what's Ante?

Ante is a decentralized protocol that builds computational trust on blockchain by enabling users to stake cryptocurrency behind verifiable on-chain commitments. Through "Ante Tests" or Smart Tests, protocols can create incentivized checks for properties like solvency or security, with stakes slashed or rewarded based on autonomous settlement conditions. This creates a Schelling point for decentralized guarantees, powering ecosystems, events, and network states without relying on off-chain trust. Ante Vaults extend this with practical self-custody solutions featuring time-based social recovery. Users deposit assets into phone-managed vaults, designating guardians who can initiate recovery after a predefined dormancy period (e.g., for inheritance), preventing permanent loss while preserving security. Deployed on Ethereum and Base, it addresses key crypto pain points like key loss or posthumous access without seed phrase sharing.

Ante released vaults featuring time-based social recovery functionality.