Rollup stacks combine multiple transactions off-chain and post compressed data on Ethereum to boost speed and cut costs. Usually, building strong developer relationships is key for adoption, but some rollup stacks find success without a formal DevRel team. This raises a few questions: How do they attract users and builders? What keeps their community engaged without the usual outreach? And what could crypto founders and VCs learn from their approach?

This post sheds light on how a rollup stack can grow effectively with limited DevRel resources and why it matters for blockchain founders and web3 leaders watching the space closely. Understanding this could shape your strategy, whether you're launching your own stack or backing one.

Understanding Rollup Stacks: Architecture and Key Features

Rollups have become a cornerstone in scaling Ethereum without sacrificing security. But how exactly do they function under the hood, and what makes their design flexible enough to serve diverse blockchain applications? This section breaks down the key architecture and features of rollup stacks, giving you a clear picture of why they perform so well — even without dedicated developer relations teams. Understanding these basics will also help you appreciate the innovations happening around modularity and cross-chain compatibility.

How Rollups Achieve Scalability and Security

At their core, rollups solve a pressing problem: Ethereum’s base layer can only process around 15-20 transactions per second, far behind networks like Visa. Rollups handle this by aggregating or batching multiple transactions off-chain, then posting a compressed summary or proof back on Ethereum’s mainnet.

Here’s how rollups keep Ethereum secure and fast:

  • Transaction aggregation: Instead of every detail being executed on Ethereum, rollups bundle many transactions together. This significantly lowers the amount of data and computation the base layer must deal with for each transaction.
  • Validity and fraud proofs: There are two main methods rollups use to validate transactions:
    • Optimistic Rollups assume transactions are valid by default. But if someone spots a bad transaction, they can submit a fraud proof to challenge it within a set dispute window.
    • ZK-Rollups (Zero-Knowledge Rollups) generate cryptographic proofs to directly verify transaction correctness on-chain, removing the need for dispute windows and speeding up finality.
  • Inheriting Layer 1 security: By posting proofs or compressed data on Ethereum’s mainnet, rollups rely on Ethereum’s decentralized consensus for security. This means rollups benefit from the same level of trust without overloading the base layer.

Think of rollups as a busy highway’s carpool lanes — grouping vehicles (transactions) to move more efficiently while still relying on the main road’s policing and rules (Ethereum’s security).

The Role of Modularity and Interoperability

The rollup ecosystem is evolving beyond a one-size-fits-all solution by embracing modularity and interoperability to meet different needs and use cases.

  • Modular design: Instead of bundling execution, consensus, data availability, and settlement into one chain, rollups separate these functions. This lets each layer focus on what it does best, making it easier to scale and innovate. For example, some rollups rely on dedicated data availability layers, freeing execution layers to operate faster with less overhead.
  • Superchains and multi-chain interoperability: Rollups don’t exist in isolation. Modern solutions pursue superchains — interconnected rollups sharing sequencing or consensus layers — and cross-chain messaging protocols to exchange data and assets smoothly. This helps projects avoid fragmentation and unlocks complex, multi-chain dApps.
  • Enterprise and enterprise-grade use cases: Modular rollups allow companies to customize their blockchain stack according to compliance, throughput, or privacy needs while still tapping into Ethereum’s security. This adaptability makes rollups suitable for a broad range of applications, from DeFi to supply chain tracking.

The ecosystem now includes tools and protocols like LayerZero, Hyperlane, and shared sequencers, which enable rollups to communicate and operate cohesively. This means you can build across chains without losing security or composability, much like how APIs enable different software to work together.

In short, modularity and interoperability give rollup stacks flexibility and reach. They don’t just add layers of speed — they create a network of connected, scalable environments ready for the next generation of blockchain applications.

The Traditional Importance of DevRel in Web3 Projects

In the world of Web3, developer relations (DevRel) has long been seen as a cornerstone of success. Building and maintaining strong ties with developers and the broader community has traditionally been the fastest route for blockchain projects to grow their ecosystems. These teams work to reduce confusion around complex tech, support integrations, and foster trust — all crucial elements when the landscape is still finding its footing.

DevRel often acts like a bridge between the technical core of a project and the users who build on it, making sure that innovations don’t stay locked behind complex concepts or scattered documentation. This section explores the classic reasoning why so many rollup projects invest heavily in DevRel and what drives that commitment.

Why Most Rollup Projects Invest in DevRel

Why do most blockchains build big DevRel teams? The answer lies in the multiple, interlocking goals these teams champion:

  • Adoption: New developer tools and frameworks can be intimidating. DevRel teams create educational content, tutorials, and starter kits to ease onboarding. They help lower the learning curve so developers can build confidently and quickly.
  • Trust: In decentralized environments where governance and funds are on the line, trust is critical. Active DevRel teams engage with their communities openly, defending the project’s vision and addressing concerns in real time.
  • Integration Support: Rollups often need to connect with wallets, dApps, infrastructure, and other blockchains. DevRel teams guide developers through integration challenges, troubleshooting roadblocks, and ensuring their tools work well in diverse contexts.
  • Partnership Growth: Strong developer communities attract not just builders but also partners and collaborators. DevRel fosters relationships with third-party projects and industry players, expanding opportunities and accelerating ecosystem growth.

Think of a DevRel team as both a tour guide and a translator for a complex city. They point developers toward the best routes, explain the signs, and ensure everyone gets the most out of their journey.

For rollup projects, especially those aiming to scale quickly, establishing a well-staffed DevRel team is often considered non-negotiable. These teams serve as the catalysts that help transform raw technology into accessible, usable platforms that appeal to developers, investors, and the community alike.

But what happens when a rollup stack chooses to sidestep this established wisdom? That’s where innovation in approach—and this article—comes into play.

How This Rollup Stack Wins Without DevRel

Some would say developer relations (DevRel) is essential in blockchain projects to guide builders, provide support, and grow communities. Yet, this rollup stack proves that you can attract and retain developer interest without a formal DevRel team. The secret lies in creating a product and ecosystem so clear, strong, and reliable that developers find their own way and thrive. Let’s explore how this happens through product-led growth, community-driven effects, and technical excellence.

Product-Led Growth and Developer Self-Service

How do developers learn and succeed when there’s no dedicated DevRel to hold their hand? The answer starts with treating the product itself as the main teacher and enabler. This rollup stack invests heavily in technical documentation that is detailed yet understandable, paired with simple, well-designed APIs that minimize friction during integration.

A few factors stand out:

  • Automated onboarding: Developers get started with minimal manual intervention, using SDKs, CLI tools, and example projects that work right out of the box.
  • Robust SDKs available in popular languages reduce the mental load. Instead of figuring out protocol details, devs can focus on building.
  • Clear, step-by-step guides break complex concepts into actionable chunks.
  • Interactive tutorials and playgrounds invite experimentation, encouraging learning by doing.

This setup respects the developer’s time and need for autonomy. The stack invests in letting developers be self-sufficient explorers rather than rely on human intermediaries. The result? Developers gain confidence quickly, solving problems on their own terms without waiting for DevRel support.

Ecosystem Effects: Community and Third-Party Platforms

Without an official DevRel team, organic growth depends on enthusiastic community members, partners, and third-party platforms stepping in. This rollup stack benefits from an ecosystem where:

  • Early adopters share experiences and tutorials on forums, Discord, and social channels.
  • Rollups-as-a-Service providers package and customize the stack for niche use cases, expanding reach.
  • Integrations by external projects (wallets, oracles, dApps) create a web of tools that reinforce each other.
  • Community-led hackathons and bounties spark innovation without centralized coordination.

These partners and users form a natural network effect. The stack’s openness and composability invite hands-on champions to organically evangelize and extend the project. Rather than scripted DevRel campaigns, this growth thrives on authentic, motivated collaboration. It’s the difference between a passionate club and a sales pitch.

Technical Excellence and Reliability

Why do builders trust a rollup stack that doesn’t have people ready to answer questions 24/7? Trust here comes from technical strength and proven reliability:

  • Robust infrastructure ensures uptime and fast transaction processing.
  • Thorough security audits and transparent protocols give developers confidence to build financial applications without fear.
  • Compatibility with Ethereum tooling and other chains means developers don’t have to learn everything from scratch.
  • The stack’s modular yet battle-tested components reduce surprises and bugs.

Developers prioritize stability over flash. They want a foundation they can count on, especially for projects handling real value. The stack’s solid technical reputation builds word-of-mouth credibility. When builders see others succeeding, they join without needing handholding from DevRel.

This rollup stack shows that by focusing on excellent documentation, self-service tools, a supportive ecosystem, and rock-solid technology, it’s possible to win developer trust and adoption without a formal DevRel team. The approach demands discipline and deep product care, but the payoff is a motivated community that grows itself.

Lessons for Founders and VCs: Rethinking GTM for Rollup Startups

For founders and VCs backing rollup startups, traditional go-to-market (GTM) tactics around developer relations (DevRel) may not always be the best fit. Successful rollups don’t just sell technology; they build ecosystems. But not every startup needs a full-scale DevRel team from day one, and investing too early or too late can waste resources or miss opportunity. Instead, the decision to invest in DevRel should hinge on clear markers tied to traction, product strengths, and community momentum.

Understanding when to build a dedicated DevRel function versus leaning on other growth models is critical. While the classic formula calls for boots-on-the-ground developer evangelists and community builders, emerging rollup stacks challenge that approach. Let’s explore how to judge whether a DevRel investment is right for your project by looking at key criteria.

When to Invest in DevRel and When Not To

Deciding if a rollup startup should prioritize DevRel depends on a few practical markers. Here are the core factors founders and investors should evaluate before scaling DevRel resources:

  • Traction Stage
    • Early or Pre-Product-Market Fit
      At this phase, teams should focus on refining the product and validating market fit rather than investing heavily in DevRel. The energy is better spent on improving SDKs, documentation, APIs, and user onboarding flows to reduce friction. If developers struggle to get up and running, no DevRel team can fully compensate.
    • Post-Product-Market Fit with Growing Developer Interest
      Once organic demand grows and usage spikes, a dedicated DevRel team becomes valuable to nurture the expanding developer base. They help reduce onboarding bottlenecks, foster community, and empower early adopters to evangelize. Tracking developer activation, retention, and engagement metrics will indicate when it’s time to invest.
  • Product Strengths
    • Self-Service, User-Friendly Tools
      When the product offers intuitive, well-documented APIs and self-guided onboarding that “just work,” teams can delay hiring a large DevRel staff. Developers become self-sufficient explorers, reducing dependency on human support.
    • Complex, Custom or Emerging Protocols
      If your stack involves novel cryptography, hard-to-understand concepts, or requires extensive integration with other chains, DevRel is essential to guide developers effectively. Here, empathetic communication and hands-on support reduce frustration and accelerate adoption.
  • Community Momentum
    • Existing Vibrant Community
      If your project has a passionate grassroots community actively sharing knowledge, building tutorials, and hosting events, a small core DevRel team can supercharge growth. They coordinate efforts, amplify contributions, and maintain a positive feedback loop.
    • No or Slow Community Growth
      If community buzz is weak or inactive, building a DevRel presence first can be costly and inefficient. Instead, focus on product improvements and organic proof points that spark interest naturally before investing in outreach.
  • Market and Ecosystem Context
    • Highly Competitive or Fast-Moving Space
      In environments crowded with alternatives, active DevRel presence differentiates your stack. It helps establish relationships early and builds trust. For example, complex rollup or Layer-2 startups in crypto often need DevRel to navigate fragmented tooling and integrations.
    • Niche or Specialized Use Cases
      Some rollups target industries with fewer but deep integrations. Here, DevRel may take on a more focused role, supporting a small set of power users or partners rather than broad developer outreach.

In summary: Avoid rushing into building a DevRel team just because others do. Assess your product’s readiness, the organic developer response, and where the community stands. Match your DevRel investment to clear signs of traction and complexity to use your resources wisely.

Here’s a quick checklist to guide your decision:

  1. Has your product reached a stage where developer adoption is climbing steadily?
  2. Does your tech require hands-on support because of its complexity?
  3. Is your community active and producing organic content or events without much prompting?
  4. Is marketplace competition demanding direct developer engagement to win mindshare?
  5. Can self-service tools and documentation handle early onboarding needs effectively?

If you answer yes to most, it’s time to build or grow your DevRel team. If no, prioritize strengthening your product fidelity and onboarding experience first. This phased approach keeps your GTM lean, focused, and aligned with real demand.

Rethinking GTM this way ensures founders and VCs invest where it actually matters for scaling rollup startups efficiently, without wasting headcount or budget on premature outreach. It’s about knowing when DevRel is a catalyst versus a distraction—and acting accordingly.

Conclusion

This rollup stack’s success without a formal DevRel team shows that strong technical foundations and clear, self-service tools can drive developer adoption on their own. When documentation is thorough, SDKs are reliable, and the ecosystem invites collaboration, developers find their way naturally.

Network effects emerge from engaged community members and third-party platforms instead of centralized outreach. Builders trust solutions that prove stable, secure, and easy to integrate, sometimes more than a traditional DevRel presence.

Crypto founders and VCs should assess whether their product and community can sustain organic growth before investing heavily in DevRel. Could refining your documentation or focusing on developer autonomy unlock growth without extra headcount? The right time to add DevRel depends on your traction, complexity, and community momentum.

This approach doesn’t replace DevRel but offers a thoughtful alternative for early or lean rollup projects aiming to build trust through product excellence and natural ecosystem growth. Consider your strategy carefully as you prepare to scale.