Onboarding Users to Layer 2s- Challenges and Ideas from the Ice

If Ethereum scaling is the Stanley Cup Finals, Layer 2s are the playoff teams putting it all on the line. (I feel this analogy is appropriate given the NHL playoffs start today) They’re fast, efficient, and ready to carry the load. But here’s the kicker- the average fan (user) doesn’t even know how to buy a ticket to the game.

As someone transitioning from coaching to Ethereum biz dev, I’ve been thinking a lot about user adoption, and how Layer 2s can cross the canyon from niche power-users to everyday folks.

So let’s break it down.

Challenges

1. Abstracting Complexity

Most users don’t know, or care what a rollup is. They just want fast, cheap transactions that work. But onboarding to a Layer 2 today can feel like a maze.

Download a wallet - Buy ETH on mainnet - Bridge to L2 - Wait - Cross your fingers.

That’s a lot to ask from someone just trying to send money or mint an NFT.

It’s like asking a hockey player to lace their skates, sharpen their blades, and flood the ice, and then be ready on time We need to simplify the process so the tech fades into the background—and users can just play the game.

2. Wallet confusion

Do I need MetaMask? Argent? A special L2-native wallet? Can I just use Coinbase?

Most wallets weren’t built with L2 UX in mind, which creates confusion and trust issues. Imagine if every time you entered a new rink, you had to re-learn the rules of the game.

3. Bridging Trust Gaps

Bridges are still the Wild West. Users hear “you’re moving assets across chains” and think, “I’m going to get rugged.” Until bridges feel as safe as walking through airport security with your carry-on, onboarding will stay stuck.

4. Lack of Clear Benefits

Web3 loves to preach about scaling, gas fees, and TPS. But most people just want to mint an NFT or send money. If they can do that on mainnet or another chain, why should they bother with an L2?

Ideas and Plays to run

1. Native On-Ramps to L2

Imagine buying ETH directly onto an L2 from your bank or card. No bridge, no mainnet. Just like Venmo, but decentralized. Teams like Connext and Socketare working on this. Biz dev roles here matter. Who you integrate with, what fiat partners you bring in, etc.

2. UX-Led Wallet Design

This is where design meets product meets strategy. A wallet that defaults to L2 but still lets users go cross-chain when needed. Think- one tap to go from scroll to Base. Business teams can drive partnerships to unify this across ecosystems.

3. Education-as-Onboarding

People don’t want a stagnant YouTube video you find yourself reading something else while watching. They want tooltips, walkthroughs, and real-time support. My dear friend Patrick Skinner is one of the BEST at making these. https://www.youtube.com/@PSkinnerTech https://blog.patrickskinner.tech/ https://www.youtube.com/@ar_io_network

The opportunity? Collaborate with creators, DAOs, or platforms that already have attention.

4. Social and Cultural Momentum

When L2s become the cool place to hang out, users will follow. Memes, brand identity, and community vibes play a role. Strategic BD can help seed these ecosystems with builders, creators, and collabs.

Why this is Important

Ethereum won’t scale through theory. It’ll scale through people using it. And right now, we’re still in the early innings when it comes to mainstream onboarding. If you’re like me, someone who’s lived and breathed team strategy and now sees the next era of the internet forming. This is a chance to contribute.

The ice is set. The lights are on. Now let’s help people find the door and get them into the game