# Zero knowledge made simple

> What are zero-knowledge proofs? Justin Thaler (a16z crypto, Georgetown University) demystifies key concepts in this rapidly evolving and increasingly important space. This talk sheds light on the fundamentals of zero-knowledge proofs and SNARKS – including how people are using them today, how web3 s...

- URL: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/videos/zero-knowledge-made-simple
- Authors: [Justin Thaler](https://a16zcrypto.com/team/justin-thaler)
- Published: 2023-06-02
- Updated: 2025-06-04
- Focus areas: company building
- Tags: SNARKs, crypto basics, CSX 2023, video, zero knowledge & succinct proof systems
- Format: videos

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What are zero-knowledge proofs? Justin Thaler (a16z crypto, Georgetown University) demystifies key concepts in this rapidly evolving and increasingly important space. This talk sheds light on the fundamentals of zero-knowledge proofs and SNARKS – including how people are using them today, how web3 startups should be thinking about them, and how they might be used in future.

[Embedded media](https://www.youtube.com/embed/7SwTy1MCgEY?feature=oembed)

**More from:**

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-   [Crypto Startup School ‘20](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjQ9HCQMu_8wCvA0s9yW2dXg1jkFlPs7Z)

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Source: [Zero knowledge made simple](https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/videos/zero-knowledge-made-simple) — a16z crypto. Full archive: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts
