A Spotlight on Stake Pools: StakePool24/7 [EU01]

Exploring the stake pool’s history, ecosystem contributions, and lasting impact

Cardano’s ecosystem thrives on the integral contributions of stake pool operators (SPOs), who provide tools, support, and innovations that drive network resilience. The Foundation’s “A Spotlight on Stake Pools” series highlights SPOs worldwide, seeking to showcase their unique challenges, opportunities, motivations, and successes.

Last time, we featured Robert Phair, operator of the Centre for Open Systems Deployment [COSD] stake pool. During the discussion, Phair shared exciting insights on the open-source Frankenwallet while detailing his frequent contributions to the Developer Portal and the Cardano Improvement Proposal (CIP) process.

We now showcase Lauris, operator of StakePool24/7 [EU01], exploring his reasons for championing Cardano and his long-term involvement in the ecosystem. The conversation further delves into how the Foundation’s delegation supports essential projects and the resulting impact of the pool's community contributions.

Why did you become a stake pool operator?

My journey to becoming a stake pool operator (SPO) began with my early involvement in Cardano, where I was captivated by its innovative vision and robust foundation. The Cardano platform, with its scientifically rigorous approach and commitment to solving real-world problems through blockchain technology, immediately resonated with me. I saw immense potential in its goals to enhance security, scalability, and sustainability in the crypto space, distinguishing itself from other blockchain projects.

Participating in the early stages allowed me to witness the platform's evolution and the vibrant community's growth. I was particularly impressed by the transparent and research-driven development process, which reinforced my confidence in Cardano's long-term viability. This inspired me to contribute more actively to the ecosystem.

Running a pool on the Cardano testnet was a pivotal experience. It provided me with invaluable technical insights and hands-on experience, reinforcing my belief in the network's infrastructure and my ability to manage a stake pool effectively. The testnet experience helped to sharpen my skills in node operation, network security, and delegation strategies, preparing me for the mainnet's challenges.

Beyond technical engagement, I also created YouTube videos to guide and support other stake pool operators. These videos were aimed at demystifying the setup process, sharing best practices, and fostering a community of knowledgeable operators. Additionally, I run a Telegram support group dedicated to stake pool operators, providing a platform for real-time assistance, troubleshooting, and sharing updates.

What is the mission of your stake pool?

In addition to promoting decentralization, my stake pool is deeply committed to cultivating a collaborative and supportive environment for fellow stake pool operators. I understand the complexities and challenges involved in running a stake pool, and I strive to share my expertise and resources to aid both new and seasoned operators. By creating educational content, including YouTube videos and comprehensive guides, I aim to simplify the technicalities of stake pool operations. My Telegram support group acts as an interactive space where SPOs can receive immediate help, exchange insights, and keep abreast of the latest updates within the Cardano ecosystem.

Can you give us a brief history of your stake pool?

My stake pool, EU01, has a rich history rooted in the early development of Cardano. Established during the Incentivized Test Network (ITN) phase, EU01 was among the pioneering pools that helped shape the future of Cardano's proof-of-stake consensus. This early involvement provided me with invaluable experience and insights into the network's infrastructure and operation.

In addition to running the stake pool, I have actively contributed to the Cardano community through various leadership roles. I served as a board member of the Stake Pool Operator Association (SPOCRA), where I worked alongside other dedicated operators to advocate for the interests of SPOs and ensure the network's health and decentralization.

My commitment to the community extended to my role as a Catalyst Circle Member, representing SPOs and participating in governance discussions to influence the direction of the Cardano ecosystem. This experience deepened my understanding of the community's needs and the importance of collaborative decision-making.

Recognizing the need for reliable infrastructure, I created and provided cSnapshot.io, a Cardano snapshot download service that has been a valuable resource for other operators. This service has helped streamline operations and improve efficiency across the network.

As an early YouTube content creator, I produced educational videos to guide new and aspiring stake pool operators. These videos aimed to demystify the technical aspects of running a pool and share best practices, contributing to a more knowledgeable and capable community.

Furthermore, I manage a Telegram support channel dedicated to stake pool operators. This channel offers real-time assistance, fosters idea exchange, and keeps operators informed about the latest developments within the Cardano ecosystem.

How did the Cardano Foundation delegation impact your stake pool operation?

One of the most immediate impacts was the ability to sustain and enhance the cSnapshot.io service. The Cardano Foundation's delegation brought additional rewards, which were instrumental in managing the high traffic generated by cSnapshot.io. cSnapshot.io has become a vital resource for the Cardano community, providing reliable snapshot downloads essential for various operational needs. The additional delegation ensured that this service could continue running smoothly, maintaining its reliability and performance standards without interruptions.

Did the Cardano Foundation delegation enable you to build or improve tools/projects/open-source repositories?

The Cardano Foundation delegation enabled me to completely rewrite and rebuild the cSnapshot.io website using React, significantly enhancing its usability and performance. This redevelopment made the service more accessible and efficient for public use, and I also published the code on GitHub, making it open-source for the Cardano community to benefit from and contribute to.

How would you summarize your contributions to the Cardano ecosystem?

My contributions to the Cardano ecosystem have been multifaceted, encompassing the development of tools (including scripts and cSnapshot.io), SPO community support (on Telegram, the Cardano Forum, Discord, and more), and leadership (including as a board member of SPOCRA and a Catalyst Circle Member).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Looking ahead, I am eager to continue my work and contribute even more to the community. While some of my development investments have slowed due to current market conditions, I remain optimistic about the future. I believe that Cardano has a promising trajectory and that its community will continue to grow and thrive.

To learn more about StakePool24/7 [EU01], visit the website and X (formerly Twitter) account or join the Telegram group.

The Cardano Foundation encourages all operators to submit the SPO notification form. Completing this form ensures that SPOs receive updates on the newest operator tools, upcoming delegation rounds, on-chain governance developments, and other pertinent information.