Axelar Network
Provides a decentralized interoperability platform connecting 70+ blockchains via its Mobius Development Stack. Serves financial institutions, token issuers, and dApp developers with cross-chain asset transfer, programmable interchain logic, and institutional-grade tokenization.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersWaterloo, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Axelar Network does
Axelar Network is a programmable Web3 interoperability platform founded in 2020 that connects more than 70 blockchains — spanning EVM, Cosmos, Solana, Stellar, Hedera, XRP Ledger, and Sui ecosystems — through a decentralized network of 75+ validators and the native AXL proof-of-stake token. Its core technical offering is the Mobius Development Stack (MDS), which combines the Interchain Amplifier (self-service chain connection at the smart-contract layer), Interchain Token Service (ITS) for no-code multichain token deployment, and the Axelar Virtual Machine (AVM), a CosmWasm-powered Turing-complete layer for programmable cross-chain logic. General Message Passing (GMP) enables arbitrary cross-chain contract calls, and integrations with Babylon and EigenLayer allow verifier collateral to be backed by BTC and restaked ETH respectively.
The company monetizes through network transaction fees paid to validators and tokenholders, plus AXL token utility covering staking, governance, and fee-burning introduced via the February 2025 Cobalt upgrade; users can pay gas in source-chain tokens without holding AXL. Go-to-market combines API-led developer adoption with direct enterprise field sales to financial institutions — JPMorgan's Onyx uses Axelar for cross-chain portfolio rebalancing across 15+ chains, and Deutsche Bank adopted the platform for its DAMA 2 tokenized-asset initiative. Distribution extends through embedded integrations in wallets, exchanges, and routers (Squid, Satellite), a first-party consumer interface at app.axelar.network, and the Mastercard Crypto Partner Program.
The Axelar Foundation, incorporated in the Cayman Islands, operates the network while Interop Labs served as the initial core developer until Circle signed an agreement in December 2025 to acquire Interop Labs' team and IP. The company has raised approximately $93.75 million+ in disclosed funding across a $3.75M seed (2020), $25M Series A led by Polychain Capital (2021), a $35M round led by Alameda Research (2022), and a $30M strategic round led by Arrington Capital and Electric Capital (2025), with backing from Binance, Coinbase, Dragonfly, Galaxy, and Crypto.com Capital.
Axelar Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Axelar Network
- Legal name
- Axelar Foundation
- Website
- https://axelar.network
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Provides a decentralized interoperability platform connecting 70+ blockchains via its Mobius Development Stack. Serves financial institutions, token issuers, and dApp developers with cross-chain asset transfer, programmable interchain logic, and institutional-grade tokenization.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Axelar Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Blockchain Interoperability Infrastructure
- NAICS
- Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
- 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), Smart Contract Developer Platforms & Tooling (SDKs, APIs, frameworks, indexing) (FSAPAAAH), Cross-Chain Security & Verification (light clients, zk/optimistic proofs, validation networks) (FSAPAKAF)
Keywords
Where Axelar Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Waterloo
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Axelar Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Network Transaction Fees: Users pay network transaction fees to validators and tokenholders for cross-chain transfers. Users do not need to hold the AXL token - conversions into AXL and destination-chain tokens are handled on the back end via smart-contract logic, so users only pay gas once in the source-chain token.
- AXL Token Economics: AXL token serves as the native utility token supporting smart-contract functionality. Token rewards are inflationary but can become deflationary through fee mechanics - change from conversions and fee payments may be partially refunded to users and/or used in buyback-and-burn programs. Cobalt upgrade introduced fee-burning mechanism.
- Staking Rewards: Tokenholders stake AXL, delegating tokens to a validator's staking pool and receiving rewards minus validator commission. Validators produce blocks, participate in multiparty signing, and vote on external chain states.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels11 records
Axelar Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Axelar is a decentralized interoperability platform that connects 70+ blockchains through a network of 75+ validators, enabling cross-chain asset transfers, General Message Passing (GMP), and programmable interchain smart contracts. Its Mobius Development Stack (MDS) bundles the Interchain Amplifier (self-service chain connections), Interchain Token Service (ITS, no-code multichain token deployment), and Axelar Virtual Machine (AVM, programmable cross-chain logic) into a unified developer toolkit. The platform charges network transaction fees and is monetized through the native AXL proof-of-stake token, serving financial institutions, DeFi protocols, and dApp developers building on Ethereum, Base, Solana, Stellar, Hedera, XRP Ledger, Sui, and other connected networks.
Product overview
Axelar Network is a programmable Web3 interoperability platform providing infrastructure for cross-chain connectivity. The core offering is the Mobius Development Stack (MDS), a suite of open tools and protocols that includes Interchain Amplifier for dynamic chain connections, Interchain Token Service (ITS) for multichain token deployment, and the Axelar Virtual Machine (AVM) for programmable cross-chain logic. General Message Passing (GMP) enables arbitrary cross-chain contract calls. Supporting products include Fullport for institutional trading, Satellite and the Axelar App Interface for user-facing bridge functionality, and OpenBridge built on ERC-7786 standard with OpenZeppelin. The AXL token serves as the native utility token for staking, governance, and fee payment. Product portfolio extends to yield-bearing tokens like mXRP for XRP holders. The platform connects 80+ blockchains with 75+ validators and zero exploits.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Squid: Cross-chain routing and liquidity layer built on Axelar that enables seamless asset transfers across ecosystems.
- Interchain Token Service (ITS)
- Interchain Amplifier
- Mobius Development Stack (MDS)
- Axelar Virtual Machine (AVM)
Products and services
- Mobius Development Stack (MDS) Holistic suite of open tools and protocols for building cross-chain Web3 applications, including Interchain Amplifier, Interchain Token Service, and the Axelar Virtual Machine. Targeted at dApp developers and protocol teams needing infinite chain connections, scalable security, native token interoperability, and programmable interoperability.
- Interchain Token Service (ITS) Permissionless service for ERC-20 token issuers and asset managers to deploy native-like tokens across 80+ blockchains with click-of-a-button onboarding, automated cross-chain supply management, and full fungibility preserved. Used by token issuers, stablecoin issuers, and RWA platforms.
- OpenBridge Open-source cross-chain bridge framework built on the ERC-7786 standard with OpenZeppelin that enables developers to compose enhanced security for high-value cross-chain transactions using multiple interoperability protocols. Targeted at dApp developers requiring vendor-neutral bridging.
- Fullport Institutional trading access product enabling users to trade seamlessly across chains and access leading onchain trading venues (starting with Hyperliquid) through Axelar's infrastructure. Built for institutional and professional traders needing deep liquidity without bridge friction.
- Satellite Web application built on Axelar that lets end users transfer assets between chains through a consumer-friendly bridge interface. Used by retail users and token holders needing direct cross-chain asset mobility.
- Axelar App Interface First-party self-serve bridging interface at app.axelar.network for moving assets across chains directly through Axelar's decentralized network. Targeted at end users and small teams needing direct access to Axelar-powered cross-chain transfers without third-party intermediaries.
- AXL Token Native proof-of-stake utility token of the Axelar network, used for staking, governance, paying network transaction fees, and securing the protocol via the Cobalt upgrade's deflationary fee-burning mechanism. Held by validators, delegators, and ecosystem participants.
- mXRP Liquid Staking Token Yield-bearing liquid staking token for XRP issued by Midas and powered by Axelar, enabling XRP holders to earn staking yield and access DeFi liquidity across BNB Chain and other connected networks via Axelar's interoperability infrastructure.
- Multichain Tokenization Portal No-code web portal for deploying and managing Interchain Tokens across 80+ blockchains through the Interchain Token Service, with programmable controls, compliance, and liquidity routing built in. Used by token issuers and asset managers without engineering resources.
- Axelarscan Block Explorer Public block explorer at axelarscan.io for tracking cross-chain transactions, validator activity, and network state across the Axelar interoperability network. Used by developers, validators, and integrators to monitor cross-chain operations.
Quantifiable outcome
- 80% faster time to market for cross-chain portfolio management
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Axelar Network
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Axelar Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration10 records
AI capability2 records
Feature9 records
Axelar Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
25 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- SolanacoreMainnet integration enables cross-chain message passing and asset transfers between Solana and Axelar-supported chains including Ethereum, XRP Ledger, Stellar, Hedera, and 70+ more ecosystems.
- MastercardcoreMastercard's Crypto Partner Program brings together crypto-native companies, payments providers, and financial institutions. Axelar participates to facilitate digital asset integration with global commerce.
- HederacoreIntegration brings Hedera into Axelar cross-chain network supporting tokenization, trading, and yield across unified connectivity layer. SaucerSwap and Squid leverage the integration from day one.
- StellarcoreIntegration connects Stellar ecosystem for institutional-grade cross-chain payments, asset issuance, and liquidity. Solv, Stronghold, and Squid build on Axelar and Stellar from launch.
- MidascorePartner in launching mXRP liquid-staking token on BNB Chain. Midas issues mXRP, a yield-bearing liquid staked token for XRP, powered by Axelar.
- Lista DAOminorFirst BNB Chain partner to integrate mXRP liquid-staking token, enabling XRP holders to earn yield and access DeFi liquidity.
- SuicoreSui integrates Axelar to give asset issuers access to the Layer-1 network via secure multichain tokenization opportunities.
- Frax FinancecoreFrax Finance integrating ITS into Fraxtal L2 for seamless, no-code interoperability. First major adopter of Interchain Token Service.
- JPMorgan's OnyxflagshipJPMorgan's Onyx uses Axelar for cross-chain tokenized fund transfers and portfolio rebalancing across 15+ blockchains. Case study shows 80% faster time to market and 100% compliance maintained.
- Deutsche BankflagshipDeutsche Bank adopted Axelar for its DAMA 2 tokenized-asset platform, enabling privacy-preserving tokenization with private execution and public settlement through Project Guardian.
- Ripple/XRP LedgercorePartnership to enhance XRP Ledger's interoperability. Axelar connects XRPL EVM Sidechain to 80+ blockchains enabling cross-chain RWA and DeFi applications.
- TON FoundationcoreTON selected Axelar's Mobius Development Stack as interoperability platform following comprehensive evaluation of cross-chain solutions.
- Lido DAOcoreLido approved Axelar and Wormhole to bring wstETH to BNB Chain, establishing Lido's first canonical connection outside the Ethereum L2 ecosystem.
- UniswapcoreUniswap uses Axelar for cross-chain governance and deployments including bridging to Filecoin Virtual Machine.
- ImmutablecoreImmutable selected Axelar for canonical bridge to Ethereum, enabling seamless user interactions across blockchains for Web3 gaming.
- OpenZeppelincoreCollaboration on open-source standards and development resources for cross-chain communication. OpenBridge built on ERC-7786 standard removes vendor lock-in for enhanced security.
- EigenLayercoreIntegration allows MDS-powered applications to tap into Ethereum's staked ETH pool for augmented security. Applications can set security thresholds using blue-chip collateral.
- BabyloncoreBabylon integration enables self-custodial BTC deposits for augmented security on Amplifier, bringing bitcoin-level security to verifier bonding for new chain connections.
- Interop LabsflagshipInterop Labs is the initial developer of Axelar network, a technology company contributing to the protocol. December 2025: Circle signed agreement to acquire Interop Labs team and IP.
- Linux Foundation Decentralized TrustcoreInterop Labs joined Linux Foundation Decentralized Trust to promote open-source approaches in interoperability and blockchain infrastructure.
- SquidcoreLeading cross-chain routing and liquidity layer built on Axelar, enabling seamless asset transfers across ecosystems for end users and protocols.
- SaucerSwapcoreLeading DEX on Hedera providing trading and liquidity infrastructure. Through Axelar integration, supports assets from external blockchains in Hedera-based pools.
- StrongholdminorPayments infrastructure platform bridging SHx between Stellar and Ethereum using Axelar interoperability protocol.
- SolvminorLeading allocator in tokenized RWAs and largest on-chain Bitcoin reserve, extending yield offerings cross-chain via Axelar and Stellar.
- CircleflagshipCircle signed agreement in December 2025 to acquire Interop Labs team and IP, demonstrating commitment to leading interoperability platform.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Axelar Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- LayerZero: LayerZero is a direct interoperability competitor offering omnichain messaging and cross-chain applications, including the Stargate bridge. It competes head-to-head with Axelar for the same institutional, DeFi, and stablecoin cross-chain integrations.
- Wormhole: Wormhole is a cross-chain messaging protocol connecting dozens of blockchains, used by major applications for token bridging and message passing. It is a direct competitor to Axelar's GMP and is jointly used with Axelar in routes like Lido's wstETH to BNB Chain.
Broad incumbents
- Chainlink CCIP: Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) targets the same institutional cross-chain token and messaging use cases as Axelar. Chainlink's incumbency in price feeds and broad enterprise relationships make it a major competitor for tokenized asset and stablecoin routing.
- Cosmos (IBC): Cosmos's Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol provides native cross-chain messaging across the Cosmos ecosystem and is expanding to non-Cosmos chains. Axelar itself is built on Cosmos/Tendermint, and IBC is both a foundational technology and a complementary/competing solution for cross-chain messaging.
- Polkadot (XCM): Polkadot's Cross-Consensus Messaging (XCM) and XCMv3 enable cross-chain communication across parachains and external networks. It is a comparable interoperability approach, aiming to standardize multichain asset and message transfer across heterogeneous blockchains.
Emerging players
- Hyperlane: Hyperlane is an emerging interoperability protocol enabling permissionless cross-chain messaging via sovereign consensus. It targets similar developer and institutional cross-chain use cases as Axelar's GMP and MDS stack, with growing chain coverage.
- Connext: Connext is a cross-chain liquidity and messaging network focused on bridging, intents, and chain abstraction. It overlaps with Axelar on cross-chain transfer and developer tooling, particularly in the EVM ecosystem.
- THORChain: THORChain is a decentralized cross-chain liquidity network enabling native asset swaps across chains. While it focuses on swaps rather than general messaging, it competes for the same cross-chain asset transfer use cases that Axelar's ITS and Squid target.
Others
- Circle (Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol / CCTP): Circle's Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) and its December 2025 acquisition of Interop Labs (Axelar's core developer) position Circle as both a key customer and increasingly an ecosystem participant in cross-chain USDC movement — a closely related rather than directly competing solution.
- OpenZeppelin: OpenZeppelin is a leading smart contract security and developer tooling provider, and a co-developer with Axelar of the ERC-7786 OpenBridge standard. It is an adjacent ecosystem participant that strengthens Axelar's interoperability stack while serving overlapping developer customers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Axelar Network social profiles
Digital presenceAxelar Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Axelar Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Axelar Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds7 records
Investors39 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Axelar Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments5 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Axelar Network
What does Axelar Network do?
Axelar is a decentralized interoperability platform that connects 70+ blockchains through a network of 75+ validators, enabling cross-chain asset transfers, General Message Passing (GMP), and programmable interchain smart contracts. Its Mobius Development Stack (MDS) bundles the Interchain Amplifier (self-service chain connections), Interchain Token Service (ITS, no-code multichain token deployment), and Axelar Virtual Machine (AVM, programmable cross-chain logic) into a unified developer toolkit. The platform charges network transaction fees and is monetized through the native AXL proof-of-stake token, serving financial institutions, DeFi protocols, and dApp developers building on Ethereum, Base, Solana, Stellar, Hedera, XRP Ledger, Sui, and other connected networks.
Is Axelar Network a public or private company?
Axelar Network is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Axelar Network founded?
Axelar Network was founded in 2020. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Axelar Network based?
Axelar Network is headquartered in Waterloo, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Axelar Network make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Network Transaction Fees are the primary driver. The others are AXL Token Economics and staking Rewards.
Who are Axelar Network's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are LayerZero and Wormhole. Broad incumbents are Chainlink CCIP, Cosmos (IBC) and Polkadot (XCM). Emerging players are Hyperlane, Connext and THORChain. Others are Circle (Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol / CCTP) and OpenZeppelin.
Does Axelar Network have an API?
Yes. Axelar provides developer APIs and SDKs (Solidity and JavaScript) for building cross-chain applications. Developers can use Solidity or JavaScript to send tokens and interact with smart contracts across chains. The platform supports General Message Passing (GMP), enabling arbitrary cross-chain logic and contract calls. Documentation available at docs.axelar.dev. Developer documentation is at docs.axelar.dev.
What industry is Axelar Network in?
Axelar Network's product category is Blockchain Interoperability Infrastructure. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAPAAAE, Interoperability & Cross-Chain Messaging (bridges, IBC, messaging, routing), with a secondary code of FSAPABAF, Cross-Chain Developer Tooling (messaging SDKs, relayers, interoperability APIs). Its NAICS code is 541511 and its SIC code is 7370.