Zac Williamson is the co-founder and CEO of Aztec, a privacy-focused Layer 2 solution on Ethereum.
Why you should listen
Aztec Network is a privacy-focused Layer 2 (L2) solution based on Ethereum that aims to improve user confidentiality and transaction scalability within the blockchain ecosystem. By leveraging zero-knowledge proofs, particularly zk-SNARKs (Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge), Aztec enables encrypted transactions that maintain the transparency and security of Ethereum.
Traditional blockchains like Ethereum operate with complete transparency, with all transaction details publicly available. While this openness ensures trustlessness and verifiability, it compromises user privacy by exposing sensitive financial data and potentially preventing wider adoption. Aztec addresses this issue by introducing a privacy layer that hides transaction details without compromising the integrity of the blockchain.
A key component of Aztec’s technology is the zkRollup architecture, which consolidates multiple transactions into a single proof, improving scalability and reducing gas fees. This batch process allows Aztec to offer up to 100x cost savings compared to standard Ethereum transactions, making private transactions more economical.
Aztec Connect is a platform that integrates privacy features into existing Ethereum DeFi protocols such as Lido, Curve and Element Finance. This integration allows users to engage in private staking, lending, and other DeFi activities without revealing their financial details. Developers can leverage Aztec’s SDK and bridge contracts to seamlessly integrate…