EigenLayer protocol
Overview
EigenLayer is a protocol on Ethereum that enables restaking of ETH and liquid staking tokens to provide economic security for third-party networks known as Actively Validated Services (AVS). It allows stakers to opt into validating additional protocols while reusing their existing staked capital. The protocol is developed by Eigen Labs.
Within the DeFi Intel graph, EigenLayer connects to 185 tracked entities, most strongly to Ethereum, Symbiotic, Renzo.
Relations
Top connections in the DeFi Intel knowledge graph (confidence-weighted, 5 of 185 total).
| Relation | Connected entity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
deployed_on | Ethereum | 95% |
competes_with | Symbiotic | 95% |
restaked_by | Renzo | 95% |
restaked_by | Kelp DAO | 95% |
restaked_by | ether.fi | 95% |
In-depth guides on EigenLayer
- Restaking AVS Design: Building Services on EigenLayer — DeFi Intel
- EigenLayer Explained: Restaking, AVS, and EIGEN Token (2026) — DeFi Intel
Frequently asked questions
What is EigenLayer?
EigenLayer is a restaking protocol that lets users deposit already-staked ETH (or liquid staking tokens) to secure multiple external networks and services, called Actively Validated Services (AVS), in exchange for additional yield.
How does restaking work on EigenLayer?
Users deposit staked ETH or LSTs into EigenLayer smart contracts, which then programmatically allocate that economic weight to AVS. Restakers earn extra rewards but assume slashing risk if the AVS misbehaves.
What are Actively Validated Services (AVS)?
AVS are any system requiring decentralized validation—such as rollups, data availability layers, oracles, and sidechains—that can borrow Ethereum’s trust by running on top of EigenLayer’s restaked capital.
What is EigenLayer connected to?
In the DeFi Intel knowledge graph, EigenLayer is linked to 185 other tracked entities, most strongly to Ethereum, Symbiotic, Renzo.
Sources
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