicity and seamless development experiences for builders are better positioned for success. The technical and operational hurdles faced by app developers can be daunting. By minimizing friction, ecosystems enable developers to focus on innovation and execution, paving the way for more robust app development.

3. Builder Support: Empowering Through Resources and Mentorship

Successful app development requires more than technical expertise. Builders must navigate branding, go-to-market strategies, community building, investment pitching, and more. Ecosystem support should streamline these non-technical workflows, allowing founders to concentrate on protocol development. Providing access to educational resources, mentorship, and developer tools ensures builders are equipped to succeed.

4. Funding and Grant Support: Fueling Early-Stage Builders

Funding is the lifeblood of early-stage builders, who often navigate pre-seed and seed rounds before launching a market-ready product. Ecosystems must offer diverse funding mechanisms, such as ecosystem funds, VC syndicates, and community funding initiatives, to ensure builders can scale effectively.

5. Application Innovation: Building Differentiated and Impactful Apps

To attract users and catalyze ecosystem growth, apps must solve unique problems for everyday people or disrupt off-chain industries. Innovation is key. Ecosystems should encourage ideation through hackathons, builder calls, and rapid feedback loops. Additionally, offering stipends for entrepreneurs in residence can help builders sustain creativity while covering their expenses.

6. Velocity of Apps Being Built: Measuring the Pulse of Innovation

The volume of app development is the most direct metric of ecosystem health. A high rate of app building signifies vibrancy and growth, driving both user engagement and ecosystem evolution.

7. On-Chain Value Capture: Ensuring Ecosystem Profitability

Apps function as on-chain services, and like any service, they must generate profit to scale and establish themselves. Ecosystems benefit when apps capture and retain value, accruing fees and supporting long-term sustainability.

Execution: From Vision to Reality

Despite the clarity of the playbook—attract, support, and scale builders—execution remains a formidable challenge. Ecosystem development requires significant resources and manpower. Each chain develops its ecosystem functions independently, often encountering inefficiencies.

At Attrakt, we’ve honed specialized processes with a highly optimized team to address this challenge. From ecosystem architects who design and deliver builder programs to content specialists who ignite top-of-funnel engagement, we provide scalable solutions for ecosystem growth. Our retained model supports onboarding programs that grow alongside your community.

Let’s Build Together

If you’re facing ecosystem growth challenges, we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to attract new builders, streamline development processes, or scale your ecosystem, Attrakt is your partner in success.

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