Today marks a significant milestone for EigenLayer, as users can now claim their native Eigen tokens. Although the tokens will be non-transferable until the end of the third quarter, users can start staking and delegating to EigenDA operators, the platform's data availability solution.

EigenDA is the first actively validated service on the network, and users can support it by delegating their stake to an operator via the EigenLayer web portal.

EigenLayer revolutionizes proof-of-stake projects by providing a broader trust network, eliminating the need for individual security development. With over $15 billion in ether accumulated since 2023, the platform secures various protocols, including consensus protocols, oracle networks, and data availability platforms. The introduction of the Eigen token brings inter-subjective forking, a crypto-economic feature that enhances ether restaking in securing the AVS ecosystem.

The Eigen token supply will be 1.67 billion at launch, with 45% allocated to the community and ecosystem. The first season's "stakedrop" begins today, with 5% of the token supply available. Additionally, 15% is reserved for community initiatives and ecosystem development. Early investors and contributors received 29.5% and 25.5%, respectively.

In response to initial criticism, the Eigen Foundation updated its plan, granting an additional 100 Eigen tokens to over 280,000 users, resulting in a minimum allocation of 110 tokens ($1,000) per eligible user. Investor tokens will start vesting after token transferability begins. Unrelated IOUs of the Eigen token are currently trading on pre-markets at prices ranging from $8.7 to $9.3.