Horizen(ZEN)

Overview

Horizen (ZEN) is a privacy-focused blockchain project launched in 2017 through a fair launch without an ICO. Its original network used a proof-of-work base chain together with a sidechain framework, aiming to support shielded transactions and scalability. ZEN is the native token used for network fees and ecosystem participation.

The project is undergoing a transition to Horizen 2.0, which is deployed as a Layer 3 appchain on Base, the Ethereum Layer 2 developed by Coinbase. This design replaces the earlier hybrid consensus model, inheriting security from Base and Ethereum while focusing on application-level integrity and composability with other L2 and L3 applications. Horizen describes its direction as a modular privacy stack built around technologies such as zero-knowledge proofs and trusted execution environments (TEEs).