Boba Network

The Boba Network, formerly known as OMGX, is a Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum that utilizes Optimistic Rollups. The native governance token, BOBA, was airdropped to OMG token holders on a 1:1 basis. A snapshot took place on November 12, 2021, and the actual BOBA crypto airdrop occurred on November 19, 2021.

The initial circulating supply of BOBA was approximately 160 million, which is equivalent to the current circulating supply of OMG (around 140 million) plus an additional 20 million BOBA. This additional BOBA was meant to provide crypto liquidity and fund an airdrop bonus. The BOBA token supply will incrementally increase over a four-year period until the max BOBA supply of 500 million is reached.

The final hard-capped BOBA allocation will be divided and distributed to four key stakeholders: OMG holders, strategic investors, current and future team members, and the Boba Network treasury. The tokens for both team members and investors are locked for the first year and will be linearly distributed over the following three years on a quarterly basis.

Boba Network aims to unlock the potential of rollup technology and enable more flexible blockchain communication. It is fully compatible with EVM-based tools and has already deployed multichain support for Ethereum and BNB, supporting lightning-fast transactions and fees anywhere from 40-100X less than the respective layer-1. The protocol is powered by HybridCompute technology that brings the power of Web2 on-chain, with smarter smart contracts that allow visionary developers to leverage off-chain compute and real-world data to build hybrid dapps that connect people to the future of blockchain applications.

The Boba Network is a multichain Layer 2 (L2) scaling solution designed to enhance the capabilities of Layer 1 (L1) blockchains like Ethereum and BNB Chain. It aims to reduce gas fees and improve transaction throughput while maintaining the security guarantees of its underlying network.

1. Optimistic Rollup: Boba processes transactions on its own network and then relays them back to the L1 chain in batches. This batching process reduces gas fees and increases transaction speeds. The rollups are called "optimistic" because they assume transactions are valid unless challenged by someone on the network.

2. Hybrid Compute: This mechanism allows developers to build connections from Web3 systems to Web2 computers. Decentralized applications (dApps) can trigger code executed on Web2 infrastructures like AWS, leveraging algorithms that would otherwise slow down the network due to computing intensity and cost. This enables Web3 to interact with technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning.

3. Token and Governance: The native governance token, BOBA, is used for voting on network changes and supporting user initiatives. BOBA holders can submit governance proposals, vote, or delegate votes to other users. The token is also used for staking, where users receive a portion of transaction fees on the network.

• Interoperability: Boba supports multiple L1 chains, including Ethereum, Avalanche, and Moonbeam, allowing for seamless interactions between different blockchain ecosystems.
• Fees and Payments: Network fees can be paid in BOBA or the native tokens of the underlying L1 blockchain. This flexibility makes it more accessible to users.
• Security: Boba relies on the security of its underlying blockchain and uses a system of fraud proofs to ensure the integrity of transactions.

• Wallet Integration: Users need to set up a cryptocurrency wallet, such as MetaMask, to interact with Boba. They can then add Boba to their wallet and bridge assets from L1 to L2 or between different L2 deployments.
• Bridging Assets: Boba offers a swap-based mechanism for moving funds across chains, ensuring a smooth user experience. Users pay a small convenience fee shared among liquidity providers.

• Gas Fees: The high gas fees on Ethereum incentivize developers to move to L2 networks like Boba, which offers cheaper fees and advanced off-chain compute capabilities.
• Ecosystem Fund: Boba plans to create an ecosystem fund to support early-stage projects and encourage broad participation in the network's operations and governance.

• Initial Supply: The initial circulating supply of BOBA is approximately 160 million, with a maximum supply capped at 500 million.
• Token Allocation: The tokens are distributed among OMG holders, strategic investors, the development team, and the treasury, with a portion allocated for liquidity mining rewards and other initiatives.

Overall, the Boba Network provides a scalable and cost-effective solution for developers and users, leveraging its Hybrid Compute technology and optimistic rollup architecture to enhance the capabilities of L1 blockchains.

The token Boba Network (BOBA) has several strengths that contribute to its value and utility within the ecosystem:

1. Compatibility and Interoperability: BOBA is an Ethereum ERC-20 token, making it compatible with all EVM-protocols such as Avalanche, Binance, and Moonbeam, ensuring seamless interactions across various blockchain networks.

2. Governance and Voting: BOBA holders can participate in the governance of the network by proposing community initiatives, infrastructure ideas, or voting on the direction of the network’s future, ensuring a decentralized decision-making process.

3. Hybrid Compute: BOBA is used to pay for invoking HybridCompute™ within Boba smart contracts, which enables advanced off-chain compute capabilities not available on other chains.

4. Gas Fee Payment: Network fees on all Boba deployments can be paid in BOBA or the protocol’s native token, providing flexibility and reducing costs.

5. Ecosystem Growth: BOBA is used to fund infrastructure growth through developer grants, incentives, and other initiatives, promoting the development of applications and projects within the network.

6. Reward Earning: BOBA holders can stake their tokens to earn rewards, incentivizing participation and contributing to the network’s overall health.

7. Cross-Chain Bridging: BOBA facilitates fast and reliable bridging of assets between different blockchain networks, enhancing user experience and liquidity.

These strengths collectively enhance the value proposition of BOBA, making it a key component of the Boba Network’s advanced Ethereum scaling infrastructure.

Boba Network (BOBA) carries several financial risks that investors should be aware of. One significant risk is the potential for fraud from the optimistic rollup mechanism. Liquidity providers on the layer 1 chain incur this risk and are paid more to take on that risk. Additionally, users who bypass the challenge window by paying a higher fee to bridge their tokens back to the layer 1 network also expose liquidity providers to this risk.

Another risk is the high gas fees associated with transactions on the network. While Boba aims to reduce gas fees through its scaling functionality, these fees can still be substantial, especially for users who choose to bypass the challenge window.

Furthermore, the token distribution and unlocking schedule can impact the token's value. With a maximum supply of 500 million BOBA tokens and a quarterly unlocking schedule, the influx of new tokens into the market can affect the token's price.

Investing in BOBA also involves general risks associated with cryptocurrencies, such as market volatility and potential losses. It is essential for investors to carefully evaluate these risks and consider their own financial goals and risk tolerance before investing in BOBA.

• Alan Chiu: Founder of Boba Network and CEO of Enya, the software development company that partnered with the OMG Foundation to create the Boba Network.
• Jan Liphardt: Co-founder of Enya, holding a PhD from Cambridge University and teaching at Stanford as a professor of bioengineering.
• Enya Team: The team behind Enya, which includes developers and engineers who work on the Boba Network, focusing on its multichain infrastructure and Hybrid Compute technology.
• OMG Foundation: The team behind the OMG Network, which initially partnered with Enya to create the Boba Network, providing the foundation for its Layer 2 scaling solution.