ZKX

ZKX is a decentralized perpetual futures exchange operating on StarkNet, a Layer 2 blockchain solution based on zk-rollups technology. Founded in 2021, ZKX aims to democratize access to global yields and provide a scalable, user-friendly platform for derivatives trading. The exchange leverages zk-STARK technology to offer enhanced scalability and on-chain trading benefits such as account abstraction and low-cost transactions. ZKX's innovative architecture includes a decentralized node network that combines elements of Virtual Automated Market Makers (AMMs) and Centralized Limit Order Books (CLOB), capable of handling over 9,000 transactions per second.

The platform features a Decentralized Limit Order Book (DLOB) that facilitates direct communication between users, smart contracts, and the ZKX node. It also incorporates a Data Provider Service (DPS) to bridge external data sources with ZKX's pricing mechanism. To mitigate risk, ZKX introduced a unique tool called 'deleveraging' and an Adaptive Balancing Rate (ABR) that uses Bollinger Bands to calculate funding rates for perpetual contracts. The exchange offers three user interface levels - Standard, Advanced, and Professional - to cater to traders with varying degrees of expertise.

Key customers and partnerships

ZKX has established partnerships with several notable entities in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. The company collaborated with DegenScore to launch its first private testnet in March 2023. ZKX also partnered with RedStone to provide users with access to reliable price data feeds for over 1,100 assets across more than 30 chains. Additionally, ZKX underwent a thorough code and architecture evaluation by Nethermind.

In terms of funding, ZKX raised USD 4.5 million in seed funding in July 2022, with participation from investors including Gate.io, StarkWare, Amber Group, Hashkey Capital, Orange DAO, Angel DAO, Dweb3, Caballeros Capital, and Cluster Capital. Notable individual investors such as Sandeep Nailwal, Co-Founder of Polygon, and Ashwin Ramachandran, General Partner of DragonFly Capital, also contributed to the funding round.