Starknet Rockets 20% as Ethereum L2 Eyes L1 Upgrade

Ethereum L2 Starknet Token Rises After Team Floats Possible Shift to Layer 1

Starknet, an Ethereum layer-2 network built by StarkWare, said it is “actively considering” becoming an independent layer-1 blockchain—a move that would mark a major shift away from the standard L2 model of relying on Ethereum for base-layer security.

The announcement coincided with a sharp move in its token. $STRK traded near $0.073 on Friday, up about 20% over 24 hours and more than double its roughly $0.03 level in April, according to the information provided.

In a statement attributed to StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson, the company argued that operating as an L1 could let Starknet move faster on security-related changes—particularly around post-quantum cryptography. Ben-Sasson wrote that an L1 would allow Starknet to control its own security upgrades, rather than waiting for Ethereum (or Bitcoin) to adopt them first.

Starknet also set an explicit timeline: it said an independent chain could target 2027 to become the first fully quantum-resistant network. Ben-Sasson contrasted that with Ethereum’s roadmap, which he said targets core post-quantum infrastructure around the end of 2029.

The idea touches on a core distinction in blockchain architecture. As an Ethereum L2, Starknet processes transactions off Ethereum mainnet and posts proofs or summaries back on-chain, benefiting from Ethereum’s security guarantees. If Starknet became an L1, it would no longer “borrow” Ethereum’s protection in the same way, and would instead be responsible for securing its own base layer.

The statement did not outline how a transition would work in practice. It also did not specify how existing Starknet applications and users would migrate if the network eventually launched as a standalone chain.

• What happened: Starknet said it is actively considering becoming an independent L1.
• Why it matters: The move would change Starknet’s relationship to Ethereum security and upgrade timelines.
• Key context: Starknet is positioning the potential shift around a goal of quantum resistance by 2027, earlier than the 2029 date cited for Ethereum’s post-quantum infrastructure.