In the fast-paced world of crypto, spotting potential early can make all the difference. That's the core message from Eli Ben-Sasson, co-founder of both Zcash and StarkWare, in his recent tweet thread that's got everyone talking.

Ben-Sasson, a pioneer in zero-knowledge proofs (that's tech that lets you prove something is true without revealing the details—super useful for privacy), shared this thought-provoking post on X:

"Did people realize the value that @Zcash brings to its users 2 months ago?

Did people realize @solana's potential 2 years ago?

Long-term vision is understanding the potential of something even before everybody else realize its value."

He attached two charts to drive the point home. The first shows Zcash (ZEC) rocketing from around $20 to over $500 in just a few months, hitting all-time highs in November 2025.

The second chart highlights Solana (SOL)'s similar trajectory a couple of years back, climbing from pennies to triple digits amid growing adoption.

In a follow-up, Ben-Sasson added a fun note: "I now realize that if you don't open the images, it merges the timeline of ZEC and SOL, and yet somehow it still makes sense." It's a clever way to show how these growth stories echo each other.

Why the Zcash Hype Now?

Zcash, launched in 2016, is all about privacy. It uses zk-SNARKs (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge) to let users transact without exposing details like amounts or addresses. For years, it flew under the radar, but 2025 has been its breakout moment.

Recent reports point to several factors fueling the surge:

• Upcoming Halving: Zcash's reward halving in November 2025 reduces new supply, creating scarcity—much like Bitcoin halvings that often spark rallies.
• Whale Activity and Adoption: Big investors are accumulating, and shielded transactions (the private ones) are on the rise.
• New Tools and Integrations: Updates like the Zashi wallet and potential ties to ecosystems like NEAR for intents are making Zcash more user-friendly.
• Privacy Renaissance: With growing concerns over data privacy in crypto, coins like Zcash and Dash are seeing an 80% sector-wide pump.

Analysts like Arthur Hayes are even calling for ZEC to hit $10,000–$20,000, citing its tech edge and market dynamics. But remember, crypto is volatile—while ZEC's up 700% since September, some warn of overbought signals and potential corrections.

Parallels to Solana's Rise

Solana's story is legendary in crypto circles. Back in 2021–2023, it went from a niche high-speed blockchain to a powerhouse, thanks to low fees, fast transactions, and a booming ecosystem. What started as tech promise turned into massive adoption, especially for NFTs and—you guessed it—meme tokens.

Pumps like Dogwifhat, Bonk, and Popcat exploded on Solana, turning small bets into fortunes. Ben-Sasson's comparison isn't just about price charts; it's about recognizing underlying value before the masses pile in.

Lessons for Meme Token Hunters

At Meme Insider, we're all about memes, but there's a ton to learn from these "serious" coins. Meme tokens thrive on hype, community, and viral moments, but the best ones have real utility lurking beneath the fun.

• Spot the Potential Early: Just like Zcash's privacy tech or Solana's speed, look for memes with innovative twists. Privacy-focused memes could be next—imagine a token that uses ZK tech for anonymous airdrops or trades.
• Understand the Tech: Zero-knowledge proofs aren't just for privacy coins; they're popping up in layer-2 solutions like Starknet (Ben-Sasson's other project), which could host meme ecosystems with scalable, private features.
• Watch for Catalysts: Halvings, upgrades, or integrations can ignite surges. In meme land, that could be a celebrity endorsement, viral TikTok, or cross-chain bridge.
• Diversify with Vision: Don't chase every pump; focus on projects with long-term vibes. Zcash's resurgence shows that sleeping giants can wake up—same goes for underrated memes.

Ben-Sasson's thread is a reminder that in blockchain, vision beats FOMO. Whether you're stacking ZEC, SOL, or the latest meme, it's about seeing the future before it arrives. Check out the full thread here and share your thoughts—what's the next underrated gem?

For more on how tech like ZK is shaping meme tokens, explore our knowledge base on blockchain privacy innovations.