LayerZero's Hype Train: A Deeper Look Into DeFi's Cross-Chain Tech

I've been neck-deep in the cross-chain tech scene, and something's been bugging me.

Everyone's buzzing about LayerZero, backed by a whopping $293.3M and valued at $3B (crazy!). But are we getting blindsided by the hype and missing the real gems in decentralization?

Let's break it down:

LayerZero's Decentralization Claims:

LayerZero's got the tech chops and the investor backing, no doubt. But when you dig deeper, their decentralization claims seem a bit shaky. With such massive funding, I can't help but wonder if we're cheering for a centralized giant dressed in decentralized clothing.

Concerns About Layer Zero:

I came across some concerning points about Layer Zero. For starters, their security model allows for potential manipulation if a bad actor gains control over the Oracle and Relayer configuration.

Plus, monitoring all applications built on Layer Zero for security policy changes is a Herculean task. This isolated security model, where each app defines its security, seems less robust compared to shared security models like rollups.

Underrepresented Layer Zero Competitors That Make the Difference

There's this underdog, EYWA Protocol. Hackernoon covered their tech some months ago.

It is not as flashy or cashed-up as Layer Zero, but their approach to decentralization's got some real street cred... They're boasting a solid setup with 120+ validators in PoA and a whopping 700+ in PoS (Roll-DPos Consensus).

Furthermore, EYWA's cross-chain data transfer protocol is designed to minimize trust assumptions, thereby reducing the vulnerability to manipulation or control by any single entity.

That's not just tech talk; it's a serious commitment to decentralization and security.

All this with 60 times less VC funding compared to Layer Zero!

Now, let’s cover another contender: Axelar Network.

This player in the cross-chain game is turning heads with its decentralized bridge network, which is like a breath of fresh air in the interoperability space. Unlike Layer Zero, which leans on Oracles and Relayers, Axelar's decentralized approach is more about keeping things tight and secure across a wider range of blockchains. It's like comparing a Swiss Army knife to a single-blade pocket knife – Axelar brings more tools to the table.

What really sets Axelar apart is its use of threshold signature schemes. Think of it as a high-tech lock where the key is split among several validators. You need enough of them to agree to unlock a transaction, making it way harder for any bad actors to mess things up.

This method is slicker and safer than the usual multi-sig setups, reducing the chances of security breaches. Plus, with a larger pool of validators, Axelar dilutes the risk and makes it tougher for attackers to target specific validators. It's like having a security team spread across the globe, each member holding a piece of the puzzle.

How many other underrepresented competitors with better tech solutions are there under the media radar?

In the high-stakes game of blockchain innovation, it's easy to get dazzled by the big names and their even bigger funding rounds. But are we, as a community, missing out on the real essence of decentralization and innovation by focusing too much on the glitz?

Don’t forget one small fact: Sequoia Capital backed FTX, Binance Labs, Coinbase Ventures, and many other so-called “tier-1 VCs” backed Terra Luna. The 2 largest crashes in recent crypto history.

And it doesn’t change the trend: we still see the biggest players teaming up to back the same startups, while smaller VC funds and retail investors blindly follow their investments without questioning the status quo. All this creates a snowball that can easily fall again if we don’t change the trajectory and start looking at the tech aspects, not just the glowing shine.

Projects like EYWA, which is still a rising star in its seed stage, and Axelar Network, which got picked by Mastercard after its Series B funding, are challenging the status quo. They're proving that sometimes, true innovation doesn't just come from deep pockets but from a deep commitment to the core principles of blockchain technology.

It's high time we shine a light on these under-the-radar projects that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in DeFi. Let's not just chase the hype; Let's get real about where the true innovation in DeFi is happening.

PS:

Discloser: initially, I tried to start this discussion in Reddit’s r/defi, but they deleted it without any notice. Even though I followed all the rules, removed the links, etc. This made me think that Reddit has become so censored these days that if you got used to critical thinking, factual checking, and thoughtful discussions, you may get bored fast there.