AO, a cutting-edge AI application computing protocol built on Arweave's permanent data storage layer, has witnessed a remarkable surge in growth. Sam Williams, founder of Arweave and AO, announced that a staggering $260 million worth of stETH has been pre-bridged to the protocol, propelling it to become the 28th largest DeFi protocol in just four days. This impressive feat has placed AO's Total Value Locked (TVL) at $209.43 million, on par with Cardano and surpassing notable blockchain projects like zkSync, Fantom, Scroll, Algorand, Filecoin, and ICP.

AO's decentralized computing model enables parallel application running, allowing AI applications to operate on-chain. This innovative approach has enabled large language models to run within smart contracts, paving the way for exciting possibilities in the DeFi space. The protocol's rapid growth is a testament to its potential, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve.

The pre-bridging of $260 million in stETH has provided a significant boost to AO's TVL, demonstrating the confidence of investors in the protocol's capabilities. As AO continues to gain traction, it may potentially challenge the dominance of established players in the DeFi landscape. With its unique approach to decentralized computing and AI integration, AO is certainly a project worth keeping an eye on.

AO's remarkable growth can be attributed to its innovative approach to AI application computing. By enabling parallel application running and on-chain operation of AI applications, AO has opened up new possibilities for DeFi developers. As the protocol continues to expand, we can expect to see exciting new use cases emerge.

In conclusion, AO's rapid growth is a testament to its innovative approach and potential in the DeFi space. With its TVL surging to $209.43 million, AO has established itself as a significant player in the industry. As the protocol continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how it shapes the future of DeFi and AI integration. Would you like me to paraphrase another article for you?