In the fast-paced world of crypto, where privacy coins are making a massive comeback, a prominent voice from the Solana ecosystem is turning heads. Mert, the CEO of Helius Labs, just dropped a tweet that's got everyone talking: he's publicly urging Robinhood's CEO Vlad Tenev to list Zcash ($ZEC). And he's not mincing words, calling it a move for "America and freedom" and comparing it to "GameStop on steroids, except it's onchain this time."

For those new to the scene, Zcash is a cryptocurrency that's all about privacy. Unlike Bitcoin, where transactions are public on the blockchain, ZEC uses advanced tech called zk-SNARKs (that's zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge – basically, it lets you prove a transaction happened without revealing details like amounts or addresses). This makes it a go-to for folks who value financial privacy in a world that's increasingly surveilled.

Mert's tweet, posted on X (formerly Twitter) at https://x.com/0xMert_/status/1984423852877758672, has sparked a lively thread. One reply from @CryptoWizardd predicts that a Robinhood listing could send ZEC to "instant 4 digits" – meaning a price over $1,000. Another user, @HeadbandStaysOn2_0, draws parallels to early Bitcoin, noting that buying ZEC at its current $408 is like snagging BTC at the same price point years ago, especially with potential lost keys reducing supply.

Why the Hype Around ZEC Right Now?

Zcash has been on an absolute tear lately. According to recent reports, ZEC has surged over 1,000% in just two months, climbing from around $38 in early September to highs of $388 by late October 2025 Yahoo Finance. That's a 10x gain, outpacing even heavyweights like Monero and Shiba Inu in the privacy and meme coin spaces Holder.io.

What's driving this pump? A mix of factors, including rising demand for privacy-focused assets amid global regulatory scrutiny on crypto. Celebrity endorsements have played a role too – investor Naval Ravikant called ZEC "insurance against Bitcoin" back in early October, sparking a 60% daily jump Bitget. Plus, there's talk of a short squeeze, similar to the GameStop saga in 2021. With much of ZEC's supply shielded (hidden in private pools), self-custodied, or dormant, the available float is tiny. If a big platform like Robinhood lists it, they'd need to buy up supply, potentially igniting even more upward pressure CCN.com.

One insightful reply in the thread from @beary_wood explains this dynamic: "Most coins are either shielded, self-custodied, or just never move. So if someone like Robinhood tried to list it, they’d have to actually go buy ZEC to have inventory, which would drive the price up before the listing even went live."

The Meme Factor: GameStop Meets Blockchain

Mert's comparison to GameStop isn't just hype – it's spot on for the meme token crowd. Remember how retail investors banded together on Reddit to squeeze shorts on GME stock? ZEC could be the crypto version, but with onchain privacy adding a Robin Hood twist (pun intended). Giving "private money to the people," as Mert puts it, aligns perfectly with the decentralized ethos of blockchain.

The thread even features a classic Bernie Sanders meme from @beausecurity, echoing the "once again asking" vibe that's become a staple in crypto calls-to-action.

What Could a Robinhood Listing Mean for ZEC?

Robinhood, known for making trading accessible to the masses, has been expanding its crypto offerings. Listing ZEC would expose it to millions of users, potentially supercharging adoption. But it's not without challenges – privacy coins have faced delistings elsewhere due to regulatory concerns over money laundering. Still, with the U.S. pushing for more crypto-friendly policies, this could be a timely move.

As one reply points out, using a centralized platform like Robinhood for private money might seem ironic, but Mert clarifies: "Onramp then withdraw." Buy on the app, then move to a shielded wallet for true privacy.

Wrapping Up: Is ZEC the Next Big Meme Play?

Whether Robinhood heeds the call remains to be seen, but the buzz around ZEC shows no signs of slowing. With its privacy features, low float, and meme-worthy surge, it's capturing the imagination of traders and privacy advocates alike. If you're into meme tokens with real utility, keep an eye on $ZEC – this could be the onchain revolution we've been waiting for.

For more insights on emerging meme tokens and blockchain tech, stick with Meme Insider. What's your take on ZEC's potential? Drop a comment below!