Horizen (ZEN) is an open-source blockchain platform, integrating zk-SNARKs security technology and a custom sidechain infrastructure to effectively scale and protect privacy.
Launched in 2017, Horizen has developed into a diverse ecosystem with over 40,000 nodes, a self-funded DAO governance model, and a variety of products supporting Web3, DeFi, NFT, and practical blockchain applications.
MAIN CONTENT
Zendoo Protocol allows customizable sidechains, securing and expanding the Horizen network.
The ecosystem includes EON (EVM-compatible sidechain), Sphere app, secure node network, and blockchain development SDK.
2025 roadmap focuses on developing zkToken, zkRollup, interoperable bridge, and practical applications like DID, RWA.
What is Horizen Network (ZEN)?
Horizen is an open-source blockchain platform providing custom sidechain infrastructure, integrating high-security technology to develop safe and scalable Web3 applications.
Originating from ZenCash in 2017, the project was renamed after the 51% attack in 2018 and has evolved into a multi-node ecosystem, self-funding through DAO, aiming to build a flexible, highly secure Layer 0.
Horizen has a fork lineage from Bitcoin → Zcash → ZClassic → ZenCash (Horizen), inheriting Zcash's zk-SNARKs technology to enhance transaction privacy.
How does Horizen Network (ZEN) operate?
Zendoo Protocol is the core that enables the creation of independent sidechains with their own consensus mechanism, safely linked to the mainchain through zk-SNARKs.
Zendoo allows the establishment of diverse sidechains using PoS, DAG, EVM, or custom consensus mechanisms, supporting secure asset transfers between mainchain and sidechain thanks to the Cross-chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP). The three-layer node system (Full, Secure, Super Nodes) ensures effective security and network distribution.
Zendoo lays the foundation for a highly secure and scalable multi-chain blockchain ecosystem, making Horizen an ideal choice for Web3 and DeFi.
Robert Viglione, CEO of Horizen Labs, 2024
Horizen's main products
Horizen possesses a product suite that comprehensively develops the blockchain ecosystem with high customization and robust privacy support.
What is Zendoo – the custom sidechain protocol?
Zendoo is a Layer 0 platform that allows the creation of independent sidechains with custom consensus mechanisms, utilizing zk-SNARKs for quick verification and secure data between chains.
This helps address scalability and flexibility issues that Layer 1 often encounters, transforming Horizen from a secure blockchain into a diverse programmable multi-chain ecosystem.
What is EON – EVM-compatible sidechain?
EON is the first Zendoo sidechain compatible with the Ethereum virtual machine, allowing the execution of smart contracts, dApps, ERC-20 token standards, and integration of popular tools like Metamask or Hardhat.
This helps Horizen easily attract Ethereum developers, expanding the DeFi, NFT, GameFi ecosystem and extensive tokenization from 2024-2025.
Sphere by Horizen – What features does the multi-functional management application have?
Sphere is an all-in-one tool for users and node operators, integrating ZEN storage wallets (both transparent and shielded), managing Secure Node / Super Node, tracking staking, token transactions, and blockchain explorer.
This application helps connect common users with the Horizen infrastructure, including financial management activities and node server management in a user-friendly interface.
What are the characteristics of the Horizen Node Ecosystem?
Horizen operates a distributed node network of over 40,000 nodes (projected for 2025), where Secure Nodes handle transaction verification and security, while Super Nodes manage sidechain storage, zk-SNARKs, and cross-chain.
The extensive network significantly enhances the decentralization, security, and scalability of the Horizen ecosystem.
What is Horizen SDK – the custom blockchain development toolkit?
The SDK provides solutions for developers to build their own sidechains with custom consensus such as PoS, BFT, customizable token structure and governance, while quickly integrating zk-SNARKs and CCTP.
SDK helps organizations and enterprises create their own parallel blockchains, leveraging the security of the mainchain Horizen without needing to develop from scratch.
What are the standout features of the Horizen project?
Horizen stands out with diverse customizable blockchain capabilities, integrating native privacy and scaling up to millions of TPS through sidechains.
High customization for enterprises, DeFi, gaming, RWA.
Shielded transactions using zk-SNARKs protect privacy.
EVM-compatible sidechain expands the Ethereum ecosystem.
Robust SDK supports the development of distinct blockchains.
Self-funding model with 20% of block rewards allocated to the DAO.
Distributed node network of over 40,000 nodes contributes to security and scalability.
Overview of Horizen's Token and Tokenomics
ZEN is the main Token of the Horizen network, serving purposes such as transaction fees, staking, governance, and use in internal applications.
Parameter Value Token Name Horizen (ZEN) Circulating Supply 16,084,037 ZEN Total Supply 16,085,678 ZEN Maximum Supply 21,000,000 ZEN
ZEN Token allocation:
60% for Miners (12,600,000 ZEN)
20% for Treasury (4,200,000 ZEN)
10% for Secure Nodes (2,100,000 ZEN)
10% for Super Nodes (2,100,000 ZEN)
ZEN is used for transaction fees, staking, payments on Sphere, and DAO fund governance.
What is Horizen's 2025 roadmap update?
Horizen focuses on developing zkToken, zkRollup, Interoperability Bridge, and expanding practical applications like DID and tokenization by 2025.
Completed:
Launch EON testnet and mainnet (2023–2024)
Open Zendoo public SDK and start a grant program for Dapps
Update Sphere application and web wallet
2025 Plan:
Develop zkToken Standard for private tokens on EON
Integrate Horizen – Ethereum/Cosmos Interoperability Bridge
Release zkRollup Layer for high-performance sidechain
Implement on-chain DAO voting mechanism
Promote the application of DID, RWA, supply chain management
Who are the project team, investors, and partners of Horizen?
Who is on the project team?
The founding team has a deep background in blockchain, cryptography, military experience, and quantitative finance, leading the development of Horizen into a multi-chain Layer 0 infrastructure.
Robert Viglione – Co-founder & CEO
Doctor of Economics, former quantitative financial analyst in the U.S. Air Force.
Teaching and research expert in blockchain, finance at various universities.
Strategic leadership to develop Horizen from a secure blockchain into an expanding ecosystem.
Rolf Versluis – Co-founder & COO
Technology entrepreneur, former U.S. Navy officer, distributed systems infrastructure expert.
Responsible for technical operations, mining, and managing the Secure and Super Node network.
Horizen Labs is the central technical unit developing key components like Zendoo, EON, and SDK.
Who are the investors of Horizen?
Currently, there is no specific fundraising information according to data from Cryptorank.
Who are Horizen's strategic partners?
Technical partners:
Polygon zkEVM: Research on integrating zk-rollups with Zendoo.
Protocol Labs: Collaboration on zk-SNARKs and distributed storage with Filecoin.
Chainlink: Providing oracle services for the EON ecosystem.
Ankr, QuickNode: Node-as-a-service for the EON network.
Platform & DeFi partners:
SushiSwap, XSwap, Aave: Planning integration on EON.
Talisman Wallet, Leap Wallet: Support for multi-chain and EVM wallets integrated with ZEN.
Cloud infrastructure partners:
Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud: Support for enterprise node deployment and testnet resources.
“Horizen combines advanced technology with multi-chain architecture to create a secure, scalable blockchain platform adaptable to all modern Web3 applications.”
Robert Viglione, CEO of Horizen Labs, 06/2024
Summary
Horizen has a team of experienced experts and a clear development strategy, creating an expanded, secure Layer 0 blockchain foundation with a variety of Web3 applications in the near future.
The project promises strong growth in 2025, especially in the fields of DeFi, DID, and RWA, with a large node ecosystem and leading zk-SNARKs technology.
Note: This article is for reference only, not investment advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Horizen (ZEN) stand out compared to other blockchains? Horizen stands out with the Zendoo protocol for customizable sidechains, integrating zk-SNARKs to ensure security and scalability, along with a diverse ecosystem of Web3 applications. What is ZEN Token used for in the ecosystem? ZEN is used for transaction fees, staking, DAO governance, and service payments on Sphere applications and network nodes. How does Zendoo operate? Zendoo allows the deployment of distinct sidechains with custom consensus mechanisms, securely linking to the mainchain through zk-SNARKs and the Cross-chain Transfer Protocol. Who is on the Horizen development team? It includes Robert Viglione (CEO), Rolf Versluis (COO), along with a technical team specialized in blockchain, cryptography, and quantitative finance. What are Horizen's development plans for 2025? The project focuses on zkToken Standard, zkRollup, interoperable bridge, expanding DID, RWA applications, enhancing on-chain voting capabilities, and DeFi.
Source: https://tintucbitcoin.com/horizen-zen-la-gi/
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