Interviews

Jack O’Holleran, Co-Founder and CEO of SKALE Labs — Interview Series

Published
SKALE Labs

SKALE Labs, a leading provider of scalable and decentralized platforms for the Ethereum blockchain, is currently on the cusp of bringing its gas-free system to an even wider network of users. To learn a bit more about the team’s ongoing efforts to cut down on transaction fees and reshape the world of blockchain technology, we decided to reach out to SKALE Labs CEO, Jack O’Holleran.

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, Jack. Before we slip into the world of blockchain technology and all things Web3-based, let’s talk about your background as a CEO. How did it all start for you, and what inspired you to enter this field, in particular?

Jack: I have always been fascinated by how technology can solve complex problems and create new opportunities. Early in my career, I worked in various roles within the tech industry, gaining experience in software development, business strategy, and corporate leadership. I was captivated by the idea of creating new systems that are transparent, secure, and offer decentralized control. This led me to co-found SKALE Labs, where we are dedicated to building scalable blockchain solutions that make this vision a reality.

Moving on to SKALE Labs — could you please tell us a bit more about it? When was the company founded, and what goals did you initially set out to accomplish as a team?

Jack: SKALE Labs was founded in 2018 with the mission to create a scalable and secure decentralized infrastructure for the Ethereum blockchain. The primary goal is to drive the mass adoption of blockchain technology by making it the most accessible and efficient. From the outset, the SKALE team has prioritized addressing the scalability issues that have long plagued Ethereum, making it possible for developers to build dApps that are not only secure and decentralized but also fast and cost-effective. 

Could you tell us a bit more about the SKALE AppChain model? What’s the story here, and how does it work?

Jack: The SKALE AppChain model is a core innovation designed to solve the scalability and performance issues that have traditionally limited blockchain adoption. SKALE Labs recognized the limitations of existing blockchain architectures, particularly in terms of scalability, speed, and cost. As more developers and enterprises sought to build on Ethereum, the network’s limitations became apparent, leading to congestion, high gas fees, and slow transaction times. To address these challenges, SKALE conceptualized the AppChain model. The idea was to create a modular and elastic blockchain network that could support a multitude of decentralized applications (dApps) with the performance and cost efficiency they needed to succeed.

The benefits of utilizing a gas-free system are evidently numerous, that’s for sure. For the sake of hearing it from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, could you explain how users can benefit from the SKALE model?

Jack: Users benefit from the SKALE model through faster (SKALE has the highest TPS speed), lower-cost transactions (zero gas fees for users) and improved application performance, providing a seamless and efficient experience. Additionally, SKALE offers enhanced security and accessibility, making blockchain technology more approachable for a wide range of use cases.

Let’s talk about the here and now — specifically, the next steps for SKALE Labs, in general. How’s 2024 looking for you, and what are you aiming to achieve before year’s end?

Jack: Recently, the SKALE ecosystem hit a huge milestone, surpassing 500,000,000 transactions. These transactions were executed at zero cost, saving users more than $7.5 billion on gas fees. In the ongoing battle for modularity to develop the most efficient blockchain next-gen technology, we hope to solidify SKALE as the world’s most efficient blockchain.

Tell us, is there a way for potential clients or curious parties to stay involved in SKALE Labs’ ongoing projects? Are there any social channels, events, or reading materials that we should be taking note of?

Jack: Yes, you can follow SKALE on x, Discord or Telegram to stay up to day on the latest updates with SKALE. For reading materials, please visit the SKALE website here.

Lastly, do you have any advice for those who’ve yet to embark on their own expeditions into the realm of blockchain technology?

Jack: My advice for those new to blockchain technology is to start by educating yourself about the basics—understand the core principles of decentralization, security, and smart contracts. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different platforms and technologies (which you can do for free on SKALE); hands-on experience is invaluable. Stay curious and open-minded, and don’t hesitate to engage with the community.

Thanks for your time, Jack!

 

To stay up to date with SKALE Labs’ current affairs, be sure to check in with the team over on their official social handle here. Alternatively, you can visit the website for additional information here.

Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.