Ethereum News

Ethereum (ETH) was launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and a team of co-founders as the world's first programmable blockchain, enabling smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) that extend far beyond simple peer-to-peer transactions. After transitioning from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus through "The Merge" in 2022, Ethereum now processes transactions more efficiently while maintaining its position as the foundation for decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3 innovation.

The Ethereum ecosystem encompasses thousands of decentralized applications, from DeFi protocols like Uniswap and Aave to NFT marketplaces, gaming platforms, and layer-2 scaling solutions like Arbitrum and Polygon. Developers, validators, and users interact within this programmable economy where ETH serves as both a digital currency and the fuel powering smart contract execution through gas fees.

CoinDesk covers all aspects of Etherum, from protocol upgrades and scaling developments to DeFi innovation and regulatory implications. Our reporters track everything from Ethereum's roadmap milestones and staking developments to the broader implications of programmable money and decentralized autonomous organizations.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Videos

Ethereum Merged on Kiln Testnet, Inching Closer to Proof-of-Stake

Ethereum has merged on the Kiln testnet, the final public testnet before the protocol’s transition to a proof-of-stake network. “The Hash” co-host Christie Harkin explains what this merge entails and potentially when users can expect Ethereum 2.0. Plus, what this transition means for the so-called “Ethereum killers” out there.

Mar 16, 2022

Layer 2

Anatomy of a Crypto Bear Market

Crypto prices suck, but they don’t matter as much as they used to.

By Andrew Thurman, Sage D. YoungMar 16, 2022

Tech

Ethereum Merge Takes Place on Kiln Testnet

Kiln is the final public testnet before Ethereum’s transition to a proof-of-stake network.

By Shaurya MalwaMar 16, 2022

Ethereum digital currency (Getty Images)

Videos

Ethereum Builder ConsenSys Raises $450M as MetaMask Tops 30M Users

Ethereum application and infrastructure builder ConsenSys has raised $450 million at a $7 billion valuation. A new batch of investors joined the Series D round including rappers 21 Savage and Young Thug. "The Hash" crew dissects this funding round amid the controversy and lawsuits surrounding the firm, and what this raise means for its flagship products MetaMask and Infura.

Mar 15, 2022

Finance

$450M Raise Values Ethereum Builder ConsenSys at $7B as MetaMask Tops 30M Users

The hefty Series D more than doubles the firm’s previous valuation from November 2021.

By Ian AllisonMar 15, 2022

ConsenSys founder Joseph Lubin speaks at ETHDenver 2022 (Chet Strange/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Videos

Solana NFT Marketplace Magic Eden Raises $27M in Series A

Magic Eden, an NFT marketplace on the Solana blockchain, has raised $27 million in a Series A funding round led by Paradigm along with Sequoia and Solana Ventures. “The Hash” hosts discuss the growth of the Solana ecosystem as a competitor to Ethereum and the increasing trading volume of NFTs.

Mar 14, 2022

Finance

Evmos Looks to Get Back on Track After Failed Launch

A bug-ridden launch for the EVM-compatible chain allowing for transactions between Ethereum and Cosmos has led to community backlash, but the Evmos team is hoping to bounce back.

By Andrew ThurmanMar 11, 2022

Cosmos Investors Vote to Activate Inter-Blockchain Communication

Opinion

We Can Vote Away Your Money for Free: The Implications of Juno Prop 16

The proposal appears to be the first major instance of a blockchain community potentially voting tokens out of the hands of a fellow holder.

By David Z. MorrisMar 11, 2022

Policy

Vitalik Buterin Asks Court for Leniency in Upcoming Sentencing of Virgil Griffith

The Ethereum co-founder’s letter paints a moving picture of his relationship with Griffith, his long-time friend and former collaborator, whom Buterin credits with shaping both his own world view and the culture of the Ethereum Foundation.

By Cheyenne LigonMar 10, 2022

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, speaks during the 2022 ETHDenver conference in Colorado. (Chet Strange/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Tech

Why Decentralized Exchanges Are Important in the Crypto Economy

Decentralized exchanges, or DEXs, offer some significant benefits and innovations for trading cryptocurrencies compared to centralized exchanges. This is the second part of a continuing series on understanding DeFi.

By Jackson WoodMar 10, 2022