Zcash co-founder targets $5,000 for ZEC by year end as rally continues

Zcash co-founder sets ambitious $5,000 goal

Eli Ben-Sasson, one of Zcash’s co-founders and a leading advocate for zero-knowledge cryptography in blockchain, has publicly projected a major rise in ZEC’s price. In a recent statement, he forecast that ZEC could reach $5,000 by the end of 2026, citing increased whale activity, growing institutional access, and elevated demand for privacy-centric assets as bullish catalysts.

ZEC’s organic volatility, combined with institutional interest and strong accumulation by larger holders, could drive the price as high as $5,000 by year end, Ben-Sasson stated.

At current trading levels around $1,550 to $1,650, such a move would represent a nearly 200% gain. While Ben-Sasson’s target has generated substantial discussion, market observers caution that it marks a very optimistic scenario rather than a natural extension of the present trend.

Recent product launches have played a role in the asset’s latest momentum. Grayscale’s Zcash exchange-traded fund has surpassed $900 million in assets under management, while the introduction of a Zcash exchange-traded product in Europe has provided additional institutional exposure.

Mini dictionary: Grayscale is a digital asset management company best known for launching cryptocurrency investment products such as trusts and ETFs that allow institutional and retail investors to gain exposure to crypto assets in regulated markets.

ZEC tests resistance amid technical caution

The recent rally has pushed ZEC toward key resistance levels near $1,650 to $1,720, with technical indicators suggesting both continued strength and the potential for consolidation. ZEC touched the $1,700 mark before entering a period of sideways movement.

Technical analysts are monitoring these levels closely as the next significant hurdle. Technical data from TradingView shows the uptrend remains supported by moving averages and bullish momentum signals, although some shorter-term measures have started to indicate more caution.

Moving averages show continued strength, but rising readings on momentum oscillators and a mid-to-high 60s Relative Strength Index point to a market that could see consolidation if upward momentum begins to fade.

Broader technical frameworks highlight support zones between $1,500 and $1,550, and resistance at $1,650 to $1,690, followed by another band near $1,720 to $1,860.

Technical predictions and key levels

Analysts such as CryptoPatel have pointed to a potential Cup and Handle chart structure, with a measured price projection of $1,800 to $2,100. This region is viewed as a likely area for heightened selling pressure and possible profit-taking by traders.

Meanwhile, AltcoinSherpa, another technical analyst, suggests that ZEC might need additional consolidation before targeting the $2,000 region. Support levels on shorter timeframes are seen around $900 to $1,300.

While some forecasts are bullish, others note the possibility of pullbacks toward lower levels if the wider market structure weakens.

Elliott Wave analysis signals that ZEC may have completed a third wave and could experience a corrective phase toward $1,226, $1,014, or $870 based on potential Fibonacci retracement levels.

Mini dictionary: Elliott Wave Theory is a technical analysis concept that interprets market cycles as sequences of five upward and three corrective waves, helping traders anticipate future price movements.

Outlook for the remainder of 2026

Zcash’s strong recovery has shifted its market profile as institutions and retail traders alike watch its next move. Ben-Sasson’s call for $5,000 by December 2026 stands as the highest-profile target, but technical analysts remain focused first on whether ZEC can build a solid base above $1,500 and clear resistance in the $1,650–$1,720 zone.

Immediate reference points for the trend are $1,500–$1,550 on the downside and $1,800 as an upper boundary. Price developments in these regions are expected to reveal whether the current bullish momentum can extend or if a deeper correction will follow.

To approach the ambitious $5,000 projection, ZEC would require a prolonged period of sustained buying, additional institutional adoption, and continued demand for privacy-oriented cryptocurrencies throughout the rest of the year.