A technical overview of Zebec Protocol’s infrastructure, token utility, and real-time financial applications across multiple blockchains.

Introduction

This article provides a technical overview of Zebec Protocol (ZBCN), a decentralized infrastructure network built to support continuous, programmable financial flows. It examines the protocol’s architecture, product ecosystem, token utility, and governance mechanisms. Zebec enables real-time transactions across multiple chains and offers tools such as streaming payroll, treasury management, and DePIN integrations. The analysis includes a detailed breakdown of the ZBCN token, its supply distribution, vesting schedules, and economic structure, along with an explanation of how governance proposals are initiated, evaluated, and executed.

What is Zebec Protocol (ZBCN)?

Zebec Protocol, currently operating under the name Zebec Network, is a decentralized infrastructure protocol that supports continuous, real-time financial transactions. It is designed to handle programmable money flows, enabling use cases such as streaming payroll, instant payouts, recurring payments, and real-time investing. The protocol operates across multiple blockchains and incorporates various features including smart contracts, token issuance infrastructure, treasury management tools, and real-time finance tools.

The concept of continuous payment streaming implemented by Zebec is built on the idea of microtransactions occurring every second, rather than through scheduled lump-sum transactions. Through its smart contract framework, employers can continuously stream wages to employees, removing the need for manual processing and scheduled disbursements. This approach also facilitates real-time tax and compliance handling at the transaction level.

Zebec’s infrastructure is chain-agnostic. Initially deployed on Solana, it has since expanded to Ethereum, Arbitrum, BNB Chain, and other EVM-compatible chains. The protocol also integrates bridges to ensure asset movement across networks. Multi-chain support allows users and developers to interact with Zebec features regardless of the base chain they operate on.

The protocol includes multiple products under its umbrella. Zebec Payroll is one of its earliest applications and allows users to configure salary payments that stream in real time. Zebec Safe is a multi-signature treasury management platform, offering decentralized and secure handling of group assets. Zebec Card is a debit card product connected to streaming wallets, enabling spending in fiat directly from streamed balances. The Instant Card uses Visa infrastructure and is linked to Coinbase for direct fiat on- and off-ramping.

ZBCN is the native token of Zebec Network. In 2024, the protocol migrated from the original ZBC token to ZBCN. This was executed at a 1:10 ratio, meaning holders received 10 ZBCN for every ZBC. The migration was carried out through a token burn-and-mint mechanism, with ZBC being burned and the same amount of ZBCN issued proportionally. The primary goal was to enable finer-grained transaction fee calculations and support upcoming on-chain applications in areas such as decentralized infrastructure (DePIN), data streaming, and cross-border finance.

History and Team of Zebec Protocol

Zebec Protocol was founded by Sam Thapaliya, a computer scientist with a background in computer vision, data infrastructure, and decentralized systems. Before launching Zebec, he was involved in developing machine learning models and worked on projects that intersected with blockchain technology. Zebec was introduced as a programmable cash flow protocol capable of handling continuous money streaming, and the first version was deployed on the Solana blockchain. The original concept emphasized real-time wage streaming, decentralized payroll, and programmable financial logic for enterprises and DAOs.

After gaining initial traction, the project expanded to multiple EVM-compatible blockchains. This involved rewriting and deploying smart contracts compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, building support for asset bridging, and launching user interfaces for interacting with the protocol across different chains. As the architecture became multi-chain, Zebec shifted its branding from “Zebec Protocol” to “Zebec Network” to reflect the broader infrastructure and modular services being built beyond payroll applications. This included streaming data systems, point-of-sale devices, DePIN integrations, and tokenized finance tools.

The executive team has overseen the protocol’s transition from a focused Solana-based solution to a modular, multi-chain infrastructure network. Sam Thapaliya remains the founder and public face of the project. Simon Babakhani serves as Chief Operating Officer, bringing operational experience from fintech and traditional enterprise sectors. Elena Solovyov leads marketing and communications, focusing on product positioning, ecosystem partnerships, and investor relations. Kian, listed as Chief Technology Officer, is responsible for the protocol’s technical implementation across chains, including smart contract security, chain abstraction layers, and network tooling. Sajjan Thapaliya, the co-founder, contributes to business strategy and operations.

Investors of Zebec Protocol

Zebec has raised capital from a range of institutional investors, including both venture capital firms and crypto-native funds. These investments have supported protocol development, multi-chain expansion, product launches, and real-world integrations across both decentralized and traditional financial infrastructure.

Solana Ventures was an early investor, backing the project during its initial deployment phase on the Solana blockchain. Circle Ventures, the investment arm of Circle and issuer of USDC, provided funding that aligned with Zebec’s use of stablecoins in real-time streaming applications. Coinbase Ventures participated in early rounds, contributing to the development of Zebec’s card infrastructure and integrations with centralized exchange tools. Lightspeed Venture Partners supported Zebec’s operational scaling and go-to-market strategies. Distributed Global invested during the early growth phase, assisting in developer engagement and technical onboarding across new blockchains.

Additional funding came from Breyer Capital, Shima Capital, Republic Capital, and DST Global Partners. These firms contributed to Zebec’s broader ecosystem goals, including cross-border financial applications, point-of-sale solutions, and treasury automation. Several of these investors have backgrounds in both technology and fintech, supporting Zebec’s goal of bridging Web3 financial mechanisms with traditional business processes.

Zebec Protocol’s Main Features

ZBCN Launchpad

The ZBCN Launchpad functions as Zebec Network’s native token issuance and fundraising platform. It is used by early-stage blockchain projects to raise capital and distribute tokens through structured events such as IDOs or private sales. Participants typically gain access through criteria involving ZBCN token holdings, staking activity, or ecosystem participation. Once a project is onboarded, the launchpad provides vesting automation, wallet whitelisting, and distribution timelines through programmable smart contracts. This reduces the need for manual token disbursements and ensures that participants receive allocations as per a fixed schedule.

The infrastructure supports immediate integration with Zebec Vaults, allowing funds raised through the launchpad to be managed using multisig tools and streaming capabilities. This creates a continuous flow of capital to contributors or operational teams without requiring individual transaction approvals. Developers launching through the platform can connect fundraising campaigns to downstream treasury operations, which simplifies the operational overhead of managing project funds. All activities on the launchpad are executed through on-chain logic, offering transparency and traceability.

Zebec Airdrop

Zebec Airdrop is a mechanism for distributing ZBCN tokens to eligible participants in the ecosystem. These airdrops have targeted users based on historical engagement, token holdings, or use of Zebec products such as the Zebec Card or Vault. The airdrops are executed automatically using smart contracts that verify eligibility criteria and distribute tokens without manual intervention. Some campaigns have also used snapshot-based methods, where wallet balances at a specific block height determine airdrop eligibility. This ensures that only long-term users or contributors receive the rewards.

Anti-sybil filters are implemented to prevent abuse through duplicate wallets or automated farming. Each airdrop is publicized through announcements, and users are directed to claim their allocations through the Zebec dashboard. The structure of these events is designed to promote specific behaviors, such as trying a new product, joining governance, or holding tokens over a set period.

Zebec Cards

Zebec Cards allow users to spend cryptocurrencies in fiat environments using physical or virtual debit cards. These cards are linked to user wallets and can draw directly from balances held in stablecoins or other supported tokens. When a user makes a purchase, the selected cryptocurrency is converted to fiat in real time through liquidity providers integrated into Zebec’s infrastructure. The transaction is then processed over the Mastercard network. This removes the need for users to manually off-ramp assets or move funds between different services before spending.

The cards are issued in partnership with licensed entities and follow compliance protocols including identity verification and jurisdictional limits. Cardholders can manage balances, spending limits, and transaction history through an online dashboard. Because the cards are integrated with Zebec’s streaming engine, funds received as part of payroll or continuous vesting flows can be accessed immediately.

RWA Payments

RWA Payments refer to Zebec’s integration of real-world asset logic into blockchain-based financial flows. This includes support for tokenized service contracts, invoices, or physical assets that require recurring or performance-based payments. A contract can be represented as a digital token and linked to a payment stream, which adjusts based on service delivery or other measurable inputs. For example, a construction company could receive continuous payment as progress milestones are recorded on-chain.

These asset payments are settled using stablecoins to ensure pricing stability, especially when interfacing with traditional financial systems. The smart contracts involved are designed to enforce rules such as escrow, milestone-based release, or pause conditions based on external triggers.

DePIN

DePIN is Zebec’s framework for integrating blockchain infrastructure with physical devices and systems. This includes hardware such as point-of-sale (PoS) terminals that accept crypto payments directly. These devices are connected to Zebec smart contracts, allowing them to initiate or receive streaming payments in real time. The architecture supports secure payment processing from user wallets and integrates with liquidity systems for fiat conversion when necessary. The PoS terminals function as entry points for real-world merchant adoption of blockchain-based payment systems.

Beyond PoS devices, the DePIN strategy extends to IoT-connected tools and sensors that can trigger or receive financial flows. Examples include automated toll systems, energy usage billing, or bandwidth allocation based on real-time consumption data.

Zebec Vaults

Zebec Vaults are treasury management tools designed for organizations, DAOs, and teams managing pooled funds. They operate using multi-signature logic, where multiple designated addresses must approve a transaction before it is executed. Vaults can be used to hold capital raised through the ZBCN Launchpad or to manage operational budgets for decentralized teams. Funds within a vault can be streamed to contributors, vendors, or service providers based on predetermined schedules and conditions, reducing the administrative overhead of periodic transfers.

The vault system includes permission controls, allowing different levels of access for viewing, proposing, or approving transactions. It also features real-time dashboards that display inflows, outflows, remaining balances, and active streaming contracts. Treasury operators can adjust flows, pause payments, or schedule new ones without interrupting existing transactions.

Zebec Protocol’s Technical Architecture

Zebec Protocol’s technical architecture is structured to facilitate real-time, programmable financial transactions across multiple blockchain networks. The system comprises several components, including the Nautilus Chain, a modular Layer 3 blockchain designed to support high-throughput applications. Nautilus Chain employs a modular design, separating execution, consensus, and data availability layers, allowing for scalability and flexibility in application development.

The protocol’s architecture supports continuous payment streaming, enabling per-second transactions. This is achieved through smart contracts that manage payment flows, ensuring timely and accurate disbursements. The system is designed to be interoperable with various blockchain networks, including Solana and BNB Chain, facilitating broad adoption and integration.

Security within the Zebec Protocol is maintained through multi-signature wallets and role-based access controls. These measures ensure that only authorized parties can initiate or approve transactions, safeguarding user funds and maintaining system integrity. The protocol also incorporates compliance features, such as Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks, to adhere to regulatory standards.

Zebec’s infrastructure includes support for decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), enabling integration with point-of-sale systems and other hardware devices. This allows for the acceptance of cryptocurrency payments in physical retail environments, expanding the protocol’s utility beyond digital transactions.

The protocol’s architecture is designed to be developer-friendly, offering software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs) for building custom applications. This facilitates the creation of tailored financial solutions, such as payroll systems, subscription services, and investment platforms, leveraging Zebec’s continuous payment capabilities.

What is the ZBCN Token?

ZBCN Token Utility

ZBCN is the native token of the Zebec Network. It functions as a utility and governance token across multiple components of the protocol. It is used to pay transaction fees, stake for protocol participation, vote in governance proposals, and access Zebec’s financial services. The token also serves as the primary medium of value for product access within the Zebec ecosystem. For example, some launchpad events and premium features require ZBCN holdings or staking to participate.

The transition from ZBC to ZBCN took place in 2024 through a token swap executed via a smart contract migration process. The swap followed a 1:10 ratio, meaning each ZBC token was exchanged for ten ZBCN tokens. The original ZBC tokens were burned during the process, and no additional supply was created. The primary motivation for this change was to adjust the token’s decimal structure to enable smaller, more granular fee calculations, particularly for microtransactions and continuous payments.

ZBCN Supply and Allocation

The total supply of ZBCN is fixed at 100 billion tokens. The allocation is divided across several categories that support ecosystem growth, team incentives, investor participation, and liquidity.

• Community & Rewards – 50%
  This portion is dedicated to staking rewards, liquidity mining, airdrops, and ecosystem incentives. It supports user acquisition, long-term participation, and partner grants.

• Contributors – 20%
  Allocated to the Zebec team, advisors, and developers. These tokens are subject to vesting schedules to align internal contributors with the protocol’s long-term development.

• Private Round – 11%
  Reserved for early investors who provided capital during strategic private funding rounds. These tokens are locked and released gradually to reduce sell pressure.

• Seed Round – 9%
  Allocated to initial backers who funded the protocol in its earliest phase. This tranche is also subject to long-term vesting schedules.

• Public Sale – 5.83%
  Distributed to participants in the public token sale. These tokens were fully unlocked at the time of distribution.

• Market Making – 4%
  Used to provide liquidity across centralized and decentralized exchanges. These tokens are released based on trading activity and liquidity needs.

ZBCN Vesting Schedule

The ZBCN vesting schedule was created to avoid short-term supply shocks and ensure aligned incentives among stakeholders. Each category of token allocation follows a specific unlocking structure. Contributors, Private Round investors, and Seed Round investors are subject to a six-month lockup followed by a linear vesting schedule over three years. This setup prevents large token holders from selling immediately after launch and helps maintain a steady supply release.

Public Sale tokens were fully unlocked at the time of distribution. This allowed retail participants to receive immediate access to their allocations. Market-making tokens are vested gradually over a 36-month period to ensure sustained liquidity provisioning across supported trading platforms. Community reward allocations follow dynamic release schedules depending on the program.

Zebec Protocol’s Economic Design

Zebec Protocol incorporates a deflationary element into its economic model. A portion of ZBCN tokens used as transaction fees are burned, reducing the circulating supply over time. This model is designed to apply downward pressure on total supply in proportion to protocol usage. Every transaction involving ZBCN, whether related to streaming, staking, or treasury functions, includes gas fees that are partially removed from circulation.

The protocol also introduced a token buyback mechanism supported by operational revenue. For example, proceeds generated through Zebec Cards and off-ramp fees have been used to purchase ZBCN from the open market. These tokens are then either burned or placed into locked reserves. This structure connects product usage to token demand, aligning the utility of Zebec’s infrastructure with the long-term health of the ZBCN economy.

Zebec Protocol Governance

Zebec Protocol uses a hybrid governance model that combines on-chain voting mechanisms with off-chain deliberation processes. Governance is executed through a structure that allows ZBCN token holders to propose, review, and vote on changes to the protocol using the Solana Governance Realms platform. To submit a proposal, a user must hold at least 0.5% of the total ZBCN supply. Voting participation requires a stake of 5% of ZBCN tokens, and a quorum is reached if 33% of the circulating supply participates in the vote. Once a proposal passes, it is automatically executed by smart contracts on-chain, removing the need for manual enforcement and reducing potential administrative delays.

This process is designed to maintain transparency while giving governance power to active stakeholders. Voting periods are predefined, and users can follow the status of proposals directly through the governance interface. To initiate discussion and generate interest before a proposal is officially submitted, contributors can post preliminary drafts on public forums or governance hubs. This helps surface potential conflicts, clarify technical details, and ensure that final proposals reflect well-defined objectives. The structured submission process is formalized through documents called Zebec Improvement Proposals (ZIPs), which standardize the way updates and changes are proposed and evaluated.

Conclusion

Zebec Protocol presents a structured approach to decentralized financial infrastructure, combining continuous payment streaming with tools for real-time treasury management, token distribution, and governance. Its architecture spans multiple blockchains and integrates both software and hardware components, including DePIN systems and fiat-linked debit cards. The transition from ZBC to ZBCN reflects a deliberate adjustment to support microtransaction use cases and to provide greater flexibility in economic modeling. With a defined token supply, detailed vesting schedules, and mechanisms such as deflationary fees and buybacks, Zebec’s design favors long-term stability and participation. Governance is formalized through a hybrid system that combines community engagement with on-chain enforcement, giving token holders measurable influence over protocol development.