{"id":"fig","title":"Fig","content":"**Fig** is the pseudonymous co-founder of [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid), a cross-chain interoperability protocol designed to simplify transactions between different blockchains. Known online by the handle `ecdsafu`, he is a prominent advocate for chain and cross-chain abstraction, focusing on building infrastructure that hides the complexity of multi-chain interactions from end-users and developers. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-wXFj0fd25qJYvgA2) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-F0JWjrrv81UhYuMk)\n\n## Career\n\n### Early Interests and Education\n\nFig's early career path began in medicine, where he attended medical school. His interest in the field stemmed from a fascination with elaborate, intricate systems and a motivation to have a positive impact on people's lives. However, he eventually transitioned away from medicine, citing the field's stringent oversight and regulatory environment as a constraint on his creative drive. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-F0JWjrrv81UhYuMk) [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-ZjF67ePoybaydmvB)​\n\nFollowing his departure from medicine, Fig moved to New York and explored a variety of creative and technical pursuits. During this period, he taught himself how to code, took on User Experience (UX) design projects, and performed as a musician, developing a multidisciplinary skill set. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-F0JWjrrv81UhYuMk)​\n\n### Transition to Web3\n\nFig's entry into the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) industry was preceded by a role as a finance analyst, which served as his first introduction to the technology. He formally entered the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) space in 2020, drawn by what he saw as its potential to automate and solve inefficiencies present in traditional finance. The industry's combination of complex technical systems and creative freedom aligned with his interests, and he identified with its decentralized ethos, which values meritocracy and permissionless innovation. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-F0JWjrrv81UhYuMk) [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-ZjF67ePoybaydmvB)​\n\nBefore co-founding [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid), Fig was an early employee at [Axelar](https://iq.wiki/wiki/axelar), a cross-chain communication network. At Axelar, he worked on the developer ecosystem and contributed to the architecture of its core interchain communication protocol. This experience provided him with deep insights into the mechanics of cross-chain interactions and the need for a more user-friendly application layer to make the technology accessible. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-wXFj0fd25qJYvgA2) [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-NKV17IFgek55Uv5B)​\n\n### Founding of Squid\n\nIn 2021, Fig and his co-founders, including Christina Rud, began building [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid). The project originated from within the [Axelar](https://iq.wiki/wiki/axelar) ecosystem to act as a user and developer-friendly layer on top of Axelar's infrastructure. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-F0JWjrrv81UhYuMk) [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-Q0OoxbfH8BN3HJ1M) Squid was designed to leverage Axelar's General Message Passing (GMP) to enable more than just asset bridging, allowing for complex, single-click cross-chain actions like swaps, staking, and purchases. The founding mission was to address interoperability challenges and make cross-chain liquidity and functionality easily accessible for developers to integrate into their applications. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-wXFj0fd25qJYvgA2) [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-Q0OoxbfH8BN3HJ1M)​\n\n## Philosophy and Vision\n\nFig is a vocal proponent of several core concepts related to the future of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) interoperability.\n\n### Cross-Chain Abstraction\n\nHis central philosophy is that for [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) to achieve mass adoption, the underlying complexity of its multi-chain architecture must be hidden from the end-user. He calls this \"cross-chain abstraction,\" a state where users can interact with any [decentralized application](https://iq.wiki/wiki/decentralized-application) (dApp) on any chain without needing to understand bridges, manage assets on different networks, or hold multiple native gas tokens. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-NKV17IFgek55Uv5B) This vision is centered on creating a frictionless user experience. As Fig stated in a 2024 interview:\n\n> \"With \\[Squid] - (<https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid>) v2, we let you use \\[Solana] - (<https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana>) like it’s a \\[Polygon] - (<https://iq.wiki/wiki/polygon>) app, or use Osmosis like it’s an \\[Ethereum] - (<https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum>) app... The goal is that using any blockchain feels like using one blockchain.\" [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-Q0OoxbfH8BN3HJ1M)\n\n### Decentralizing Decentralization\n\nFig has used the phrase \"decentralizing decentralization\" to describe the evolution of the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) ecosystem from a monolithic, single-chain environment (where innovation was concentrated on one network) to a multi-chain one. In this paradigm, value and applications are distributed across many sovereign networks. He sees the role of protocols like [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid) as providing the \"connective tissue\" that makes this fragmented landscape feel whole, unified, and accessible to the average user. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-ZjF67ePoybaydmvB)​\n\n### Composability and Developer Experience\n\nHe argues that the ultimate goal of interoperability is not merely moving assets between chains but enabling developers to \"compose\" functionalities from different chains into a single, cohesive application. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-wXFj0fd25qJYvgA2) For example, a user could leverage collateral on one [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) to borrow an asset on another, all from a single interface. A key part of his vision for [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid) is providing developers with a simple Software Development Kit (SDK) and API, allowing any application to integrate cross-chain functionality with minimal effort. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-NKV17IFgek55Uv5B)​\n\n## Media Appearances and Public Engagement\n\nAs a public-facing co-founder, Fig frequently represents [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid) at industry events and in media interviews.\n\nIn July 2023, he and the [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid) team attended [EthCC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum-community-conference-ethcc) and other side events in Paris, where they engaged with the broader [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) and cross-chain developer communities. [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-aVDOn4Cy61pJ4TPl) He has also been a speaker at events such as the Blockworks Digital Asset Summit. [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-Q0OoxbfH8BN3HJ1M)​\n\nOne of his most in-depth interviews was on Episode 50 of The Smart Economy Podcast, published in late 2023. In the episode, titled \"Decentralizing Decentralization: The Evolution of Multi-Chain Infrastructure with Fig from [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid),\" he discussed the origins of Squid, its relationship with [Axelar](https://iq.wiki/wiki/axelar), and his vision for a simplified, interconnected multi-chain future. The conversation covered the importance of abstracting complexity to improve the [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) user experience and drive wider adoption. [\\[7\\]](#cite-id-ILdr2eB0aci6G3wP) [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-ZjF67ePoybaydmvB)​\n\n## Interviews\n\n### Cross-Chain Routing Overview #01\n\nThis interview, published on February 28, 2024, on the YouTube channel “Bare Metal Podcast,” presents Fig’s account of the development and design approach behind [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid), a cross-chain routing platform.\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=2mS_CMu0BWU)\n\nIn the interview, Fig describes the initial motivation for [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid) as addressing operational challenges associated with transferring assets across multiple [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) networks. These challenges include multi-step processes, varying transaction times, and the requirement to manage gas tokens on different chains. His experience interacting with multiple networks informed the development of a system intended to reduce these operational steps.\n\nFig explains that [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid) enables token swaps between different [blockchains](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) within a single transaction flow. The system is built on Axelar’s interoperability infrastructure, including its General Message Passing protocol, which supports communication between chains. The platform provides developer tools such as APIs, SDKs, and interface components for integration into external applications.\n\nThe interview also outlines a feature referred to as “Boost.” According to Fig, this mechanism uses [liquidity providers](https://iq.wiki/wiki/liquidity-providers) to supply assets on the destination chain prior to the completion of the bridging process. This approach reduces the time required to complete cross-chain transactions. He describes the mechanism as a form of collateral-backed liquidity coordination, with measures intended to address execution risks.\n\nGas management is presented as another functional component. Fig states that transaction fees can be handled on the source chain, while execution costs on the destination chain are managed through [Axelar’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/axelar) infrastructure. This structure is intended to remove the need for holding multiple native tokens across different networks.\n\nIn discussing future development, Fig references planned expansions to additional [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) ecosystems, including support for networks such as [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) and [Solana](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana), as well as further work on transaction routing and liquidity handling.\n\nThe interview reflects Fig’s perspective on cross-chain systems as infrastructure designed to facilitate interaction between otherwise separate [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) environments. [\\[8\\]](#cite-id-6fEp6eWrkBpD6tN9)&#x20;\n\n### Fig Interview on Cross-Chain Interoperability #02\n\nThis interview, published on May 2, 2024 on the YouTube channel TEACHMEDEFI, features Fig discussing the [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid) protocol and its approach to cross-chain functionality.\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](https://youtube.com/watch?v=Rn8hM3vXGIk)\n\nFig states that [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid) was developed to address operational complexity in cross-chain transactions within the [cryptocurrency](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) ecosystem. The protocol is described as enabling cross-chain swaps, token transfers, and related operations through a single interface, reducing the need to interact with multiple bridges, wallets, and [decentralized exchanges](https://iq.wiki/wiki/decentralized-exchange).\n\nAccording to Fig, Squid utilizes Axelar’s general message passing infrastructure to facilitate communication across more than 65 [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) networks, including [EVM](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum-virtual-machine-evm)-compatible chains, [Cosmos](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cosmos)-based networks, [Solana](https://iq.wiki/wiki/solana), [Polkadot](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polkadot), and [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin). This infrastructure supports both asset transfers and the execution of instructions across different chains.\n\nThe discussion also addresses technical constraints associated with multi-chain support, including variations in gas systems, transaction formats, and wallet integrations. Fig indicates that [Squid](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid) applies a modular architecture to manage these differences and to enable the addition of new [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) networks.\n\nRegarding security, Fig states that [Squid’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/squid) design avoids the use of wrapped assets by converting tokens into native assets on the destination chain. He also references [Axelar’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/axelar) validator-based network as part of the system supporting cross-chain communication.\n\nFig describes the protocol as integrating with external services such as [wallets](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency-wallet) and [decentralized exchanges](https://iq.wiki/wiki/decentralized-exchange), and notes the inclusion of revenue-sharing mechanisms within its network model.\n\nThe interview concludes with references to planned expansion into additional ecosystems, including [Polkadot](https://iq.wiki/wiki/polkadot), and identifies interoperability and reduced dependence on individual [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) environments as part of the protocol’s intended direction. [\\[9\\]](#cite-id-vHnEcj1BwqOGytAu)&#x20;","summary":"Fig is the pseudonymous co-founder of Squid, a cross-chain liquidity router built on Axelar. 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