May 11, 2025

The Ethereum Upgrade You Didn’t Know You Needed: Meet Linea

🔹 What is Linea?

Linea is a fast and low-cost Layer 2 network built on Ethereum. It uses zkEVM tech, meaning developers can move their Ethereum apps over with zero code changes. It’s way cheaper too — fees can be up to 15x lower than Ethereum mainnet.


💰 Funding

Linea hasn’t had any separate funding rounds. It’s fully backed by ConsenSys, the company behind MetaMask and Infura.

ConsenSys has raised $727 million from top investors, including:

  • Microsoft, SoftBank, Temasek, Coinbase Ventures, Animoca Brands

  • Big names like BlackRock are indirectly involved through their venture arms


👥 Who’s Behind It?

  • Joseph Lubin – founder of ConsenSys and co-founder of Ethereum

  • Nicolas Liochon – leads Linea, with deep experience in zk tech


🌐 Ecosystem & Partners

Linea is already working with:

  • MetaMask, Pyth Network, AirSwap, Alchemy Pay, HAPI

  • Over 300 dApps built on it, with 3.7 million users

In 2023, they launched LEIA, a group of 45+ venture funds supporting Linea-based projects.


🪙 Token & Decentralization

In 2024, Linea set up the Linea Association in Switzerland — an independent group that will help manage the network and launch the LINEA token, expected sometime in 2025.

This is a step toward decentralization and community governance.


🧠 The Bottom Line

Linea is a strong, Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 backed by ConsenSys and some of the biggest names in tech and finance. It’s built to scale Web3 — faster, cheaper, and ready for the future.