What Is Aztec?
Aztec Network is a privacy-focused Layer 2 solution on Ethereum that leverages zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to enable confidential transactions and smart contracts while maintaining Ethereum’s security and interoperability.
Aztec’s hybrid architecture combines a Private Execution Environment (PXE) for client-side private operations with the Aztec Virtual Machine (AVM) for public execution, offering programmable privacy for DeFi, identity, gaming, and enterprise applications.
Unlike transparent blockchains, Aztec allows users to control what data remains private, using zk-rollups to reduce costs and enhance scalability.
In other words, on Ethereum today, everything is publicly visible to everyone. In the real world, people enjoy privacy. Aztec brings privacy to Ethereum:
- Private functions, executed and proven on a user’s device
- Public functions, executed in the Aztec Virtual Machine
- Private state, stored as UTXOs that only the owner can decrypt
- Public state, stored in a public Merkle tree
- Composability between private/public execution and private/public state
- Public and private messaging with Ethereum
To make this possible, Aztec is not EVM-compatible and is extending the Ethereum ecosystem by creating a new alt-VM.
Aztec Team | Who Are The People Behind Aztec?
Zac Williamson (left) and Joe Andrews (right) are the co-founders of Aztec Network, a privacy-focused Layer 2 solution on the Ethereum blockchain.
Zac Williamson is the CEO of Aztec Network and holds a Ph.D. in Neutrino Physics from the University of Oxford, and previously worked as a physicist at CERN and T2K Japan. A cryptography expert, he co-invented PLONK, a zero-knowledge proof standard, and drives Aztec’s technical vision for encrypted blockchains.
On the other hand, Joe Andrews is the Head of Product, focusing on user adoption and product development, ensuring privacy tech integrates seamlessly into user experiences.
Together, they founded Aztec in 2017, initially exploring onchain financial services like CreditMint before pivoting to scalable privacy solutions.
Notably, Aztec’s team structure consists of 7 to over 40 team members, and their mission is to enable private, decentralized transactions, revolutionizing blockchain adoption.
Aztec Funding Rounds
Aztec Network raised significant funding to advance its mission and launched a public testnet in 2025, aiming to launch its mainnet by year-end.
For context, in December 2022, Aztec secured $100 million in a Series B round led by a16z Crypto, with participation from A Capital, King River, Variant, SV Angel, Hash Key, Fenbushi, and AVG.
The funds are intended for hiring engineers and developing a next-generation, encrypted architecture for private, scalable blockchain transactions.
Earlier, in December 2021, Aztec raised $17 million in a Series A led by Paradigm, and in 2018, a seed round with undisclosed amounts. Total funding reaches $119 million.
Aztec Airdrop – Step-By-Step Guide
👉 STEP 1: Head over to https://play.aztec.network/alpha-testnet/.
Select Aztec Testnet and create an account.
👉 STEP 2: Head to https://app.obsidion.xyz/ and create an account.
👉 STEP 3: Head to https://bridge.human.tech/ and connect your Obsidion Wallet.
After connecting, get some testnet tokens from Circle. After that, bridge or swap some testnet tokens in human.tech.
👉 STEP 4: Head over to https://tally.so/r/nP4VE1 and fill up all the details.
Nemi, the Aztec-inspired project, unlocks site access exclusively for those who fill out the early access form.
👉 STEP 5: Set up an Aztec node.
You can read this guide, which is easier for beginners to grasp.
👉 STEP 6: Keep an eye on official announcements and hope for the best!
Key Takeaways Of Aztec
Aztec Network is a pioneering Layer-2 solution on Ethereum, leveraging ZK proofs for private, scalable transactions. It matters for enabling confidential DeFi, identity, and enterprise applications, addressing Ethereum’s privacy and cost challenges.
Participating in Aztec’s potential airdrop offers early adopters and testnet users a chance to earn token airdrops. With $119 million in funding from a16z and others, the project’s credibility suggests high-value rewards.
Overall, participating in this campaign is worth it if you enjoy testing testnets as an airdrop hunter.
It is important to stay connected so you can quickly hear about new developments and announcements about Aztec.
Here are the official channels that you should be following:
Lastly, always make sure to use official links from verified sources to avoid scams or phishing attempts.
Similar Airdrops Like Aztec
If you are interested in farming this project, we recommend reading our other recent or ongoing airdrops that are worth checking out. Because at UseTheBitcoin, we make sure you do not miss out on some of the potential airdrops that are worth your time and attention to maximize your gains!
