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Zero Knowledge

ZK in Solana with Mert Mumtaz

Feb 26, 2025
Mert Mumtaz, Co-founder and CEO of Helius, shares his insights on the Solana ecosystem and his journey through the recent crypto market downturn. He discusses the rise of zero-knowledge (ZK) projects, contrasting Solana’s landscape with Ethereum’s. Mert dives into the technically challenging yet supportive developer community, explores the implications of meme coins, and reflects on the evolution of crypto speculation. The conversation also uncovers advancements in cryptographic technologies that enhance privacy and efficiency within Solana.
01:10:00

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Mert Mumtaz's journey in the Solana ecosystem exemplifies resilience and innovation, particularly during the 2022 market downturn's challenges.
  • The rise of zero knowledge (ZK) technology in Solana addresses critical challenges like expensive storage costs, fostering broader adoption and innovative applications.

Deep dives

Mert Mumtaz's Role and Background in Solana

Mert Mumtaz, co-founder and CEO of Helios, shares his journey within the Solana ecosystem, highlighting his initial interest during his time at Coinbase, where he worked on various blockchains including Ethereum and Avalanche. His hands-on experience with Solana began when he developed tools to analyze NFT mints and track data, driven by the community's friendly support and vibrant developer environment. The challenges he faced during the Solana crash at the end of 2022 did not deter him; instead, he focused on building and supporting the ecosystem during a time of significant market volatility. Mert emphasizes the importance of reverse engineering and creative problem-solving as he navigated the complexities of building on Solana amidst its rapidly evolving landscape.

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