LayerZero Labs

What LayerZero Labs does

LayerZero Labs Ltd., founded in 2021 and headquartered in Vancouver, BC, builds omnichain interoperability infrastructure that enables secure cross-chain messaging and asset transfers across 165+ blockchains. Its core LayerZero V2 protocol uses configurable Decentralized Verifier Networks (DVNs) — a stack of required and optional verifiers (including Google Cloud and Polyhedra) with an X-of-Y-of-N security threshold per source-destination pathway — combined with Ultra-Light Node verification via Oracles and Relayers, a modular Endpoint v2 architecture, and an omnichain OFT token standard that underpins products such as Stargate (cross-chain liquidity transport) and USDt0 (Tether's multichain stablecoin). In February 2026, the company announced Zero, a Layer-1 blockchain targeting 2M transactions per second via zero-knowledge proofs and a heterogeneous architecture, co-designed with Citadel Securities, DTCC, ICE, Google Cloud, and ARK Invest.

LayerZero's customer base spans DeFi protocols and Web3 applications (Stargate, Ondo, Sky, Hex Trust, Dinari, Oxbridge Re), institutional finance (Citadel Securities, DTCC, ICE, Mastercard, Goldman Sachs via Canton Network), tokenization and RWA issuers (Ondo, Franklin Templeton, Wyoming Stable Token Commission), L1/L2 ecosystems (Cardano, IOTA, XRP Ledger, Robinhood Chain), and a broad developer community integrating via the LayerZero CLI, OFT/OApp standards, and a $15M Immunefi bug bounty program. The company employs 51-100 staff across Vancouver, NYC, Hong Kong, and Tokyo.

The business model is primarily transaction-fee based through Stargate and OFT volume, with a protocol-level fee switch not yet activated that, when enabled, would represent a material revaluation event. Revenue capture is also being extended via enterprise and institutional infrastructure deals around the upcoming Zero blockchain, which combine strategic equity investment (Tether, Citadel Securities, ARK Invest) with planned capital-markets, settlement, and tokenized-collateral services. Go-to-market combines API-first developer self-serve onboarding with enterprise field sales in NYC, Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, supplemented by strategic channel partnerships with Google Cloud, DTCC, ICE, and Mastercard for institutional distribution.

Name

LayerZero Labs

Legal name

LayerZero Labs Ltd.

Website

https://layerzero.network

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

LayerZero Labs develops omnichain interoperability infrastructure enabling cross-chain messaging and asset transfers across 165+ blockchains. It serves DeFi protocols, institutional finance firms including Citadel, DTCC, and ICE, tokenized-asset issuers, and developers via the V2 protocol, OFT standard, Stargate, and the upcoming Zero blockchain.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Blockchain Interoperability Infrastructure

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Financial Transactions Processing, Reserve, and Clearinghouse Activities (522320), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182)

SIC

Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services (6200), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies (6211)

akta.pro primary industry

Interoperability & Cross-Chain Messaging (bridges, IBC, messaging, routing) (FSAPAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cross-Chain Developer Tooling (messaging SDKs, relayers, interoperability APIs) (FSAPABAF), Oracles, Data Feeds & Attestations (price feeds, randomness, proofs) (FSAPAAAI), Protocol Security, Monitoring & Risk Tooling (audits, formal verification, analytics) (FSAPAAAL)

Keywords

• Cross-chain interoperability
• Omnichain messaging protocol
• Decentralized verifier networks
• Blockchain infrastructure software
• Tokenized asset transfer

Headquarters

HQ city

Vancouver

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

1. Protocol / network fees (fee switch pending): LayerZero currently operates without an activated protocol-level fee switch; the network processes large transaction volumes (over $200B historical, ~$260B reported in mid-2026) but value capture is deferred until the fee switch is enabled, after which protocol revenue is expected to drive a revaluation event.
2. Stargate cross-chain liquidity transfer fees: Stargate Finance, the fully composable liquidity transport protocol at the heart of omnichain DeFi, generates transaction-based revenue from cross-chain asset swaps routed through LayerZero endpoints.
3. Enterprise / institutional infrastructure deals (Zero blockchain): Strategic investments and integration revenue from financial-institution partners (Citadel Securities, DTCC, ICE, ARK Invest, Tether) supporting the launch of the Zero blockchain for trading, settlement, tokenized collateral, and agentic finance — combining equity/token investment with enterprise-grade infrastructure services.
4. Stablecoin / OFT volume-driven economics (USDt0): LayerZero infrastructure underpins USDt0, a multichain stablecoin that processed over $70B in cross-chain value transfers in under twelve months; revenue is tied to the growth of OFT-based stablecoin and tokenized asset flows across 165+ chains.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion5 records

Distribution channels5 records

Core offering

LayerZero Labs develops an omnichain interoperability protocol that enables decentralized applications to send messages, transfer assets, and coordinate state across 165+ blockchains through configurable Decentralized Verifier Networks (DVNs), an Endpoint V2 smart-contract architecture, and the OFT token standard. Its product suite includes Stargate (a composable cross-chain liquidity transport protocol built on LayerZero) and Zero (a high-throughput Layer-1 blockchain targeting 2M TPS via zero-knowledge proofs, designed in partnership with Citadel Securities, DTCC, ICE, and Google Cloud for institutional finance).

Product overview

LayerZero Labs offers a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on the LayerZero omnichain interoperability protocol. The core LayerZero protocol provides secure cross-chain messaging via configurable Decentralized Verifier Networks (DVNs), which is the foundational platform. On top of this core, the OFT (Omnichain Fungible Token) standard and OApp (Omnichain Application) standard allow developers to build token and application modules that move freely across chains. Stargate operates as a composable liquidity transport protocol built on LayerZero for cross-chain asset movement, while Zero is a newly announced blockchain architecture that extends the LayerZero ecosystem. Together these products form an integrated stack for omnichain DeFi, tokenized real-world assets, and application development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Zero: A new Layer-1 blockchain architecture designed for high-frequency financial transactions and global market infrastructure, targeting institutional finance. Launched in February 2026.
• Stargate

Products and services

• LayerZero Interoperability Protocol Core omnichain interoperability protocol enabling secure cross-chain messaging, asset issuance, and asset transfer across 165+ blockchains via configurable Decentralized Verifier Networks (DVNs), Endpoint V2 smart contracts, Ultra-Light Nodes, Oracles, Relayers, and the OFT token standard. Targets developers and institutions building omnichain applications.
• Stargate Fully composable cross-chain liquidity transport protocol built on LayerZero, enabling cross-chain asset swaps and unified liquidity routing across chains. Powers omnichain DeFi for stablecoin issuers, DEXs, and DeFi protocols.
• Zero Blockchain Layer-1 blockchain architecture designed for high-frequency financial transactions, targeting institutional finance, global market infrastructure, settlement workflows, tokenized collateral, agentic finance, and 24/7 markets at NYSE-level scale.

Named customers26 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered major and flagship.

• XRP Ledger (Ripple)majorTechnology or Integration · 19 June 2026XRP Ledger version 3.2.0 integrated Axelar and LayerZero protocols to enable cross-chain DeFi interoperability with Solana and Ethereum without centralized intermediaries, including regulatory compliance tools.
• CardanomajorTechnology or Integration · 14 June 2026Cardano integrated LayerZero to connect with 160+ blockchains, alongside Circle's USDCx stablecoin (36% market share) and Grant Thornton Switzerland's first on-chain financial audit using the Cardano Foundation's Reeve framework.
• Hex TrustmajorTechnology or Integration · 17 April 2026Hex Trust launched 1:1-backed Wrapped XRP (wXRP) on the Solana blockchain using LayerZero's OFT standard for cross-chain bridging; over $100M in initial liquidity and integrations with Phantom, Jupiter, Titan Exchange, and Meteora.
• Canton Network (with Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, DTCC)flagshipTechnology or Integration · 26 March 2026LayerZero integrated with the Canton Network — a Goldman Sachs-backed institutional blockchain (also supported by Microsoft and DTCC) — enabling secure and compliant tokenized asset routing across multiple blockchains; Canton processes over $350B in daily U.S. Treasury repo volume.
• Oxbridge Re / SurancePlusmajorTechnology or Integration · 13 March 2026Integrated with LayerZero to enable cross-chain compatibility for the SurancePlus T20/T42 tokenized reinsurance offerings (targeting 20% and 42% annual returns), expanding access beyond Solana to Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, and others via the Alphaledger platform; raised around $9M total.
• MastercardflagshipOthers · 10 March 2026Mastercard's Crypto Partner Program brings together 100+ crypto-native companies including LayerZero to integrate digital assets with established card rails and global commerce flows, building on Mastercard's Start Path and Engage platforms.
• ARK InvestflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 February 2026ARK Invest made an equity investment in LayerZero and CEO Cathie Wood joined LayerZero's advisory board, calling it the best opportunity she has seen for the shift toward on-chain finance. ARK's Bitcoin-related commentary has also referenced LayerZero.
• TetherflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2026Strategic investor in LayerZero Labs (announced Feb 10, 2026), with collaboration integrating LayerZero's infrastructure with Tether's Wallet Development Kit (WDK) to support cross-chain transfer of real-world assets and power USDt0/XAUt0 stablecoins — over $70B in cross-chain USDt0 transfers processed within 12 months.
• Citadel SecuritiesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2026Strategic investor in the ZRO token and launch partner for the Zero blockchain, exploring its use for high-frequency trading, clearing, and settlement; Zero is scheduled to launch in fall 2026 with 2M TPS targeting.
• The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2026Strategic partner for the Zero blockchain, exploring global market infrastructure, settlement workflows, and tokenized collateral. DTCC is also a backer of the Canton Network, which integrated LayerZero.
• Intercontinental Exchange (ICE)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2026Strategic partner for the Zero blockchain, with applications spanning trading and settlement workflows, AI agent micropayments, and 24/7 tokenized collateral trading. ICE is the parent of the New York Stock Exchange.
• Google CloudflagshipTechnology or Integration · 10 February 2026Google Cloud is a required DVN in LayerZero's default security stack (Default Send and Receive A) and a strategic partner for the Zero blockchain launch; LayerZero's DVN documentation explicitly lists Google Cloud as a default verifier for many pathways.
• Robinhood Chain (Robinhood Markets)majorTechnology or Integration · 10 February 2026Robinhood's Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 (built on Arbitrum Orbit/Nitro) integrates LayerZero alongside Alchemy and Chainlink as infrastructure partners; testnet processed 4M transactions and 600K+ smart contracts in its first week.
• Stargate (acquisition)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 February 2026LayerZero's acquisition of Stargate represents a viable crypto-native M&A mechanic highlighted in Galaxy's 2026 M&A analysis; Stargate is the fully composable liquidity transport protocol at the heart of omnichain DeFi, fully integrated with LayerZero.
• DinarimajorTechnology or Integration · 20 November 2025Dinari integrated LayerZero to enable transfer and settlement of tokenized U.S. equities across multiple blockchains, expanding to four chains initially with broader ecosystem coverage planned.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• Chainlink (CCIP): Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) is the most direct competitor to LayerZero for cross-chain messaging, and became the primary beneficiary of post-KelpDAO protocol migrations (over $3B in TVL moved). Both target institutional-grade security with configurable verification, but Chainlink leverages the existing Chainlink oracle network and LINK token economics.
• Wormhole: Wormhole is a cross-chain messaging protocol connecting 30+ blockchains via guardian nodes, directly competing with LayerZero for omnichain app and bridge workloads. Acquired by Jump Crypto and now operating under Wormhole Foundation, it is one of the longest-standing interoperability protocols and a frequent substitute referenced in post-KelpDAO migration announcements.
• Celer Network (cBridge): cBridge is Celer Network's cross-chain liquidity network supporting token transfers and messaging across 30+ chains. It is directly comparable to LayerZero's bridging and message-passing capabilities and competes for the same DeFi and enterprise use cases targeting unified cross-chain liquidity.
• Axelar: Axelar is a cross-chain communication protocol offering general message-passing and token transfers across 50+ chains via a Proof-of-Stake validator set. Directly comparable to LayerZero's DVN-based architecture, and recently integrated alongside LayerZero by XRP Ledger 3.2.0 — illustrating the overlap in target customers.
• Across Protocol: Across is an optimistic cross-chain bridge using a relayer + UMA oracle model, focused primarily on fast, cheap token bridging between EVM chains. It is a direct competitor to LayerZero for cross-chain asset transfer use cases and was listed among the post-KelpDAO migration candidates.
• Connext: Connext is a modular cross-chain messaging and bridging protocol using a router-based liquidity network for asset and calldata transfer. It is directly comparable to LayerZero's OApp framework and competes for the same omnichain application developer mindshare.
• deBridge: deBridge is a cross-chain interoperability protocol focused on arbitrary message passing and liquidity transfer between EVM and non-EVM chains. It targets a similar developer profile to LayerZero and competes directly for omnichain messaging volumes on high-value routes.

Others

• Stargate Finance: Stargate is a cross-chain liquidity transport protocol that was acquired by LayerZero Labs in August 2025 and is now a wholly-owned sub-brand. Included here for completeness as a former direct peer that is now internal to LayerZero, sharing the same omnichain liquidity transport focus.

Broad incumbents

• Polygon (AggLayer / PoS): Polygon's AggLayer and broader L2 ecosystem target unified liquidity and cross-chain interoperability across Ethereum-aligned chains. While broader in scope than LayerZero's pure messaging layer, Polygon competes for the same developer demand for chain-agnostic application deployment and RWA distribution.

Emerging players

• Hyperlane: Hyperlane is a permissionless interoperability layer enabling cross-chain messaging via modular security (ISM — Interchain Security Modules), structurally analogous to LayerZero's DVN stack. It is an emerging competitor gaining traction among developers seeking sovereign, appchain-friendly security configurations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LayerZero_Labs
• GitHubgithub.com/LayerZero-Labs/LayerZero-v2
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@LayerZeroLabs
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/layerzerolabs

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds9 records

Investors51 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments17 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LayerZero Labs