Axelar is a decentralised blockchain network designed to enhance interoperability and scalability across different blockchain ecosystems. It operates as an open-source network, allowing developers and builders to easily program cross-chain logic and exchange data seamlessly across various blockchain ecosystems.
Axelar operates as a decentralised network built using the Cosmos SDK, CometBFT, and CosmWasm Virtual Machine (VM). It uses a Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) consensus mechanism, involving validators who stake AXL tokens to participate in consensus and vote on the legitimacy of cross-chain events. Axelar supports smart contracts at the cross-chain layer, enabling the deployment of interoperable smart contracts across different blockchains.
Axelar enables cross-chain liquidity and asset transfers, NFT minting and trading across different blockchains, decentralised finance (DeFi) applications, and the tokenization of real-world assets for transactions across multiple blockchains. It supports sectors like DeFi, NFTs, and real-world asset tokenization.
Axelar was founded in June 2020 by Sergey Gorbunov and Georgios Vlachos. The network launched its main network in 2022 and has since integrated with over 50 chains. It has collaborated with major companies like Mastercard and Circle, and its technology has evolved to enhance cross-chain interoperability and scalability.