zkVerify (VFY): Universal Zero-Knowledge Proof Verification Layer
zkVerify is a universal proof verification layer designed to provide ultra-fast, cost-efficient, and scalable verification for any zero-knowledge proof system. Founded by Rob Viglione in 2023 and backed by Horizen Labs with $11 million in funding, zkVerify (VFY) will soon be available on Bitget!
What is zkVerify (VFY)?
zkVerify is a dedicated Layer 1 blockchain built specifically for verifying zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), enabling applications across any ecosystem to offload proof verification for speed and cost savings. The platform operates as a purpose-built verification layer that can verify proofs in under a second with no latency or bottlenecks.
The platform addresses major challenges in zero-knowledge proof adoption including verification latency, complex integration requirements, scalability limitations, and high infrastructure costs. Traditional ZKP verification is often slow and resource-intensive, introducing unacceptable delays for real-time applications. zkVerify streamlines this process by providing sub-second proof verification while slashing costs by over 90% compared to on-Ethereum verification.
Core Innovation: zkVerify operates as a sovereign proof-of-stake Layer 1 blockchain that accepts ZKPs from diverse clients and protocols, supporting verification requests from Ethereum, Bitcoin, Aptos, Sui, ZKsync, Polygon, and other blockchain ecosystems through cross-chain interoperability.
Who Created zkVerify (VFY)?
zkVerify was founded in 2023 by Rob Viglione, who also serves as CEO. The founding team has notable backgrounds in blockchain protocol development, cryptography, and building scalable decentralized systems.
Rob Viglione (Co-founder & CEO):
● Prominent blockchain entrepreneur, scientist, and builder
● Co-founded Horizen Labs, a major development studio for Web3 and zero-knowledge cryptography
● Previously led the Zen Blockchain Foundation
● Holds a PhD in Finance with background as a physicist, mathematician, and Air Force officer
● Deep roots in cryptographic engineering and blockchain systems
Key Team Members:
● Rolf Versluis (Developer Growth Lead): Previously co-founder and board member of Horizen, former US Navy nuclear submarine officer and seasoned technology executive with extensive leadership in enterprise and decentralized application growth
Horizen Labs Team:
● zkVerify's cryptographic engineering strength was built around the core team from Horizen Labs, recognized for R&D in zero-knowledge proofs, EVM-compatible blockchains, and building secure, scalable Web3 infrastructure
● Technical and product leadership includes developers and researchers with deep experience in blockchain protocol design, zero-knowledge circuits, and Rust-based verifier implementations
The project was spun out as an independent initiative by Horizen Labs, drawing from its established engineering talent and research leadership.
What VCs Back zkVerify (VFY)?
zkVerify is primarily backed by Horizen Labs, which secured $11 million in venture capital funding to incubate and launch the project.
Funding Overview:
● Amount Raised: $11 million in VC funding
● Primary Backer: Horizen Labs led the fundraising effort as both the developer and initial funder
Token Allocation:
● 10% of the initial VFY token supply (out of 10 billion tokens) is allocated for investors
● Strategic partnerships across ZK ecosystems include Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin Layer 2s
Horizen Labs provided foundational technical, strategic, and financial support from inception through public launch, positioning zkVerify as a major player in scalable, modular zero-knowledge infrastructure.
How zkVerify (VFY) Works
zkVerify enables ultra-fast, affordable zero-knowledge proof verification through its dedicated Layer 1 blockchain architecture.
Specialized Verification Layer
Applications generate zero-knowledge proofs about events or facts (like transaction correctness, user uniqueness, AI model integrity, or in-game randomness). Instead of verifying proofs themselves, they submit to zkVerify, which operates as a fast and unbiased validation network.
Proof Submission Interface
Clients from any blockchain can submit proofs through flexible RPC transaction interfaces. The system natively supports popular proof systems including Groth16, PLONK, Fflonk, Halo2, and STARKs through Rust-based verifier modules.
Sub-Second Verification
zkVerify confirms proof validity and records an attestation containing a Merkle root for proof inclusion. This verification happens in under one second, serving real-time applications and latency-sensitive use cases like gaming, DeFi, and AI attestation.
Attestation Mechanism
Once a proof is verified, zkVerify generates an attestation that the original application or chain can query and use as a trustworthy outcome. These attestations are stored in a secure Merkle tree, making results auditable and usable across chains with cryptographic guarantees.
Cross-Chain Interoperability
The platform is designed to accept ZKPs from diverse protocols, supporting Ethereum, Bitcoin, ZKsync, Polygon, Sui, Aptos, and others through modular APIs and relay contracts that enable efficient proof submission and verification flows.
You can access the platform at zkverify.io.
zkVerify Token (VFY) and Economics
The VFY token serves as the native utility, staking, rewards, and governance currency for the zkVerify Layer 1 blockchain network.
Token Details
● Token Name: zkVerify
● Token Symbol: VFY
● Genesis Supply: 1,000,000,000 tokens (1 billion)
● Initial Circulating Supply: ~386.57M (30.66%)
● Annual Emission Rate: 2.5%
● Blockchain Deployment: zkVerify Layer 1 (Proof-of-Stake), built with Substrate framework
Token Distribution
● Community: 35% (350,000,000 VFY) - TGE unlock 29%, 12-month cliff, 48-month vesting
● Foundation: 31.4% (314,000,000 VFY) - TGE unlock 60%, 24-month vesting
● Core Contributors: 19.6% (196,000,000 VFY) - 12-month cliff, 12-month vesting
● Investors: 14% (140,000,000 VFY) - 12-month cliff, 12-month vesting
Vesting Structure: Token distribution follows transparent and equitable allocation with clear vesting schedules to support long-term sustainability and align all participants with the project's long-term vision.
Token Utilities
● Staking/Network Security: Validators stake VFY to secure the zkVerify Layer 1 blockchain through Proof-of-Stake consensus
● Payment for Verification Services: Applications pay VFY as transaction fees when submitting proofs for verification
● Ecosystem Incentives: Distributed as rewards for developers and users who build integrations, run validators, or contribute to bug bounties and hackathons
● Governance: Holders can submit and vote on proposals that shape network upgrades, fee models, integration grants, and treasury management
● Community Rewards: Stake VFY in pools to earn additional tokens through inflationary rewards and ecosystem participation programs
Why zkVerify?
Traditional zero-knowledge proof verification faces critical challenges in latency, cost, and scalability. zkVerify addresses these limitations with several advantages:
Experienced Leadership: Founded by Rob Viglione with experience co-founding Horizen Labs and leading the Zen Blockchain Foundation, combining blockchain entrepreneurship, cryptographic engineering, and academic expertise (PhD in Finance).
Strong Backing: $11 million raised from Horizen Labs demonstrates institutional confidence in specialized zero-knowledge verification infrastructure.
Dedicated Layer 1 Architecture: Purpose-built blockchain focused solely on proof verification offers sub-second validation speed and orders of magnitude lower costs than general-purpose smart contract networks.
Proof-Agnostic Design: Supports all major proof systems (Groth16, PLONK, Halo2, Fflonk, STARKs) through upgradable Rust-based verifier modules, allowing easy addition of new schemes as cryptography advances.
Key Partnerships: Collaborations with Ankr for Web3 infrastructure, ApeChain for gaming, Hyperbridge for multi-chain verification, Oraclizer for oracle integration, Nexus for AI computation, and Aztec for privacy DeFi.
Multi-Chain Integration: Accepts proofs from Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, ZKsync, Polygon, Sui, Aptos, and other major networks, providing universal verification service across blockchain ecosystems.
Developer-Friendly Tools: Comprehensive SDKs, APIs, and documentation enable seamless integration for protocols, Layer 2s, rollups, oracles, and dApps with minimal infrastructure complexity.
Cost Efficiency: Reduces on-chain verification costs by over 90% compared to on-Ethereum verification, making scalable ZKP adoption practical for high-volume applications.
The platform successfully provides fast, universal, and affordable trust infrastructure for the next generation of blockchains and decentralized applications through specialized verification architecture.
zkVerify (VFY) Goes Live on Bitget
We are thrilled to announce that zkVerify (VFY) will be listed in the Innovation Zone. Check out the details below:
Trading Available: 30 September 2025, 12:00 (UTC)
Trade VFY/USDT on Bitget!
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.
