Ethereum L2 · STARK ZK Rollup · Cairo VM · Live since 2022
Starknet
STRK
StarkNet is an Ethereum Layer 2 built by StarkWare, using STARK zero-knowledge proofs and a purpose-built Cairo virtual machine for provable computation.
StarkNet uses STARKs, a family of zero-knowledge proofs that do not require a trusted setup, to verify batches of transactions on Ethereum. Its Cairo programming language is designed from the ground up to be efficiently provable, giving developers tools to write verifiable programs beyond simple token transfers.
Total value locked (DeFi)
$185.7M
Value locked in DeFi protocols on Starknet. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.
StarkNet executes transactions in the Cairo VM off-chain and generates STARK proofs that are sent to a verifier contract on Ethereum. STARKs are post-quantum resistant and do not require a trusted setup ceremony, which distinguishes them from SNARK-based systems. The STRK token launched in February 2024 and is used for transaction fees alongside ETH.
Consensus: STARK ZK Rollup
StarkNet executes transactions in the Cairo VM off-chain and generates STARK proofs that are sent to a verifier contract on Ethereum. STARKs are post-quantum resistant and do not require a trusted setup ceremony, which distinguishes them from SNARK-based systems. The STRK token launched in February 2024 and is used for transaction fees alongside ETH.
Cairo programming language
Cairo is a Turing-complete language designed to write programs whose execution can be efficiently proven with STARKs. It differs from Solidity and requires learning a new paradigm, but enables provable computation that Solidity cannot express.
STARK proofs
STARK proofs are transparent (no trusted setup), post-quantum resistant, and highly scalable. The proof size and verification cost grow logarithmically with computation size, making very large batches efficient.
Account abstraction
Like zkSync Era, every account on StarkNet is a smart contract. This is built into the protocol rather than added as an extension, enabling advanced wallet features by default.
STRK token
STRK was distributed to early community members and contributors in early 2024. It is used for gas fees and for staking in the decentralized sequencer model StarkWare is building toward.
Ecosystem & usage
What Starknet is used for.
StarkNet has a growing DeFi ecosystem built largely with Cairo contracts, including DEXs, lending markets, and applications that take advantage of provable computation for novel use cases.
Swap, lend, and earn yield on StarkNet. Fees are lower than Ethereum mainnet and every state change is verified by a STARK proof on Ethereum.
Provable gaming
Cairo enables on-chain games where game logic can be proven correct, opening up fully verifiable game mechanics that are not possible with optimistic execution.
Identity and credentials
StarkNet's proof system can validate credentials and identity claims without revealing the underlying data, useful for privacy-preserving applications.
Large-scale computation
STARK proofs scale well with batch size, so StarkNet is well suited to applications that need to verify large amounts of computation on Ethereum.
What is Cairo and do I need to learn it to use StarkNet?
Cairo is the smart contract language for StarkNet, designed to write provable programs. As a user you do not need to know it; as a developer you will need to learn Cairo rather than Solidity, though Rust-like syntax in modern Cairo versions makes it more approachable.
How are STARKs different from SNARKs?
STARKs do not require a trusted setup ceremony, making them transparent. They are also post-quantum resistant. Their trade-off is larger proof sizes compared to SNARKs, though verification cost on Ethereum is similar.
What is STRK?
STRK is the native token of StarkNet, launched in February 2024. It is used to pay transaction fees and will be used for staking when StarkNet's decentralized sequencer system rolls out.
How long do StarkNet withdrawals take?
ZK proof verification replaces the optimistic fraud proof window, so withdrawals are faster than optimistic rollups. Finality depends on proof generation and Ethereum confirmation, typically measured in hours rather than days.
Can I hold STRK in Zypto App?
Not yet. STRK isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Starknet using the "Request Starknet" button above.
