Winklevoss Twins Donate $1.4M in Zcash to Support Privacy-Focused Blockchain Development

Source: Cryptonews Original Title: Winklevoss Twins double down on crypto privacy with $1.4m Zcash donation Original Link: Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, co-founders of crypto exchange Gemini, donated 3,221 ZEC—valued at about $1.4 million—to Shielded Labs, an independent organization that funds core work on the Zcash network.

Cameron Winklevoss called Zcash “unstoppable private money,” emphasizing that privacy represents crypto’s next major frontier amid growing government and corporate surveillance. He stated: “Privacy is the next frontier in crypto. It’s the point at which government and corporate overreach end and your freedom and self-sovereignty begin.”

The Donation’s Significance

The donation underscores the twins’ broader bet on Zcash as a leading privacy protocol. Beyond this gift, they back Cypherpunk Technologies, a crypto treasury company that holds roughly 290,000 ZEC worth more than $100 million.

Shielded Labs will use the funds to bolster the network’s long-term security, sustainability, and scalability.

Market Performance

Zcash, which allows users to transact without publicly revealing addresses or amounts while still offering optional disclosure for compliance, was one of crypto’s standout performers last year, surging more than 600% amid renewed interest in privacy coins.

Despite that rally, ZEC is down about 30% year to date and was trading near $357, highlighting the volatility that continues to define the sector even as prominent backers deepen their support.