Zaki Manian
Full Name: Zaki Manian
Year of Birth (if public):
Educational Background: University of Waterloo, PhD in Computer Science
Notable Projects / Contributions: Cosmos, Tendermint, Iqlusion, Sommelier Finance, Interchain Foundation
Previous Experience / Career Background: Financial software, product lead at Tendermint, founder of Iqlusion, co-founder of Sommelier Finance
Major Achievements in Web3: Key contributor to Cosmos and its ecosystem, co-founding Iqlusion and Sommelier Finance, advancing blockchain interoperability
Funding / Investors Associated: Sommelier Finance (Polychain Capital, Alameda Research)
Social Profiles:
- X (Twitter): @zmanian
- LinkedIn: Zaki Manian
- GitHub: zmanian

Zaki Manian – The Cosmos Contributor Driving Interoperability Forward
Zaki Manian is a pivotal figure in the blockchain space, widely recognized for his foundational contributions to the Cosmos ecosystem. As a key architect and fervent advocate for interoperability, he has been instrumental in shaping the vision of a multi-chain future where diverse blockchains can seamlessly connect and transact. His work fundamentally challenges the siloed nature of early blockchain designs, championing a world of interconnected digital economies.
With a deep background in distributed systems and a keen understanding of the limitations of monolithic blockchain architectures, Zaki quickly saw the need for greater flexibility and scalability. He became an early proponent of the idea that a single blockchain could not serve all purposes, leading him to explore solutions that would allow for specialized, yet interconnected, chains. This drive for modularity and sovereign control laid the groundwork for his involvement with Cosmos.
Zaki Manian’s contributions to Cosmos are numerous, particularly in the conceptualization and implementation of the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. Launched as part of the Cosmos Hub, IBC is a groundbreaking standard that enables independent blockchains, or “zones,” to securely exchange data and tokens. Under his guidance and influence, the Cosmos SDK has empowered developers to build application-specific blockchains tailored to unique needs, while IBC ensures these chains can communicate, creating a vibrant network of sovereign yet interconnected digital systems.
Beyond technical implementation, Zaki has been a vocal advocate for blockchain sovereignty, open-source collaboration, and robust decentralized governance. His insights have profoundly influenced the design philosophies within Cosmos, emphasizing security through composability and the importance of shared infrastructure without compromising individual chain autonomy. He frequently engages in discussions around economic security models, cross-chain bridging solutions, and the ethical considerations of building an open, permissionless internet of blockchains.
One of the most transformative milestones under Zaki’s influence was the successful activation of the IBC protocol on the Cosmos Hub. This achievement unlocked true interoperability, allowing assets and data to flow freely between disparate blockchains for the first time on a large scale. His continued work on various modules and proposals within the Cosmos ecosystem helps refine and expand the network’s capabilities, constantly pushing the boundaries of what a connected blockchain universe can achieve.
Zaki’s leadership extends to fostering a strong community and driving intellectual discourse within the Cosmos network and broader Web3. He consistently champions transparent development, rigorous peer review, and a collaborative spirit among builders. His outspoken nature and commitment to technical excellence have made him a respected voice, guiding the community through complex technical challenges and strategic decisions.

As Web3 continues its evolution towards a more interconnected future, Zaki Manian remains a leading voice for interoperability and modular design. His regular contributions to technical discussions, strategic planning, and community engagement ensure that the Cosmos vision of an “Internet of Blockchains” continues to expand and adapt to new challenges and opportunities, influencing developers, projects, and investors globally.
For Web3 builders and emerging blockchain projects, Zaki Manian’s journey offers invaluable lessons in foresight and the power of specialized design. His commitment to enabling sovereign yet interconnected chains serves as a powerful reminder that the future of decentralized technology lies in collaboration and open standards, allowing for diverse solutions to coexist and thrive. Emerging founders can learn from his relentless pursuit of true interoperability and modularity.
Platforms like Web3Lead, designed to help projects grow through data-driven insights and access to millions of Web3 user profiles, further amplify this mission. By empowering builders with analytics, segmentation tools, and audience intelligence, Web3Lead supports the next generation of creators shaping the decentralized future Zaki envisioned.
Zaki Manian’s pioneering work with Cosmos and his steadfast advocacy for interoperability are not just technical achievements; they represent a fundamental shift in how we envision the architecture of a truly global and decentralized digital future.
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