#### What is Beam? Beam (BEAM) is a [decentralized finance](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-defi) (DeFi) platform that prioritizes confidentiality. It operates on a combination of two [blockchain](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-blockchain) protocols, LelantusMW and Mimblewimble, to enhance the anonymity of transactions, address balances, and user identities. Beam was launched in March 2018 with the aim of addressing privacy concerns associated with public-blockchain [cryptocurrencies](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-cryptocurrency). The platform allows financial counterparties to conduct safe, stable, and reliable transactions, thereby eliminating the issue of user data mismanagement. Beam's blockchain was built from scratch using the C++ programming language, and it ensures that user addresses are kept confidential at all times. #### How does Beam work? Beam operates on the Mimblewimble [protocol](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-protocol) and uses the Equihash proof-of-work algorithm to secure its network. This algorithm was chosen for its ability to handle large amounts of data. Beam's blockchain supports custom transactions of various types, such as escrow, atomic swaps, and time-locked transactions. The platform ensures that user addresses are never disclosed to third parties, and users have total control over their privacy, deciding who can access their information and what they are allowed to see. Beam has a maximum supply of 262,800,000 [tokens](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-token), with 81,970,000 in circulation as of February 2021. #### What are the potential use cases for Beam? Beam aims to provide a platform for confidential financial transactions. It seeks to eliminate the problem of user data mismanagement, thereby making the system cleaner and more secure. Beam's blockchain supports custom transactions of different types, such as escrow, atomic swaps, and time-locked transactions. This makes it a versatile platform for various financial transactions. Beam also supports the creation and transaction of confidential assets on its blockchain, making it a potential platform for private DeFi transactions and payments. #### What is the history of Beam? Beam was launched in March 2018 by a team led by Alexander Zaidelson, Alex Romanov, and Amir Aaronson. Zaidelson, the project’s CEO, started his career as a software developer and has advised several startup projects. Romanov, the CTO, has worked with large teams on several complex projects. Aaronson, the COO, has co-founded several technological companies. The team developed Beam to address privacy concerns associated with public-blockchain cryptocurrencies. Since its launch, Beam has been striving to increase the anonymity of transactions, address balances, and user identities.