In a recent KBW 2025 interview, Annabelle Huang, Co-Founder & CEO of Altius Labs, outlined why Web3 is hitting performance limits - and how Altius is building the next-generation execution layer that brings Web2-level scalability to blockchain.

1. The real scalability bottleneck is the execution layer

Most blockchains - including L2s built on OP Stack or Ethereum’s legacy VM - are constrained by sequential execution, slow state access, and outdated architecture.
This prevents high-performance applications from scaling on-chain.

2. Altius is building a modular execution layer for any chain

Instead of launching another L1 or L2, Altius provides a plug-and-play execution layer that chains can integrate via API upgrade, enabling:

• Parallel execution
• Optimized state access
• Faster throughput
• Better latency and UX

Altius accelerates performance without requiring a full rebuild of the chain.

3. Built for appchains, L1s, and L2s that need high performance now

Teams launching custom blockchains (appchains) or upgrading existing ecosystems can adopt Altius to get:

• A high-performance EVM
• Fast time-to-market
• Strong developer tooling
• Future-proof modular architecture

Ideal for DeFi, exchanges, on-chain trading, and high-frequency trading (HFT).

4. Market demand is shifting toward performance-driven chains

The rise of purpose-built networks like Hyperliquid shows that high-performance infrastructure drives user adoption. Teams want to own the stack, optimize UX, and compete with centralized platforms.

Altius enables that shift without compromising developer experience or EVM compatibility.

5. Sustainability matters: beyond token speculation

Altius is building infrastructure with a sustainable business model, combining:

• Web2-style SaaS economics, and
• Web3 network participation (validators, sequencers)

This aligns long-term incentives with the success of partner chains and applications.

Why It Matters

Developers can now build high-performance blockchains without hiring large infra teams or reinventing core primitives.

With Altius, you get:

• High-throughput execution
• Parallel processing for smart contracts
• Faster state access
• Lower latency UX
• Modular blockchain architecture
• Enterprise-grade performance, on-chain

All while staying EVM-compatible, interoperable, and futureproof.

The Takeaway

Blockchain is entering a phase where performance and UX determine adoption. Altius Labs is building the modular execution layer that enables developers, institutions, and appchains to launch scalable, high-performance infrastructure - fast.

If you want the full deep-dive, watch the complete interview now on the Altius Labs YouTube channel - where we share technical breakdowns, AMAs, and behind-the-scenes engineering stories every week.

Also, subscribe to our newsletter on the Altius homepage to stay up to speed with the latest benchmarks, partner announcements, and developer releases.

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