Gen3, a development group in the XRP Ledger (XRPL) ecosystem, has decided to withdraw from building retail-focused projects on the network. This move has sparked concern from Anodos Finance co-founder Panos Mekras, who publicly addressed the issue on X.
Mekras cites deepening challenges for XRPL builders
Panos Mekras, who co-founded Anodos Finance, described Gen3 co-founder Shen as one of the most significant contributors to the XRPL. Mekras expressed disappointment and worry regarding Gen3’s pivot away from retail, noting that Shen has consistently advocated for innovative project development within the network.
In his comments, Mekras emphasized that the problems extend beyond Gen3. He urged the broader XRPL community to address persistent challenges facing developers, especially those who build products for consumers.
Mekras explained that Shen had been “one of the most important builders and contributors in the XRPL ecosystem,” and warned that without improving conditions, it will be difficult to attract and retain new talent and projects.
He highlighted Shen’s latest remarks, where Gen3 pointed to limited support and a shortage of resources for teams aiming to innovate in the XRPL ecosystem.
Gen3’s leadership noted difficulties for startups without existing revenue streams or strong relationships with large organizations. The company found it challenging to sustain a retail-oriented business within the current XRPL environment.
Mekras agreed with Gen3’s assessment, arguing that if the ecosystem wants to foster growth, it needs to take these concerns seriously and provide tangible support for builders and startups.
Liquidity, talent drain, and infrastructure gaps cited
Mekras further raised alarms about other structural issues in the XRPL. He reported that more developers are leaving the ecosystem than joining, and that liquidity conditions remain inadequate to support robust project growth.
He also identified the ongoing need for improved developer tools and infrastructure. Mekras maintained that these resources are essential for entrepreneurs hoping to create sustainable businesses targeting everyday users.
Consumer-focused platforms, according to Mekras, are crucial for onboarding new participants to the XRPL. He asserted that developing infrastructure, while important, is not enough to reach mainstream adoption—practical, easily accessible applications are required.
Mini dictionary: Anodos Finance is a company focused on blockchain consulting and services, specializing in developing solutions for digital asset ecosystems.
Call for community recognition and action
Mekras stated that despite positive headlines about XRPL growth, the network faces “serious issues” that some are overlooking. He described the current phase as critical for the ecosystem’s health and longevity, and called on both the community and financial backers to acknowledge and address these gaps.
Mekras emphasized that “the ecosystem is slowly dying” and suggested that only with broader recognition can effective measures be put in place to support sustainable development for XRPL projects.
Moving forward, Mekras recommended that meaningful progress will start with an honest assessment—recognition of the challenges developers face and immediate support from the XRPL ecosystem’s leading organizations.
Despite Gen3’s shift away from new retail products, Shen said the company will continue to operate its dUNL validator and remain involved in XRPL’s technical progress.
Gen3, known as a validator operator and developer within the XRPL network, will still contribute technically without pursuing further retail-focused endeavors for the time being.
