LayerZero gains support from Cathie Wood amid upcoming token unlock

Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, has highlighted LayerZero as a critical infrastructure component for cross-chain messaging, suggesting that investors may be underestimating its long-term potential. Research from ARK indicates that LayerZero handled approximately 44% of cross-chain volume during the first half of 2026.

LayerZero has implemented a new pricing model where excess revenue from Stargate transfers is used to purchase ZRO tokens on the open market. For example, between September and November 2025, Stargate generated roughly $2.4 million in revenue, with $1.2 million allocated toward ZRO buybacks.

Despite this buyback strategy, the ZRO token faces an upcoming supply pressure. Approximately 23.6 million ZRO tokens, valued at roughly $25 million at current prices, are scheduled to unlock for core contributors and strategic partners around September 19–20.