Layerswap

Layerswap is a cross-chain bridging and asset-swapping platform that enables users to move tokens across more than 69 blockchain networks in minutes. Founded in 2021 and operated by Layerswap OU, the service connects EVM chains, Solana, Starknet, Aptos, Sui, TON, and dozens of other networks — as well as centralized exchanges — through a single interface. Its core value proposition is speed and cost: transfers typically complete in one to two minutes, compared to up to an hour for direct exchange-to-blockchain withdrawals.

Beyond the consumer-facing swap interface at layerswap.io, Layerswap operates an API-first infrastructure layer used by wallets, gaming platforms, DeFi protocols, and financial institutions. The platform has accumulated more than 100,000 users since launch.

Core Mechanism

Layerswap's original architecture functioned as a custodial-lite relay: the system monitors transactions on the source network and automatically executes corresponding transfers on the destination chain, with real-time status updates delivered via webhooks. This model enabled fast, user-friendly bridging but relied on Layerswap acting as an intermediary.

The more significant architectural shift is V8, now branded as the TRAIN Protocol (TRustless Atomic INtents). V8 replaces the relay model with a peer-to-peer system built on an improved form of Hashed Time Lock Contracts called PreHTLCs. The protocol works as follows:

1. A user submits an Intent — a signed statement of the swap they want to execute (source chain, destination chain, asset, amount).
2. A solver (a market-maker or liquidity provider) picks up the intent and fulfills it using atomic swaps.
3. The exchange is settled cryptographically via PreHTLCs, which lock funds on both sides before releasing them. Neither party can take the other's assets without completing the swap.

The key property is trustlessness: there are no oracles, no delegated validator networks (DVNs), and no third-party custodians. A Light Client running in the user's browser performs local verification. Smart contracts are deployed as persistent, non-upgradable code across all supported networks, limiting upgrade risk. Any network can integrate permissionlessly — the PreHTLC implementation requires approximately 200 lines of code, making it lightweight enough to deploy on non-EVM environments.

The TRAIN V8 testnet launched across 12 networks including EVM-compatible chains, Starknet, TON, Solana, Aptos, and Sui.

Key Features

Broad network coverage. The platform supports 69+ chains spanning EVM L1s and L2s (Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, BNB Smart Chain, Polygon, zkSync, Linea, Scroll, and more), Solana, Starknet, Aptos, Sui, TON, Fantom, Moonbeam, Celo, Aurora, Metis, Gnosis, and others. In 2024 alone, 34 new chains were added.

CEX integration. Layerswap originally distinguished itself by letting users move assets directly from centralized exchanges to Layer 2 networks without first withdrawing to Ethereum mainnet. The platform integrated more than 15 exchanges alongside blockchain routes, cutting both time and gas costs for users bridging from exchange balances.

Cross-chain stablecoin swaps. In 2024 Layerswap integrated Circle's CCTP (Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol), enabling native USDC transfers across supported chains without wrapping.

Embeddable widget and API. Developers can integrate Layerswap via REST APIs with webhook-based event callbacks, or embed a hosted swap page or customizable widget directly into their applications. A developer dashboard at layerswap.io/dashboard provides swap management and monitoring tooling.

Solana support. Layerswap supports inbound and outbound transfers involving Solana. Users can bridge to Solana from any supported blockchain using Phantom, Solflare, Glow, or any other wallet in the Solana ecosystem. The V8/TRAIN atomic protocol includes Solana among its testnet chains for trustless settlement.

Tokens and Assets

Layerswap does not have a native protocol token. The platform facilitates transfers of existing assets — SOL, ETH, USDC, USDT, BTC-wrapped variants (including SolvBTC), and other tokens listed on supported networks.

Audit and Security Status

Layerswap has not publicly disclosed completed security audits in sources available as of this writing. The V8/TRAIN protocol's trustless design reduces counterparty risk relative to custodial bridges — the PreHTLC mechanism ensures funds are only released when both sides of a swap are committed — but independent third-party audit reports are not prominently referenced in official documentation.

Team and Funding

Layerswap was founded in 2021 by Aram Kocharyan (CEO), Babken Gevorgyan, and Ruben Muradyan. The company is registered as Layerswap OU and has a team of approximately eight employees.

The company raised $2 million in a seed round from investors including Benchmark, Delta Blockchain Fund, Framework Ventures, Infinity Ventures Crypto, and Sebastien Borget (co-founder of The Sandbox).

Solana Ecosystem Fit

Layerswap occupies a practical position in the Solana ecosystem as an entry-point bridge. It reduces friction for users arriving from EVM chains, CEX balances, or other L1s who want to access Solana's DeFi ecosystem, NFT markets, or gaming applications. The platform's wallet compatibility — Phantom, Solflare, Glow — covers the mainstream Solana wallet stack, and the direct CEX-to-Solana route is particularly relevant for users who hold exchange balances they want to deploy on-chain quickly.

With V8/TRAIN's inclusion of Solana as a testnet chain for atomic bridging, Layerswap is building toward a more trustless settlement layer for cross-chain flows into and out of the Solana network — moving beyond the relay model toward cryptographically enforced, non-custodial transfers.