LayerZero, Inc. – challenging IT recruitment for large-scale Web3 global crypto company

Nikoloz Khotcholava

Last updated on November 12, 2025 | 13 min read

Introduction

LayerZero, Inc. is a global Web3 infrastructure company that builds technology allowing different blockchains to communicate and exchange data. With $120 million raised in a Series B round at a $3-billion valuation, LayerZero’s growth accelerated sharply. Product usage surged across dozens of blockchains, placing intense demands on engineering and design bandwidth. The firm needed new talent to scale its omnichain infrastructure while maintaining performance across regions. The priority was to secure senior frontend and full stack specialists alongside a seasoned designer, all capable of contributing in decentralized environments spread across the US and European time zones.

Previous outreach efforts failed to identify candidates with the requisite depth of knowledge in blockchain protocols. The challenge came from two factors: the global shortage of engineers who understand cross-chain systems, and the tendency for many blockchain professionals to specialize narrowly in either smart contract work or frontend tooling rather than combining both. DevsData LLC was engaged to address the shortfall. The team worked with the client to adjust expectations, narrowing the focus to core blockchain and distributed-systems skills while allowing flexibility in specific chain experience and notice periods, reflecting real Web3 talent availability. Once cultural alignment and technical depth were clarified, sourcing could proceed with greater focus. Using niche channels and referral networks, DevsData LLC produced shortlists that moved quickly through client review.

Client overview

Founded in Vancouver, LayerZero, Inc. is a blockchain infrastructure company that builds software allowing different blockchains to connect and exchange information. This technology makes it possible for applications on separate networks to work together smoothly, without relying on a single provider.

Key services and specializations include:

• Omnichain protocol technology linking a wide range of blockchains
• Ultra-light node (ULN) framework designed to minimize overhead
• Decentralized verification networks (DVNs) that improve data reliability
• Developer tools for DeFi platforms, NFT projects, and blockchain gaming
• Comprehensive SDKs and integration resources for production deployment

The company employs more than 280 staff and operates through distributed teams across major regions. With over $300 million in funding and a valuation above $3 billion, LayerZero supports hundreds of decentralized applications and millions of active wallets. The firm continues to extend its international presence, reinforcing its role as a core provider of interoperability infrastructure within the Web3 sector.

Project scope and objectives

LayerZero, Inc. turned to DevsData LLC after months of internal outreach failed to attract senior specialists able to meet production deadlines. The company was scaling its omnichain protocol across multiple chains while preparing major network updates, which increased hiring pressure on already stretched engineering teams. Internal recruiters had struggled to reach qualified blockchain developers, and critical releases risked delay without additional support.

DevsData LLC was asked to fill urgent technical and design positions central to ongoing protocol development. The scope included a React-focused frontend engineer, a full stack developer with architectural experience, and a designer able to align visuals with LayerZero’s ecosystem standards. Each role required familiarity with blockchain systems and comfort working in distributed environments. Screening prioritized crypto fluency, product understanding, and readiness for collaboration across time zones in the US and Europe. This balance helped every shortlist match both technical depth and operational flexibility.

The client expected decision-ready shortlists within one week and full completion within four. The process aimed to ease the load on internal engineering leads by reducing time spent on unsuitable interviews while establishing a reliable hiring pipeline for future needs.

Challenges and constraints

LayerZero, Inc. required a focused recruitment effort under unusual pressure. The company needed candidates with deep protocol knowledge and crypto-native design sensibilities, but the search also had to balance distributed collaboration demands and intense market competition. These combined pressures shaped the recruitment challenges that DevsData LLC addressed.

These constraints called for a recruitment partner with sector-specific knowledge and tight process control. DevsData LLC delivered a tailored search that met LayerZero’s urgency while maintaining the standards needed for protocol-level work.

Strategic recruitment approach

DevsData LLC directed the search toward regions that balanced both technical expertise and working hour compatibility. The team focused on North America and Western Europe, adding select Eastern European hubs known for dense blockchain engineering talent. These areas supplied candidates experienced in protocol-level development and comfortable with asynchronous collaboration across time zones, which was crucial for LayerZero, Inc.’s distributed model.

This focused approach built on DevsData LLC’s extensive track record in Web3 recruitment. The company had previously staffed senior Node.js developers for Cense AG, a Swiss Web3 financial compliance firm, and sourced specialists for MarketMove.ai, a high-growth crypto venture. It also managed technical recruitment for TokenMetrics, a leading crypto data analytics platform. These and other projects gave DevsData LLC a refined understanding of where qualified blockchain engineers are most concentrated and how to approach them effectively.

Recruiters began with DevsData LLC’s own database of vetted engineers and designers, then expanded outreach through LinkedIn, blockchain-focused Discord groups, and specialized crypto job platforms. This blend increased reach and minimized dependence on conventional job boards that had produced mismatched candidates in earlier searches.

Screening was rigorous. Engineers completed code reviews centered on distributed systems and React frameworks, such as implementing a cross-service message handler or optimizing a React component for high-frequency data updates. Designers submitted project portfolios that were tested against Web3 product requirements, including usability for decentralized applications and consistency with crypto-native user flows. Structured interviews added scenario discussions, including handling of async collaboration and problem-solving in decentralized teams. Only candidates who cleared these steps were moved forward for joint calibration with the client, cutting wasted time and raising shortlist accuracy.

“We designed evaluations to expose gaps early, so by the time candidates reached interviews, both technical and cultural alignment were already clear.” – Ava Poghosyan, Recruitment Specialist at DevsData LLC

Results and impact

LayerZero, Inc. closed its urgent hiring effort in under four weeks, completing the onboarding of three senior specialists. The outcome represented a hiring cycle cut by more than half compared to the company’s earlier attempts, and the new team members were contributing from their first development sprint.

DevsData LLC’s delivery achieved clear results:

• All required roles were filled within four weeks, cutting the hiring cycle by more than half compared to earlier attempts.
• Candidate pipelines remained stable, with minimal drop-off during technical evaluations.
• Every offer extended was accepted, confirming strong alignment with the client’s requirements.
• Client leadership reported satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the hires remained in place beyond their first year.

Together, these results gave the company immediate technical relief and a long-term recruitment channel calibrated to its growth trajectory. Leadership at LayerZero confirmed that candidate quality and the speed of delivery met their highest expectations.

Conclusion

LayerZero, Inc. faced the urgent task of strengthening its engineering and design teams to maintain protocol development. Internal outreach had failed to identify qualified crypto-native candidates, leaving critical roles unfilled and creating pressure on senior staff. Delays threatened delivery schedules in a competitive Web3 environment where timing and expertise directly affect adoption.

DevsData LLC applied a recruitment strategy tailored to these circumstances. Regional targeting provided working-hour alignment, and sourcing drew on both established databases and blockchain-specific communities. Screening combined technical tests, portfolio evaluations, and scenario-based discussions. More than 140 profiles were considered, with final selections completed in under four weeks. The outcome was the onboarding of a React engineer, a full stack developer, and a designer, supported by a process that cut review time for the client’s leads.

This project illustrates DevsData LLC’s ability to secure rare talent efficiently for companies operating in demanding, high-growth sectors. With proven methods for sourcing, assessment, and delivery, the company continues to assist organizations that need technical specialists across blockchain, finance, and other global industries.

To discuss how DevsData LLC can support your next recruitment initiative, contact general@devsdata.com or visit www.devsdata.com.

Any questions or comments? Let me know on Twitter/X.

Discover how IT recruitment and staffing can address your talent needs. Explore trending regions like Poland, Portugal, Mexico, Brazil and more.

🗓️ Schedule a consultation

Read full bio

Nikoloz Khotcholava Copywriter and Marketer

Nika Khotcholava is a dedicated copywriter with four years of experience crafting engaging content across various platforms. His background in social media management has sharpened his ability to communicate ideas effectively and collaborate closely with designers to bring creative visions to life. Nika thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys learning something new every day.

Read more about our IT staffing services