Alex Pruden

Alex Pruden is the Co-Founder & CEO of Project Eleven, an applied lab of builders and technologists at the intersection of quantum computing and cryptography. Project Eleven hardens digital assets and builds the financial rails for the post-quantum era. Alex is a former U.S. Army Green Beret who transitioned from military service to a career in blockchain and cryptocurrency after witnessing the profound challenges in conflict zones like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. After earning an MBA from Stanford, he began his decade-long career in the industry at GGV Capital, Coinbase, and Andreessen Horowitz. He then joined Aleo as the first employee, scaling the organization as CEO to pioneer the first permissionless, privacy-preserving smart contract blockchain powered by zero-knowledge proofs.

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Alex Pruden

Latest from Alex Pruden

Opinion

The U.S. government is betting $2 Billion on quantum computing, and the defense side can't keep up

Pruden argues that to defend against a quantum computer capable of cryptographically relevant operations, we need post-quantum cryptography and regulatory coordination that the industry has been deferring for years.

Jun 12, 2026

A perspex cube appears to radiate light across a surface designed with squares. (David Clode/Unsplash)

Opinion

The post-quantum transition can’t be postponed any longer

Google’s new research potentially puts the entire bitcoin supply – and the very foundation of digital trust – at risk, explains Pruden.

Mar 31, 2026

Google show peak retail interest in cryptocurrencies. (Pixabay)

Opinion

Zero-Knowledge Cryptography in 2023: The Year Privacy Becomes Practical

Four theories about how these privacy-preserving and blockchain-scaling solutions will change the industry.

Dec 29, 2022

(Getty Images)
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