Thiel-Backed Cryptography Startup Lagrange Raises $13M

Expert: Lagrange excels in the field of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs – a method enabling computers to mathematically confirm specific types of information while keeping it concealed. Zero-knowledge proofs, a form of cryptographic technique, hold significant importance in the realm of blockchains and are increasingly utilized as a key feature in layer-2 “rollup” platforms, enhancing networks such as Ethereum by making them more efficient and cost-effective for users.

In simpler terms, Lagrange described their upcoming product, a zero-knowledge “coprover” to be released soon, as a network of off-site computers specially designed to handle complex calculations. These computers produce proofs, known as Zero-Knowledge Proofs, demonstrating the correctness of the results without revealing any additional information.

Decentralized apps running on a blockchain have the ability to outsource complex computations to the platform, ensuring verification of accurate results without relying on the honesty of off-chain intermediaries.

As a researcher studying the intersection of blockchain technology and off-chain solutions, I would describe it this way: Instead of relying on blockchains, which can be costly and slow for specific types of computations, we can leverage off-chain systems to handle these tasks efficiently and affordably. Essentially, off-chain solutions act as an extension of the blockchain ecosystem, enabling faster and more cost-effective processing.

Ismael Hishan-Rezaizadeh, the founder of Lagrange, remarked in an interview that our verification systems and proof techniques can now handle the massive data scales of computations which were historically considered unfeasible.

As EigenLayer develops fully, the assets involved will serve as a check on Lagrange’s operator organizations. In other words, if these entities fail to act honestly, some of their control over the platform’s infrastructure may be taken away.

As EigenLayer advances in developing its technology, it will be supported by a group of esteemed operators, which will consist of notable entities such as Kraken, a well-known crypto exchange, and Galaxy, a reputable crypto-financial firm, amongst others.

Alongside Founders Fund, Archetype Ventures, 1kx, Maven11, Fenbushi Capital, Volt Capital, CMT Digital, Mantle, and Ecosystem took part in Lagrange’s seed round investment.