Aleo is an L1 blockchain prioritizing privacy through zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs). It enables decentralized apps to process transactions while safeguarding user data. With on-chain verification and off-chain proof generation, Aleo achieves efficiency without compromising privacy.
Key figures include Howard Wu (Zexe, DIZK), Alex Pruden (CEO, ex-a16z), and a team with backgrounds at Google, Meta, and UC Berkeley.
-Leo: Privacy-first smart contract programming language.
-SnarkVM/SnarkOS: Off-chain computation, on-chain verification.
-ZkCloud: Secure offline environment for privacy-focused interactions.
-Consensus: AleoBFT combines PoS (verifiers) and PoW (ZK provers).
Key projects include:
-DeFi: Privacy-focused platforms like Privx Exchange and Arcane Finance.
-Infrastructure: Izar Bridge (cross-chain), Obscura (privacy SDKs), Puzzle Wallet, and Avail Wallet.
Aleo roles:
-Provers (ZK miners): Solve Coinbase puzzles to earn rewards.
-Verifiers: Ensure consensus and block creation with PoS, requiring 10M Aleo Points.
-Pledgers: Delegate Aleo Points for network security and rewards.
Initial supply: 1.5B Aleo Points. Distribution:
35% early supporters, 25% public, 16% contributors. Rewards for miners and verifiers decline over 10 years, with inflation reducing from 12% to near 0%.
Aleo blends privacy, efficiency, and an ecosystem geared for long-term growth.
In today’s digital landscape, privacy is both a demand and a challenge. While blockchain promises decentralization and transparency, it often fails to safeguard user privacy. Aleo addresses this conundrum head-on, building a platform where privacy isn't an afterthought but a foundational principle. Combining advanced zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP), tailored architecture, and a focus on scalability, Aleo reimagines how decentralized applications (dApps) can be both private and efficient. Let’s explore the key innovations that make Aleo a game-changer.
Blockchain’s open nature ensures trust and data integrity but also exposes sensitive transaction details. This trade-off creates a barrier for users who prioritize confidentiality. Aleo’s vision is simple yet profound: privacy by design.
Zero-knowledge proofs empower users to verify information without revealing the data itself. This cryptographic marvel is Aleo’s cornerstone, allowing transactions to remain secure and private.
Aleo leverages zk-SNARKs (Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge) to validate computations without exposing underlying data. For example:
program validate_transaction.aleo {
function verify(private input u32 transaction_data) -> bool {
let computed_hash = hash(transaction_data);
let valid_hash = 0xabcdef12345678;
return computed_hash == valid_hash;
}
}
This snippet demonstrates Aleo’s ability to maintain transactional integrity without sacrificing privacy.
To enable seamless zk-SNARK functionality, Aleo introduced SnarkOS, a blockchain-specific operating system.
Tailored for Privacy: Optimized for zk-SNARK operations, ensuring top-tier performance.
Scalable and Secure: Supports a growing ecosystem of dApps without compromising speed or safety.
Aleo employs Proof-of-Stake (PoS) for its consensus mechanism, delivering:
Low Energy Usage: A greener alternative to energy-intensive Proof-of-Work systems.
Robust Security: High-cost barriers deter malicious actors.
To handle massive transaction volumes, Aleo implements sharding. This divides the blockchain into smaller segments, boosting throughput and supporting thousands of transactions per second.
Aleo’s developer-friendly ecosystem ensures rapid growth and innovation:
Aleo Studio: An integrated development environment with smart contract templates, debugging tools, and one-click deployment.
Comprehensive Documentation: From beginner guides to advanced cryptographic concepts, Aleo equips developers with the knowledge they need.
Aleo is building interoperability bridges, enabling its dApps to leverage data and assets from other blockchains seamlessly.
The team is refining zk-SNARKs and exploring zk-STARKs, aiming for faster, more efficient solutions.
Aleo is redefining what’s possible in blockchain. By prioritizing privacy, scalability, and accessibility, it sets a new standard for decentralized applications. As Aleo pushes the boundaries of innovation, it invites developers, users, and visionaries to join a future where privacy is a right, not an option.
In any community, the ideas and efforts of its participants play a crucial role in development and improvement. The Aleo Network Foundation has created the Aleo Governance platform to promote decentralization and transparency. This platform allows community members to share ideas, vote on Aleo Request for Comments (ARCs), and contribute to network development.
The Aleo Governance Platform serves as a space where decisions regarding the Aleo blockchain and community are discussed and made. Users can submit ARCs, which define standards at the protocol, network, and application levels within the Aleo ecosystem. These proposals address various aspects of the network, including technical enhancements and changes in community governance.
To streamline governance processes, a new role has been introduced in the Ambassador Program: the Governor. Governors play a pivotal role in the governance process by ensuring ideas and proposals align with Aleo’s community rules and guidelines, supporting proposals, and moderating channels under the Governance category.
Key responsibilities of Governors include:
- Ensuring proposals adhere to community rules and guidelines.
- Supporting and refining proposals.
-Moderating all governance-related channels.
Community participation in Aleo governance is open to all members, regardless of their role. Interested individuals can join the Governance category on the Aleo Discord server. The main channels under this category include Loose Thoughts, where initial ideas are discussed before potentially becoming ARCs, and Proposals, where formal submissions undergo rigorous scrutiny. Members of the Aleo team, Governors elected by the community, and Aleo grantees can submit ARCs aimed at proposing new features and functionalities.
To contribute an idea, users can visit the 💭┃loose-thoughts channel on Discord, create a thread with their idea, and submit it. For proposing an ARC, users should visit the Aleo Governance site, connect their Discord and wallet, click on "+ New Proposal," describe the proposal following the provided instructions, and then submit or save it as a draft. The proposal author sets the voting period and options tailored to each proposal’s specifics. Upon submission, a discussion thread corresponding to the ARC number and title is automatically generated on Discord in the Proposals channel.
Expanding Aleo’s governance capabilities marks a significant step towards decentralization. Active community involvement is essential to achieving collective goals. All are encouraged to engage in discussions and contribute to the Aleo community's vitality.
In conclusion, the launch of the Aleo Community Governance Hub signifies a major stride towards decentralization and enhancement of the Aleo ecosystem. Every community member now has the opportunity to influence decision-making, propose ideas, and vote on changes. Together, we can build a sustainable and evolving network that serves the interests of all participants. Join us in shaping the future of Aleo.
The <Ether.fi> Foundation has set its sights on transforming the landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi) with its innovative governance structure. Founded as a next-generation liquid staking protocol, <Ether.fi> is dedicated to the principles of decentralization, transparency, and community empowerment, aiming to onboard the next billion users onto the crypto ecosystem by making DeFi easy, safe, and transparent for the average user.
Ether.fi's mission transcends mere technological advancement; it is about creating a decentralized, non-custodial staking protocol essential for Ethereum. The foundation envisions a variety of solutions to cater to different users and purposes, reflecting a shift from traditional, rent-seeking financial institutions to a user-centric model.
The <Ether.fi> Foundation is tasked with overseeing and executing decisions made by ETHFI token holders. This includes managing the treasury and protocol with regular transparency reports to maintain accountability. Governed by its constitutional documents, the foundation empowers ETHFI token holders to actively participate in significant decisions impacting the protocol's growth and sustainability.
The ETHFI token is pivotal in Ether.fi’s decentralized governance. It allows community members to influence the protocol’s direction through:
- <Ether.fi> Grants Program: Supporting the ecosystem’s long-term growth.
- Protocol Decisions: Determining economic parameters, such as fees and contract upgrades.
- Contributor Permissions: Managing developer contributions and node operator permissions.
- Token Staking: Providing incentives for permissionless staking services.
- Treasury Diversification: Overseeing activities related to treasury management.
Ether.fi’s governance model emphasizes decentralized decision-making, security, and efficiency. It incorporates checks and balances through a robust voting system valuing expertise and commitment. The model is designed to adapt continuously, ensuring protocol longevity and effective community engagement.
Decentralized governance presents unique challenges, such as adapting to network maturity, managing upgrade frequency, and balancing decentralization levels. <Ether.fi> addresses these by blending on-chain governance with off-chain practices from traditional systems, creating a dynamic and responsive governance structure.
To facilitate the initial stages of governance, <Ether.fi> has introduced roles such as Proposers and the Multi-Sig Committee:
- Proposers: Submit protocol changes and governance decisions for community voting.
- Multi-Sig Committee: Implements decisions, handles emergencies, and ensures alignment with the foundation’s objectives.
The governance model will be rolled out in phases, allowing for independent decision-making and contributions as the system evolves:
- Initial Phase: Proposers and the Multi-Sig Committee handle governance.
- Expansion Phase: Community members gradually take on governance roles.
- Full Decentralization: Complete community-driven governance with minimal central oversight.
<Ether.fi> is enhancing its governance with a delegate system, empowering trusted community members to vote on proposals on behalf of token holders. This system ensures inclusive and efficient governance by allowing token holders to have their voices heard through knowledgeable representatives.
Community members can become delegates by expressing interest and providing their profiles on the community forum, detailing their experience, vision, and past community engagement. Initial delegate onboarding will be overseen by the Proposer, transitioning to token holder approval over time.
The ETHFI token has a fixed supply of 1 billion, distributed as follows:
- Core Contributors: 23.26%, vested over three years.
- DAO Treasury: 27.24%, including 1% committed to the Protocol Guild.
- User Airdrops: 11%, rewarding specific behaviors.
- Partnerships: 6%, for strategic growth.
- Investors: 32.5%, vested over two years with a one-year cliff.
These allocations aim to foster long-term engagement and ensure the protocol's sustained success.
Ether.fi’s governance roadmap outlines a phased approach to achieving full decentralization:
- Phase 0: Token launch and voter base initiation.
- Phase 1: Full governance deployment, integrating voters into the governance process.
- Phase 2: Community stewardship, with collaborative decision-making.
- Phase 3: Full ossification, automating governance functions for longevity.
Ether.fi is spearheading a new era in decentralized finance, combining technological innovation with a robust governance structure. By empowering its community and prioritizing transparency and security, Ether.fi aims to create
The launch of the Aleo mainnet is the culmination of extensive testing and validation across a variety of network environments. These environments, ranging from isolated devnets to public testnets, have been essential in validating, debugging, and optimizing Aleo’s core features. They have also provided application developers with the opportunity to test and validate their applications before the mainnet launch.
These environments will continue to be vital even after the mainnet launch, serving several key purposes:
-Stress testing the Aleo blockchain’s various aspects, including transaction throughput and program deployments.
-Providing a stable platform for developers to test their applications.
- Evaluating new features and fixes to the Aleo node software and VM.
-Assessing validator candidates for potential inclusion in the mainnet validator set.
DevNet was initially used to implement and test features, ensuring they met acceptance criteria before being released. Moving forward, a canonical DevNet will no longer be maintained. Instead, Aleo community members will run their own DevNets or Iso-devnets to test features before submitting pull requests (PRs). This decentralized approach encourages community-driven development and helps understand the potential network impact of changes.
CanaryNet, operated by the Aleo Network Foundation along with ecosystem participants, is a semi-open, decentralized network. It tests the network under realistic conditions involving multiple interacting parties. After PRs are reviewed and merged into the Mainnet-Staging branch, they are deployed to CanaryNet for further validation. This environment ensures thorough testing of changes, feature additions, or bug fixes before they are introduced to the mainnet. CanaryNet also helps onboard validators who are preparing to join the mainnet.
Testnet Beta is current open development environment and a critical phase before the mainnet launch. It operates as a public network with validators bonded by the Aleo Network Foundation. Initially managed by the Foundation and Provable (formerly Aleo Systems), validators are gradually onboarded based on their performance on CanaryNet. Testnet Beta provides a realistic and extensive environment for testing acceptance criteria.
Mainnet Beta is the final testing stage for new code and validator onboarding before the mainnet launch. It will run concurrently with Testnet Beta and serve as the final validation environment. Initially kept closed and run by the Aleo Network Foundation, Mainnet Beta will be fully decentralized and open by the mainnet launch. Eventually, Mainnet Beta and Testnet Beta will be upgraded to the mainnet and testnet, respectively, providing production-like environments for developers.
These environments have played a crucial role in strengthening final mainnet, thanks to the contributions of ecosystem partners such as Demox Labs, Puzzle, Monadicus, Supranational, Kryha, Equilibrium, and others involved in limited canarynet testing like Kintsugi, Figment, Unit410, Lavender.Five, DSRV, Coinbase, Rockaway, Haruka, and many more.
As we approach the mainnet launch of the Aleo Network, it is essential to ensure the platform’s security, robustness, and reliability. To achieve this, Aleo is partnering with Sherlock to host an audit contest from June 10 to June 24. Participants can earn from a $155,000 prize pool by identifying and describing code vulnerabilities in ARC-0041.
What is ARC-0041?
ARC-0041 is an updated implementation of the credits.aleo program, introducing protocol improvements to enhance network functionality. The key update is a new staking and delegating paradigm, allowing users to delegate funds to activate a validator without giving up control or compromising security. This aims to provide greater flexibility and security for network participants.
The contest is open to anyone interested in contributing to a ZK-focused future. Participants will review the ARC-0041 code and propose critical improvements. The prize pool of $155,000 will be distributed based on the number, severity, and rarity of the identified vulnerabilities. After the contest ends on June 24, Sherlock’s judges will evaluate the vulnerabilities and distribute the payouts a few weeks later.
Participants should review the guide to Sherlock audit contests before registering. (<docs.sherlock.xyz/audits/watsons)>>) Sherlock will also release Aleo-specific resources on June 10 to help those unfamiliar with Aleo. Interested participants can register on the contest page and begin submitting vulnerabilities on June 10 at 3 PM UTC. (<audits.sherlock.xyz/contests/395)>>)
This audit contest is part of Aleo’s commitment to security, reflected in numerous audits and bug bounty programs completed over four years of development. With Sherlock’s experience and network of auditors, Aleo aims to identify and address potential vulnerabilities, ensuring the platform remains safe and reliable. This partnership may also establish a mechanism for auditing future codebase changes.
On June 10 at 7:30 AM PT, Alex Pruden from Aleo, along with Jack Sanford and Scott Gralnick from Sherlock, will share more details about how to get involved in the Audit Contest X Space.
ARC-0041 represents an important evolution in Aleo’s approach to staking and delegation. By allowing users to delegate funds without losing control over their assets, ARC-0041 enhances both security and user experience. This function addresses the need for secure and efficient staking mechanisms in the blockchain space, solidifying Aleo’s position as a leader in providing innovative solutions that prioritize user security and network integrity.
The ARC-0041 audit contest offers developers and security researchers an opportunity to engage with advanced blockchain technology and contribute to its security. Participants can earn rewards and gain recognition within the blockchain community for their contributions. The contest format encourages thorough examination of the ARC-0041 code, identification of potential vulnerabilities, and suggestions for improvements, strengthening the platform.
To ensure effective participation, Sherlock will release Aleo-specific resources on June 10, providing essential background information, technical details, and guidance on navigating the ARC-0041 code. The guide to Sherlock audit contests will offer insights into contest rules, evaluation criteria, and the submission process.
The ARC-0041 audit contest is a crucial step in building a secure and trustworthy Aleo Network. By leveraging the expertise of the global developer community, Aleo aims to identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively, ensuring the platform’s resilience and ability to support various applications and services. The contest also provides a valuable learning experience for participants, enhancing their understanding of blockchain technology and their skills in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.
As we prepare for the mainnet launch, Aleo’s commitment to security remains strong. The ARC-0041 audit contest is one of many initiatives to ensure the platform’s robustness and reliability. Moving forward, Aleo will continue prioritizing security through code audits, bug bounty programs, and ongoing community engagement. The lessons learned from the ARC-0041 audit contest will inform future security efforts, helping Aleo refine its approach and set new standards for blockchain platforms.
The ARC-0041 audit contest is an opportunity to shape the future of Zero-Knowledge (ZK) technology and contribute to the Aleo Network’s security. By participating, you can help ensure the platform’s robustness and reliability, building a secure foundation for the next generation of blockchain applications.
Aleo is a decentralized Layer 1 blockchain designed to prioritize privacy. It utilizes open-source code and advanced cryptographic technologies, specifically zero-knowledge proofs, to ensure the security and confidentiality of user data.
Aleo's core technology is zero-knowledge proofs, a cryptographic protocol that allows one party to verify the accuracy of a statement without revealing any additional information. This ensures data remains encrypted and secure while allowing for accurate verification.
Process:
- Users upload encrypted data onto their device.
- The data is verified locally using zero-knowledge technology.
- Only the verification result and a zk-proof are sent to the Aleo network.
The Aleo Network comprises participants who support and maintain the system through specific roles, rewarded with Aleo Credits. These roles include stakers who lock credits to assist validators, provers who generate cryptographic proofs, and validators who verify transactions and maintain consensus.
Aleo aims to protect user privacy when interacting with digital services. It addresses the increasing concerns about data breaches and privacy violations by offering a secure, private solution for online interactions.
Aleo can be used in scenarios where privacy and security are critical. This includes financial transactions, user identification, and the development of decentralized applications that preserve user privacy and comply with regulations.
Aleo combines privacy, security, and decentralization in a blockchain platform. By using advanced cryptographic technologies, it provides a secure environment for users and developers to interact with digital services while maintaining data privacy.
Want to know more details about Aleo, visit the website: <aleo.org/>
Aleo is a decentralized Layer 1 blockchain with open-source code, prioritizing privacy. It uses decentralized systems and zero-knowledge technology to ensure complete security and confidentiality of personal data during interactions. Zero-knowledge (ZK) is a cryptographic protocol allowing one party to verify a claim's accuracy without receiving additional information from the other party.
Aleo operates as a decentralized blockchain with open-source code. Following the mainnet launch (Q1 2024), it will become fully decentralized, with Aleo Systems handing over control for user management. This model resembles Ethereum, emphasizing privacy and decentralization.
So, what's Aleo used for? In our evolving world, people are increasingly concerned about privacy due to data mishandling. Aleo's zero-knowledge technology encrypts data, preventing third-party access. For instance, when logging into a service requiring identity verification, Aleo integration allows verification without transmitting personal data.
An example is ZPass, allowing users to upload identity documents autonomously and verify them with other services using zero-knowledge technology. This happens locally on the device, ensuring data privacy.
Developers can create privacy-focused applications on the Aleo blockchain using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP). The network is sustained by three groups of participants, each earning Aleo Credits:
- Stakers lock credits to assist validators in network consensus.
- Provers compete using specialized hardware to solve puzzles, enhancing network security.
- Validators confirm transactions, earning rewards for network security.
Initially developed by Aleo Systems, the network will transition into an independent, fully decentralized network over time, akin to Ethereum.
Aleo Credits facilitate access, incentives, staking, and governance. Users pay credits for transactions and access, while participants earn credits for network security. Stakers use credits with validators for block production, and credit holders participate in decentralized governance after the mainnet launch.
In summary, the Aleo Network prioritizes privacy through community participation, ensuring data security. Stakers fortify the network, provers solve computational tasks, and validators achieve consensus. Aleo Credits incentivize these functions, enhancing network utility and fostering widespread participation.
More useful information can be found on Aleo's blog: <aleo.org/blog/>
The Aleo team comprises seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds in cryptography, blockchain technology, and software development. Led by experienced individuals who have previously participated in notable industry projects, Aleo is built on a foundation of profound expertise and innovation. The team's dedication to transparency and cutting-edge technology drives the continuous development of Aleo.
The Aleo team includes world-class cryptographers, engineers, designers, and operators from prestigious companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, as well as research institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, and Cornell University. The team, which currently consists of over 30 members and more than 40 code contributors, boasts experts and scholars in the field of cryptography, ensuring the highest quality and security in their work. The number of code contributors is a tangible indicator of the project's quality and robust community involvement.
Aleo was officially founded in 2019 by Howard Wu, the current CTO. Wu co-authored a foundational paper titled "Zexe: Implementing Decentralized Private Computation," which applies zero-knowledge proofs to web3. Other co-founders include Michael Beller, Collin Chin, and Raymond Chu. The current CEO, Alex Pruden, is a former partner at a16z, a connection that indirectly led to a $ 28 million investment in Aleo by a16z in April 2021. The founders and team members joined Aleo driven by their individual stories and a shared mission to revolutionize privacy in the digital age.
Over time, the Aleo team has seen significant changes in its organizational structure. Howard Wu now serves as the CEO of Provable (formerly Aleo), continuing to lead in the fields of blockchain and cryptography. Alex Pruden, previously the CEO, now serves as the Executive Director of the Aleo Foundation, guiding the project's strategic direction and growth.
New key members have joined the team, including:
- Koh Harada (Chief Operating Officer)
- Bradley Feingerts (Chief Financial Officer)
- Sina Kian (General Legal Counsel)
- Brennen Schlueter (Head of Marketing)
- Joanna Zeng (Head of Business Development)
- Viviane Ford (Community Leader)
- Daniel Hwang (Head of Ecosystem)
Aleo has attracted significant investments from renowned venture capital institutions, underscoring the high confidence investors have in its future potential. Through three rounds of funding, Aleo has raised a total of $ 298 million, setting a record in the field of zero-knowledge proofs.
- A-round: Secured $ 28 million in April 2021, led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with participation from PlaceholderVC, Galaxy Digital, Variant Capital, and Coinbase Ventures, among others.
- B-round: Raised $ 200 million in February 2022, led by Kora Management LP and SoftBank Vision Fund 2, with contributions from Tiger Global, Sea Capital, Samsung Next, Slow Ventures, and a16z.
- B+ round: Collected $ 70 million in August 2022, led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and Samsung Next.
The total funding amount stands at $ 298 million, with a market valuation of $ 1.45 billion. The participation of top-tier investment institutions like a16z, Google, and SoftBank highlights the strong backing and substantial financial support that Aleo enjoys.
Aleo's appeal to giants like a16z, Google, and SoftBank stems from the current hot streak in the privacy sector. Investors recognize the unique value proposition that Aleo offers with its privacy-first approach to blockchain technology. Additionally, Aleo's backers include Kora Management LP and SoftBank Vision Fund 2, who are also investors in popular apps like Dingdong Maicai, Oranges Heart, and Keep. These investment institutions are known for their strict risk management and thorough project audits, which further emphasizes their confidence in Aleo's potential.
With substantial financial backing from top-tier investors and a robust organizational structure, Aleo is poised to lead the way in implementing zero-knowledge proofs and creating a privacy-first internet. The dedication and expertise of the Aleo team, combined with their strategic vision, set the stage for a future where data privacy is not just an option but a fundamental right.
Aleo is running a new testnet phase in preparation for Mainnet, follow X for the latest information: <x.com/AleoHQ>.
Aleo
At the heart of this project is the desire to create a secure, private and efficient environment for the development of decentralized applications. Aleo is not just another blockchain platform, but an entire ecosystem based on cutting-edge technology and innovative approaches to privacy and data security.
One of the key concepts of the project is the use of ZKP. This technology allows to confirm a fact without revealing the fact itself, which makes transactions on the Aleo platform completely confidential.
What makes Aleo unique compared to other blockchain platforms?
First, is its ability to ensure transaction privacy without compromising network security and efficiency. Through the use of ZKPs, Aleo provides users with the ability to transfer data and conduct transactions without fear of sensitive information being leaked.
Secondly, Aleo offers a rewards system known as Aleo Credits. These credits are used to pay transaction fees and staking fees, which contributes to the security and stability of the network. This reward system incentivizes participation in the network for development.
Aleo can be used for a wide range of applications including financial services, data management systems, digital identities and more. Its ability to provide privacy and security makes it an attractive choice for organizations and entrepreneurs who value the privacy of their data and want to be protected from cyber threats.
With the rise of decentralized technologies and the growing interest in data protection, Aleo could become a key player in this space. Its ability to provide privacy and data security has allowed it to attract increasing attention from both individual users and enterprise customers.
Aleo's data privacy and security capabilities make it a sought-after tool for a multitude of applications. The rapid development and community growth only confirms the potential of this platform.
Aleo is not just a game changer - it is creating new standards in the world of decentralized technologies. aleo.org/