Linea Launches Nonprofit, Plans Token for Q1 2025

Linea, the Ethereum layer-2 scaling network incubated by Consensys, is taking significant steps toward decentralization with the launch of a nonprofit organization. Announced on Wednesday, the Linea Association will support the growth and development of the Linea mainnet, with plans to release a governance token, LINEA, by the end of Q1 2025. This token will enable holders to actively participate in the network’s governance, marking a critical step in Linea’s roadmap to becoming a community-owned public good.

The newly established Linea Association, based in Switzerland, will oversee the protocol’s development and governance. Aiming to foster a decentralized community, the association will focus on initiatives that strengthen user and developer engagement. LINEA token holders will play a central role, allowing community members to directly influence the network’s future.

Linea Token Airdrop and Decentralization Goals

The LINEA token will be airdropped to contributors within the ecosystem, although details regarding the eligibility criteria and the timing of the snapshot are yet to be announced. The token is expected to empower its holders by granting them governance rights, aligning with Linea’s goal of fostering a decentralized community.

The Linea Association’s governance structure will include a board of directors, a general assembly, and token holders who will participate in key decisions. This multi-layer structure is intended to balance the organization’s operational needs with its commitment to decentralization. “Linea must be owned and governed openly by all as a public good, just as layer-1 Ethereum is,” said Nicolas Liochon, Linea’s founder. “The establishment of the Linea Association ensures that the protocol’s future lies in the hands of its community.”

Addressing Centralization Concerns

Linea’s announcement comes amid past concerns over centralization. In June, a significant hack on a decentralized exchange led Linea’s leadership to manually freeze all on-chain activity, a move that was effective but controversial. Critics argued that such centralized control contradicts the network’s stated commitment to decentralization.

Despite these criticisms, Consensys claims that Linea has become the fastest-growing zkEVM network on Ethereum, surpassing 250 million transactions since its August 2023 launch. Today’s announcement reflects Linea’s continued commitment to decentralization as outlined in its four-step roadmap.

A Multi-Year Path to Full Decentralization

The formation of the Linea Association and the planned LINEA token are part of Linea’s multi-year roadmap, which aims for full decentralization. Currently on step one of this four-step process, Linea is gradually moving toward a structure where the community takes an active role in governance. Through initiatives like the Linea Association and the governance token, the network hopes to empower users and developers alike, allowing them to help shape Linea’s future collaboratively.

The launch of the Linea Association and the upcoming LINEA token underscore Linea’s dedication to decentralization and community governance. As the network continues its journey toward becoming a public good, these initiatives represent critical milestones in the development of Ethereum’s layer-2 ecosystem. With strong backing from Consensys and a clear roadmap, Linea is positioned to grow as a community-driven network that aligns with Ethereum’s vision of openness and decentralization.