--- title: "Open Source Networking Pioneers and Mission" url: https://www.zerotier.com/about/ description: "Discover the story and mission behind ZeroTier, from its open-source spark to a global, decentralized network connecting millions of devices worldwide." type: page last_modified: 2026-11-06 --- # About ZeroTier ZeroTier started with a simple idea: networking shouldn’t be hard. We cut through the chaos of legacy systems with secure, encrypted connections that just work, whether it’s one device or a fleet. Forget complexity. Just connect and go. ## Philosophy We know simplicity is harder than complexity. We believe networking should be both simple and intuitive. ## Impact and Resilience We’ve helped shift the industry toward decentralized networking, proved “impossible” demos could become reality, and endured where most startups fade. ## Culture and Outlook Rooted in curiosity and resilience, we take pride in solving hard problems together and know the most exciting work still lies ahead. ## From a Spark to a Global Platform What began as a side project to make networking simpler has grown into a platform used by millions worldwide. This is the story of ZeroTier’s journey. ## The Spark (2011–2014) Frustrated by slow, manual networking inside a U.S. government project, our founder, **Adam Ierymenko**, began coding a better way. His goal: make it effortless to connect devices directly, supporting privacy and decentralization. **Two years of spare-time coding led to an open-source release in 2013**. On the day it went live, his newborn daughter helped tap the enter key to publish the first version, a fitting start to something built for the next generation. - 2011: First lines of code - 2013: Open-source release on GitHub; early traction on Hacker News - 2014–2015: First angel investment; introduction of packaged downloads; launch of ZeroTier Central ## From Project to Company (2015–2019) ZeroTier evolved quickly: ports to Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android; the first version of Central; and the first paying users. Early demos left people stunned (“that’s impossible”), and following the launch, Adam hired a talented group of engineers to form ZeroTier’s **Founding Engineering Team**. Enterprise customers began deploying ZeroTier in real-world scenarios from Bitcoin hardware to military backpack radios. The first formal investor, Anorak, joined in 2019, marking the transition from side project to real company. - 2016–2017: First enterprise customers in Bitcoin hardware and defense - 2017–2018: Grow to a team of four with a small office in Orange County, California; early VC conversations - 2019: First formal seed from Anorak ## Scaling Up (2020–Today) Pandemic disruption accelerated usage by up to 20% per month and pushed the company to fully remote operations. During this period, Adam also faced and overcame a battle with cancer. The team carried the company forward, a testament to their strength and resilience. A second seed round, followed by **Series A, with Anorak Ventures, Bonfire Ventures, and Battery Ventures** leading, provided fuel for growth. The leadership team expanded in 2024, with **Andrew Gault** stepping in as CEO, freeing Adam to focus on building next-generation products as CTO, and **Robert Stevenson** joining shortly after as CCO. Today, ZeroTier connects millions of devices across industries while laying the foundation for post-quantum secure networking. - 2020: COVID surge drives usage; company shifts fully remote; second seed round - 2022: Series A funding led by Anorak, Battery, and Bonfire - 2023–2024: Enterprise growth; global user base expands rapidly - 2024: Andrew Gault steps in as CEO; Adam Ierymenko focuses on next-generation products as CTO - 2026 (March): ZeroTier wins a Cybersecurity Excellence Award for Best Software Industry Solution - 2026 (October): Startup Pitch Competition winner at Money20/20 - Today: Millions of devices connected; ZeroTier Quantum brings post-quantum networking to regulated and sovereign environments ## The Road Ahead ZeroTier continues to innovate by: - Developing advanced security and connectivity features to keep pace with evolving customer needs. - Expanding enterprise capabilities without sacrificing simplicity. - Staying true to the mission of autonomy, security, and ease at scale. ## Meet the Team Driving the Future of Networking Forward ZeroTier’s leadership team is driven by the belief that networking should be simple, secure, and reliable. - **Andrew Gault**, CEO - **Adam Ierymenko**, Founder and CTO - **Robert Stevenson**, CCO - **Angelo Rodriguez**, SVP of Global Operations - **Jules Petrarca**, Head of Engineering ## Want to Build a Better Internet? We’re always looking for smart, no-nonsense people who are ready to make an impact. Your next move starts here. [See Our Open Roles](https://jobs.lever.co/zerotier/)