Roy Hui, co-founder and CEO of LightLink, breaks down what it takes to build a layer-2 platform in a very competitive field — from airdrops to developer engagement and adoption.

Key Takeaways from Cointelegraph’s Hashing it Out Podcast with Roy Hui

Introduction
In a recent episode of Cointelegraph’s Hashing it Out podcast, host Elisha Owusu Akyaw interviewed Roy Hui, co-founder and CEO of LightLink, a layer-2 blockchain. The conversation revolved around the current state of the blockchain industry, the challenges faced by layer-2 solutions, and LightLink’s strategies for addressing these issues.

Current Blockchain Landscape
- Saturation and Capacity Concerns:
- Hui pointed out the saturation in the layer-1 and layer-2 blockchain networks.
- Despite the numerous networks, there remains a vast untapped potential for real-world applications.
- The current capacity of all blockchains combined is insufficient to handle the volume of daily transactions performed by billions of people, such as public transportation usage and gaming activities.

- Differentiation in a Crowded Market:
- Hui emphasized the need for networks to differentiate themselves due to the crowded blockchain space.
- He highlighted that fewer people are using on-chain applications for everyday activities, necessitating unique value propositions from various networks.

LightLink’s Unique Approach
- Focus on Enterprise Adoption:
- LightLink aims to accelerate the global adoption of Web3 technologies with a specific focus on enterprise solutions.
- The platform's design emphasizes ease of use for enterprises and everyday users.

- Gasless Transactions:
- To attract Web2 users and enterprises, LightLink has implemented gasless transactions.
- Hui explained that removing the transaction costs and the need to estimate these costs simplifies the user experience, making it similar to Web2 platforms.
- This approach addresses the complexity, risks, and fluctuating costs associated with blockchain transactions.

Challenges and Strategies
- Community Building and Developer Engagement:
- Hui underscored the importance of building a strong community and engaging developers in the Web3 space.
- LightLink employs strategies such as hackathons and airdrops to attract developers and users.

- Evolving Strategies for User Retention:
- Hui acknowledged that while airdrops were once effective for attracting users, their efficacy has diminished in 2024 as user expectations have grown.
- There is now a need for more innovative methods to retain users on a network, given the increasing activity and competition in the blockchain space.

Conclusion
Roy Hui’s insights on the Hashing it Out podcast provide a comprehensive overview of the current blockchain industry landscape and the challenges faced by layer-2 solutions. LightLink's focus on enterprise adoption and gasless transactions highlights a forward-thinking approach to making blockchain technology more accessible and user-friendly. As the industry evolves, strategies for community building and user retention will need to adapt to meet the growing expectations of users and the increasing competition among networks.