The Flare Network is a new EVM-compatible layer-1 blockchain based around Avalanche, aiming to connect everything, including off-chain data and other layer-1 blockchains through their F-Asset, State Connector, and Layer Cake protocols. Flare officially launched in observation mode on July 13, 2022, prior to which it had been and continues to run a "canary" network known as Songbird.
Both the Songbird and Flare blockchains support many of the same features. Songbird is a live and fungible network, as opposed to a test/devnet, as its coins actually have real-world value.
One of my primary motivations for becoming involved in this space was that Flare/Songbird are both using a very efficient, low-carbon consensus algorithm. More efficient by far than Ethereum's Proof of Stake.
Flare as a whole is largely comprised of two seperate entities:
Flare Networks Limited Are the founders and are responsible for employment of core staff members, and the general maintenance of the project.
Flare Foundation The Flare Foundation is a Netherlands based non-profit organisation tasked with supporting the Flare ecosystem. One of its important roles is supporting clear and transparent governance within the ecosystem.