AXELAR

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.