Cardano Founder Reacts as Zcash (ZEC) Skyrockets Past $10 Billion Valuation

Cardano co-founder Charles Hoskinson has weighed in on the stunning surge of Zcash (ZEC), a leading privacy-focused cryptocurrency.

According to CoinMarketCap, ZEC climbed from a mere $40.42 on September 1 to $619 at the time of publication. Consequently, this represents a 1,431% increase in just two months.

Notably, the token’s price has skyrocketed since early September, capturing industry attention and sparking conversations about the future of privacy coins.

The remark references Cardano’s forthcoming zero-knowledge (ZK) sidechain Midnight. Specifically, the initiative incorporates enhanced privacy and scalability features into the Cardano ecosystem.

Hoskinson’s post draws a comparison between Zcash’s success and what he envisions for Cardano once Midnight launches.

Midnight Project: Cardano’s Bet on Privacy and ZK Technology

The Midnight project represents one of Cardano’s most ambitious ventures. Currently, in its testnet phase, Midnight’s NIGHT token airdrop has already attracted millions of users across seven different blockchains. This level of participation indicates substantial community engagement.

Additionally, the Midnight Foundation recently announced a partnership with Google Cloud to advance zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology and promote broader industry adoption. The project has also established partnerships with over 80 developers and enterprises. Notably, collaborations include Maestro, Sundae Labs, Fluid Tokens, and OpenZeppelin.

Hoskinson believes Midnight could transform Cardano into a leader in blockchain privacy, matching the kind of market enthusiasm currently seen with Zcash.

Cardano’s Market Struggles Continue

While enthusiasm grows around Midnight, Cardano’s native token ADA continues to struggle. As of the latest data, ADA trades at $0.5470, up 2% in the past day but down more than 33% over the last month. The token remains over 50% below its yearly highs.

For years, Cardano’s performance has lagged behind that of rivals, including Solana, Tron, and BNB Chain. Analysts often refer to it as a “ghost chain” due to its low total value locked (TVL) and limited stablecoin supply, which currently stands near $30 million.

Hoskinson’s Outlook

Hoskinson maintains that Midnight could reshape Cardano’s reputation. By introducing advanced privacy tools and scalable ZK technology, the new sidechain may attract developers and capital back to the ecosystem.

Moreover, he has expressed optimism that the project could bring billions in new activity and enhance ADA’s long-term value.

Ultimately, whether Midnight can replicate Zcash’s success remains to be seen, but Hoskinson’s confidence suggests Cardano is preparing for a pivotal phase in its evolution.