Ignite

Ignite (previously Tendermint) is a blockchain and software development company that is headquartered in Berkeley, California and was founded in 2014 by Jae Kwon. Ignite offered a general purpose blockchain consensus engine called Tendermint Core that allowed users to create Byzantine fault tolerant applications written in any programming language.

The Byzantine Fault Tolerant proof-of-stake allows for multiple validators to confirm ledgers against each other securely. The BFT is able to overcome Byzantine General's Problem by operating a partially synchronous network model which allows validators to vote on a block without adhering to a schedule in a multi-round deterministic process. The Tendermint Core also operates as a peer-to-peer network which is based in a proof-of-stake consensus. As a validator gains more stake, they gain a higher chance to be elected as a leader.

The idea of Ignite is to provide a blockchain engine for which the application can be developed at a high level by developers. It is paired with the Application BlockChain Interface which provides a BFT replicator of applications written in any coding language (C++, Python, Solidity, etc...) on a prefabricated engine. This allows an easier point access for developers on the Tendermint Core, allowing them to apply development to logistics on the application.

In 2017 Ignite began working with the Interchain Foundation to develop and launch the Cosmos Network. Ignite is working on building and maintaining features of the Cosmos platform such as Cosmos Hub. The Cosmos Network is designed to be an internet of blockchains, and works with Ignite's application replicator to clone existing blockchains onto the Tendermint Core.

In February 2022, Tendermint was rebranded as Ignite. The rebranding does not involve major changes to the company road map or leadership, but instead is meant to symbolize a pivot to "a product-first focus" per CEO Peng Zhong.