In this exclusive "Behind the Startup" interview, we sit down with Iva Wisher, a driving force behind PROM, to explore the innovative world of modular ZkEVM Layer 2 solutions. With a focus on multichain interoperability, scalability, and seamless user experiences, PROM is set to transform the blockchain landscape. Join us as we delve into the inspiration behind PROM, the potential of Account Abstraction, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the ever-evolving Web3 ecosystem.
Ishan Pandey: Hello, Iva; it's a pleasure to welcome you to our 'Behind the Startup' series. What inspired the creation of PROM and its focus on modular ZkEVM Layer 2 solutions?
Iva Wisher: We’ve been in the game since 2019, introducing and contributing to various products across multiple industry sectors. That experience gives you a fine market sentiment and a crucial advantage in identifying what the current landscape lacks. That backdrop gave the starting point for the Prom you know today.
Yes, undeniably, the market has changed a lot since 2019, and from lacking product diversity within the space, we’ve moved to another issue: lack of interconnection between existing ecosystems and interoperability that hampers further growth and adoption. We’re not the first to explore the possibilities of L2, but we aim to further enhance its scalability with a multichain approach, simultaneous verification of transactions across chains, and zero network downtime.
Ishan Pandey: How do you see AA (Account Abstraction) transforming user experiences, and what unique features does PROM offer in this regard?
Iva Wisher: Account Abstraction is one of the current and most evident pinpoints for moving mass adoption further, thanks to the flexibility of everyday blockchain interactions it brings.
We are looking into this direction, and it’s on our roadmap for the foreseeable future after the mainnet launch. We’re particularly interested in the implementation of paymasters, that will simplify transactions by allowing gas fees to be paid in any token. AA network implementation combined with a multichain approach significantly elevates user experience and provides a dynamic ground for developers seeking to build on top of Prom.
Ishan Pandey: Interoperability is a key feature of PROM, enabling seamless integration across both EVM and non-EVM networks. How do you ensure secure and efficient transaction verification across multiple chains?
Iva Wisher: It may seem a bit complex at first glance, but if we compare it, it’s actually quite easy to grasp.
Take another L2 solution, Arbitrum, for example, that submits tx proof to the Ethereum mainnet. Prom uses the same logic; however, it submits proofs to multiple chains simultaneously, including Bitcoin.
This approach increases decentralization and eliminates the risk of downtime. If you submit proofs to a specific L1 and it’s down for some time, it also leads to L2 being down.
In Prom’s case, submitting proofs to several chains brings the possibility of the network downtime to zero.
Ishan Pandey: Given its emphasis on gas fee reduction and scalability improvements, how does PROM incentivize developers and users to migrate their activities to the network? What specific incentive programs does PROM provide to encourage adoption?
Iva Wisher: We will introduce an extensive support program for developers to ensure smooth onboarding into our ecosystem. That includes grants, extensive partnership opportunities, technical support, and a toolset for building. We’re committed to providing all-around support for builders on Prom to foster a blooming ecosystem.
For users, our core mission is to maximize the efficiency and convenience of everyday interactions: low-cost transactions, user-oriented interface, robust security, and opportunities to contribute to Prom development through DAO governance, powered with rewards and benefits for activity and value.
Ishan Pandey: How does PROM aim to address the existing challenges and shortcomings in the blockchain industry?
Iva Wisher: The answer lies in the Prom core features. First of all, we foster multichain interoperability and build a bridge across networks, which is needed but lacking, as most L2 solutions focus on a single chain. We’re also leveraging zk-Proofs, which is still a rare stack for L2 at the moment but has several crucial advantages over the OP stack in terms of security and withdrawal time.
Alongside, we’re building L2 solutions for Non-EVM Compatible Chains, to expand the efficiency and bring advanced capabilities to, for example, Bitcoin and Solana as well.
Ishan Pandey: Given the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, how do you navigate compliance challenges, particularly concerning multichain interoperability and transaction security?
Iva Wisher: Fair question, considering some of the latest high-profile cases. Well, the regulatory landscape is quite uncertain for now and ever-changing. We stand on the core values of user security and transparency and always take into account possible shifts in the compliance framework. We work closely with other industry leaders to ensure we’re always up to date on the latest regulatory advancements.
It’s in our best interest to be flexible and meet the challenges posed by the dynamic regulatory environment we face now. It’s a necessity for long-term growth.
Ishan Pandey: Web3 represents a paradigm shift towards decentralized, peer-to-peer networks. What opportunities do you see for Web3 in revolutionizing various industries, and what role do you believe you can play in shaping that future?
Iva Wisher: Every year, we witness the further integration of blockchain capabilities into the broader landscape. Take DePIN, ETFs, the RWA sector, the rise of mass crypto adoption as a daily financial instrument, and countless industries that had no connection to Web3 before considering implementing blockchain. The possibilities of the technology are limitless.
As for Prom, our primary mission is to simplify the way crypto users interact with an advanced decentralized world. We’re doing that by offering cheaper and faster transactions and connecting users to numerous networks with our tech stack. All these initiatives move wider adoption further, step by step, and we’re thrilled to see what’s next, contribute to this growth, and give a platform for aspiring Web3 products to build and scale.
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Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our