The ZKL token is the native digital asset powering the zkLink Protocol, a multi-chain infrastructure platform built on zero-knowledge proof technology. Designed as a standard ERC-20 token on the Ethereum Mainnet, ZKL plays a central role in governance, network security, and ecosystem development. With a fixed total supply of one billion tokens, it operates as a non-inflationary asset, ensuring long-term value preservation and predictable tokenomics.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the ZKL token’s functionality, distribution model, and release schedule, offering clarity for users, developers, and investors interested in the zkLink ecosystem.
What Is the ZKL Token?
ZKL is the core utility and governance token within the zkLink Protocol. It was created to facilitate decentralized decision-making, enable service payments, and support network operations. The token is fundamentally an ERC-20 standard asset deployed on Ethereum, with most tokens bridged to zkLink Nova—a leading Layer 3 aggregation network.
Once bridged, ZKL tokens are securely locked in a canonical bridge contract on Ethereum, ensuring transparency and reliability. This mechanism allows users to utilize ZKL across various functions within the zkLink ecosystem while maintaining the security guarantees of the Ethereum blockchain.
Governance with ZKL
Token holders who stake ZKL on the zkLink Nova network are recognized as active participants in the protocol’s governance. Using Snapshot—a widely adopted off-chain voting tool—holders can propose and vote on key ecosystem decisions. Voting power is directly proportional to the amount of ZKL staked on zkLink Nova.
To ensure governance integrity and prevent Sybil attacks, initial proposal creation rights are restricted to users with specific roles, including admins, moderators, and authors. These roles are managed by the Controller of the Space and help maintain a fair and efficient decision-making process.
Over time, the governance model is expected to become more decentralized, allowing broader community involvement as the ecosystem matures.
Utility and Use Cases
ZKL serves multiple practical functions across zkLink’s product suite, including zkLink Nova and zkLink X.
On zkLink Nova
While ETH is the native gas token for transactions, users can opt to pay transaction fees in ZKL at a discounted rate. This feature enhances flexibility and provides economic incentives for using ZKL. In the future, the token will also grant holders the right to participate in Nova’s decentralized sequencing network, further expanding its utility.
On zkLink X
ZKL acts as an access key for developers using zkLink X’s App-Rollup infrastructure. Developers pay license fees in ZKL to the zkLink DAO, which in turn supports early-stage projects through grants or fee waivers. In exchange, successful projects share a portion of their revenue or token supply with the DAO, creating a sustainable growth loop.
Additionally, ZKL is used as the primary payment token for proof generation services. Provers—network participants who generate zero-knowledge proofs—must stake ZKL to participate in proof auctions. They earn ZKL for completing tasks efficiently, while underperformers face penalties. This staking mechanism encourages high-quality service and reinforces network reliability.
👉 Explore the proof market mechanics
Token Distribution Overview
ZKL features a thoughtfully designed distribution plan that allocates tokens to essential stakeholders, including the core team, community members, investors, and ecosystem partners. The goal is to promote balanced growth and long-term alignment of incentives.
The allocation breakdown is as follows:
- Community Treasury: 29.875%
- Liquidity Reserve: 4%
- Ecosystem Development: 22.5%
- Founding Team & Advisors: 20%
- Early Private Purchasers: 20.5%
- CoinList Public Sale: 3.125%
This structure ensures that a significant portion of tokens is dedicated to community and ecosystem development, supporting decentralization and sustainable expansion.
Detailed Release Schedule
The ZKL token release schedule is designed to prevent market flooding and align long-term interests. Below is a timeline of how tokens are allocated and unlocked.
Community Treasury (29.875%)
- Community Rewards (10%): 50% released at Token Generation Event (TGE), remaining 50% reserved for future incentives.
- Community Treasury Reserve (15.875%): To be allocated via DAO governance based on ecosystem needs.
- Developer Incentives & Bug Bounty (4%): 30% unlocked at TGE, followed by linear monthly vesting over 12 months.
Liquidity Reserve (4%)
Allocated for providing liquidity on centralized and decentralized exchanges. Half is released at TGE, with the remainder vesting monthly over one year. The strategy aims to maintain token stability.
Ecosystem Development (22.5%)
Funds developer grants, marketing, business development, and partnership programs. 20% is unlocked at TGE, followed by linear monthly vesting over 24 months.
Founding Team & Advisors (20%)
Subject to a 6-month lock-up period after TGE, followed by 36 months of linear monthly vesting.
Early Private Purchasers (20.5%)
- Pre-seed Round (8%): 5-month lock-up, then 27-month linear vesting.
- Seed Round (7.8%): 4-month lock-up, then 27-month linear vesting.
- Private Round (4.7%): 3-month lock-up, then 27-month linear vesting.
CoinList Public Sale (3.125%)
30% unlocked at TGE, with the remainder vesting monthly over 9 months.
👉 Learn more about token vesting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total supply of ZKL tokens?
The maximum supply is fixed at one billion tokens. This cap ensures that ZKL is a non-inflationary asset, providing predictable tokenomics for holders and participants.
How can I participate in zkLink governance?
By staking ZKL tokens on the zkLink Nova network, you become eligible to vote on proposals using Snapshot. Your voting power is proportional to your staked balance.
Can I use ZKL to pay for transaction fees?
Yes. On zkLink Nova, you can choose to pay transaction costs in ZKL at a discounted rate, providing an economical alternative to using ETH.
What is the purpose of the proof market?
Provers stake ZKL to participate in a competitive auction where they earn tokens by generating zero-knowledge proofs. This system ensures proof generation is efficient and decentralized.
How are tokens allocated for ecosystem growth?
Over 22% of ZKL tokens are dedicated to ecosystem development, including grants, marketing, and partnerships. These are released gradually to support sustained innovation.
Is ZKL available on public exchanges?
ZKL was available through a CoinList public sale, and is also offered on various centralized and decentralized exchanges. Always use reputable platforms for acquisition.