What Is Horizen (ZEN)?

Launched in 2017 and stewarded by the Horizen DAO, the Horizen ecosystem is optimized for zero-knowledge use cases. The Horizen 2.0 network leverages 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 build a specialized EVM optimized for ZK app development, bringing unprecedented efficiency and cost-effectiveness to ZK applications.

Developers of ZK dApps often encounter difficulties in writing and auditing verifier contracts, which are essential for verifying ZK proofs. The need for a more streamlined and secure solution has led to the development of Horizen 2.0, which offers built-in precompiled contracts (also known as precompiles) to handle proof verification, thus reducing development overhead and enhancing security.

Horizen 2.0 utilizes the Substrate framework to structure its node architecture into two main components: the Core Client and the WebAssembly (Wasm) runtime. This division allows for a modular and efficient design where there is a clear separation of responsibilities.

There are a wide variety of use cases for using zero-knowledge technology in decentralized applications, including identity verification, DeFi, voting systems, onchain gaming, verifiable computing, machine learning, and media authentication.

ZEN is the governance and utility token of the Horizen ecosystem.

Who Are the Founders of Horizen?

Dr. Rob Viglione is 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 in Physics & Applied Mathematics. Additionally, Rob has been an advisor to some of the most transformational blockchain projects globally, including Aave, and he previously worked as a scientist in the space industry.

Co-Founder Rolf Versluis is an experienced business owner in the IT industry and owns a mid-size mining operation. In the past, Rolf worked at Cisco Systems, the semiconductor industry, and as a nuclear-trained officer in the US Submarine force.

Jane Lippencott was a member of the founding team and co-author of the original whitepaper. She is now a partner at a16z Crypto, the digital asset unit of venture investing giant Andreessen Horowitz, and was previously an associate at Winklevoss Capital. Jane is a 2021 VC Cohort at All Rise, an advisor at Teller Finance, and a mentor at the Open Web Collective, as well as a mentor at Celo and Katapult Accelerator. She is a contributor at Nakamoto.com. She worked as a mentor at Blockchain for Social Impact Coalition (BSIC), a mentor at dLab and a mentor at Ethereum Classic Labs, an advisor at Unbounded Capital, a mentor at Techstars, and was a member of the Board at Cord.

What Makes Horizen Unique?

Horizen is known for its expertise in zero-knowledge-based blockchain technology. The Horizen team has made several advancements in the cryptography space, including the release of one of the first zero-knowledge-based scalability solutions called Zendoo.

Horizen 2.0 is the first specialized EVM blockchain designed with precompiles directly built into the EVM for proof verification. This makes Horizen the optimal platform for ZK dApps, which include any type of decentralized application that generates, utilizes, and/or verifies ZK proofs.

Horizen 2.0 is a fully EVM-compatible parachain connected to the zkVerify relay chain, which gives access to proving mechanisms directly within the application layer. This allows developers to verify proofs using the proving system best suited to the application they are building. While zkVerify can be used from any application or network, doing so within the secure confines of Horizen 2.0 removes the need for cross-chain communication and further decreases cost.

Using Horizen’s EVM as a route into zero-knowledge environments decreases the latency introduced with normal interchain communication, increasing the speed and overall performance of ZK applications. The network offers an expanding list of verifiers which include Fflonk, Risc0, Groth16, and UltraPlonk.

Horizen is decentralized on the technical level and has moved most of its organization to a DAO structure. Horizen uses the ZenIP process to standardize the process of suggesting major changes to the Horizen code base and ecosystem.

Today, the Horizen team is focused on building a modern, scalable solution for settlement that helps increase modularity and sets the stage for greater collaboration in Web3.

How Many Horizen (ZEN) Coins Are There in Circulation?

ZEN has a maximum supply of 21,000,000 coins, of which just over 15,200,000 are in circulation as of July 2024.

How Is the Horizen Network Secured?

Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) is used to secure Horizen 2.0, ensuring continuity and stability. However, in this new iteration, Horizen forgers are referred to as collators, reflecting their role within the parachain structure.

DPoS is a consensus mechanism that enhances the efficiency and scalability of blockchain networks by introducing a layer of delegation in the staking process. Token holders vote to elect a small number of delegates who are responsible for producing blocks and maintaining network operations.

Horizen 2.0 has adopted a hybrid consensus model inspired by Moonbeam, which successfully implemented DPoS to achieve high performance and scalability. Accordingly, the Nimbus framework is employed for the selection of collators, ensuring a sophisticated and fair process.

The collator selection process uses filters to ensure that only the most qualified participants are chosen, while also using a secure source of entropy to maintain fairness and prevent collusion. The structure includes three key aspects: the Staking Filter, the Fixed Size Subset Filter, and the Entropy Source.

First, the Staking Filter determines the eligibility of collator candidates based on their amount of stake. Only qualified and committed participants are eligible to produce blocks and maintain network operations, thereby enhancing overall reliability.

The Fixed Size Subset Filter further refines this pool of candidates to a manageable number of active collators for each block production slot. It ensures that a predetermined number of collators are elected to maintain the network, providing a balance between decentralization and efficiency.

Finally, the Entropy Source introduces a secure and unpredictable element of randomness to prevent collusion and ensure a fair distribution of validation responsibilities.