Meet Anza, a New Solana-Focused Dev Shop

We are excited to announce the launch of Anza, a new software development firm focused on building in the Solana ecosystem.

Founded by a group of executives and core engineers from Solana Labs, Anza is building a next-generation, Solana-focused dev shop. It will build a forked version of the Solana Labs validator client called Agave, as well as contribute to other major protocols within the Solana ecosystem.

“With the proliferation of the SVM, multiple Solana validator clients, and the launch of new protocols and DAOs in the Solana ecosystem, the time was right for a new engineering shop,” said Jeff Washington, CEO of Anza. “This is one step towards creating a more decentralized, credibly neutral Solana network.”

Anza will focus on launching, and improving the strength and reliability of its new Agave Solana validator client, improving uptime for the entire Solana network, and making preparations for the introduction of multiple validator clients (such as Jump Crypto’s Firedancer) later in 2024. Beyond core engineering work, the team will also focus on ecosystem-wide improvements such as token extensions and Solana permissioned environments, as well as work as contributors to leading protocols in the broader Solana ecosystem.

Members of the Anza founding team include Jeff Washington, Stephen Akridge, Jed Halfon, Amber Christiansen, Pankaj Garg, and Jon Cinque as well as a number of core engineers from Solana Labs.

Learn more about Anza at anza.xyz. If you are interested in working with the Anza team, reach out at contact@anza.xyz or dm us on Twitter.

PS: Want to meet the Anza team IRL? They’ll be at mtnDAO Feb 12–16.