Axelar is a decentralized network that strives to facilitate secure cross-chain communication for Web3. It provides a suite of tools and APIs that assist developers in creating decentralized applications (dApps) with seamless cross-chain communication. The network is composed of three core components: a decentralized network, a software development kit of protocols and APIs, and a set of gateway smart contracts for cross-chain connectivity. Axelar's native token, AXL, plays an important role within the network. The platform also supports the cross-chain transfer of several native tokens via their wrapped ERC-20 versions.

Axelar operates through a decentralized network of validators, enabling anyone to join, build on, or use the network. Application builders can interact with a simple API atop this permissionless network, which routes messages and ensures network security via a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. Axelar's approach to secure cross-chain communication involves a dynamic validator, setting it apart from projects using optimistic setups and federated multi-sig. The platform has also developed protocols, APIs, and developer tools that simplify the process of building cross-chain applications.

Axelar aims to provide a platform for developers to build cross-chain applications without requiring a new programming language. The network's value proposition to developers is the ability to build on the chain that best suits their use case and background, while allowing their users to access anything on the decentralized web with a single click. Furthermore, Axelar's support for the cross-chain transfer of several native tokens increases its potential use cases, enabling seamless interaction between different blockchain ecosystems.

Axelar was launched in 2020 by Georgios Vlachos and Sergey Gorbunov, both of whom were part of the founding team at Algorand. Georgios designed the Algorand consensus protocol, while Sergey led the effort to standardize BLS signatures, a standard now adopted as a draft in CFRG and followed by Ethereum 2.0 implementations among others. Axelar has since attracted resources from various investors. In December 2022, Axelar launched a $60 million development support program aimed at accelerating the development of decentralized applications and protocols.