When Avalanche launched in 2020, it introduced a vision of scale few others could match: a network of many custom Layer 1s (L1s) working in unison. Today, that vision is fully realized. And as more Avalanche L1s come online, one protocol is helping them decentralize and secure their networks from day one.

That protocol is Suzaku. And behind it is Gauthier, a Paris-based engineer and longtime Avalanche builder.

“I discovered blockchain in early 2021 through Avalanche,” Gauthier recalls. “A friend of mine did the pre-sale and introduced me shortly after it launched.” As a developer with a background in distributed systems, he quickly saw how Avalanche’s architecture matched what he already understood. “The multi-chain architecture really rang a bell to me.”

Gauthier started building. First, small side projects. Then, a full-time startup. The first project was Ash, designed to help new Avalanche chains get off the ground. But it soon became clear that bootstrapping infrastructure was just the first step. Projects also needed a secure, decentralized, easy-to-manage validator set.

That’s where Suzaku comes in.

Interview with CEO & Co-founder at Suzaku

The Staking Layer for Avalanche L1s

Suzaku is designed to help new Avalanche L1s decentralize their infrastructure while remaining secure. When you start a blockchain project, says Gauthier, eventually you will have to bring in more users, and you may have to go outside of your trusted circle. “At some point you’re going to ask yourself, ‘how can I decentralize this network and bring in other people to run software, run the nodes…and the validators, and how am I going to keep this secure?” 

Suzaku connects L1s, node operators, and stakers in a permissionless fashion. This model gives projects the flexibility to decentralize at their own pace. “You can say, I will keep my 10 in-house nodes that are run by my team,” says Gauthier, “but I will open up the network to maybe 20% of the validation power to my community. Even if they screw up, it won’t impact my network. So I can start my journey, but also change the way I move as we go.

A Restaking Protocol for an L1 World

Avalanche’s architecture made it the right home for Suzaku’s mission. Unlike other ecosystems, each L1 on Avalanche is fully independent — including its validator set. That flexibility is powerful, but also creates a challenge.

“On Avalanche, the L1 is really isolated in terms of security and the validators that run this network, which is great because it offers a lot more scaling. But you’re kind of on your own when it comes to how I’m going to decentralize this thing.”

The team took inspiration from Ethereum’s restaking protocols, especially for projects launching with low initial token value. “You might say, I will also use staked AVAX as my security and ask people to come up with 200 million extra security from AVAX so that I’m sure my network will first of all be secure enough, but also appear secure enough to attract more users.” The ultimate goal is to help L1s gain real traction, even before their native token accrues market cap.

Supporting Builders Through Every Phase

Suzaku’s vision is especially relevant for builders in DeFi and infrastructure, teams that prioritize decentralization from the start. But Suzaku is designed to meet builders where they are. “We try to adapt to the project as best as we can, and allow them to start their decentralization journey without totally changing the whole L1,” Gauthier says.

That spirit of practical flexibility helped Suzaku gain early traction, catching the attention of the Avalanche Codebase team. Gauthier was part of the first cohort of Avalanche’s incubator program. He says the program is brief but effective: “It’s pretty short, but you have continuous touch-points with the Ava Labs team. They can connect you with the right mentors to address specific topics.”

More than anything, the program helped build lasting relationships. “Maybe the most I took out of it was relationship building with the Avalanche team and Avalanche Foundation. It’s still valuable today,” he says.

Staying Focused in a Noisy Ecosystem

Like many web3 founders, Gauthier has had to navigate a landscape shaped by hype cycles and short attention spans. “Crypto is a very noisy, volatile, cyclical space where a lot of narratives kind of pop up from nowhere and grab all the attention.”

He’s stayed focused by building with conviction and tapping into the ecosystem around him. “There are a lot of people in the space who are very accessible… you can really build a network of people who can advise you,” he says.

Despite Avalanche not always being top-of-mind for crypto media, he believes the long-term bet is clear.

“Avalanche is very supportive. They have a lot of programs, a lot of initiatives to support builders. Eventually people will notice that Avalanche is not like any other ecosystem.”

Advice for New Builders

For developers just starting out on Avalanche, Gauthier points to the basics. “There’s build.avax.network — that is a great place to get started.” And for people new to blockchain, Avalanche Academy offers clear technical context.

He also urges new teams not to isolate themselves. “Don’t be afraid to reach out to the team… whether it’s DevRel or the business development team, they are very keen to learn what you’re building.”

Most importantly, use feedback to shape your idea early. “The sooner you get in touch with Ava Labs, Avalanche Foundation, or even key members of the ecosystem, the better it is for you and your idea to take shape. Because the first version you have of your idea is never the last one.”

You can follow Gauthier’s work at @nutymoon and keep up with Suzaku at @SuzakuNetwork.