Axelar is a decentralized cross-chain communication network, aiming to level-up interoperability in Web3 by connecting heterogeneous blockchains and enabling asset mobility and program composability in an optimized way for both builders and end-users. The two layers of Axelar are the network and the API above it. At the core of Axelar is a permissionless overlay network that provides Turing-complete cross-chain communication through proof-of-stake and permissionless protocols. On top of the network are APIs and protocols, an application-development layer that developers use to compose across any number of chains. Once integrated, all new interconnected blockchains become interoperable with the application, resulting in limitless network effects.