What is Espresso Systems?
Espresso is a sequencing and coordination layer designed to enhance the interoperability of blockchain ecosystems by facilitating fast and secure interactions. Chains that integrate with Espresso benefit from two main components:
- The Espresso Network – A shared source of truth that ensures fast finality on transaction ordering and data availability across multiple chains. It is operated by node operators who run the consensus protocol (HotShot) and manage the data availability layer (Tiramisu).
- The Espresso Marketplace – A marketplace that allows chains to sell transaction sequencing rights to block builders, optimizing chain revenue while reducing friction in cross-chain interactions.
As a restaking Active Validated Service (AVS), Espresso leverages the restaking mechanism to enhance its security and scalability. Validators can restake assets to participate in the consensus and data availability layers, with slashing conditions applied for any misbehavior. This ensures that the network remains secure while benefiting from the economic security provided by Ethereum’s validator set. Through restaking, node operators in the Espresso Network contribute to the overall integrity of the system while earning rewards for their participation.