Zcash (ZEC) is a coin running on the Zcash blockchain. The main purpose of Zcash is to protect the privacy of its users. Zcash implements the "Zerocash" protocol which offers a high level of privacy. Using the Bitcoin's core code, Zcash implements the decentralized-anonymous-payment scheme. Although transactions are recorded on the blockchain, zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge (zk-SNARKs) protocol hide all information about the sender, receiver and amount of transaction. To verify a transactions, a "Zero-knowledge proof" protocol is used. Verification take place without revealing the sender or receiver and transaction size. These three pieces of information are recorded in an encrypted form on the blockchain and are not publicly accessible.

Zcash was founded by Zooko Wilcox, who is also the present CEO. He is known for his contribution to Digicash, ZRTP and SPHINCS. The team consists of 31 members and 6 advisors including Gavin Anderson and Vitalik Buterin. There are 4 members providing outside councilling for this project.