{"id":"benjamin-jones","title":"Benjamin Jones","content":"**Benjamin Jones** is a co-founder of [Optimism](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) and a director of the [Optimism](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) [Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/foundation), where his work focuses on [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) scaling, interoperability, and decentralized governance design. He is a prominent voice in the [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) ecosystem, frequently speaking on the technical and strategic aspects of [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) rollups, the \"Superchain\" model, open-source development, and sustainable funding mechanisms for public goods. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-PZ6Jp03Vlpgch2HN)​\n\n## Education\n\nJones attended Northeastern University, where he graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Mathematics. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-n2KSmdFTTKmLb0zp)​\n\n## Career\n\nJones's career began in academia and technology before transitioning full-time to the blockchain industry. From 2014 to 2016, he worked as a tutor at InstaEDU, where he taught university-level courses in physics, calculus, and differential equations. In 2016, he gained experience in software development as a Microscopy Instrumentation and Software Developer at Quantum Diamond Technologies Inc. In this role, he developed code in MATLAB and LabVIEW for NV-center magnetometry systems and assisted with laboratory instrumentation and modeling. He entered the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) sector in 2017 as a [Blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) Associate at the venture capital firm Underscore VC, a position he held until 2018. Following this, he co-founded Plasma Group in 2018, an organization focused on researching [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) scaling solutions, where he remained until 2019. In December 2019, Jones co-founded [Optimism](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) PBC, initially serving as Co-Founder and Chief Scientist. He held this role until April 2022. Since May 2022, he has served as a Director at the [Optimism Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism). [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-sbMLYrWoAr2OOIqN)​\n\n## Interviews\n\n### Fireside with Miller\n\nIn an August 2025 fireside chat at the Pragma conference in New York, Jones joined Robert Miller of Flash Bots to discuss the evolving role of [rollups](https://iq.wiki/wiki/rollup) and the long-term trajectory of [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) scaling. Jones described the “Superchain” as a network of aligned [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) chains built with the [OP](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) Stack, designed to extend [Ethereum’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) security while significantly increasing throughput and enabling shared infrastructure across applications. He emphasized the strategic importance of open-source development, arguing that collaborative ecosystems are better positioned for sustainable growth than closed systems, especially as fintech companies begin launching their own chains. The conversation also explored competition between chains based on product utility rather than purely technical design, the economic implications of maximal extractable value (MEV), and the potential to redirect MEV toward user-aligned outcomes as the ecosystem matures. [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-F7kl6fdsnTVeLHHr) \n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=0h_d-7T1xcI)\n\n### Fireside with Cazador\n\nIn a February 2025 fireside chat at Stanford BASSLite, Jones spoke with Xochitl Cazador about the mission and evolution of [Optimism Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) and its efforts to scale [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum). He explained how [Optimism’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) work on [optimistic rollups](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimistic-rollup) and native interoperability is designed to reduce congestion and high fees while making [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) infrastructure increasingly invisible to end users. Jones also reflected on [Optimism’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) shift from a nonprofit research initiative to a more resourced organization capable of funding protocol development and public goods, emphasizing the importance of open-source collaboration and sustainable governance. The discussion addressed the unique governance constraints faced by [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) networks that rely on [Layer 1](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-1) dispute resolution, as well as the long-term goal of ensuring [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) ecosystems remain decentralized, user-friendly, and structurally aligned with public interest. [\\[7\\]](#cite-id-Dq6qAaQ1iw2PNpCA) \n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ36eua-YTk)\n\n### Scaling Ethereum\n\nIn a July 2024 interview on [The Defiant](https://iq.wiki/wiki/the-defiant), Jones discussed the evolution of [Optimism Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) and its role as a leading [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) network on [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum). He explained how [Optimism’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) “Superchain” vision aims to address congestion and high [gas](https://iq.wiki/wiki/gas) fees by enabling multiple interoperable chains to inherit [Ethereum’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) security while processing transactions in parallel, rather than relying on a single chain with limited throughput. Jones described the project’s transition from an early non-profit orientation to a more structured ecosystem supported by venture funding and the [OP](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) token, alongside a two-house governance model composed of a Token House and a Citizens’ House. The conversation also explored the technical distinctions between [optimistic rollups](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimistic-rollup) and [zero-knowledge rollups](https://iq.wiki/wiki/zk-rollup), the mechanics of cross-chain interoperability within the Superchain, and the role of retroactive public goods funding in sustaining development. He further compared [Optimism’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) multi-chain, collective approach with that of the [Arbitrum Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/arbitrum), emphasizing long-term scalability and [Ethereum’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) potential to support broader financial use cases. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-sEejAjZNQMdwEsGD) \n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=nmmAmIHNG8M)\n\n### Optimism’s Superchain\n\nIn a January 2025 interview with Empire, Jones outlined the strategy behind the [Optimism Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) and its “superchain” initiative, a coordinated network of [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) chains built to scale [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum). He explained that the superchain model is intended to increase throughput and reduce congestion by allowing multiple interoperable chains to share standards, security assumptions, and communication infrastructure, while contrasting it with the open-source [OP](https://iq.wiki/wiki/optimism) Stack, which offers greater customization but does not inherently align value capture or revenue sharing. Jones discussed efforts to improve cross-chain communication, streamline developer deployment, and create a more cohesive ecosystem for [decentralized applications](https://iq.wiki/wiki/decentralized-application) operating across multiple [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) environments. The interview also addressed the sustainability of funding models, the role of open-source contributors in advancing core protocol development, and longer-term goals of concentrating a significant share of [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) activity within interoperable [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) networks. He further noted the potential for AI tools to assist governance processes in [decentralized autonomous organizations](https://iq.wiki/wiki/dao), particularly in analyzing proposals and supporting more informed decision-making. [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-bqAlID7xl4yva1Gi) \n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=QbUApNzQwGM)","summary":"Benjamin Jones is a co-founder of Optimism and director of the Optimism Foundation. He focuses on Ethereum scaling solutions, governance design, and sustainable funding models for open-source development, such as the Superchain.","images":[{"id":"QmVtmnei4k1bF6V6wmnxcKKcCvhx9UemX8LFqvoMn65XjY","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}],"categories":[{"id":"people","title":"people"}],"tags":[{"id":"PeopleInDeFi"},{"id":"Founders"},{"id":"Developers"},{"id":"Speakers"}],"media":[{"id":"QmdoW84QNv2YKzXckKZa1xi14MxQCnQVzrTFdzM3fvaPHL","type":"GALLERY","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"Qmd91bN2rshRUnqHdpA1mKPrNSktoMUdPpqMvhE2GFqcED","type":"GALLERY","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmV79pfobLTQG7HEBWXgKdonyhAwWbYsx4Nd8TgwzYKfHW","type":"GALLERY","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmW7H7LXphWg5Af74VT1NvYmuuiuPdW2kgbFWUrF3EQbiD","type":"GALLERY","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmeRLf8665TojChvGChZCTf1Seyve1PdWYmAcdx6VmLwVj","type":"GALLERY","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h_d-7T1xcI","size":"0","name":"0h_d-7T1xcI","type":null,"source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ36eua-YTk","size":"0","name":"ZZ36eua-YTk","type":null,"source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbUApNzQwGM","size":"0","name":"QbUApNzQwGM","type":null,"source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmmAmIHNG8M","size":"0","name":"nmmAmIHNG8M","type":null,"source":"YOUTUBE"}],"metadata":[{"id":"references","value":"[\n  {\n    \"id\": \"PZ6Jp03Vlpgch2HN\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.optimism.io/\",\n    \"description\": \"Optimism official website\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1771595236371\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"n2KSmdFTTKmLb0zp\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-jones-381943107/\",\n    \"description\": \"LinkedIn profile of Benjamin Jones\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1771595236371\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"sbMLYrWoAr2OOIqN\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-jones-381943107/details/experience/\",\n    \"description\": \"Experience section of Benjamin Jones's LinkedIn profile\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1771595236371\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"sEejAjZNQMdwEsGD\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmmAmIHNG8M\",\n    \"description\": \"Interview with Benjamin Jones on The Defiant\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1771595236371\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"F7kl6fdsnTVeLHHr\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h\\\\_d-7T1xcI\",\n    \"description\": \"Fireside chat with Ben Jones and Robert Miller at Pragma NY 2025\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1771595236371\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"bqAlID7xl4yva1Gi\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbUApNzQwGM\",\n    \"description\": \"Benjamin Jones and Ryan Wyatt on the Empire podcast\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1771595236371\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"Dq6qAaQ1iw2PNpCA\",\n    \"url\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZ36eua-YTk\",\n    \"description\": \"Fireside Chat at BASSLite Devcon with Benjamin Jones\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1771595236371\n  },\n  {\n    \"id\": \"F6dJ2gWTekFTXzAa\",\n    \"url\": \"https://x.com/ben\\\\_chain\",\n    \"description\": \"X/Twitter profile of Benjamin Jones\",\n    \"timestamp\": 1771595236371\n  }\n]"},{"id":"linkedin_profile","value":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-jones-381943107/"},{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://x.com/ben_chain"},{"id":"commit-message","value":"\"Added wiki page for Benjamin Jones\""}],"events":[{"id":"83ec9b40-e20c-4bfc-ae6a-335a275dce4c","date":"2018-05","title":"Graduated from Northeastern University","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from Northeastern University.","link":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-jones-381943107/","multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"982f7728-13a6-4688-a574-e9df6dc28b94","date":"2018-01","title":"Co-founded Plasma Group","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Co-founded Plasma Group, a blockchain research organization focused on Ethereum scaling solutions.","link":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-jones-381943107/details/experience/","multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"19e39a22-4788-4568-b01c-660fd7c5503a","date":"2019-12","title":"Co-founded Optimism PBC","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Co-founded Optimism PBC, serving as Co-Founder and Chief Scientist to develop Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solutions.","link":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-jones-381943107/details/experience/","multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"da2fa15a-2981-412b-80f4-35812c02006c","date":"2022-05","title":"Became Director at Optimism Foundation","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Transitioned to the role of Director at the Optimism Foundation, focusing on governance and ecosystem growth.","link":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-jones-381943107/details/experience/","multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null},{"id":"d0148b5c-90ea-458e-970e-3e5dc7edd96d","date":"2025-08","title":"Fireside Chat at Pragma New York","type":"DEFAULT","description":"Participated in a fireside chat with Robert Miller of Flashbots to discuss the Superchain, MEV, and the future of Ethereum scaling.","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h_d-7T1xcI","multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"continent":null,"country":null}],"user":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"author":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"operator":{"id":"0xacb6c5AD52b8f605299B0d774CE97F26e3DB80c2"},"language":"en","version":1,"linkedWikis":{"blockchains":["optimism"],"founders":[],"speakers":[]}}