In 2025, the cryptocurrency industry is witnessing a significant transition from mere hype to practical utility. This evolution is characterized by the development of stablecoin frameworks, the introduction of tokenized assets into mainstream markets, and the integration of artificial intelligence into on-chain transactions. As these changes unfold, layer-1 blockchains are emerging as vital infrastructure, shifting their status from experimental technologies to foundational elements that enable real-world adoption.
Marc Vanlerberghe, the chief strategy and marketing officer at the Algorand Foundation, emphasized the enduring importance of layer-1 solutions during a recent episode of Decentralize with Cointelegraph. He stated, “Layer-1s are still the backbone of the industry. Everything else builds on top of them.” He further explained that while innovation can occur at the fringes of the ecosystem, a secure and scalable foundational layer is essential for the overall functionality of the crypto landscape.
Despite rapid technical advancements, the industry continues to grapple with challenges related to user onboarding and retention. Vanlerberghe remarked on the hurdles users face when navigating the complexities of cryptocurrency: “It is an impossible challenge today. You have to be really, really, really motivated to jump through the hoops and confront the complexity that crypto is.” This barrier has led many new users to abandon blockchain applications after their initial attempts.
To tackle these onboarding issues, various projects within the ecosystem are implementing gamified initiatives and designing simplified wallet interfaces to reduce friction for users. Vanlerberghe pointed out the importance of providing tangible experiences: “We want people to experience the benefits of using Algorand, not by talking about instant finality, but by having people experience it.”
Looking ahead, while new experiments aimed at attracting and retaining users are essential, Vanlerberghe stressed the need for resilience and a clear vision. “You just have to keep… you have to really understand what your North Star is. And that’s where you’re aiming for. And through highs and lows, you just continue to make progress,” he advised.
For Algorand, this guiding principle encompasses both retail adoption and enterprise applications, such as tokenization and payment solutions. As the landscape of tokenized finance expands and blockchain projects evolve to meet real-world scale requirements, layer-1s are not only aiming to endure but to solidify their position as essential players in the crypto ecosystem.
For those interested in delving deeper, the full interview can be accessed on Cointelegraph’s Podcasts page, as well as on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
