Base, a layer-2 network built on Ethereum, has recently attracted attention with its increasing total value locked (TVL) and institutional collaborations. In a comprehensive interview, Base founder Jesse Pollak explained the network’s growth strategy, why they haven’t launched tokens yet, and their roadmap extending to 2026.
Pollak said that they consciously avoided the token model when founding Base. He stated that tokens could create “misleading incentives” for teams, and they chose a “hard mode” to clarify whether success measurement was based on actual product usage or activity inflated by incentives. He added that this approach only attracted long-term developers and creators.
Pollak stated that Base has aimed for decentralization from the beginning; that progress has been made within the Ethereum rollup framework; and that this process will accelerate in 2026. In this context, he noted that a network token could be a powerful leverage in terms of (i) expanding governance, (ii) ensuring incentive alignment among developers, manufacturers, and organizations, and (iii) opening up new design avenues. However, no final decision or timeline has yet been shared.
According to Pollak, Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by the end of 2026; however, this rise alone is not significant, the real critical change will be the integration of cryptocurrencies into daily life. Pollak states that the biggest trend of 2026 will be consumer adoption rather than speculation, and that this process will accelerate particularly through applications like the Base app and on-chain consumer products.
*This is not investment advice.
