ZKM

About ZKM

ZKM is a technology company building a universal settlement layer to unify the fragmented blockchain landscape. The firm, founded in 2023 by Kevin Liu and Ming Guo, develops infrastructure for verifiable computation. Liu, who serves as CEO, previously co-founded the Ethereum Layer 2 platform Metis and has a background in software development and studying tokenomics. Guo, the Chief Scientist, has extensive research experience in cryptography and distributed systems.

The company's core technology is a general-purpose Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machine (zkVM) called Ziren (formerly zkMIPS). This technology is designed to verify off-chain computations and generate zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), which confirm the validity of transactions without revealing underlying data. A key feature is the "Entangled Rollup" network, which allows different blockchains (Layer 1s and Layer 2s) to interact and share native assets and liquidity without relying on traditional, often vulnerable, bridging mechanisms. This approach aims to address liquidity fragmentation and enhance security for cross-chain transactions.

ZKM's business model involves providing its infrastructure as a service, targeting developers and other blockchain projects. It plans to charge transaction-based SaaS fees and offer mining services. Initially, ZKM is focused on upgrading existing Optimistic Rollups to a hybrid model that incorporates ZK proofs, aiming to eliminate withdrawal delays. The company is also launching its own Bitcoin Layer 2 network called GOAT, which will be the first major application of its Entangled Rollup technology. ZKM has secured $5 million in Pre-Series A funding, led by OKX Ventures, to support the development and launch of its network.