Bitcoin Layer2 is hot! B² Netork is listed on Binance TGE. Is it a 10-fold wealth myth or a trap to cut leeks?

avatar
MarsBit
05-01
This article is machine translated
Show original

1. Project Background and Core Positioning

Token

Bitcoin, as digital gold, has long faced two core issues: performance bottlenecks (7 TPS, high transaction fees) and single functionality (lack of smart contract support). B² Network aims to build a Bitcoin Layer 2 using ZK-Rollup technology, improving transaction speed (300 times faster than mainnet) and introducing DeFi, Non-Fungible Token, and other application ecosystems, transforming Bitcoin from a "stored asset" to a "yield-generating asset".

1.1 Technical Architecture and Innovations

  • ZK-Rollup Solution: Batch processing transactions and generating zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP), compressing data and anchoring to the Bitcoin mainnet (storing hash through Taproot script).
  • Hybrid Verification Mechanism: Combining off-chain verification nodes with the Bitcoin mainnet's challenge-response model to ensure data integrity.
  • Modular Design: Data availability layer (DA) maintained jointly by B² Hub (distributed storage) and Bitcoin mainnet, with mainnet only storing indexes, and complete data relying on off-chain storage.

1.2 Differentiation from Competitors

Compared to other Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions (such as Merlin Chain, Stacks), B² Network focuses on ZK technology narrative, theoretically offering higher security and scalability. However, its design compromises (like multi-sig bridging, off-chain DA) have sparked "pseudo Layer 2" controversy.

2. Technical Controversy and Security Analysis

2.1 Core Doubts

  • Bitcoin mainnet cannot directly verify ZK proofs: Due to script function limitations, verification relies on economic game theory (similar to Optimistic Rollup), not cryptographic guarantees.
  • Data availability compromise: Complete transaction data is not fully on-chain, risking user asset redemption if B² Hub nodes act maliciously or go offline.
  • Centralized bridging risks: Withdrawals processed through multi-sig addresses, deviating from Bitcoin's trustless model.

2.2 Project Response and Improvement Directions

According to the whitepaper, future plans include:

  • Introducing Bitcoin light nodes to verify ZK proof fragments.
  • Gradually reducing multi-sig bridge dependence, moving towards a more decentralized custody solution.
  • Enhancing B² Hub's redundant storage and censorship resistance.

Conclusion: Currently, B² Network is more of a "sidechain + Rollup" hybrid, which may evolve towards a pure Layer 2 if technology is successfully implemented.

3. Team Background and Financing

3.1 Core Team

Token

  • Kevin H. (CTO): Former Tendermint core engineer, 10 years of ZK/C++ development experience, but not actively involved in community activities.
  • Jerry Z. (COO): Former OKX strategy lead, led OKX Web3 wallet, skilled in ecosystem collaboration.
  • Team Anonymity: Except for two co-founders, other members remain faceless, with minimal Twitter interaction (only following 7 KOLs).

3.2 Financing and Capital Background

Token

  • Seed Round Financing: Officially announced in January 2024, investors include Hashkey Capital, OKX Ventures, but actual financing may have been completed in mid-2023.
  • Investor Risks: Main investors are "Chinese funds" (such as ABCDE, Antalpha), with high overlap with investment institutions of projects like Merlin Chain, raising concerns about potential sell-offs.

4. Market Performance and Ecosystem Progress

4.1 TVL and User Data

Token

  • TVL: defillama shows $350 million (official claim of $600 million), previously leading the Bitcoin Layer 2 track, but partially suspected of inflating numbers.
  • Community Engagement: Discord (2800 DAU), Telegram (1000 DAU) primarily Chinese users (over 60%), slow international expansion.

4.2 Core Products and Use Cases

  • BTC Mining Pool: Supports miners in one-click staking and mining rewards, addressing miners' capital efficiency pain points.
  • Yield Scenarios: Offering Bitcoin staking, liquidity mining, etc., claiming APY up to 10%, but actual returns depend on token inflation.

4.3 Exchange Listing Status

  • Current Listings: Only second-tier exchanges like Gate, Kucoin, MEXC, without Binance/OKX spot support.
  • Market-Making Strategy: On-chain data shows top 100 addresses hold 94%, with 68.3% likely project-related wallets, indicating high control.

5. Tokenomics and Investment Value

Token

5.1 Token Allocation and Unlocking

  • Total Supply: 210 million, initial circulation 22.3% (about 46.83 million).
  • Key Unlocking Risks:
  • Investors: 0.84% (176,400) released monthly after 12-month lock-up.
  • Team and Advisors: Linear release over 36 months after 12-month lock-up, 0.58% (121,800) monthly.
  • Airdrop: 5.5% (11.55 million) directly released at TGE, significant short-term selling pressure.

5.2 Token Value Capture Ability

  • Gas Fees: B² Hub transaction fees priced in B2, but demand depends on ecosystem activity.
  • Staking Rewards: 20% of tokens used for staking incentives, potentially trapped in "inflation → selling pressure → price decline" cycle.
  • Governance Rights: Limited to protocol parameter adjustments, no substantial dividend rights, limited attractiveness.

5.3 Valuation Benchmarking and Price Prediction

  • Similar Project Reference: Merlin Chain ($MERL) TGE FDV $2.2 billion, current MC $50M; B² initial FDV $2 billion, MC $52M, but in a worse market environment.
  • Price Speculation:
  • Optimistic Scenario: If ecosystem explodes or listed on top-tier exchanges, price may surge to $1-1.5 (FDV $210-310 million).
  • Neutral Scenario: Long-term sideways in $0.6-0.8 range (corresponding FDV $120-160 million).
  • Pessimistic Scenario: May drop below $0.4 if TVL declines or team sells.

6. Investment Strategy and Risk Warnings

6.1 Operational Suggestions

  • Short-term (first week after TGE): Take partial profits above $1, beware of liquidity traps.
  • Medium-term (1-3 months): Recommend clearing position if not breaking $1.2.
  • Long-term: Need to observe technical upgrades and real ecosystem growth, otherwise no holding value.

6.2 Key Risks

  1. Token Economic Defects: Early concentrated selling pressure, unsustainable inflation model.
  2. Chinese Market Manipulation: Team-related addresses control 68.3%, potential pump and dump.
  3. Ecosystem Progress Lag: Current applications mainly imitative DeFi, lacking innovative use cases.

7. Conclusion and Outlook

B² Network partially achieves Bitcoin Layer 2 functionality, but its security model and token economics show significant compromises. It can be a short-term speculative target but requires caution long-term. If the project team fulfills technical optimization promises (such as on-chain verification, decentralized bridging) and attracts genuine ecosystem building, it may solidify its Layer 2 positioning; otherwise, it may become a "Chinese market" hype tool.

Source
Disclaimer: The content above is only the author's opinion which does not represent any position of Followin, and is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, investment advice from Followin.
Like
1
Add to Favorites
Comments