Launched in 2017 and governed by the Horizen DAO, the Horizen ecosystem is optimized for zero-knowledge use cases. The Horizen 2.0 network offers full EVM compatibility and native integration with zkVerify, a modular solution for proof verification, which can reduce costs by 90% or more. Horizen is the first to develop a specialized EVM optimized for ZK app development, bringing exceptional efficiency and cost-effectiveness to ZK applications. Developers of ZK dApps often face challenges in writing and auditing verifier contracts, which are crucial for verifying ZK proofs. The demand for a more streamlined and secure solution has led to the creation of Horizen 2.0, which includes built-in precompiled contracts (also known as precompiles) to handle proof verification, thus reducing development overhead and enhancing security. Horizen 2.0 employs the Substrate framework to organize its node architecture into two main components: the Core Client and the WebAssembly (Wasm) runtime. This division allows for a modular and efficient design with a clear separation of responsibilities. There is a wide array of use cases for zero-knowledge technology in decentralized applications, including identity verification, DeFi, voting systems, on-chain gaming, verifiable computing, machine learning, and media authentication. ZEN is the governance and utility token of the Horizen ecosystem. For more information, refer to Eulerpool.

Dr. Rob Viglione serves as the Co-Founder and CEO of Horizen Labs. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance, an MBA in Finance and Marketing, and a Bachelor's degree in Physics and Applied Mathematics. Dr. Viglione has advised numerous groundbreaking blockchain projects worldwide, including Aave, and previously worked as a scientist in the aerospace industry. Co-Founder Rolf Versluis brings extensive experience as a business owner within the IT sector and operates a mid-sized mining operation. His professional history includes roles at Cisco Systems, the semiconductor industry, and he has served as a nuclear-trained officer in the US Submarine force. Jane Lippencott was a foundational team member and co-author of the original whitepaper. Currently, she is a partner at a16z Crypto, the digital asset division of the renowned venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, and was formerly an associate at Winklevoss Capital. Jane is a 2021 VC Cohort at All Rise, an advisor at Teller Finance, and a mentor with the Open Web Collective, Celo, and Katapult Accelerator. She contributes to Nakamoto.com and has previously mentored at Blockchain for Social Impact Coalition (BSIC), dLab, and Ethereum Classic Labs. Additionally, she advised at Unbounded Capital, mentored at Techstars, and served on the Board of Cord. For more information about Horizen, you can refer to Eulerpool.

Horizen is recognized for its expertise in zero-knowledge-based blockchain technology. The Horizen team has achieved significant advancements in the cryptography space, including the introduction of one of the earliest zero-knowledge-based scalability solutions, Zendoo. Horizen 2.0 is the first specialized EVM blockchain equipped with precompiles directly incorporated into the EVM for proof verification. This designates Horizen as the optimal platform for ZK dApps, encompassing any type of decentralized application that generates, utilizes, or verifies ZK proofs. Horizen 2.0 operates as a fully EVM-compatible parachain connected to the zkVerify relay chain, providing access to proving mechanisms directly within the application layer. This setup enables developers to verify proofs using the proving system most suitable for their specific application needs. While zkVerify is accessible from any application or network, utilizing it within the secure parameters of Horizen 2.0 eliminates the necessity for cross-chain communication, thereby reducing costs. Leveraging Horizen’s EVM as a conduit into zero-knowledge environments diminishes the latency typically introduced by standard interchain communication, thereby enhancing the speed and overall performance of ZK applications. The network offers a growing assortment of verifiers, including Fflonk, Risc0, Groth16, and UltraPlonk. Technically decentralized, Horizen has transitioned much of its organizational structure to a DAO model. Horizen employs the ZenIP process to standardize the proposal of major changes to the Horizen codebase and ecosystem. At present, the Horizen team is dedicated to developing a contemporary, scalable solution for settlement that enhances modularity and lays the groundwork for increased collaboration in Web3. You can find more information about Horizen on Eulerpool.

ZEN has a maximum supply of 21,000,000 coins, with slightly more than 15,200,000 currently in circulation as of July 2024.

Horizen 2.0 utilizes Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) for its security, ensuring continuity and stability. In this version, Horizen's forgers are termed collators, highlighting their function within the parachain architecture. DPoS is a consensus mechanism that increases the efficiency and scalability of blockchain networks by incorporating a delegation layer in the staking process. Token holders vote to select a limited number of delegates responsible for block production and network maintenance. Horizen 2.0 has implemented a hybrid consensus model influenced by Moonbeam, which effectively employed DPoS to attain high performance and scalability. The Nimbus framework is used for collator selection, ensuring a sophisticated and equitable process. The selection process employs filters to guarantee that only the most competent participants are chosen, utilizing a secure entropy source to maintain impartiality and prevent collusion. This structure includes three primary components: the Staking Filter, the Fixed Size Subset Filter, and the Entropy Source. Initially, the Staking Filter assesses the eligibility of collator candidates based on their staking amounts. Only qualified and dedicated participants can produce blocks and manage network operations, thus enhancing reliability overall. The Fixed Size Subset Filter further narrows this candidate pool to a suitable number of active collators for each block production slot. It ensures a set number of collators are selected to maintain the network, balancing decentralization and efficiency. Lastly, the Entropy Source introduces a secure and random element to prevent collusion and ensure fair allocation of validation duties.