Ethereum chain
Overview
Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain network that supports smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It introduced the concept of programmability to blockchains, enabling a wide range of use cases including decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Within the DeFi Intel graph, Ethereum connects to 1308 tracked entities, most strongly to Base, USD Coin, Ether (ETH).
Relations
Top connections in the DeFi Intel knowledge graph (confidence-weighted, 10 of 1308 total).
| Relation | Connected entity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
secures | Base | 99% |
supports_token | USD Coin | 99% |
supports_token | Ether (ETH) | 99% |
secures | zkSync Era | 99% |
secures | Linea | 99% |
secures | Scroll | 99% |
secures | OP Mainnet | 99% |
secures | Starknet | 99% |
secures | Arbitrum One | 99% |
secures | Polygon zkEVM | 99% |
More on Ethereum
- Is Ethereum Safe in 2026? L1 Security, Incidents, Risk Score
- Best Ethereum Alternatives 2026 — 5 Smart Contract Platforms Compared
In-depth guides on Ethereum
- Ethereum Layer 2 Networks: The 2026 Definitive Guide — DeFi Intel
- Multi-Slot MEV: Extraction Across Consecutive Blocks — DeFi Intel
- PBS & Inclusion Lists: Enforcing Censorship Resistance — DeFi Intel
- Tracing Stolen Crypto: On-Chain Fund Recovery Guide — DeFi Intel
Frequently asked questions
When did Ethereum launch?
July 2015, created by Vitalik Buterin along with co-founders including Gavin Wood and Joseph Lubin.
How does Ethereum reach consensus?
Through proof of stake since 2022; validators lock ETH as collateral, earn rewards for honest behaviour and can lose stake for misbehaviour.
Who controls Ethereum?
No single entity. A broad set of developers, node operators, stakers and community members maintain it, with changes agreed through the open EIP process.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified against the following sources.