As institutions move on-chain and privacy becomes a growing concern, zero-knowledge technology is emerging as a critical building block for the next generation of the internet.

This week on Privacy Podcast, host Ben Schiller sits down with Eli Ben-Sasson, CEO and Co-Founder of StarkWare, mathematician, entrepreneur, and one of the pioneers behind zero-knowledge technology.

Eli, one of the founders of Zcash, discusses his new book on ZK proofs, why blockchain and zero-knowledge technology are fundamentally changing how trust is established online, and how privacy, scalability, and integrity can coexist in the digital world. 

From Zcash to Starknet to the future of institutional adoption, Eli shares his vision for an internet where users have greater control over their identity, assets, and data.

"Technology in service of people, empowering them, giving them a place to basically ground their own reputation, finances, ownership, life."  — Eli Ben-Sasson

What We Cover:

 • Why zero-knowledge technology complements blockchain
 • How ZK can improve privacy, scalability, and trust online
 • The inspiration behind Eli's new book on zero-knowledge proofs
 • The evolution of Zcash and the growing demand for privacy solutions
 • Why institutions increasingly view privacy as a requirement for on-chain adoption
 • StarkWare's new privacy innovations, including Stark BTC and Stark20
 • The challenges of balancing privacy and user experience
 • How academics can successfully transition into entrepreneurship
 • Why crypto infrastructure continues to advance regardless of market cycles
 • What the future of ZK could look like in everyday life

Why This Matters

As more financial activity, digital identity, and business operations move on-chain, privacy is becoming one of the most important challenges facing blockchain technology. Zero-knowledge proofs offer a path toward maintaining trust and transparency while protecting sensitive information. The technologies being built today could help shape how people transact, communicate, and establish trust online for decades to come.

Connect With Eli Ben-Sasson

• LinkedIn: Eli Ben-Sasson 
• X (Twitter): @EliBenSasson
• StarkWare: StarkWare Official Website
• Starknet: Starknet Official Website
• The Stark Book: The Stark Book Website
  
  

About the Show

The Privacy Podcast by Miden explores the intersection of privacy, identity, and emerging technologies. Hosted by Ben Schiller, the show brings together builders, regulators, and thinkers shaping what comes next in a world where data is power.

Executive Producer Michele Musso
Edited by the Musso Media Team 
Music: licensed.
All rights reserved. ©2026 Musso Media