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Aztec

Privacy-focused Layer 2 for private contracts

Overview

Aztec Protocol is a privacy-first Layer 2 solution for Ethereum that enables programmable privacy for smart contracts using zero-knowledge proofs. It functions as a zkRollup, bundling off-chain transactions and posting a single validity proof to Ethereum to reduce costs while keeping transactions and data confidential. The architecture uses a hybrid state model where private computations run on-device in a Private Execution Environment and public functions run on the Aztec Virtual Machine, with Noir as the language for private smart contracts. Its goal is to broaden Ethereum adoption by providing end-to-end privacy and scalable, private smart contracts for decentralized applications.

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About Aztec

Simplify's Rating
Why Aztec is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

FintechCybersecurityCrypto & Web3

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

ICO

Total Funding

$178.1M

Headquarters

London, United Kingdom

Founded

2017

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What believers are saying

  • On November 3, 2026, Tierra V6 doubled private proof speed to one second.
  • Ethereum messages now reach Aztec in twelve seconds, accelerating deposits and app flows.
  • zk.money relaunched, while Galactica, Nemi, and Nulo broaden the app pipeline.

What critics are saying

  • June 2026 bridge exploits drained over four million dollars from deprecated Aztec contracts.
  • The V5 critical flaw forced a network-wide migration, proving emergency fixes remain brittle.
  • If proofs fail again, users flee and Aztec's privacy brand collapses.

What makes Aztec unique

  • Aztec's programmable privacy lets contracts mix private and public logic on Ethereum.
  • No centralized sequencer and no privileged viewing keys distinguish Aztec from most L2s.
  • Noir lowers privacy-smart-contract development friction versus bespoke zero-knowledge circuits.

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Funding

Total Funding

$178.1M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

4 Rounds

Notable Investors:
Ico funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Ico Funding Comparison Coming Soon

Benefits

  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Remote Work Options
  • Company Equity
  • Paid Vacation
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Professional Development Budget

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

-2%

1 year growth

2%

2 year growth

3%
The Block
Nov 3rd, 2026
Ethereum Layer 2 Aztec gets Tierra V6 upgrade to support faster private apps.

Ethereum Layer 2 Aztec gets Tierra V6 upgrade to support faster private apps. Tierra V6 fixes a critical V5 security issue and speeds up private transaction proofs, with new apps launching or preparing to launch on Aztec. DeFi - November 3, 2026, 9:00AM EST Quick take. * Aztec Foundation has rolled out Tierra V6, saying it fixes earlier security issues and doubles the speed of private transaction proof generation. * Aztec also unveiled a new brand and website as it seeks to become the "leading platform for unstoppable private apps." Aztec Foundation, the team behind the privacy-focused Ethereum Layer 2 network Aztec, has launched Tierra, its Alpha V6 network upgrade, to fix security issues and make private transaction proofs faster. The upgrade resolves vulnerabilities found in earlier versions, including a critical issue in V5, the foundation said. It also adds a new AI-based system for security testing. When asked why the critical issue wasn't fixed sooner, an Aztec spokesperson said the fix required the whole network to move to a new version. "Because Aztec is a decentralized network, if a critical vulnerability is discovered, the entire network must upgrade to the new version to implement the fix," the spokesperson told The Block. Aztec has no central operator that can make the change on its own, the spokesperson said, adding that there are plans to make future upgrades faster if vulnerabilities are discovered. Aztec said its network has more than 3,000 validators, no centralized sequencer, and no privileged viewing keys. Aztec Tierra (Alpha V6) upgrade. Besides the security fixes, Tierra makes private transaction proofs twice as fast, taking one second to generate on a native device, according to the foundation. Messages from Ethereum can now reach Aztec in as little as 12 seconds, compared with an average of two minutes before, the foundation said, noting that the change speeds up deposits and other transactions between the networks. "Aztec Tierra delivers a stronger, more secure foundation for applications that no single company or institution can control," Zac Williamson, co-founder and CEO of the Aztec Foundation, said in a statement. "Privacy shouldn't be something you have to request or trust someone else to protect. It should be built into the network." Developers on Aztec can choose which functions of their apps are private and which are public, the foundation said, adding that private functions run and generate proofs on the user's device, while public functions run on the network. Private apps on Aztec. The upgrade comes shortly after Aztec Labs relaunched zk.money, a self-custodial wallet for private crypto payments, three years after discontinuing the original product. "With Aztec Tierra and zk.money, users can deposit directly from any Ethereum wallet and make lightning-fast private transactions without complicated bridging workflows," Joe Andrews, co-founder and CEO of Aztec Labs, said in a statement. Other apps launching or preparing to launch include Galactica for private AI inference, Nemi for private perpetuals trading, and the private browser wallet Nulo, according to the announcement. Xochi supports private intents and trading, while Nyx lets users make private payments to any Ethereum wallet. Olla offers liquid staking for the Aztec token. Rolling Chat, a private message board based on Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin's Aztec experiments, is also on the list. Aztec also introduced a new brand and website alongside Tierra, describing its aim as becoming the platform for "unstoppable private apps." ASSETS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE

Crypto-Economy
Nov 3rd, 2026
Aztec deploys Tierra V6 upgrade acceleration for private decentralized apps.

Aztec deploys Tierra V6 upgrade acceleration for private decentralized apps. * Carrillo J.M. * Published: November 3, 2026 * 2:58 pm * Updated: November 3, 2026 * 2:58 pm Table of Contents * Aztec Security Upgrade: Tierra Alpha V6 fixes vulnerabilities from earlier releases, including a critical issue found in V5, and adds AI-powered security testing plus formal verification for core cryptographic components. * Performance Boost: Private transaction proofs now generate in about one second, and Ethereum-to-network messages can arrive in as little as 12 seconds instead of roughly two minutes. * Growing Ecosystem: zk.money has returned with improved user experience, and several privacy-focused applications covering payments, AI, trading, wallets, and social tools are preparing to launch. The Aztec Foundation has launched Tierra, its Alpha V6 network upgrade, introducing a series of security improvements and performance enhancements for private decentralized applications. The update addresses vulnerabilities identified in previous releases and aims to strengthen the privacy-focused Ethereum layer-2 network. According to the foundation, the Aztec network now offers faster private transaction proofs, quicker communication with Ethereum, and new testing tools designed to improve resilience against security risks. The release also arrives alongside a refreshed brand identity and a growing lineup of privacy-focused applications. Introducing Aztec Tierra (Alpha V6). The platform for unstoppable private apps is here. Ethereum's only decentralized L2, with fully programmable privacy: permissionless, private smart contracts. No backdoors. No gatekeepers.https://t.co/J1KZd6XT15 pic.twitter.com/ET4k6oXtPI - Aztec (@aztecnetwork) November 3, 2026 Security improvements take center stage. A key objective of Tierra is resolving security concerns discovered in earlier versions, including a critical issue identified in V5. An Aztec spokesperson explained that implementing the fix required a network-wide upgrade because the protocol operates without a central operator capable of making unilateral changes. The foundation noted that the decentralized structure of the Aztec network means all participants must move to a new version before critical fixes can take effect. The latest release introduces additional hardening measures, including an AI-powered security testing system and formal verification of core cryptographic components. These measures are intended to ensure that critical systems behave as expected and reduce the risk of vulnerabilities reaching production environments. The foundation said Aztec Tierra delivers a more secure base for applications that prioritize user privacy and resistance to centralized control. Faster proofs and improved Ethereum connectivity. Beyond security, Aztec said the upgrade significantly improves performance. Private transaction proofs can now be generated in roughly one second on a standard device, cutting processing time by about half compared with previous versions. The Aztec Foundation also reported major improvements in communication speed between Ethereum and the network. Messages that previously took an average of two minutes can now arrive in as little as 12 seconds. This enhancement is expected to accelerate deposits and other cross-network interactions. Developers can continue choosing which application functions remain private and which operate publicly. Private functions execute and generate proofs on user devices, whereas public functions run directly on the network. Privacy Ecosystem continues expanding. The launch follows the return of zk.money, a self-custodial wallet developed by Aztec Labs for private crypto payments. The faster messaging system allows users to deposit directly from Ethereum wallets without complicated bridging processes. Additional projects preparing to launch include private AI, trading, wallet, payments, and social-focused applications. The list includes a private message board inspired by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin's Aztec experiments. Alongside the upgrade, Aztec also introduced a new website and branding initiative centered on its goal of supporting unstoppable private applications.

Moneybox
Sep 29th, 2026
Ethereum prepares Glamsterdam testnet upgrade, targeting higher L1 throughput and efficiency.

Ethereum prepares Glamsterdam testnet upgrade, targeting higher L1 throughput and efficiency. The Glamsterdam upgrade could significantly enhance Ethereum's scalability and efficiency, potentially reshaping its network dynamics. The post Ethereum prepares Glamsterdam testnet upgrade, targeting higher L1 throughpu... Market signal Archive context. Published in the last two hours. A tracked entity is involved. D Ethereum The Glamsterdam upgrade could significantly enhance Ethereum's scalability and efficiency, potentially reshaping its network dynamics. Why this matters Ethereum is a tracked market entity in the DigitalMoneyBox archive, making this useful context for readers monitoring repeated mentions and follow-up coverage. Original source Aztec Labs' Nyx wallet and network upgrade could significantly enhance privacy and efficiency in DeFi, influencing Ethereum's priv... Crypto Briefing Open Ethereum Sep 28, 2026 · 1d ago Buterin's vision for Ethereum could enhance its scalability and privacy, potentially boosting long-term market confidence and pric... Crypto Briefing Open CCIP 2.0's launch signifies a pivotal shift towards seamless blockchain integration in finance, enhancing efficiency and complianc... Crypto Briefing Open Ethereum Sep 29, 2026 · 10h ago ETH trades near $2,665, moving flat over 24 hours, sitting in a tight range that's testing trader patience. A Chainlink upgrade ro... Cryptonews Open Security Sep 28, 2026 · 1d ago The D'CENT wallet hack, the year's second-largest drain of XRP behind the Bitget crypto exchange hack, has spilled beyond the XRP... Ethereum Sep 29, 2026 · 3h ago Aztec Labs' zk.money relaunch could redefine DeFi privacy standards, potentially boosting adoption and innovation in private finan... Crypto Briefing Open

Mine Cryptos
Sep 23rd, 2026
Ethereum (ETH) price: ETH moves toward $3,400 as Bitmine nears 5% of supply.

Ethereum (ETH) price: ETH moves toward $3,400 as Bitmine nears 5% of supply. Tldr. * Ethereum rose from a July low near $1,510 to a late-September peak of about $2,777. * Analyst Michael van de Poppe says a break higher could send ETH toward $3,400. * Bitmine now holds 5,983,940 ETH, about 4.9% of Ethereum's total supply. * Bitmine has staked about 85% of its ETH and projects $357 million in yearly staking revenue. * Ethereum network revenue hit $689,893 on September 21, its highest daily total in seven days. Ethereum (ETH) is trading near $2,750 as buyers try to extend a recovery that started in July. The price is moving toward a resistance zone that traders are watching closely. ETH climbed from a July low near $1,510 to a late-September peak of about $2,776.97, according to TradingView data. The latest session showed a 0.92% pullback, pointing to some short-term profit-taking. Analyst watches $3,400 resistance. Crypto analyst Michael van de Poppe said in a post on X that ETH is "getting into an interesting zone." He noted that a break above the current area could open the way toward $3,400. Van de Poppe also said Ethereum is unlikely to return to the sub-$2,000 region in the near term. His view follows the stronger recovery structure ETH built after its July bottom. $ETH is getting into an interesting zone. If this area breaks, the next area of resistance is likely $3,400 and that would mean that My Cryptos is back into a new range. I don't think My Cryptos'll see anything sub $2,000 in the near future again. pic.twitter.com/3ubLBpC10s - Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) September 22, 2026 After consolidating around $1,850, ETH broke above $2,400 in late August. It then pushed higher toward $2,750. The Relative Strength Index sits at 69.50, just under the 70 level often seen as overbought. The MACD line at 97.20 remains above the 80.53 signal line. A clear move through $3,400 could help ETH set a higher trading range. A rejection near that level could lead to another period of consolidation. Bitmine nears 5% of ETH supply. Bitmine Immersion Technologies continues to add to its Ethereum treasury. The firm bought 27,562 ETH in the week ending September 21, worth about $74 million at $2,688 per coin. Blockchain data firm Arkham reported on X that Bitmine now holds 5,983,940 ETH. That equals about 4.9% of Ethereum's supply and is valued near $16.1 billion. TOM LEE NOW HOLDS $16 BILLION OF ETH - AND HE'S STILL BUYING Bitmine bought another $75.29M of ETH this week, taking its stack to 5,983,940 ETH ($16.40B). 85% of that is staked. That is 4.9% of the entire ETH supply. They need $327.90M more ETH to hit 5%. pic.twitter.com/w2dYaEX46Q - Arkham (@arkham) September 22, 2026 Arkham also tracked a separate 12,500 ETH transfer from Kraken, worth about $34.6 million. Bitmine's stated goal, which it calls the "Alchemy of 5%," is now close. Bitmine has staked 5,067,309 ETH, or about 85% of its holdings. It reported a 7-day annualized staking yield of 2.62%, with projected yearly staking revenue of about $357 million. Bitmine's Tom Lee pointed to ETH's 65.2% gain since June 30, compared with 52.2% for Solana and 36.3% for Bitcoin. He called the third-quarter outperformance "a prelude to a potentially stronger up move" in the fourth quarter. Bitmine stock, BMNR, traded at $28.25 at press time, up 8.84% in one session. The company recently switched its staking deal to American Validator, cutting the revenue-sharing fee to 1.50%. On-chain data added another data point. Chainspect reported on X that Ethereum earned $689,893 in transaction revenue on September 21. That figure was the highest daily total of the past seven days. ETH remains below $2,780 as traders watch the $3,400 level. More stories. * Default Comments (0) * Facebook Comments

AInvest Fintech Inc.
Jun 19th, 2026
Second crypto hack in seven days: Aztec Network private bridge attacked.

Second crypto hack in seven days: Aztec Network private bridge attacked. Friday, Jun 19, 2026 5:09 am ET 1min read Aztec Network suffered a second hack within a week, with the theft of over $2 million in digital assets. The attack targeted the network's private routing bridge, fueling concerns about the security of infrastructures used in the crypto ecosystem. The community's reaction was swift, with many observers noting that the trust granted to crypto platforms can be impaired when multiple breaches occur within a short period. Aztec Network has experienced a second significant security breach within a week, with hackers stealing over $2.16 million in digital assets from the network's private Rollup Bridge. The stolen assets include 1,158 ETH, 150,000 DAI, and 0.47 renBTC, valued at more than $2 million at current market prices. The attack was initiated with a small initial deposit of 0.134 ETH from the HitBTC exchange, a detail often used by blockchain investigators to trace the origins of such exploits. Ask Aime: What's the latest Aztec Network hack? This incident has intensified concerns about the security of cross-chain bridges and rollup infrastructure, which are critical components of the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Bridges and rollups are frequently targeted due to managing large volumes of locked liquidity. The repeated breaches within a short timeframe have raised questions about the robustness of these systems and potential for systemic vulnerabilities rather than isolated incidents. The Aztec community has reacted with concern, with many observers noting that repeated security failures erode trust in DeFi platforms. Trust is a foundational element for the adoption and growth of decentralized systems, and multiple breaches undermine confidence in the technology and its governance models. Aztec Network has previously addressed vulnerabilities in its infrastructure, including the release of Aztec 2.0, which aimed to enhance privacy and security features. However, the recent attacks highlight the ongoing challenges in securing complex blockchain systems. The network is expected to conduct a thorough post-mortem investigation to identify the root cause of the exploit and implement necessary fixes. As the DeFi industry continues to evolve, the balance between innovation and security remains a critical challenge. The Aztec incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by sophisticated cyber actors and the need for continuous improvements in protocol design and operational security. Aime insights. What's the current state of blockchain technology developments? How might the Iran-Lebanon ultimatum impact oil prices and energy stocks? What are the top 5 digital currencies with the strongest growth potential now? What are the strongest altcoins showing correlation with Bitcoin's price movements?

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