Description.
Axelar Network is a decentralized cross-chain interoperability protocol that securely connects 80+ blockchains, enabling institutions, developers, and users to transfer assets and execute messages across any chain with a single integration. Founded in 2020 by Georgios Vlachos and Sergey Gorbunov (both Algorand founding team members), the network has grown to 75+ validators with zero exploits and serves 300+ enterprise and protocol partners including JPMorgan Onyx, Circle, Uniswap, Microsoft, and MetaMask. The platform processes cross-chain asset transfers and powers multichain deployments for leading DeFi protocols and RWA platforms globally.
Axelar raised $93.8M across multiple funding rounds, achieving a $1B valuation in its Series B (February 2022) led by Dragonfly Capital and Polychain Capital. The network operates as a decentralized proof-of-stake chain using Cosmos SDK, with the AXL token serving staking and fee payment utility. In December 2025, Interop Labs (the original developer team) was acquired by Circle, but the Axelar Network and Foundation continue independently under community governance with Common Prefix now leading development. The platform has connected 60+ blockchains including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, Avalanche, Cosmos, Osmosis, and more, supporting institutional-grade asset tokenization through its Interchain Token Service (ITS).
Key Infrastructure.
Interchain Token Service (ITS)
Enterprise-grade tokenization platform enabling issuers to deploy stablecoins, RWAs, and funds across 80+ blockchains simultaneously. Features programmable compliance controls, KYC/AML integration points, automated liquidity routing, and real-time cross-chain distribution with built-in regulatory enforcement and token management capabilities
Axelar Virtual Machine (AVM)
Decentralized computation environment allowing developers to build and deploy cross-chain applications that execute generalized message passing between any connected blockchain networks. Supports Solidity and JavaScript SDKs for seamless dApp integration across the multichain ecosystem
General Message Passing (GMP)
Secure protocol enabling arbitrary data transmission and token transfers between smart contracts on different blockchains. Allows dApps to trigger actions on remote chains, enabling cross-chain swaps, governance voting, liquidations, and complex multichain financial workflows with cryptographic verification
Mobius Development Stack
Comprehensive developer suite providing chain abstraction, intent-based transactions, and multichain tokenization tools. Simplifies complex cross-chain development through unified APIs, reducing time-to-market for projects requiring multi-network deployment and liquidity aggregation across fragmented blockchain environments
Interchain Amplifier
Chain onboarding infrastructure that streamlines integration of new blockchain networks into the Axelar ecosystem. Provides standardized gateway deployment workflows, validator coordination mechanisms, and security audits ensuring new chains achieve network-wide connectivity within hours rather than months of custom integration development
Fullport
Institutional-grade trading gateway providing direct access to onchain liquidity venues including Hyperliquid. Enables secure order execution, portfolio rebalancing, and asset management across centralized and decentralized venues through single API integration with institutional-grade custody and compliance frameworks
Additional Features.
Satellite
Web app for cross-chain asset transfers. Supports wallet connection, address book, and real-time swaps across 80+ chains
Cross-chain Governance
Protocol enabling decentralized organizations like Uniswap to conduct voting and execute upgrades across multiple chains simultaneously
AxelarScan
Block explorer for tracking cross-chain transactions, validator activity, gas costs, and network health metrics across all chains
Validator Network
75+ validators securing cross-chain message verification through proof-of-stake consensus and cryptographic threshold signatures for all transactions
Enterprise Solutions
Custom integrations for institutional clients including dedicated support teams, SLA agreements, compliance reporting tools, and high-volume use cases
OpenBridge
Open standard protocol (ERC-7786) defining canonical cross-chain token transfer semantics for wallet, exchange, and dApp integration
