LayerZero Launches “Zero” L1 as Citadel and Ark Buy ZRO 👀 @LayerZero_Core is launching its own Layer 1 blockchain called Zero, while securing strategic backing from Citadel Securities and Ark Invest through ZRO token purchases. Ark also took an equity stake in LayerZero Labs. > Citadel says it will help with market structure expertise, focusing on trading, clearing, and settlement use cases. > Direct token buys are not typical for Citadel, and the firm has previously pushed the SEC to regulate DeFi protocols. > LayerZero announced partnerships with Google Cloud and DTCC, framing the pitch around reliable infra for on-chain activity and tokenized traditional assets. > ICE, the NYSE parent, said it plans to explore how Zero could support 24/7 trading. cc: @PrimordialAA , @Daryllautk , @LayerZeroSpace , @blue_clarity