Ethereum Layer 2 Zero Network to wind down, joining string of protocols shuttering operations

Zero Network, an Ethereum Layer 2 focused on gasless transactions, is winding down after 1.5 years, Zerion announced on Thursday.

"We're winding down ZERϴ Network to double down on [Zerion's] API and wallet," the Zero team wrote on social media platform X. Zero Network initially went live in November 2024.

The team said it built Zero as the first EVM-compatible, fully gasless rollup to simplify user experience and foster mainstream adoption. While the team stated that the vision remains valid, maintaining a standalone blockchain was the wrong path to realize it.

"[The best way is] focusing our resources where they have the greatest impact for the people who are using our products every day," the team said.

The announcement assured users that their assets are safe, and directed them to bridge any NFTs, ETH, or other tokens out of the Zero network by the end of July. Bridging into Zero has already been suspended.

Founded in 2016, Zerion operates Zerion Wallet, a self-custody crypto wallet available on mobile and web browser extensions.

Winddowns

Meanwhile, Zero joins a list of crypto protocols that have announced closures in the past two days.

Earlier today, cross-chain infrastructure startup Everclear said that its core UI, protocol, foundation, and research lab organizations will all shut down. On Wednesday, Ethereum infrastructure provider Syndicate Labs and crypto card game Fantasy.top also announced they were shuttering operations.

Several protocols cited adverse market conditions as a key reason for ceasing operations.