Proof-of-stake layer-1 blockchain securing nearly $50B in DeFi value since 2015
Layer 1Proof of StakeEVM compatible
Electric Coin Company
Team behind Zcash building zero-knowledge privacy protocols and shielded consumer apps since 2015
3.2/ 5
Our score
Fair
Layer
Layer 1
Consensus / design
Proof of Work
Native token
ZEC
Block time
75 seconds
Typical transaction fee
0.0001 ZEC
EVM compatible
No
What is Electric Coin Company?
Electric Coin Company (ECC) is a technology development company that created and maintains the core protocol for Zcash (ZEC), a Layer 1 blockchain using zero-knowledge cryptography to support private transactions. Beyond protocol research, the team builds client software such as the self-custodial Zashi wallet.
Leadership and organization
Founded in 2015 and based in Denver, United States, Electric Coin Company was established by Zooko Wilcox, who serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer. The organization's board of directors includes Alan Fairless and Andrew McLaughlin. ECC focuses on protocol development and client applications.
Protocol mechanics and product ecosystem
The core technology developed by ECC centers on shielded addresses, which use zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARKs) to encrypt transaction metadata like sender, recipient, and amount. In addition to base-layer engineering, ECC develops the Zashi wallet app. Zashi allows users to hold shielded ZEC, route traffic over the Tor network, and execute peer-to-peer payments. Through an integration with Near Intents and Maya Protocol, Zashi provides non-custodial cross-chain swaps that allow users to convert assets such as Bitcoin, Solana, and USDC into shielded ZEC without centralized exchange intermediaries.
Track record and ecosystem milestones
In May 2025, Zcash integrated with Maya Protocol for decentralized cross-chain liquidity. ECC expanded Zashi in August 2025 by deploying enhanced Tor network routing in beta to disguise IP addresses. In September and October 2025, ECC added decentralized off-ramps and on-ramps powered by Near Intents, alongside Zashi CrossPay, which enables private payments across non-Zcash assets directly from shielded balances.
Key risks and trade-offs
Privacy coins face persistent regulatory scrutiny from international authorities. Shielded transactions also demand more computational resources for proof generation than standard public transactions. Cross-chain swaps depend on external systems such as NEAR and Maya Protocol.
Founders
Zooko WilcoxFounder and Chief Executive Officer
Andrew McLaughlinMember - Board of Directors
Alan FairlessMember - Board of Directors
Best for:Users prioritizing financial transaction privacyTraders swapping cross-chain assets without KYCDevelopers implementing zero-knowledge cryptography
Pros and cons
Pros
- Zero-knowledge shielded transactions protect sender, recipient, and transaction values
- Decentralized on-ramps and off-ramps allow asset swaps without centralized exchanges
- Tor network integration shields user IP addresses during wallet synchronization
- Cross-chain payment support via CrossPay into multiple external cryptocurrencies
Cons
- Regulatory pressure on privacy coins creates recurring exchange delisting risks
- Cross-chain swap features rely on external solvers and bridge infrastructure
- Shielded proof generation requires more mobile device computing overhead than transparent transfers
Our review
3.2/5
Fair
Electric Coin Company provides proven zero-knowledge privacy for digital payments, but its ecosystem lacks native smart contract functionality compared to general-purpose networks.
Electric Coin Company (ECC) is the primary development organization behind Zcash, a privacy-focused layer-1 blockchain created to deliver shielded digital cash. Founded in 2015 by Zooko Wilcox and based in Denver, the team led the deployment of zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARKs) in cryptocurrency. The native token, ZEC, is an exchange medium that supports both transparent and encrypted shielded addresses.
Shielded transactions encrypt sender, receiver, and transfer amounts directly on-chain while verifying validity with zero-knowledge cryptography. ECC develops the self-custodial Zashi wallet. Integrations with Near Intents and Maya Protocol allow users to execute decentralized swaps and privately fund payments across multiple chains directly from shielded ZEC balances.
However, the platform has distinct operational trade-offs:
- Lack of native EVM compatibility.
- Reliance on cross-chain routing systems like NEAR and Maya to access broader token liquidity.
ECC suits developers and individuals seeking mathematically provable transaction privacy and non-custodial cross-chain payment capabilities.
Sources (1)
Specs
| Layer | Layer 1 · unverified |
|---|---|
| Consensus / design | Proof of Work · unverified |
| Native token | ZEC · unverified |
| EVM compatible | No · unverified |
| Block time | 75 seconds · unverified |
| Typical transaction fee | 0.0001 ZEC · unverified |
| Validators / sequencer | Equihash miners · unverified |
| Mainnet since | 2,016 · unverified |
| Sequencer | Not applicable · unverified |
| Data availability | On-chain · unverified |
| Gas paid in | ZEC · unverified |
Not disclosed by the provider: Smart contract languages, Finality, Throughput (TPS).
Data from the provider's website and public sources. Fees and availability change; confirm on the official site before you sign up.
Key features
Shielded zero-knowledge transfers
Supports Zcash zero-knowledge proofs to conceal transaction sender, recipient, and transfer amounts directly on the blockchain.
Decentralized swaps via Near Intents
Enables non-custodial swaps in the Zashi wallet between shielded ZEC and assets like Bitcoin, Solana, and USDC without centralized exchanges.
Zashi CrossPay payments
Allows users holding shielded ZEC to send payments settleable in any NEAR-supported cryptocurrency.
Integrated Tor routing
Offers native Tor network support in Zashi for privacy when using the wallet.
Maya Protocol cross-chain liquidity
Provides decentralized liquidity pools and asset routing for Zcash through an integration with Maya Protocol.
Inside Electric Coin Company
Zcash (ZEC)
A privacy-focused layer-1 digital currency using zero-knowledge cryptography to support encrypted shielded transactions alongside transparent transfers.
Zashi
A self-custodial wallet application designed for Zcash users, featuring shielded address support, Tor network privacy, and direct asset swaps.
Zashi CrossPay
A cross-chain payment functionality enabling users to spend shielded ZEC to complete transactions in other cryptocurrencies via NEAR infrastructure.
Electric Coin Company screenshots
What users say about Electric Coin Company
Mentions primarily reference the official Zashi wallet application and general network technical details without recurring feedback.
Based on 6 Reddit posts and comments from the last 12 months, checked Oct 21, 2026. These are posts by users on other sites, not reviews submitted on CryptoReview.
User reviews
No user reviews yet. Have you used Electric Coin Company? Share your experience below.
FAQ
Who founded Electric Coin Company?
Electric Coin Company was founded in 2015 by Zooko Wilcox, who serves as Chief Executive Officer. The company is based in Denver, United States.
Does Electric Coin Company have a native token?
Yes, ECC developed and supports Zcash, which uses the native token ZEC. ZEC facilitates value transfers and supports shielded zero-knowledge transactions.
What is Zashi?
Zashi is ECC's official non-custodial Zcash wallet. It supports shielded transactions, Tor privacy routing, and cross-chain swaps powered by Near Intents.
Can you swap other cryptocurrencies for ZEC in Zashi?
Yes, Zashi integrates Near Intents and Maya Protocol to let users swap assets like USDC, Bitcoin, and Solana into ZEC without centralized exchanges.
What is Zashi CrossPay?
Zashi CrossPay is a feature that allows holders of shielded ZEC to send private payments settled in other NEAR-supported cryptocurrencies.
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