Kernel
1 known investors
Kelp is a liquid restaking protocol that issues rsETH, a liquid restaking token, in exchange for deposits of ETH and major liquid staking tokens. It serves DeFi users and institutions seeking rewards, with rsETH usable across lending protocols, DEXs, CEXs, and wallets.
Also known as Kelp · Kelp DAO
Investors · 1
Company profile
researched Aug 2026Kelp is a liquid restaking protocol built around rsETH, a liquid restaking token minted when users deposit ETH or major liquid staking tokens (LSTs). Depositors retain a liquid, transferable position while earning restaking rewards, with the protocol positioning rsETH as a one-click alternative to locking assets directly.
The protocol describes itself as operating on more than 10 chains and reports that rsETH is usable across DeFi protocols, decentralised exchanges, centralised exchanges and wallets. Kelp states that the protocol has undergone multiple third-party security audits and runs a bug bounty programme offering rewards of up to $250,000.
Business model
Users deposit ETH or major liquid staking tokens and receive rsETH, which represents the restaked position and accrues restaking rewards while remaining liquid and usable in external DeFi venues.
Traction
Kelp reports more than 300,000 users, over $300M of rsETH liquidity across lending protocols, optimisers and on-chain venues, and deployment on more than 10 chains.
▸Full profile — market position, technology, go-to-market, geography
Market position
Positions itself as a leading liquid restaking protocol, emphasising audited security, multi-chain availability and rsETH utility across DeFi protocols, DEXs, CEXs and wallets.
Emphasises one-click restaking from ETH and major LSTs, deep rsETH liquidity, broad integration coverage, multiple audits and a bug bounty of up to $250,000.
Technology
Smart-contract based restaking system that accepts ETH and LST deposits and issues rsETH, deployed across more than 10 chains and reviewed by multiple external auditors.
Go-to-market
DeFi users and institutions seeking rewards on ETH, described by the protocol as institutional-grade liquid restaking.
Geography
Operates as an on-chain protocol live on more than 10 blockchain networks.
Compiled by commissioned research from 1 cited public sources — announcements, filings, and press listed under research sources below.
Key figures
latest reportedCompany-reported or press-reported figures, each dated to when it was claimed — not independently audited.
▸Research sources · 1
primary sources listed
- Kernelkelpdao.xyz · web
1 public sources were cited for this profile; the first-party ones are listed here.
Frequently asked questions
- What does Kernel do?
- Kelp is a liquid restaking protocol that issues rsETH against deposits of ETH and major liquid staking tokens.
- Who are Kernel's investors?
- Kernel's investors include LongHash Ventures.