Bridges: Out of the mess, into the meshnet (with LayerZero)

Bryan PellegrinoAli YahyaRobert Hackett

9.28.24

Blockchain bridges are essential tools for moving cross-chain, but they have a history of succumbing to big hacks. Why? One of the builders who knows this world best helps disentangle the mess. LayerZero Labs CEO and Cofounder Bryan Pellegrino joins a16z crypto General Partner Ali Yahya and show cohost Robert Hackett for a tour of what goes on between chains.

Welcome to web3 with a16z. Today we explore the messy secrets of blockchain bridges. These cross-chain connectors are the go-betweens in today’s multichain world, but their short history has been a checkered one, with prominent projects succumbing to major hacks and other hijinks.

So we’ve brought on one of the builders who knows this world best to help disentangle the messiness. That’s Bryan Pellegrino, cofounder and CEO of LayerZero Labs, maker of a popular blockchain interoperability protocol. In this episode, Bryan delivers a crash course on the evolution of bridges, including the ups and downs of various approaches. You’ll also learn about the technology’s inner workings, its applications, and how it fits in with ongoing efforts to scale blockchains.

Joining is a16z crypto general partner Ali Yahya, who is also an expert in this area; plus me, your cohost, Robert Hackett. The first voice you’ll hear after mine is Bryan’s, then Ali’s.

As always, none of the content should be taken as tax, business, legal or investment advice. See a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.

podcast: web3 with a16z

A show about building the next internet, from a16z crypto

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