Xen Baynham-Herd on Building Base from Experimental L2s to Real On-Chain Adoption
Xen Baynham-Herd, Head of Global Growth at Base, Coinbase, describes Base as foundational to the next internet rather than a niche experiment. Base, Coinbase's Layer-2 (L2) network, aims to embed on-chain infrastructure deeply into everyday internet use.
Over the next 3 to 5 years, success for Base would mean that on-chain applications feel as natural as ordinary apps to users, who would enjoy the benefits of speed, safety, and control without needing to understand blockchain mechanics. Failure, conversely, would result in on-chain experiences remaining unintuitive and democratic deficits persisting, which could cause Base to remain a niche platform instead of becoming the default digital layer of the internet.
Base differentiates itself from other L2 solutions by prioritizing user experience, broad distribution, and deep product integration rather than merely focusing on lower fees or higher throughput. Key metrics driving adoption are trust, convenience, and scale, which are essential for mainstream user acceptance.
A common mistake by builders is neglecting user experience. Successful teams obsess over creating products that attract and retain new users, including those new to crypto, and avoid chasing short-term noise. Over the past year, many serious development teams have transitioned from experimental efforts toward durable, long-term Base-focused development. Wallets and on-chain identity have become central elements of product design and user engagement.
Transparency linked to regulation and consumer protection is viewed as a strategic advantage for Base, distinguishing it from networks driven by token price movements. Real traction is measured by user growth and app engagement rather than price activity. Durable on-chain businesses depend on users who value the products for their utility, not just for incentives.
An example of real-world adoption on Base is Falcon Finance’s deployment of USDf, a $2.1 billion multi-asset synthetic dollar, showcasing practical on-chain usage on the Base network.
