Aztec launches public testnet for privacy-focused ethereum layer 2

Aztec Network launched a public testnet for its Ethereum-based Layer 2 network, offering developers programmable privacy for decentralized applications (dApps) while maintaining Ethereum's transparency. According to the company release, the public testnet launched after more than 100 sequences were successfully deployed on DevNet and ProverNet. Aztec plans to launch its privacy-focused L2 on mainnet in the near future. Co-Founder Zac Williamson stated on Thursday that developers can use Aztec to build dApps with privacy features that seamlessly blend with Ethereum's infrastructure. On April 15, Aztec developers released StealthNote, an anonymous messaging platform. In December 2022, Aztec Network raised $100 million in Series B financing led by a16z crypto.