Ethereum Layer 2 solution Taiko has introduced permissionless sequencing and proving after its mainnet rollout and token launch, becoming the first rollup to achieve this. Unlike other Ethereum rollups that rely on centralized sequencers to order blocks, Taiko’s permissionless sequencing allows anyone to sequence blocks in a decentralized manner, mitigating centralization risks.

In Taiko’s system, known as based sequencing, block ordering is conducted by Ethereum mainnet validators and block builders. This method, developed by Ethereum researcher Justin Drake, ensures the liveness and security of the block ordering process by leveraging Ethereum’s base layer.

Additionally, Taiko now supports permissionless proving, enabling participants to run a Taiko node and prover to validate blocks and earn token rewards. Daniel Wang, Taiko's co-founder and CEO, emphasized the importance of this development, stating that permissionless and decentralized sequencing and proving are crucial steps toward full decentralization for rollups.

Taiko’s mainnet launch marks a significant milestone following extensive development that began in 2022 and included seven testnets. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin proposed the inaugural block for the mainnet. The launch was accompanied by an airdrop, with 5% of the 1 billion token supply distributed to community members in a "genesis airdrop." Another 10% is allocated for the upcoming Trailblazer airdrop.

The total token supply allocation includes 48.5% reserved for key stakeholders: 20% for Taiko Labs and the core team, 16.88% for Taiko Foundation reserves, and 11.62% for investors. The DAO Treasury will hold 20% of the tokens. Taiko plans to launch a DAO later this year to progressively transfer protocol control to its community.

Since its inception in 2022, Taiko has raised $37 million across two funding rounds.