Why ZKsync Led GRVT's $19M Series A: Betting Big on ZK-Powered Onchain Finance
At ZKsync, we're not just building technology. We're architecting the infrastructure that will make onchain finance as seamless, secure, and private as the internet we rely on today. Think of HTTPS: it unlocked e-commerce by adding trust and encryption without slowing things down. Zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs are crypto's HTTPS moment, verifying transactions without revealing sensitive details, enabling scalability without sacrificing security, and paving the way for true financial privacy onchain.
That's why we're thrilled to announce our role as co-lead investor in GRVT's $19 million Series A funding round alongside powerhouses like Further Ventures, EigenCloud (formerly EigenLayer), and 500 Global.
GRVT isn't just another DEX. It's a CLOB-style decentralized exchange that's redefining onchain finance with privacy at its core. Built on the ZKsync Stack as a Validium L2 blockchain, GRVT harnesses ZK technology end-to-end to deliver high-speed perpetuals, structured products and investment strategies, all while keeping your trades and positions shielded from prying eyes. As GRVT's foundational tech partner, ZKsync has powered their chain from day one, and this investment is our strongest endorsement yet: GRVT embodies the future of ZK-driven DeFi, and we're all-in on taking it to new heights.
GRVT: The Gold Standard of ZK-Powered Finance
GRVT is not just slapping ZK on a DEX; it's a full-stack embodiment of ZK's promise built from the ground up to unify the fragmented onchain landscape. As a CLOB (Central Limit Order Book) DEX, GRVT brings institutional-grade liquidity and execution to DeFi, but with self-custody, no middlemen, and enhanced privacy features. Their "GRVT Exchange" enables perpetuals with unified margin and industry-first features like a -1 bps maker fee rebate for all orders (once reserved for institutions), while "GRVT Strategies" opens a marketplace for joining pro traders' vaults, all verifiable onchain, yet private by default.
Here's how ZKsync powers it under the hood:
ZK Proofs for Settlement: Trades execute offchain for speed, then ZK proofs confirm validity on Ethereum. Instant, secure, and cryptographically secured. Protecting against MEV attacks and whale hunting that create significant costs.
Privacy Layers in Action: In the Strategies marketplace, your positions and signals stay hidden, but outcomes are publicly auditable. Launch a P2P strategy, auto-execute yields, or collaborate through structured products, without exposing your edge.
Limitless Scaling on ZKsync L2: As a part of the Elastic Network, GRVT unlocks Low-fee swaps, cross-chain interoperability, and can position itself as a mainstay liquidity and trading hub across the ZKsync ecosystem.
The result is a platform where crypto natives can trade like on Hyperliquid (but with privacy), newcomers can easily onboard like on Coinbase (but are self-custodied), and institutions can scale like on Bloomberg (but onchain).
Hong Yea, co-founder and CEO at GRVT, puts it perfectly: "Privacy is uncompromising for the future of onchain trading and investing. By building a privacy-driven, scalable and trustless DEX that offers a wide array of structured products, GRVT exemplifies how ZK-powered solutions will become the new normal for everyone, realizing the vision of an open and secure onchain finance world."
Why ZKsync Doubled Down on GRVT
As GRVT's tech partner since the start, we've watched them turn a ZK-powered DEX into reality. Leading this Series A, a significant investment, isn't just financial; it's a strategic alignment. GRVT proves ZK isn't niche tech; it's the blueprint for true decentralized finance of the future.
Alex Gluchowski, co-founder and CEO at Matter Labs, shares our excitement: “We believe ZK is the 'HTTPS moment' for crypto. Just as HTTPS took the internet mainstream by adding a layer of trust and privacy, ZK will do the same for Web3. GRVT is uniquely positioned to be the most liquid and impactful application layer to help realize this vision, their dedication and progress excellently demonstrates how ZK can bring onchain finance to mainstream.”
This funding supports GRVT's development: majority to engineering for cross-exchange vaults, options, and RWAs; the rest to community rewards, global expansion, and talent. We're not just investors, we're co-builders, integrating GRVT deeper into the ZKsync ecosystem to push the boundaries of true ZK-powered DeFi.
The Onchain Future Starts Now
GRVT isn't just our partner, it's the vanguard of ZK's DeFi revolution, and with this investment, we're working toward broader onchain adoption. Privacy without compromise. Speed without sacrifice. Finance for the people, powered by math.
We believe onchain finance will continue evolving toward greater privacy and scalability with ZK technology pioneering the way.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, or legal advice. Cryptocurrencies carry high risks. Always conduct your own research and consult professionals. Digital assets involve significant risks including potential total loss. Regulatory frameworks continue to evolve.
Forward-Looking Statements: This post contains forward-looking statements regarding technology development, market adoption, and business prospects. Actual results may differ materially from those projected.