Proposal to consider recent Node Operator Acquisitions

Proposals
1

Submitted by the NOM contributor workstream on behalf of the Lido Node Operator Sub-Governance Group (LNOSG):

Background and Context
The LNOSG has conducted a review of recent business changes affecting Node Operators: Pier Two, Bware Labs, and Stakewithus. Each of these changes involves an acquisition or operational transition that could impact the Lido protocol and the purpose of the review was to understand to what extent possible material changes in node operations would result as a consequence of the acquisitions. The following proposal outlines the LNOSG’s recommendations after taking into account the information provided by the entities in response to the LNOSG’s questions. .

Proposal Overview
The proposal is structured as follows:
Pier Two: Post-Numic Acquisition and Operational Ramp-Up
Bware Labs: Acquisition by Alchemy
Stakewithus: Acquisition by Nansen.ai
For each of these cases, we outline the LNOSG’s suggestions and observations.

1. Pier Two - link to announcement
Summary: The Lido Node Operator Sub-Governance Group (LNOSG) has reviewed the relevant data and information provided by Pier Two following the acquisition of Numic, and also in light of the previous security incident disclosed by Numic. The LNOSG spent some additional time and requested additional information as the proposed way forward by Pier Two involved using an infrastructure setup different from Numic’s previous setup.

Recommended Steps:

  1. Trial Run on Testnet: Pier Two will replicate its proposed mainnet setup on testnet and follow an end-to-end NO flow, including registration, deposit, and exit of keys, during which operational performance will be re-checked.
  2. Gradual Ramp-Up on Mainnet: Upon successful completion of the testnet trial-run, Pier Two will commence a slow ramp-up on mainnet. This staged approach is intended to closely monitor their performance and flag any potential issues during the initial mainnet period.

2. Bware Labs - link to announcement
Summary: Bware Labs was recently acquired by Alchemy. The LNOSG reviewed provided information related to the transition and the how node ops would continue and found no reason to propose considering cessation of the operator’s participation in Lido on Ethereum Simple DVT and Lido on Polygon Bware Labs’ post-acquisition continuity is expected to be seamless.

Recommendation:
Allow Alchemy to continue as-is without change.

3. Stakewithus - link to announcement
Summary: Stakewithus was acquired by Nansen.ai. Similar to the Bware Labs case, the LNOSG reviewed the information provided regarding changes to node operations as well as the organization itself and found no reason to propose considering cessation of the operator’s participation in Lido on Ethereum Simple DVT.

Recommendation:
Allow Nansen.ai to continue as-is without change.

Next Steps
This proposal is now open for community feedback over a two-week period. If no major objections are raised within this timeframe, the LNOSG suggests moving forward with a vote to ratify:

  • The non-objection to Pier Two’s operational continuation post-Numic acquisition.
  • Propose allowing Alchemy to continue as-is without change.
  • Propose allowing Nansen.ai to continue as-is without change.
14 Likes
2

Thanks for outlining all the changes and the evaluations of each party after the acquisition. I think LNOSG has done a great job in considering whether the parties should continue their work.

2 Likes
3

General Thoughts

Given the acquisitions of Stakewithus and Bware labs do not materially impact the operations of the validators or the organizational structure of the node operators, we don’t see a reason to deactivate either.

Oppositely, Numic’s merger into Pier Two does necessitate proper testing, with oversight from the NOM contributor workstream, because of the infrastructure alterations. We look forward to an update upon successful testnet & mainnet ramping!

Sources