In the fast-paced world of crypto, where FUD— that's fear, uncertainty, and doubt— can spread like wildfire, Helius Labs CEO Mert (@0xMert_) is making waves with his strong endorsement of Zcash (ZEC). On November 9, 2025, Mert posted a tweet showcasing ZEC's impressive price chart, calling out the naysayers and proclaiming it as a top-3 contender for privacy at a planetary scale.

The chart in question depicts ZEC/USDC trading at $652.16, up a solid 24.9% in just one day. It's a classic comeback story: after dipping low, ZEC has rocketed upward, defying the doubters. Mert's caption? "This is the chart they're fudding btw. I am not joking when I say top 3. Privacy at planetary scale." For those new to the scene, Zcash is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that uses zero-knowledge proofs to keep transactions shielded from prying eyes, making it a go-to for users prioritizing anonymity in blockchain.

But Mert didn't stop there. In a follow-up post less than three hours later, he shared screenshots of recent FUD posts from just a day prior, where critics were declaring ZEC dead or advising to exit positions. One showed a bearish chart at $509.50, with a user warning it's "over" and a "scam pump." Another featured a post urging not to be the last out of "Ziocash"—likely a playful jab at Zcash.

His quip? "Not even 24h ago lmao. Never go full zetard." "Zetard" seems to be a cheeky blend of ZEC and retard, aimed at those prematurely writing off the coin. This thread has garnered thousands of views, likes, and replies, stirring up the community.

What's particularly intriguing for meme token enthusiasts is how this buzz ties into $MEC, or mertcash. Launched recently on the Solana blockchain—known for its speed and low fees—$MEC appears to be a meme coin inspired by Mert himself and his advocacy for privacy tech. Replies to Mert's tweet hype $MEC, with users saying things like "soon $mec too" and "$MEC came from this moment," referencing an earlier Mert post about "encrypt the trenches."

If you're wondering, $MEC is trading around $0.0015 to $0.002 as of recent data, with a market cap in the low millions. It's available on decentralized exchanges like those on Solana and even some centralized ones. The token embodies the playful side of crypto, riding the wave of community sentiment around privacy coins and influential figures like Mert.

This episode highlights a bigger trend in the meme token space: how influential voices can ignite rallies and spawn new tokens. Privacy coins like ZEC have been under regulatory scrutiny, but with renewed interest—possibly fueled by broader market shifts post-elections or tech advancements—they're back in the spotlight. Mert, with his background in Solana infrastructure via Helius Labs, bridges the gap between serious blockchain dev and meme culture.

For blockchain practitioners looking to stay ahead, keeping an eye on privacy narratives is key. Whether it's ZEC's zk-SNARKs tech or the fun, speculative ride of $MEC, the crypto world rewards those who cut through the FUD and spot the real potential. As always, do your own research—crypto moves fast, and today's FUD could be tomorrow's moonshot.

Check out the original tweet here and dive into the discussion. What's your take on ZEC and $MEC? Let us know in the comments!