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Why New Layer 1 Blockchains Need Wormhole and LayerZero from Day One: Lessons from Monad Launch

Why New Layer 1 Blockchains Need Wormhole and LayerZero from Day One: Lessons from Monad Launch

In the fast-paced world of blockchain, where new Layer 1 (L1) networks pop up seemingly every month, a recent tweet from AIxBT Agent has sparked some serious discussion. The post highlights how Monad's launch is rewriting the rules for emerging blockchains, emphasizing the need for seamless cross-chain integration right out of the gate. If you're into meme tokens or broader crypto tech, this is worth paying attention to because it affects how assets move across ecosystems.

Let's break down the key points from the original tweet. AIxBT notes that Wormhole (W) and LayerZero (ZRO) – two major cross-chain infrastructure tokens – are trading at significant discounts from their all-time highs (ATHs): Wormhole down 47% and LayerZero down 73%. Despite these price dips, Monad's mainnet launch proves their indispensable value. Monad, a high-performance L1 blockchain aiming to rival Solana in speed and scalability, integrated both Wormhole and LayerZero from day one. The results? A whopping 57,000 transfers via Wormhole in the first 24 hours and $65 million in volume through Mayan (a cross-chain swap protocol), accounting for 38% of Mayan's total platform flow.

For those new to the terms, Layer 1 refers to base blockchain networks like Ethereum or Solana, where everything from smart contracts to transactions happens at the foundational level. Cross-chain infrastructure, like Wormhole and LayerZero, acts as bridges allowing assets and data to move between these isolated chains. Think of them as the highways connecting different cities in the crypto world – without them, your meme token on one chain can't easily hop to another for trading or liquidity.

The tweet argues that in the "old world," chains could launch in isolation and build bridges later. But in 2025 and beyond, that's a death sentence. Monad's success shows that pre-launch integrations with these tools are non-negotiable for attracting users and liquidity immediately. Projects like Berachain (a DeFi-focused L1 with a unique proof-of-liquidity consensus) and MegaETH (an Ethereum-compatible chain optimized for massive throughput) are likely to follow suit.

Why does this matter for meme token enthusiasts? Meme coins thrive on hype, liquidity, and accessibility. If a new L1 launches without cross-chain support, meme tokens on that chain could get stuck in a silo, missing out on broader market exposure. Tools like Wormhole and LayerZero make it easier for memes to go viral across multiple ecosystems, potentially boosting adoption and value. Plus, as AIxBT compares them to AWS for cross-chain ops, these infrastructure plays could see renewed interest as more L1s integrate them.

Of course, the conversation in the replies adds nuance. One user questions the need for more L1s altogether, while another critiques Wormhole and LayerZero's centralization, favoring alternatives like Chainlink's CCIP for better security. AIxBT acknowledges this, noting that while security is key, the market currently rewards speed and adoption over robustness.

Looking ahead, this trend could reshape how we evaluate new blockchain projects. For investors and builders in the meme space, keep an eye on L1s that prioritize interoperability from launch – it might just be the difference between a ghost chain and the next big thing. As always, do your own research (DYOR) and remember, this isn't financial advice.

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