Layer Zero, the leading blockchain bridge and interop network, has announced their new L1 — Zero. It combines four technical breakthroughs to create exceptional performance and interoperability. And it uses a16z crypto's zkVM Jolt at its core.

But a faster chain just isn't enough. Crypto apps need deep control of the stack: app-specific sequencing, privacy, finality, interop, and more. But being much faster helps too. This is Zero.

It's unusual for VC firms to invest so much in open source. But the open and permissionless nature of crypto makes open source even more impactful in accelerating adoption.

a16z crypto research was to built as an industrial research lab and engineering team that connects academic theory with industry practice. And here it is!

Congratulations to a16z's Jolt team and contributors, most of whom are here. @moodlezoup @SuccinctJT @0xAndoroid @georghiades_ @Windscar1001 @QuangVDao @NoahCitron @arasuarun @andrewmilson @zackattacknyu

@moodlezoup @SuccinctJT @0xAndoroid @georghiades_ @Windscar1001 @QuangVDao @NoahCitron @arasuarun @andrewmilson @zackattacknyu And @samrags_ who, although he no longer works on Jolt, was one of the original developers! (We love Sam —check out @merit_systems!)