Brandon Truong, Co-Founder of ZetaChain, on The First Universal Blockchain, and Unlocking DeFi Potential for BTC | Ep. 396

Brandon Truong, Co-Founder and CPO of ZetaChain, joined the Cryptonews Spotlight podcast to discuss building the first universal blockchain, enabling cross-chain interoperability, and unlocking DeFi potential for Bitcoin. Below are the highlights of his journey and the ZetaChain vision.

Brandon’s Early Days: From Startups to Blockchain

Brandon shared his background as a builder and innovator, co-founding Yada, a SaaS and social startup acquired in 2020.

“I was initially kind of a computer nerd… doing hackathons in high school, building websites for my friends.”

His transition to blockchain began in 2021 when he joined ZetaChain, attracted by its vision of a universal blockchain to solve interoperability challenges.

What is ZetaChain?

“ZetaChain is creating an internet-like layer for blockchains.”

ZetaChain is a universal blockchain aiming to connect disparate blockchain ecosystems seamlessly.

Brandon likened blockchains to countries with unique economies and described ZetaChain as a “globalization layer” enabling smooth communication, asset transfers, and collaboration between chains.

The Universal Blockchain Concept

The universal blockchain concept solves the challenge of fragmented systems by creating a meta-layer for seamless cross-chain interactions.

Brandon explains that it’s designed to empower developers and enhance user experiences across ecosystems.

“We’re thinking of the equivalent for blockchains… a layer that allows for a fluid environment to move through.”

Empowering Developers to Build Universal Apps

ZetaChain simplifies developer workflows, allowing them to build universal apps that interact across chains without deploying multiple contracts. This innovation opens the door for applications like Uniswap clones that seamlessly trade assets from Bitcoin to Solana.

“With ZetaChain, you can deploy one contract that manages all of your logic as if all assets were in one place.”

Unlocking DeFi for Bitcoin

ZetaChain enables Bitcoin holders to engage with DeFi opportunities by integrating Bitcoin into a broader programmable environment, says Brandon.

This approach allows users to earn yield, borrow against holdings, or engage with other assets while retaining Bitcoin’s store-of-value functionality.

“Now I can just lend my Bitcoin to a lending market on ZetaChain… borrow against it, and still hold my Bitcoin position.”

Building Universal Apps

Universal apps built on ZetaChain offer a streamlined user experience, where apps can orchestrate activities across multiple chains without requiring users to switch networks.

This innovation reduces friction and makes crypto applications more accessible.

“A universal app can navigate and be accessed universally, managing things across any chain.”

The Importance of AI in Crypto

“In the long term, it turns into RoboTraders or portfolio managers, like Wealthfront, but for crypto.”

Brandon emphasized the potential of AI to transform asset management, enabling autonomous portfolio strategies across chains. He sees a future where AI agents simplify interactions and optimize user yield, driving the next wave of adoption.

Compliance and Recognition in Dubai

ZetaChain’s recent recognition by the Dubai Financial Services Authority as the sixth approved token highlights the project’s commitment to compliance and user safety.

“Security is pretty much the highest priority… The DFSA approval is kind of just a nod to that.”

This milestone reflects ZetaChain’s readiness for global adoption.

The Future of ZetaChain

Brandon outlined ZetaChain’s upcoming milestones, including gateway upgrades that enhance developer tools and enable advanced use cases like orchestrating assets across chains. The focus remains on empowering developers to build and innovate.

“We’re launching the gateway upgrades… unlocking the portfolio manager level of the building.”