Notably, a platform doesn’t need to disclose its customers’ liability if it doesn’t impose any. Earlier this year, an opinion from SDNY Judge Denise Cote said cryptocurrencies should be ...

CFPB looking at crypto platform hacks

Horizen’s EVM-compatible ecosystem, Horizen EON Mainnet is now live. Horizen's next-generation multichain ecosystem has reached a new benchmark with this launch.

Horizen launches EVM-compatible sidechain Horizen EON Mainnet

The latest in blockchain tech upgrades, funding announcements and deals. For the week of Oct. 16-22, with live updates throughout.

Protocol Village: Horizen Launches EVM-Compatible 'EON' Sidechain on Mainnet

LayerZero DApp, Horizen has launched the Ethereum Open Network (EON) to empower developers within its ecosystem.

Horizen Launches EON for Web 3.0 Developers on Mainnet

On October 25, the Horizen ecosystem shared news that it has adopted the LayerZero protocol to improve the inter-blockchain communications.

Horizen EON and LayerZero enhance trustless cross-chain communications

The Horizen ecosystem is thrilled to announce its integration with the LayerZero protocol. This integration aims to bolster the Horizen EON ecosystem's cross-chain capabilities,

Horizen EON Integrates with LayerZero to Boost Trustless Cross-chain Communications

The company also said it tokenized an abrdn market fund in euros, pounds and dollars and has a pipeline of several hundred million dollars to be held in the fund.

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The price of Chainlink’s LINK rose about $10, bringing the oracle token to a high not seen in the last 17 months.

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Wallet infrastructure provider, BitGo purchased software tools provider, HeightZero to meet expected rising crypto demand. The transaction meets the company’s goal to expand into newer ...

BitGo Acquires Software Platform HeightZero Amid Surging Crypto Wealth Management Interest

Horizen

horizen

TL;DR Horizen is an OG blockchain launched in 2017 with a long history of ZK dedication
Horizen 2.0 is a pivotal ecosystem upgrade that introduces a series of unique capabilities aimed at addressing some of the biggest challenges currently existing in ZK
Current challenges in ZK hindering wide adoption and future growth
Horizen 2.0 solves the current challenges in ZK and making ZK cheaper, faster and more accessible for developers
Horizen is evolving with the latest in ZK advancements coupling with EVM capabilities providing a frictionless ZK proving process Horizen, one of the OG blockchains originally launched as ZenCash in 2017, has evolved significantly to become a scalable and robust ZK-focused blockchain platform. Its mission is to provide the most efficient and cost-effective ecosystem for developers to build a range of decentralized applications that leverage zero-knowledge technology. Horizen’s vision centers on creating a truly decentralized network that ensures efficiency, security, and scalability, empowering individuals and businesses alike. With the passing of the ZenIP 42406, Horizen moved forward with Horizen 2.0 - a pivotal ecosystem upgrade that positions Horizen as a leading player in the ZK landscape. Horizen 2.0 introduces a series of unique capabilities aimed at addressing some of the biggest challenges currently existing in ZK that hinder the future growth and wide adoption of ZK tech.  The Horizen 2.0 whitepaper, authored by Horizen Labs, outlines these significant technological advancements and strategic approaches to the Horizen ecosystem. This summary provides key insights from the whitepaper, offering a clear understanding of the changes and their implications for various stakeholders. Current Challenges in ZK The benefits of ZK are multifaceted, including the ability to reduce computational load, lower costs, and safeguard data between parties. However, ZK capability within decentralized applications remains limited, hindering its widespread implementation and utilization. EVM Compatibility Issues with Limited ZK Capabilities The vast majority of the Web3 space is built on EVM-compatible applications, enabling seamless communication, interoperability, and a common set of tools and protocols. However, the EVM standard was not initially designed with ZK capabilities in mind, necessitating a new set of tools and protocols to build ZK applications. Unfortunately, these advancements require different programming languages, interfaces, and tools, creating barriers to communication and causing fragmentation within the broader Web3 community. Limitations on Ethereum The alternative to using non-EVM compatible protocols is to use Ethereum for building ZK apps. This comes with two significant challenges: cost and technical limitations. Ethereum is already a congested network, and verifying proofs is a computationally intensive process, making it costly for ZK apps to operate. Need for Advance Proving Systems ZK technology is advancing swiftly, necessitating more sophisticated proving systems for optimal performance. It requires an ecosystem that can keep pace with its advancements. Horizen 2.0 Key Takeaways The whitepaper outlines the Horizen 2.0’s approaches to address the challenges in ZK: EVM with Built-in Precomplies Tailored for ZK Apps Horizen 2.0 provides multiple specialized precompiles tailored for ZK applications. This innovation provides enhanced efficiency and reduced costs for ZK app development. Improved Scalability and Cost-Efficiency for ZK-Based Solutions Horizen 2.0 addresses significant scalability and cost-efficiency issues, making ZK apps more accessible and economical to run. Seamless Integration with Existing Ethereum Tools and Protocols As an EVM-compatible chain, Horizen 2.0 allows developers to use existing Ethereum tools and protocols. This compatibility ensures a smooth transition and integration for developers, reducing the learning curve and facilitating broader adoption of the platform. Enhanced Selective Disclosure and Security Features for Dapps Horizen 2.0 offers robust selective disclosure and security features, making it ideal for applications that require high levels of data protection. These enhancements ensure that sensitive information remains confidential, thereby boosting user trust and adoption. Expanded Use Cases: DeFi, Identity Verification, Voting, Gaming, and AI/ML Horizen 2.0 supports a wide range of use cases that benefit from the ZK tech, including DeFi, identity verification, voting, gaming, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (zkML) applications. This versatility positions Horizen as a comprehensive ZK solution for various industries, driving innovation and application development. User-Friendly Approach to Building ZK Applications Horizen 2.0 simplifies the development of ZK apps, reducing the complexity and barriers for developers. This user-friendly approach encourages more developers to build on Horizen, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of ZK apps. Potential to Standardize ZK App Development Process By providing advanced ZK tools and a standardized approach, Horizen 2.0 aims to streamline the development of ZK apps, fostering innovation and wide adoption of ZK tech. Commitment to Keeping Pace with Rapidly Evolving ZK Technology Horizen 2.0 is designed to evolve with advancements in ZK technology, ensuring continuous improvement and relevance in the blockchain ecosystem. This commitment to innovation ensures that Horizen remains at the forefront of the industry. Horizen 2.0 Technology The whitepaper describes the technical advancements Horizen 2.0 brings, and here is a high-level overview: Precompiled Contracts for Efficient ZK Proof Verification Horizen 2.0 includes precompiled contracts for various ZK proof systems like Groth16, Plonk, Fflonk, UltraPlonk, Halo2, STARK, Boojum, RiscZero and Binius, enabling rapid and cost-effective proof verification directly within the EVM. Parachain to zkVerify Relay Chain for Enhanced Interoperability and Generalized Verifier for Accessing Latest zkVerify Capabilities Horizen 2.0 operates as a Para Chain to the zkVerify Relay Chain, facilitating interoperability within the ecosystem. A Generalized Verifier precompile taps into zkVerify's comprehensive verification framework, offering frictionless access to the latest proof systems without the need for bridging. Additionally, the use of Cross-Consensus Messages (XCM) enables asynchronous proof verification, further improving scalability and reducing latency in ZK apps. ZEN Staking using DPoS Consensus with Nimbus Framework for Collator Selection The Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) consensus mechanism, combined with the Nimbus framework, ensures efficient and fair collator selection, enhancing network performance and scalability. Substrate-Based Architecture Horizen 2.0's architecture leverages Substrate's modular design, allowing for flexible and efficient runtime components that can be easily updated and optimized. This allows for the interoperability of functionality between all chains in the network while maintaining security. Substrates modular design also allows for updates to be made quicker by developers, with the added benefit of not always requiring a hard fork. Fully EVM-Compatible Horizen 2.0 is an EVM chain specifically designed for ZK apps, providing a familiar environment for developers while enhancing ZK capabilities. Use Cases and Applications Horizen 2.0’s advancements open up a wide range of real-world applications across various industries. Several case studies in the whitepaper illustrate the potential of Horizen 2.0 in different scenarios, including Identity Verification, DeFi, Voting, Gaming, Verifiable Computing, Bridge Technology, zkML, and Deep Fakes. Future Outlook Horizen 2.0 has the potential to make a significant impact on the blockchain space and beyond. By addressing critical challenges and introducing innovative solutions, Horizen is well-positioned to drive widespread adoption of blockchain technology. Its advancements could influence not only the tech industry but also various sectors that stand to benefit from decentralized solutions. Conclusion The Horizen 2.0 whitepaper presents a comprehensive vision for the future of the Horizen ecosystem. Key takeaways include significant improvements in scalability, security, and interoperability, as well as a refined economic model and enhanced governance framework. These updates position Horizen as a leading platform in the blockchain space, poised for continued growth and innovation. As the platform evolves, it holds great promise for delivering on its mission of providing an efficient, secure, scalable environment for a wide range of applications. Read the whitepaper to deep dive into the strategic approaches and technology of Horizen 2.0 Website: horizen.io X: @horizenglobal TL;DR TL;DR Horizen is an OG blockchain launched in 2017 with a long history of ZK dedication Horizen 2.0 is a pivotal ecosystem upgrade that introduces a series of unique capabilities aimed at addressing some of the biggest challenges currently existing in ZK Current challenges in ZK hindering wide adoption and future growth Horizen 2.0 solves the current challenges in ZK and making ZK cheaper, faster and more accessible for developers Horizen is evolving with the latest in ZK advancements coupling with EVM capabilities providing a frictionless ZK proving process Horizen is an OG blockchain launched in 2017 with a long history of ZK dedication Horizen is an OG blockchain launched in 2017 with a long history of ZK dedication Horizen 2.0 is a pivotal ecosystem upgrade that introduces a series of unique capabilities aimed at addressing some of the biggest challenges currently existing in ZK Horizen 2.0 is a pivotal ecosystem upgrade that introduces a series of unique capabilities aimed at addressing some of the biggest challenges currently existing in ZK Current challenges in ZK hindering wide adoption and future growth Current challenges in ZK hindering wide adoption and future growth Horizen 2.0 solves the current challenges in ZK and making ZK cheaper, faster and more accessible for developers Horizen 2.0 solves the current challenges in ZK and making ZK cheaper, faster and more accessible for developers Horizen is evolving with the latest in ZK advancements coupling with EVM capabilities providing a frictionless ZK proving process Horizen is evolving with the latest in ZK advancements coupling with EVM capabilities providing a frictionless ZK proving process Horizen , one of the OG blockchains originally launched as ZenCash in 2017, has evolved significantly to become a scalable and robust ZK-focused blockchain platform. Its mission is to provide the most efficient and cost-effective ecosystem for developers to build a range of decentralized applications that leverage zero-knowledge technology. Horizen’s vision centers on creating a truly decentralized network that ensures efficiency, security, and scalability, empowering individuals and businesses alike. Horizen Horizen With the passing of the ZenIP 42406 , Horizen moved forward with Horizen 2.0 - a pivotal ecosystem upgrade that positions Horizen as a leading player in the ZK landscape. Horizen 2.0 introduces a series of unique capabilities aimed at addressing some of the biggest challenges currently existing in ZK that hinder the future growth and wide adoption of ZK tech.  The Horizen 2.0 whitepaper, authored by Horizen Labs , outlines these significant technological advancements and strategic approaches to the Horizen ecosystem. This summary provides key insights from the whitepaper, offering a clear understanding of the changes and their implications for various stakeholders. ZenIP 42406 ZenIP 42406 Horizen Labs Current Challenges in ZK The benefits of ZK are multifaceted, including the ability to reduce computational load, lower costs, and safeguard data between parties. However, ZK capability within decentralized applications remains limited, hindering its widespread implementation and utilization. EVM Compatibility Issues with Limited ZK Capabilities EVM Compatibility Issues with Limited ZK Capabilities EVM Compatibility Issues with Limited ZK Capabilities The vast majority of the Web3 space is built on EVM-compatible applications, enabling seamless communication, interoperability, and a common set of tools and protocols. However, the EVM standard was not initially designed with ZK capabilities in mind, necessitating a new set of tools and protocols to build ZK applications. Unfortunately, these advancements require different programming languages, interfaces, and tools, creating barriers to communication and causing fragmentation within the broader Web3 community. Limitations on Ethereum Limitations on Ethereum Limitations on Ethereum The alternative to using non-EVM compatible protocols is to use Ethereum for building ZK apps. This comes with two significant challenges: cost and technical limitations . Ethereum is already a congested network, and verifying proofs is a computationally intensive process, making it costly for ZK apps to operate. cost and technical limitations Need for Advance Proving Systems Need for Advance Proving Systems Need for Advance Proving Systems ZK technology is advancing swiftly, necessitating more sophisticated proving systems for optimal performance. It requires an ecosystem that can keep pace with its advancements. Horizen 2.0 Key Takeaways The whitepaper outlines the Horizen 2.0’s approaches to address the challenges in ZK: EVM with Built-in Precomplies Tailored for ZK Apps Horizen 2.0 provides multiple specialized precompiles tailored for ZK applications. This innovation provides enhanced efficiency and reduced costs for ZK app development. multiple specialized precompiles Improved Scalability and Cost-Efficiency for ZK-Based Solutions Horizen 2.0 addresses significant scalability and cost-efficiency issues, making ZK apps more accessible and economical to run . making ZK apps more accessible and economical to run Seamless Integration with Existing Ethereum Tools and Protocols As an EVM-compatible chain, Horizen 2.0 allows developers to use existing Ethereum tools and protocols. This compatibility ensures a smooth transition and integration for developers, reducing the learning curve and facilitating broader adoption of the platform. Enhanced Selective Disclosure and Security Features for Dapps Horizen 2.0 offers robust selective disclosure and security features, making it ideal for applications that require high levels of data protection. These enhancements ensure that sensitive information remains confidential, thereby boosting user trust and adoption. Expanded Use Cases: DeFi, Identity Verification, Voting, Gaming, and AI/ML Horizen 2.0 supports a wide range of use cases that benefit from the ZK tech, including DeFi, identity verification, voting, gaming, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (zkML) applications. This versatility positions Horizen as a comprehensive ZK solution for various industries, driving innovation and application development. User-Friendly Approach to Building ZK Applications Horizen 2.0 simplifies the development of ZK apps, reducing the complexity and barriers for developers. This user-friendly approach encourages more developers to build on Horizen, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of ZK apps. Potential to Standardize ZK App Development Process By providing advanced ZK tools and a standardized approach, Horizen 2.0 aims to streamline the development of ZK apps, fostering innovation and wide adoption of ZK tech. Commitment to Keeping Pace with Rapidly Evolving ZK Technology Horizen 2.0 is designed to evolve with advancements in ZK technology, ensuring continuous improvement and relevance in the blockchain ecosystem. This commitment to innovation ensures that Horizen remains at the forefront of the industry. Horizen 2.0 Technology The whitepaper describes the technical advancements Horizen 2.0 brings, and here is a high-level overview: Precompiled Contracts for Efficient ZK Proof Verification Horizen 2.0 includes precompiled contracts for various ZK proof systems like Groth16, Plonk, Fflonk, UltraPlonk, Halo2, STARK, Boojum, RiscZero and Binius, enabling rapid and cost-effective proof verification directly within the EVM. Parachain to zkVerify Relay Chain for Enhanced Interoperability and Generalized Verifier for Accessing Latest zkVerify Capabilities Horizen 2.0 operates as a Para Chain to the zkVerify Relay Chain, facilitating interoperability within the ecosystem. A Generalized Verifier precompile taps into zkVerify's comprehensive verification framework, offering frictionless access to the latest proof systems without the need for bridging. Additionally, the use of Cross-Consensus Messages (XCM) enables asynchronous proof verification, further improving scalability and reducing latency in ZK apps. zkVerify ZEN Staking using DPoS Consensus with Nimbus Framework for Collator Selection The Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) consensus mechanism, combined with the Nimbus framework, ensures efficient and fair collator selection, enhancing network performance and scalability. Substrate-Based Architecture Horizen 2.0's architecture leverages Substrate's modular design, allowing for flexible and efficient runtime components that can be easily updated and optimized. This allows for the interoperability of functionality between all chains in the network while maintaining security. Substrates modular design also allows for updates to be made quicker by developers, with the added benefit of not always requiring a hard fork. Fully EVM-Compatible Horizen 2.0 is an EVM chain specifically designed for ZK apps, providing a familiar environment for developers while enhancing ZK capabilities. Use Cases and Applications Horizen 2.0’s advancements open up a wide range of real-world applications across various industries. Several case studies in the whitepaper illustrate the potential of Horizen 2.0 in different scenarios, including Identity Verification, DeFi, Voting, Gaming, Verifiable Computing, Bridge Technology, zkML, and Deep Fakes. Future Outlook Horizen 2.0 has the potential to make a significant impact on the blockchain space and beyond. By addressing critical challenges and introducing innovative solutions, Horizen is well-positioned to drive widespread adoption of blockchain technology. Its advancements could influence not only the tech industry but also various sectors that stand to benefit from decentralized solutions. Conclusion The Horizen 2.0 whitepaper presents a comprehensive vision for the future of the Horizen ecosystem. Key takeaways include significant improvements in scalability, security, and interoperability, as well as a refined economic model and enhanced governance framework. These updates position Horizen as a leading platform in the blockchain space, poised for continued growth and innovation. As the platform evolves, it holds great promise for delivering on its mission of providing an efficient, secure, scalable environment for a wide range of applications. Read the whitepaper to deep dive into the strategic approaches and technology of Horizen 2.0 Read the whitepaper Read the whitepaper Website: horizen.io Website: horizen.io horizen.io X: @horizenglobal @horizenglobal

An Advanced and Efficient EVM for ZK Apps - Key Takeaways from the Horizen 2.0 Whitepaper

ZK অ্যাপের জন্য একটি উন্নত এবং দক্ষ ইভিএম - Horizen 2.0 Whitepaper থেকে মূল উপায়

Ein fortschrittliches und effizientes EVM für ZK-Apps – Wichtige Erkenntnisse aus dem Horizen 2.0-Whitepaper

Un EVM avanzado y eficiente para aplicaciones ZK: conclusiones clave del informe técnico de Horizen 2.0

Un EVM avancé et efficace pour les applications ZK - Principaux points à retenir du livre blanc Horizen 2.0

ZK ऐप्स के लिए एक उन्नत और कुशल EVM - होराइज़न 2.0 श्वेतपत्र से मुख्य बातें

ZK アプリ向けの高度で効率的な EVM - Horizen 2.0 ホワイトペーパーからの主なポイント

ZK 앱을 위한 고급적이고 효율적인 EVM - Horizen 2.0 백서의 주요 내용

Um EVM avançado e eficiente para aplicativos ZK - Principais conclusões do whitepaper do Horizen 2.0

Расширенная и эффективная EVM для приложений ZK — основные выводы из технического документа Horizen 2.0

ZK Uygulamaları için Gelişmiş ve Verimli Bir EVM - Horizen 2.0 Beyaz Bülteninden Önemli Çıkarımlar

EVM tiên tiến và hiệu quả cho ứng dụng ZK - Những điểm chính từ Sách trắng Horizen 2.0

适用于 ZK 应用的先进高效 EVM - Horizen 2.0 白皮书的关键要点

During this ‘crypto winter,’ the slump in crypto prices has led to the shutdown of a number of projects. Most recently, the NEM Foundation, a community-sponsored non-profit organization that promotes the blockchain of NEM, announced a massive downsizing of its 150-person staff. While the foundation says it’s not bankrupt, it admits that it only has about one month of funds left in the bank. Despite the hard times, some projects with and economic incentives in place have been able to weather the storm only partially scathed. One such project is , where I act as general counsel. governance Horizen I recently sat down with Rob Viglione, the company’s co-founder and CEO to get his insights on the declining prices. Rob elaborated on Horizen’s plan to use its unique to survive the crypto winter. Read on below for the inside scoop. tokenomic structure Myself (M-L), Rob (M-R) and some of the Horizen team. What are the main challenges that Horizen is facing given the slump in the crypto market? Planning a roadmap and managing a team to accomplish it in an environment where your budget can fluctuate up or down 50 percent in a month is the big challenge. We’re expected to maintain some stability for our team and we have commitments to our community on delivering key technologies. It has been stressful, to say the least, with all of the volatility of the last year, but we’ve managed to continually improve, pair down to an efficient and sustainable organization structure, and are actually much better off today for it. Why did the Horizen team decide to raise the share of the block reward allocated to the Treasury to 20 percent? After cutting all discretionary expenditures and going through four rounds of team cuts, we realized it was either boost our revenue or shut down critical core projects. These projects are part of what defines Horizen, really getting to the heart of why we exist; cutting them just didn’t seem the best option and so we went to our stakeholders and solicited feedback on how they’d perceive a doubling of the Treasury. The response was overwhelmingly in favor of doubling the Treasury. How is this approach different from how other projects are responding to these difficult times? Horizen is one of a handful of projects with a viable Treasury system, meaning some pool of resources earmarked for maintaining a team, Foundation, and funding development and growth. Our funding comes from diverting 20 percent of the block reward into this pool, but this is the exception rather than the rule in the industry. Neither Bitcoin nor Ethereum has such a fund, let alone thousands of other projects in the industry. Most are just quietly ‘going dark’ or shutting down operations, while those that can afford it are significantly scaling back in a similar way we have. I think we’ve been the most aggressive with a combination of cost cuts and a revenue boost to carve out a sustainable path. What response have you received from the Horizen community regarding this decision? It turns out that the biggest concern was whether we’d be able to hold the team together and keep delivering on our promises, so the proposed increase was overwhelmingly supported. In hindsight, when seeing how many other projects are folding or just going dark, I have no doubt we made the right decision. What impact do you feel this will have on the future of Horizen? Honestly, I think we saved the project. We’re still not out of the bear market woods yet, but with the combination of deep cuts, focusing limited resources on the highest priorities and doubling the revenue pool we’ve hit a nice point of stability that scales fast when things recover. The team is super efficient and getting better constantly, we have great products in our pipeline, and some big core tech innovations that we think will rock the industry. All in all, we’re like the honey badger and things are looking great for the project! Originally published at cryptolawinsider.com on February 20, 2019.

Conquering crypto winter: inside Horizen’s move to increase its block reward

touts the largest and most diverse public blockchain ecosystem, which makes Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility one of the key ingredients for blockchains to build a successful ecosystem, included. The EVM is a runtime environment that allows developers to create applications that can run on any Ethereum-compatible blockchain. Ethereum Horizen What Exactly is EVM? At a high level, virtual machines create a level of abstraction between the executing code and the executing machine. As all Ethereum accounts and smart contracts live on , the protocol exists solely to keep this immutable state machine constantly running. EVM Let’s get technical. The EVM defines the rules for computing a valid state from one block to the next. EVM itself is a massive data structure, called a modified Merkle Patricia Trie. This links all accounts with hashes and it is reducible to a root hash. Programs send code to the EVM to process transactions in Ethereum. These EVM opcodes perform standard stack operations and blockchain-specific stack operations. When smart contracts are compiled, they turn into EVM opcodes. Leveraging the Ethereum Developer Community EVM allows new blockchains to leverage the existing Ethereum developer community. These developers are already familiar with EVM and have built a wealth of applications that can run on it. When it comes to blockchain development, it’s important to have as many choices as possible. By supporting EVM, an organization such as Horizen opens its platform up to a vast community of developers who can create applications that will drive its success. EVM compatibility is what enables us and other blockchains to tap into the wealth of existing developers who are used to working with Solidity. It’s estimated that there are with experience in Solidity. over 200,000 developers Leveraging Existing DeFi Infrastructure Another benefit of EVM compatibility is Ethereum’s DeFi infrastructure. There are well-established Ethereum smart contracts for an enormous range of blockchain-based products, such as automated market makers, decentralized exchanges, peer-to-peer lending protocols, stablecoins, and more. By leveraging Ethereum’s DeFi infrastructure, new blockchains and dApps working with Horizen can get up and running quickly and easily. This is important for their success, as it lowers the barriers to entry and allows them to focus on building great applications. Building Interconnected Ecosystems Ultimately, compatibility with the EVM allows new blockchains to build interconnected ecosystems. This is important, as it connects them with the resources of other blockchains and enables them to benefit from their success. It also empowers them to create a more diverse and inclusive blockchain community. Horizen, by supporting EVM and using code compatible with the Ethereum network, is helping to lower the barrier to entry for application developers. Essentially, the platform is building a more open and inclusive blockchain ecosystem that will benefit all participants. Want to get more granular? Horizen offers additional insight on this topic and others by visiting . Horizen Academy Also published here.

Why EVM Compatibility Matters More Than Ever

Welcome to another insightful edition of the "Behind the Startup" series, where we dive into the journeys of groundbreaking startups within the blockchain sphere. Today, we are joined by Rob Viglione, co-founder of Horizen Labs, who will share the comprehensive saga of Horizen's evolution since its inception in 2017. Join us as Rob recounts the milestones, technological pivots, and strategic decisions that have shaped Horizen's path towards becoming a hub for zero-knowledge projects. Ishan Pandey: Hello Rob, It's a pleasure to welcome you to our 'Behind the Startup' series. Could you share the full story of Horizen Labs with us? We'd love to hear it, especially the challenges and victories you faced along the way. Feel free to share it all! Rob Viglione: Horizen Labs started in 2019 as a protocol developer for Horizen, an open-source blockchain project launched in 2017. We’ve established a niche for ourselves as web3 experts through our work on a number of high-profile industry projects, including in the Ape ecosystem (ApeCoin, ApeChain, Otherdeeds); the Bitcoin ecosystem (Opal); and last but not least, the Horizen ecosystem. We’re now laser-focused on developing a modular blockchain solution within Horizen optimized for proof verification as the first step on a broader mission to turbocharge Horizen as a hub for zero-knowledge projects. Ishan Pandey: Can you explain the shift towards making Horizen a hub for ZK technologies in Web3 and how it aligns with the platform's evolution since 2017? Rob Viglione: For us, it’s less a shift than the next stage of a natural progression. Zero-knowledge cryptography has always been at the heart of Horizen. Initially, that expertise was applied towards ensuring privacy on-chain; then, to permissionless scalability with our interoperability protocol, Zendoo; and now to modular proof verification. The through-line has always been using zk-cryptography to solve the industry’s biggest challenges. As I just alluded to, we’re now building a modular blockchain optimized for verifying zero-knowledge proofs. However, that’s just the first step in a much bigger mission to enable new types of cryptography to be used in Web3 that's not possible today with the verification constraints on Ethereum. Ishan Pandeey: How does Horizen plan to leverage its position as a pioneer in ZK technology to differentiate itself in the market and attract ZK projects to its ecosystem? Rob Viglione: The first is through our pure technological advantage. Because we have so much experience in zk cryptography, including a world-class team of cryptographers and cryptographic engineers, we have a true competitive edge. Our team has even invented a couple of highly efficient hash functions that’ll play a role in our technology, including Poseidon2 and Monolith. Our proof verification layer, currently on testnet, collapses verification costs by 90% to as much as 99% versus verifying on Ethereum. That performance speaks for itself and makes our go-to-market easy. Beyond that, though, is our reputation and support throughout the industry. Because of the Horizen heritage and brand, we are able to attract the best builders, innovators, and talent in the ZK space. Horizen has demonstrated its commitment to the ZK industry for almost seven years now, and we’ve seen the fruits of that commitment as we’ve had many projects and partners sign on to become part of what we’re building. That will only intensify in the coming weeks and months, and we’re so excited for what’s coming. Ishan Pandey: Considering the competitive environment and the emergence of new projects offering proof verification solutions, how does Horizen intend to maintain relevance and compete effectively with its existing tokenomics? Rob Viglione: It’s true that we’re not the only ones operating in this market segment. But we are the only ones with seven years (or anything close to it) of experience, connections, and support in the ZK space. In my blog post, I’ve laid out my vision for Horizen and $ZEN, and explained why I thought that a new token dedicated to the proof verification layer would be beneficial. Given that Horizen began as a fork of Zcash–which was itself a fork of bitcoin–it inherited its tokenomics from bitcoin. The fixed supply cap of 21 million tokens is a significant component of $ZEN’s identity and appeal, and I feel strongly that this cap should be preserved. With all of this as a backdrop, I proposed in my blog post that a new token be adopted for the  upcoming proof verification chain. This way, $ZEN’s core tokenomics are unchanged, and the proof verification layer benefits from a cryptocurrency optimized for it specifically. Ishan Pandey: What are the potential benefits of adopting a new token for the proof verification layer, and how does this align with Horizen's mission and vision? Rob Viglione: I’ll preface this by saying that any potential token for the proof verification would need to be adopted by the community, and that I’m speaking as a community member and co-founder of Horizen. But the main benefit of a cryptocurrency dedicated to the proof verification layer would be to incentivize the desired on-chain activity–in this case, proof verification. How this would work in practice could play out in any number of ways, but the main point is to facilitate the activity for which the blockchain was purpose-built. Ishan Pandey: As blockchain technology and cryptocurrency adoption continue to grow, regulatory scrutiny intensifies. What are your views on regulatory challenges in the Web3 ecosystem? Rob Viglione: I’ve long said that regulation would benefit the web3 industry, provided that it’s done in a thoughtful and constructive way. Clear rules that establish guidelines for participants in the ecosystem would foster the certainty and confidence needed for the industry to grow much more from here. I’m doing my part by assisting efforts by industry trade associations to work with policymakers and help shape constructive regulations. Don’t forget to like and share the story! Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR. Welcome to another insightful edition of the "Behind the Startup" series, where we dive into the journeys of groundbreaking startups within the blockchain sphere. Today, we are joined by Rob Viglione, co-founder of Horizen Labs, who will share the comprehensive saga of Horizen's evolution since its inception in 2017. Join us as Rob recounts the milestones, technological pivots, and strategic decisions that have shaped Horizen's path towards becoming a hub for zero-knowledge projects. Ishan Pandey: Hello Rob, It's a pleasure to welcome you to our 'Behind the Startup' series. Could you share the full story of Horizen Labs with us? We'd love to hear it, especially the challenges and victories you faced along the way. Feel free to share it all! Ishan Pandey: Ishan Pandey: Hello Rob, It's a pleasure to welcome you to our 'Behind the Startup' series. Could you share the full story of Horizen Labs with us? We'd love to hear it, especially the challenges and victories you faced along the way. Feel free to share it all! Rob Viglione: Horizen Labs started in 2019 as a protocol developer for Horizen, an open-source blockchain project launched in 2017. We’ve established a niche for ourselves as web3 experts through our work on a number of high-profile industry projects, including in the Ape ecosystem (ApeCoin, ApeChain, Otherdeeds); the Bitcoin ecosystem (Opal); and last but not least, the Horizen ecosystem. We’re now laser-focused on developing a modular blockchain solution within Horizen optimized for proof verification as the first step on a broader mission to turbocharge Horizen as a hub for zero-knowledge projects. Rob Viglione: Ishan Pandey: Can you explain the shift towards making Horizen a hub for ZK technologies in Web3 and how it aligns with the platform's evolution since 2017? Ishan Pandey: Ishan Pandey: Can you explain the shift towards making Horizen a hub for ZK technologies in Web3 and how it aligns with the platform's evolution since 2017? Rob Viglione: For us, it’s less a shift than the next stage of a natural progression. Zero-knowledge cryptography has always been at the heart of Horizen. Initially, that expertise was applied towards ensuring privacy on-chain; then, to permissionless scalability with our interoperability protocol, Zendoo; and now to modular proof verification. The through-line has always been using zk-cryptography to solve the industry’s biggest challenges. Rob Viglione: As I just alluded to, we’re now building a modular blockchain optimized for verifying zero-knowledge proofs. However, that’s just the first step in a much bigger mission to enable new types of cryptography to be used in Web3 that's not possible today with the verification constraints on Ethereum. Ishan Pandeey: How does Horizen plan to leverage its position as a pioneer in ZK technology to differentiate itself in the market and attract ZK projects to its ecosystem? Ishan Pandeey: How does Horizen plan to leverage its position as a pioneer in ZK technology to differentiate itself in the market and attract ZK projects to its ecosystem? Ishan Pandeey: How does Horizen plan to leverage its position as a pioneer in ZK technology to differentiate itself in the market and attract ZK projects to its ecosystem? Rob Viglione: The first is through our pure technological advantage. Because we have so much experience in zk cryptography, including a world-class team of cryptographers and cryptographic engineers, we have a true competitive edge. Our team has even invented a couple of highly efficient hash functions that’ll play a role in our technology, including Poseidon2 and Monolith. Our proof verification layer, currently on testnet, collapses verification costs by 90% to as much as 99% versus verifying on Ethereum. That performance speaks for itself and makes our go-to-market easy. Rob Viglione: Beyond that, though, is our reputation and support throughout the industry. Because of the Horizen heritage and brand, we are able to attract the best builders, innovators, and talent in the ZK space. Horizen has demonstrated its commitment to the ZK industry for almost seven years now, and we’ve seen the fruits of that commitment as we’ve had many projects and partners sign on to become part of what we’re building. That will only intensify in the coming weeks and months, and we’re so excited for what’s coming. Ishan Pandey: Considering the competitive environment and the emergence of new projects offering proof verification solutions, how does Horizen intend to maintain relevance and compete effectively with its existing tokenomics? Ishan Pandey: Ishan Pandey: Considering the competitive environment and the emergence of new projects offering proof verification solutions, how does Horizen intend to maintain relevance and compete effectively with its existing tokenomics? Rob Viglione: It’s true that we’re not the only ones operating in this market segment. But we are the only ones with seven years (or anything close to it) of experience, connections, and support in the ZK space. In my blog post, I’ve laid out my vision for Horizen and $ZEN, and explained why I thought that a new token dedicated to the proof verification layer would be beneficial. Given that Horizen began as a fork of Zcash–which was itself a fork of bitcoin–it inherited its tokenomics from bitcoin. The fixed supply cap of 21 million tokens is a significant component of $ZEN’s identity and appeal, and I feel strongly that this cap should be preserved. With all of this as a backdrop, I proposed in my blog post that a new token be adopted for the  upcoming proof verification chain. This way, $ZEN’s core tokenomics are unchanged, and the proof verification layer benefits from a cryptocurrency optimized for it specifically. Rob Viglione: Ishan Pandey: What are the potential benefits of adopting a new token for the proof verification layer, and how does this align with Horizen's mission and vision? Ishan Pandey: Ishan Pandey: What are the potential benefits of adopting a new token for the proof verification layer, and how does this align with Horizen's mission and vision? Rob Viglione: I’ll preface this by saying that any potential token for the proof verification would need to be adopted by the community, and that I’m speaking as a community member and co-founder of Horizen. But the main benefit of a cryptocurrency dedicated to the proof verification layer would be to incentivize the desired on-chain activity–in this case, proof verification. How this would work in practice could play out in any number of ways, but the main point is to facilitate the activity for which the blockchain was purpose-built. Rob Viglione: Ishan Pandey: As blockchain technology and cryptocurrency adoption continue to grow, regulatory scrutiny intensifies. What are your views on regulatory challenges in the Web3 ecosystem? Ishan Pandey: Ishan Pandey: As blockchain technology and cryptocurrency adoption continue to grow, regulatory scrutiny intensifies. What are your views on regulatory challenges in the Web3 ecosystem? Rob Viglione: I’ve long said that regulation would benefit the web3 industry, provided that it’s done in a thoughtful and constructive way. Clear rules that establish guidelines for participants in the ecosystem would foster the certainty and confidence needed for the industry to grow much more from here. I’m doing my part by assisting efforts by industry trade associations to work with policymakers and help shape constructive regulations. Rob Viglione: Don’t forget to like and share the story! Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR. Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program . HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR. Vested Interest Disclosure: business blogging program business blogging program

How Horizen is Redefining Blockchain with Zero-Knowledge Proofs

হরিজেন কীভাবে শূন্য-জ্ঞান প্রমাণ সহ ব্লকচেইনকে পুনরায় সংজ্ঞায়িত করছে

Wie Horizen Blockchain mit Zero-Knowledge-Beweisen neu definiert

Cómo Horizen está redefiniendo Blockchain con pruebas de conocimiento cero

Comment Horizen redéfinit la blockchain avec des preuves sans connaissance

होराइजन कैसे शून्य-ज्ञान प्रमाणों के साथ ब्लॉकचेन को पुनर्परिभाषित कर रहा है

Horizen がゼロ知識証明でブロックチェーンを再定義する方法

Horizen이 영지식 증명으로 블록체인을 재정의하는 방법

Como a Horizen está redefinindo o Blockchain com provas de conhecimento zero

Как Horizen переосмысливает блокчейн с помощью доказательств с нулевым разглашением

Horizen Sıfır Bilgi Kanıtlarıyla Blockchain'i Nasıl Yeniden Tanımlıyor?

Horizen đang định nghĩa lại Blockchain bằng Bằng chứng không có kiến thức như thế nào

Horizen 如何利用零知识证明重新定义区块链

Navigating Privacy Tokens: Horizen's Proactive Compliance Measures with ZenIP 42207

Welcome to another compelling installment of Hacker Noon's "Innovators in Crypto," where the spotlight shines on the changemakers forging ahead in the cryptosphere. In today’s talk, we’re joined by David Paulson, the dynamic force behind Ascent Exchange's strategic leap onto the Horizen EON platform. Ascent Exchange has been a buzzword in the community, synonymous with cutting-edge DeFi solutions and a steadfast commitment to user empowerment. Their bold migration is not just a transition; it's a transformative journey toward setting a new standard in decentralized trading. crypto So buckle up as we dive into the mechanics of Ascent Exchange’s groundbreaking move, explore the fresh and vibrant rebranding efforts, and discover what this means for the future of DeFi. Let’s get the insights straight from the source. David, it’s fantastic to have you with us. Share with us, if you will, the vision that is propelling Ascent Exchange into its exciting new phase. Ascent Exchange Revolutionizes Decentralized Trading with Horizen EON Move : Hi David, it's a pleasure to have you with us for our "Innovators in Crypto" series. As we dive into the story of Ascent Exchange, can you begin by sharing your journey and the pivotal moments that led to the inception of Ascent Exchange on Horizen EON? Ishan Pandey Thank you for inviting me to share insights about Ascent Exchange in this interview. My name is David, and I'm excited to delve into the transformative journey and innovative features that make Ascent Exchange a standout in the DeFi space. David: : Migrating from Polygon to Horizen EON is a bold move. Can you elaborate on what makes Horizen EON the ideal platform for Ascent Exchange and how does it enhance the trading experience for your users? Ishan Pandey The inception of Ascent Exchange on Horizen EON was a culmination of identifying the need for a more robust, scalable, and user-centric DeFi platform. Our journey began with a vision to simplify and secure DeFi transactions, and the decision to build on Horizen EON was driven by its exceptional scalability, privacy features, and a supportive community. David: Migrating from Polygon to Horizen EON was a strategic decision. Horizen EON provides a more scalable and secure environment for our users, enhancing the trading experience with faster transaction speeds and lower fees while maintaining a high degree of decentralization. Horizen EON's full Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility, coupled with its robust features like the Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) and zkSNARKs technology, facilitates seamless, permissionless cross-chain communications. This transition is further bolstered by Horizen's extensive node network, ensuring a decentralized, secure, and reliable environment for Ascent Exchange, aligning with our commitment to providing a top-tier, user-centric trading experience. : Ascent Exchange is the first to implement ve(3,3) tokenomics on Horizen EON. How do you think this first-mover advantage positions you in the market, and what are the long-term benefits you foresee? Ishan Pandey Ascent Exchange's adoption of the ve(3,3) Tokenomics model with V3 Concentrated Liquidity marks a significant milestone in the platform's evolution. This advanced feature is tailored to work seamlessly with the veAEX model, providing liquidity providers with enhanced control and flexibility. The key aspects of this integration include: David: Concentrated Liquidity: This allows capital allocation within specific price ranges, enhancing capital efficiency and the potential for higher returns​​. Multiple Fee Tiers: Liquidity providers can choose from four different fee tiers (0.01%, 0.05%, 0.25%, 1%), optimizing earnings based on their risk tolerance and market outlook​​. Automatic Range Options: The platform offers four automatic range options – Full Range, Safe, Common, and Expert – each catering to different risk and return preferences​​. Custom Price Ranges: For those preferring a hands-on approach, there is the option to set custom price ranges, further enhancing the flexibility of the platform​​. Enhanced Returns and Lower Slippage: By focusing liquidity within specific ranges, higher returns can be achieved with the same amount of capital. Additionally, concentrated liquidity can lead to lower slippage, improving the trading experience for users​​. This first-mover advantage with ve(3,3) Tokenomics on Horizen EON positions Ascent Exchange as a leader in innovative liquidity solutions, offering a more efficient, flexible, and user-friendly trading environment. : Partnerships are often the lifeblood of burgeoning platforms. Can you talk about your collaboration with Wave GP and the significance of their maximum per-project allocation to Ascent Exchange? Ishan Pandey The collaboration between Ascent Exchange and Wave GP represents a significant vote of confidence in Ascent Exchange's capabilities and future potential. Wave GP, as Horizen EON’s dedicated liquidity provider, is committing their maximum per project allocation to Ascent Exchange. This strategic move will ensure that the most traded and popular liquidity gauges on Ascent Exchange are backed by deep and stable liquidity. Such a partnership not only underscores the trust and confidence in Ascent Exchange's market position but also enhances the platform's ability to offer robust and reliable trading experiences for its users. David: : In the wake of your strategic shift, Ascent Exchange underwent a significant rebranding. How important is branding in the crypto space, and what message do you want to convey with the new design and colors? Ishan Pandey The rebranding strategy of Ascent Exchange aligns closely with the vision and innovative spirit of Horizen EON. This rebranding is not just a visual makeover; it's a strategic alignment that reflects the advanced technological framework and forward-thinking approach of Horizen EON. David: By adopting a new design and color scheme, Ascent Exchange aims to convey a message of dynamism, innovation, and user-centricity, mirroring Horizen EON's commitment to scalability, security, and a robust ecosystem. This synergy in branding underscores a shared commitment to setting new standards in the DeFi space, highlighting both Ascent Exchange's and Horizen EON's dedication to leading the charge in blockchain innovation. : For users looking to join Ascent Exchange, what steps should they take to set up their Horizen EON wallet, and how does the $ZEN gas token fit into the overall user experience? Ishan Pandey Setting up your Horizen EON wallet involves a few simple steps, especially if you're using MetaMask or Cobalt Wallet. For MetaMask users, here's how to add Horizen EON: David: Open MetaMask: Launch the MetaMask browser extension or mobile app. Access Settings: Navigate to 'Settings' and then to 'Networks'. Add Network: Click on 'Add Network.’ Enter Network Details: Choose to 'Add a Network Manually' and input the following details: Network Name: Horizen EON New RPC URL: //eon-rpc.horizenlabs.io/ethv1 Chain ID: 7332 Currency Symbol: ZEN Block Explorer URL: As for the $ZEN gas token, it's the native token used for paying network and transaction fees on the Horizen EON network. $ZEN can be acquired from major exchanges, including LBank, and can be withdrawn via the EON chain. //eon-explorer.horizenlabs.io/ In addition to MetaMask and Cobalt Wallet, Sphere by Horizen is another option for accessing the Horizen EON network. Sphere is a multifunctional wallet that supports both ZEN and other tokens on the Horizen network. For transferring ZEN to Horizen EON, a feature known as "Forward Transfer" is utilized. This mechanism allows for the movement of ZEN from the main Horizen blockchain to the EON platform. Forward Transfer is an integral part of ensuring fluidity and ease of transactions within the Horizen ecosystem, enabling users to effectively participate in the Ascent Exchange platform on Horizen EON. : Looking ahead, what can users and investors expect from Ascent Exchange? Are there any upcoming features or developments that you're particularly excited about? Ishan Pandey : Looking ahead, Ascent Exchange users can expect a suite of new features, including advanced trading tools, more diverse asset offerings, and enhanced security measures. We are particularly excited about integrating AI-driven analytics to provide users with deeper market insights. David : Community is central to Ascent Exchange's philosophy. How do you engage with your community, and what role do they play in the platform's governance and future direction? Ishan Pandey : Our community plays a vital role in shaping the platform's governance and future direction. We engage with our community through regular updates, open forums for feedback, and incorporating their suggestions into our development roadmap. David : In a space that's becoming increasingly crowded, what distinguishes Ascent Exchange from other DeFi platforms, and how do you maintain a competitive edge? Ishan Pandey Ascent Exchange stands out in the crowded DeFi space through its user-centric design, innovative features like ve(3,3) tokenomics, and a strong focus on security and scalability. We maintain our competitive edge by constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of our users and the market. David: : Lastly, as we're seeing shifts in regulatory landscapes across the globe, how is Ascent Exchange preparing for potential changes in DeFi regulation, and what impact do you think this will have on the industry? Ishan Pandey In response to changing regulatory landscapes, Ascent Exchange is proactively engaging with regulatory bodies and staying ahead of compliance requirements. We believe that regulatory changes will bring more stability and trust to the DeFi industry, benefiting platforms that are prepared and adaptable. David: In conclusion, Ascent Exchange is committed to continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible in DeFi, ensuring that our platform remains at the forefront of innovation, security, and user empowerment. Don’t forget to like and share the story! : Vested Interest Disclosure This author is an independent contributor publishing via our . Be it through direct compensation, media partnerships, or networking, the author has a vested interest in the company/ies mentioned in this story. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR brand-as-author program

Breaking New Ground in DeFi: Ascent Exchange’s Groundbreaking Migration to Horizen EON

DeFi-এ ব্রেকিং নিউ গ্রাউন্ড: অ্যাসেন্ট এক্সচেঞ্জের গ্রাউন্ডব্রেকিং মাইগ্রেশন হরিজেন ইওএন

Neue Wege im DeFi-Bereich beschreiten: Die bahnbrechende Migration von Ascent Exchange zu Horizen EON

Abriendo nuevos caminos en DeFi: la innovadora migración de Ascent Exchange a Horizen EON

Innover dans DeFi : migration révolutionnaire d'Ascent Exchange vers Horizen EON

डेफी में नई जमीन तोड़ना: एसेंट एक्सचेंज का होराइजन ईओएन में अभूतपूर्व स्थानांतरण

DeFi の新境地を開く: Ascent Exchange の Horizen EON への画期的な移行

DeFi의 새로운 지평을 열다: Ascent Exchange의 Horizen EON으로의 획기적인 마이그레이션

Abrindo novos caminhos em DeFi: migração inovadora da Ascent Exchange para Horizen EON

Открывая новые горизонты в DeFi: революционная миграция Ascent Exchange на Horizen EON

DeFi'de Yeni Bir Çığır Açıyoruz: Ascent Exchange'in Horizen EON'a Çığır Açan Geçişi

Đột phá mới trong DeFi: Sự di chuyển đột phá của Ascent Exchange sang Horizen EON

开辟 DeFi 新天地：Ascent Exchange 突破性迁移至 Horizen EON

Picture this: you're a master puppeteer controlling complex operations from behind the scenes, ensuring a seamless performance on stage. This, in essence, is the role of RPC providers and EVM-compatible platforms in the spectacular show of blockchain technology. However, as with any riveting drama, there's more than meets the eye. Let's pull back the curtain to critically explore these crucial components of our decentralized future. The Unseen Puppet Masters: RPC Providers Just as a puppeteer manipulates strings to control puppets, RPC (Remote Procedure Call) providers pull the invisible threads that allow software applications to request a service from a program located in another computer on a network. In the blockchain realm, RPC providers such as Infura, Alchemy, and QuickNode handle the daunting task of running a full node on Ethereum, freeing developers to focus on crafting their unique applications. The Adaptable Stage: EVM-Compatible Smart Contracting Platforms Imagine a stage so adaptable that any performance can be enacted without altering the script. That's what EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine)-compatible platforms like Binance Smart Chain, Avalanche, and Polygon offer. These platforms can execute the same smart contracts as Ethereum without any changes. Consequently, Ethereum-based dApps, wallets, and other smart contracts can be effortlessly ported to these networks, increasing interoperability and paving the way for a multi-chain future. A New Era of Blockchain: How RPC Providers and EVM-Compatible Platforms are Revolutionizing the Tech Space Imagine two superheroes, each armed with unique capabilities, joining forces to create an ecosystem where accessibility, scalability, and reliability are the norm. This isn't the plot of the latest blockbuster. It's the reality being shaped by Horizen, a leading layer 0 public blockchain, and Ankr, a pioneer in Web3 infrastructure, in the rapidly emerging field of blockchain technology. : Vested Interest Disclosure The author is an independent contributor publishing via our . Be it through direct compensation, media partnerships, or networking, the author has a vested interest in the company/ies mentioned in this story. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR brand-as-author program In a strategic partnership, Horizen and Ankr are synergizing their strengths to enhance EON, Horizen's novel EVM-compatible smart contracting platform. Ankr, now one of the first Remote Procedure Call (RPC) providers for EON, is setting the stage for a paradigm shift in diverse use cases, from DeFi and gaming to the ever-expanding world of NFTs. The EON Revolution EON stands as Horizen’s first in a series of smart contract sidechains. It's not merely an addition; it's a game-changer. As a fully EVM-compatible platform, EON introduces a new level of interoperability, allowing Ethereum-based applications to be ported over seamlessly. Partnering with Ankr supercharges EON's capabilities. Ankr's advanced Web3 infrastructure will augment EON's performance, making it more accessible and efficient. Ankr's robust RPC node infrastructure equips EON to handle a broad spectrum of request loads, resulting in an optimized, scalable platform. Rob Viglione, Co-founder of Horizen, encapsulates the partnership's promise, stating, "The collaboration between Horizen and Ankr will significantly enhance the EON ecosystem's capabilities, delivering unmatched value to developers and users alike." Ankr: Powering Web3 Innovation Ankr's commitment to empowering developers to build cutting-edge solutions is reflected in their collaboration with Horizen. The partnership embodies Ankr's ethos of providing accessible connections to innovative platforms like EON, in their quest to bring Web3 to the next billion users. Josh Neuroth, Head of Product at Ankr, asserts, “Our collaboration with Horizen is a testament to Ankr’s dedication to developers. Ankr can assist in powering the leading edge of smart contract technology." The Tools for Tomorrow In addition to providing high-performance RPC nodes, Ankr is set to unveil a suite of developer tools, including the Liquid Staking SDK, Web3 Gaming SDK, and AppChains As a Service. These tools will enable developers to deploy smart contract applications on EON, promoting the development of innovative and scalable Web3 applications. The partnership signals a promising era for the EON ecosystem, which is currently live on its public testnet, Gobi. A network of products, integrations, and tools, now boosted by Ankr's contribution, supports Gobi. In the coming months, the EON ecosystem is expected to welcome an array of dApps and services. The trifecta of EON's EVM compatibility, Horizen's zero-knowledge-enabled cross-chain protocol, and Ankr's advanced Web3 infrastructure is set to create an interoperable, customizable blockchain ecosystem, which respects no boundaries. Don’t forget to like and share the story! Image credits: AI.

Horizen and Ankr Forge a New Path in the Blockchain Ecosystem with EON

Horizen y Ankr forjan un nuevo camino en el ecosistema Blockchain con EON

Horizen et Ankr ouvrent une nouvelle voie dans l'écosystème Blockchain avec EON

EON के साथ होराइजेन और अंकर ने ब्लॉकचेन इकोसिस्टम में एक नया रास्ता बनाया

Horizen と Ankr が EON でブロックチェーン エコシステムの新たな道を築く

Horizen e Ankr abrem um novo caminho no ecossistema Blockchain com a EON

Horizen và Ankr Tạo ra một con đường mới trong Hệ sinh thái chuỗi khối với EON

Horizen 和 Ankr 通过 EON 在区块链生态系统中开辟新路径

Benchmarking the Computational Performance of Poseidon2 in Plonky3

Empowering Blockchain Communities: The Rise of DAO Governance In a significant leap for blockchain technology, a revolutionary new system for community-driven governance has been introduced. This marks a pivotal moment in the blockchain world, reflecting a growing trend towards decentralization and increased community participation in decision-making processes. At the heart of this evolution lies the concept of a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), a structure designed to democratize decision-making within blockchain ecosystems. This system enables holders of the native cryptocurrency to participate actively in governance, shaping the future direction of the project. The Role of Transparency and Accountability Transparency and accountability form the bedrock of this new governance model. It's guided by principles that emphasize security, continuous improvement, and social responsibility. These values ensure that every decision aligns with the collective interests of the community, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and engagement. Inclusive Governance: A Step-by-Step Guide Participation in this DAO is straightforward and accessible. It involves holders of the cryptocurrency voting on proposals through a user-friendly platform. The voting power is directly proportional to the amount of cryptocurrency held, emphasizing the importance of each member's contribution to the collective decision-making process. Special Council: Steering the DAO An integral part of this ecosystem is the Special Council, a group responsible for overseeing and guiding the DAO. This council acts as a liaison between the community and the foundation, ensuring that proposals align with the overall goals and values of the ecosystem. It includes members with diverse backgrounds in blockchain technology, finance, and media, bringing a wealth of expertise and insight to the table. Voices from the Special Council Members of the Special Council have expressed enthusiasm about their roles, highlighting the importance of applying academic research and industry experience to enhance DAO governance. Their varied expertise and commitment to the project's success underscore the DAO's potential for groundbreaking innovation in decentralized governance. Decentralization Revolution: The Horizen DAO's Groundbreaking Governance Model In a world increasingly leaning towards decentralization, the Horizen DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) stands out as a beacon of progress. This innovative approach transforms how decisions are made within the blockchain ecosystem, ushering in a new era of community-driven governance. At its core, Horizen DAO embodies principles crucial for the modern digital age: transparency, accountability, security, and above all, community involvement. It's a bold step towards empowering every member of the ecosystem, from developers to node operators and cryptocurrency holders, to have a say in the project's trajectory. Democracy in Action: The Voting Mechanism Participation in Horizen DAO is a seamless process, leveraging the Horizen EON, an EVM-compatible sidechain. The unique aspect here is the proportional voting power, determined by the amount of $ZEN held. This system ensures that every voice, no matter how small, contributes to the collective decision-making process. The Special Council: A Strategic Oversight Body The Special Council is a group of experts providing oversight and guidance for the Horizen DAO. This council includes accomplished individuals from diverse fields like gaming, finance, media, and blockchain. Their role is to review improvement proposals, address security threats, and act as a bridge between the Horizen community and the foundation. Diverse Minds Steering the DAO The council members, appointed by the Foundation Director(s), bring a wealth of experience and insight. From Benjamin Charbit's gaming expertise to Brian Rose's financial acumen and Elias Ahonen's blockchain scholarship, each member contributes a unique perspective, enriching the DAO's governance. This collaborative governance model paves the way for a more innovative and resilient ecosystem. It encourages continuous improvement and adaptation, ensuring that the protocol remains at the forefront of blockchain technology. Joining the Conversation The Horizen community invites all $ZEN holders to participate in this pioneering governance model. It's not just about voting on proposals; it's about being an active part of a movement that is shaping the future of decentralized governance. The Future of Blockchain Governance The Horizen DAO represents a significant shift in how blockchain projects are managed and developed. It's a testament to the power of decentralization and the potential for a more democratic and equitable digital future. The Horizen DAO is more than just a governance model; it's a symbol of a larger movement towards a world where power and decision-making are distributed among those who are truly invested in the success of the ecosystem. It stands as a model for others to follow, showcasing the true potential of decentralized, community-driven governance in the blockchain world. Don’t forget to like and share the story.

The DAO Effect: A Paradigm Shift in Blockchain Decision Making

DAO প্রভাব: ব্লকচেইন সিদ্ধান্ত গ্রহণে একটি দৃষ্টান্ত পরিবর্তন

Der DAO-Effekt: Ein Paradigmenwechsel in der Blockchain-Entscheidungsfindung

El efecto DAO: un cambio de paradigma en la toma de decisiones blockchain

L'effet DAO : un changement de paradigme dans la prise de décision en matière de blockchain

डीएओ प्रभाव: ब्लॉकचेन निर्णय लेने में एक आदर्श बदलाव

DAO 効果: ブロックチェーンの意思決定におけるパラダイムシフト

DAO 효과: 블록체인 의사결정의 패러다임 전환

O efeito DAO: uma mudança de paradigma na tomada de decisões em blockchain

Эффект DAO: смена парадигмы в принятии решений на основе блокчейна

DAO Etkisi: Blockchain Karar Vermede Bir Paradigma Değişimi

Hiệu ứng DAO: Sự thay đổi mô hình trong việc ra quyết định của Blockchain

DAO 效应：区块链决策的范式转变

I noticed on (or should I say X) that many were wondering what happened to the Bored Ape Yacht Club and why things don’t seem so bright anymore. I am surprised that some people are surprised about it… Twitter What do they say - The higher you climb the harder you fall? At the very beginning of the NFT hype cycle - many 10k NFT PFP collections with different animals were launched. One of them back in April 2021 was the Bored Ape Yacht Club. Unlike what you may think, the collection did within minutes. In fact, it took them to do so. not sell out over a week I personally stumbled upon them accidentally. Back in those days when I was exploring the space I ended up in a Twitter Space full of ugly-looking monkey avatars (all male) speaking to each other. It felt like a very friendly place where people discussed how to contribute to their community. They spoke about creating a book club, about web3 in general, their stories of how they ended up in space, etc. Overall it was a very cozy place and I was surprised that, unlike other NFT degen spaces, no one actually spoke about alpha, the floor price, big gains, etc. Although most of them already had quite good gains seeing as by that time the BAYC floor price was already 3 (compared to the original 0.08 mint price). ETH Shortly after that Bored Ape Yacht Club would become one of the most popular NFT collections in the market that everyone was going to talk about and I would kick myself for not getting several apes back when I discovered them so I could sell them later and retire… Anyway. Let’s try to understand what happened to them with this article. Content Overview What was behind their success? More mints - more money Celebrities ANON? Not Anymore! or creating a Nazi brand?! Hot Spring 2022 NFT NYC - Summer, 2022 What did Yuga Labs do? Present Situation What was behind their success? There were different components that many argue played a role here. people thought they had missed out on a lot of NFTs that were already too expensive for an entry point (Cryptopunks, etc.) apes were affordable fair distribution - not a bonding curve (fixed mint price of 0.08 ETH) for the first time, here the holders were receiving full IP rights of their Ape utility? - the main utility was the NFT being a membership token + there was this very arguable utility for holders to draw (dicks) on the bathroom wall I may be biased - but I would argue that all the above would not matter if they had not nailed down the last point. A story that resonated with the buyers If I am not mistaken the Ape high-level story read something like this: The year is two thousand thirty everyone who aped into crypto is super-rich and extremely bored and wants to hang out with other like-minded apes. Why do I think it worked? Yeah, it’s not an amazingly well-crafted or detailed story, nothing too complex there. But as far as I remember, before them, no other project even bothered to tell a story apart from the story of “you will get rich quick”. So here at least we’ve got something. But the important thing is that in this story the people they were targeting: the degens were the heroes of the story. The story was tapping into their strong dream and desire and it made them the hero who succeeded at the end. Also using the term “aping/ape” seemed to click. More mints - more money Later on, Yuga Labs dropped 2 more collections: Bored Ape Kennel Club (airdropped to Ape holders) Mutant Ape Yacht Club in Aug 2021 These 2 drops made Yuga Labs, as well as the Bored Ape holders, richer. And now we are reaching the point where Yuga Labs and its collections grew massively! Celebrities The demand would not be so crazy and the floor prices would not skyrocket, if not for the “heavyweight shilling army” that got involved - the celebrities. Many “normies” saw a Bored Ape for the first time probably in January 2022 on the “The Tonight Show” episode from January 2022. //youtu.be/5zi12wrh5So?t=225&embedable=true Who else was involved? Plenty of them! It was a massive marketing campaign relying on Guy Oseary connections I presume. (Guy is the founder of the management firm Maverick, whose clients include Madonna, U2, etc. who worked with Yuga Labs). All those celebrities started rocking their Apes and Mutants as PFP on their socials. As soon as they started promoting it the project became something else. The prices mooned and holding a Bored Ape became a status symbol. I would also argue that it became the turning point for the community too: it became very diverse and lost part of its vibe and unity. Essentially owning a Bored Ape became a flex. ANON? Not Anymore! Yuga Labs’ founders were anons and their identities were not public. Usually, for various reasons, that’s what many prefer in this space. But in February 2022, BuzzFeed published an revealing the identity of two of the four BAYC co-founders: Gordon Goner and Gorgamel. article The journalist and the media got a backlash from the community, as they felt doxxing people against their will was unethical and some felt that it also compromised their safety. But at least, now, people knew 2 out of 4 people responsible for making them rich… or creating a Nazi brand?! The accusations about Yuga Labs being Nazi and Racist started circulating around the end of 2021 already. //twitter.com/Pauly0x/status/85226497?s=20&embedable=true Ryder Ripps launched a website at (getting the SEO juice) with all the concerns and details at the beginning of 2022. //gordongoner.com/ Back then, not many seem to have paid much attention to those. There were some discussions here and there but it did not gain massive traction (spoiler it did later on… but not just yet). Hot Spring 2022 The Spring of 2022 was massive for Yuga Labs. It was packed with a few huge events that resulted in positioning the company as arguably the biggest and most powerful in the whole space. they acquired CryptoPunks and Meebits collections. On March 11, 2022, it launched the token by an entity called ApeCoin DAO. ApeCoin DAO’s council members include co-founder Alexis Ohanian, FTX’s Amy Wu, Sound Ventures’ Maaria Bajwa, Animoca’s Yat Siu and Horizen Labs’ Dean Steinbeck. On March 16, 2022 Reddit they “sold their soul to the devil” (i.e. raised a $450 million seed round from Andreessen Horowitz, Animoca Brands, LionTree, Sound Ventures, Thrive Capital, FTX, and MoonPay, etc. at a $4 billion valuation) On March 22, 2022, In they raised $320M by selling virtual land plots in its Metaverse. A plot in the Otherside Metaverse for around $5,800, plus transaction fees. May I don’t know how you feel about it, but personally, I can’t really understand why would one raise funds through VCs when they absolutely did not need to do so. Through all those mints and coin releases they already made way more than “enough” - but I guess who cares about the community and why stop at “enough”? If you can get $450M more, why not do so, right? Oh and once 2022 ended Yuga Labs’ NFT royalty income hit $100M +. Anyway, let’s see what happens to a $4B company with so many resources and celebrity endorsements + huge plans of building a game and a Metaverse… NFT NYC - Summer, 2022 Yuga Labs was the “hero” of the space at this point and the central spotlight at NFT NYC. They had organized a massive token gated Ape Party for their community with tons of celebrities and music performed by EMINEM, FUTURE, SNOOP DOGG & LCD SOUNDSYSTEM! Remember those accusations? Well… they did not get traction back then… but the bomb was dropped during the NFT NYC days… and this time it exploded! The Youtuber Philion published his video called BORED APE NAZI CLUB. //youtu.be/XpH3O6mnZvw?embedable=true The video blew up (2M views so far) and even my “normie” friends were asking about it since they somehow stumbled upon it and watched it for the whole 1 hour… Soon enough, the whole NFT community was talking about this. The whole space was divided into 2 camps: those who believed and supported the accusations and those who dismissed them. The loudest voices among the first camp were Ryder Ripps and Pauly. And with time they got massive support and a community behind them. Those people were active on Twitter, loud, and very passionate. What did Yuga Labs do? At first, they ignored it. Then, they denied all the accusations saying those who spread the rumors were just trolls in a few interviews (honestly with so much money, I’d expect them to have a much better PR team advising the team…). Then they sued Ryder Ripps and Pauly in June 2022. I keep thinking about what would have happened if the Bored Ape community was united and loyal. If they stood up for the brand and fought for it as passionately as the accusers… Would Yuga Labs still feel the need to go to court? Well, we won’t know, since it did not happen. By the way… did I tell you what were they being sued for? The logical answer would be defamation, right? I mean, so many horrible things were told about the brand, their intentions, etc…? But no - the court document states that it’s about something else… Below is a quote from the document: In response to the Bored Ape Yacht Club’s popularity, Defendant Ryder Ripps, a self-proclaimed “conceptual artist,” recently began trolling Yuga Labs and scamming consumers into purchasing RR/BAYC NFTs by misusing Yuga Labs’ trademarks. He seeks to devalue the Bored Ape NFTs by flooding the NFT market with his own copycat NFT collection using the original Bored Ape Yacht Club images and calling his NFTs “RR/BAYC” NFTs. Brazenly, he promotes and sells these RR/BAYC NFTs using the very same trademarks that Yuga Labs uses to promote and sell authentic Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs. He also markets these copycat NFTs as falsely equivalent to an authentic Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT. He then goes on to use Yuga Labs’ marks to promote his coming “Ape Market” NFT marketplace, which requires a person to purchase one of his infringing NFTs to join the Ape Market. This is no mere monkey business. It is a deliberate effort to harm Yuga Labs at the expense of consumers by sowing confusion about whether these RR/BAYC NFTs are in some way sponsored, affiliated, or connected to Yuga Labs’ official Bored Ape Yacht Club, in violation of the Lanham Act and related state law. I think the whole story of RR/BAYC deserves a whole separate article, so I won’t go into that and let you do the research if you’d like. I’ll probably visit the topic at some point in another article - but not in this story. Present Situation Now, let’s see where we are: Yuga Labs did release a game after all… Below is the trailer (I will leave it to your judgment) //www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CJsAej_GWc&embedable=true Although, some . claim it’s an exact copy of another game Remember all those celebrities? Most of them are no longer using their Bored Apes or Mutants as PFPs. CNN spoke to several former MoonPay (the concierge service helping celebrities buy their Apes) employees who said they were skeptical the celebrities paid for their NFTs, because there was no evidence on the blockchain. Even more: the MoonPay and the celebrities have been sued Looks like coin is at ATL (all-time low) now Ape The floor price of NFTs keeps dropping (to be fair though almost all collections have suffered from the bear market). The SEC is investigating Yuga Labs for securities violations Ape Fest this year will be in Hong Kong During the past year, Yuga Labs executive team has gone through massive changes and many have left the project What’s Next? Only time will tell what happens to Yuga Labs in the future. Many went too far to claim that if Bored Apes fail then the whole NFT space dies… I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Also published here.

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