Wormhole: Linking the Multi-Chain Blockchain World

Wormhole is a top cross-chain protocol enabling secure transfers of tokens and data across major blockchains like Ethereum, Solana, Sui, and Injective.

The Need for Cross-Chain Connectivity

With new blockchains launching almost weekly, liquidity is increasingly fragmented. Interoperability protocols like Wormhole bridge these gaps, allowing smooth liquidity flow and better user experiences across networks.

Picture Wormhole: Linking the Multi-Chain Blockchain World 2 | TON app

Origins and Evolution of Wormhole

Launched by Jump Crypto in 2021 as a Solana-Ethereum token bridge, Wormhole expanded with V2 into a general messaging protocol. It now enables token transfers, NFT bridging for games, and cross-chain governance, supporting over 30 networks and 200+ apps, with $40B in value transferred.

After separating from Jump in 2023, Wormhole raised $225M at a $2.5B valuation from investors like Coinbase Ventures and Multicoin Capital.

How Wormhole Works

Transactions start at an Emitter contract calling the publish method on the Core Contract. A network of 19 Guardians—top validators like Chorus One—monitors and signs messages.

Once 13 of 19 sign, the message becomes a Verified Action Approval (VAA), relayed securely by the Relayer network to its destination, where signatures are verified before completion. Guardians also detect blockchain anomalies and monitor token movements.

The Wormhole Product Suite

Wormhole ZK – Integrates zero-knowledge proofs for permissionless verification.
Wormhole Queries – On-demand blockchain data access.
Wormhole Gateway – Connects Cosmos liquidity to Ethereum.
Wormhole Connect – Simple bridging integration for developers.
Native Token Transfers – Makes any token natively multichain with synchronized states.

Picture Wormhole: Linking the Multi-Chain Blockchain World 3 | TON app

Wormhole’s Tokenomics and Airdrop

On March 6, 2024, Wormhole launched its governance token W, with a max supply of 10B. The initial 1.8B tokens (18%) were split into:

Community & Launch (11%) – Airdrops, liquidity, market making.
Ecosystem & Incubation (5%) – Strategic contributors and developers.
Foundation Treasury (2%) – Grants, research, and future growth.

The remaining 82% will unlock over four years post-TGE.

Looking Ahead

Wormhole now processes 125K+ daily cross-chain messages, moving an average of $33M per day. With its W token launch and strong developer base, it aims to expand cross-chain capabilities for the growing multi-chain world.