Crypto exchange Gemini, owned by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has officially switched its operational Zcash network software from Zebra to Zakura. The engine transition comes ahead of a major network upgrade set to triple block generation speeds.
Gemini’s internal testing highlights the performance gap between the two engines. Zakura completed a full resynchronization of Zcash network data in 4 hours and 20 minutes, compared to nearly 21 hours required by the legacy Zebra engine for the same workload. Deploying Zakura cuts the exchange’s standard sync duration from nearly a full day to around six hours.
Zakura’s operational acceleration comes from its provision of up-to-date network snapshots. Using this pre-packaged data allows the system to reduce sync times by up to 680 times compared to nodes loading transaction history from scratch.
Countdown to the NU7 Upgrade
Gemini’s node overhaul is racing against the Zcash ecosystem’s timeline for the NU7 upgrade. The testnet phase for the update is scheduled to launch on October 6, 2026. If testing proceeds without issues, mainnet activation is targeted for November 5, 2026.
The NU7 upgrade will alter Zcash’s underlying blockchain architecture by reducing block generation time from 75 seconds to 25 seconds, making all network activity run three times faster. As of this writing, Gemini has not released stress-test results for the Zakura engine under NU7’s tighter block production schedule.
Capital Consolidation in Mining Operations
Capital injections from Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss complement the exchange’s technical revamp. Gemini’s co-founders led a $59 million funding round for Cypherpunk Technologies, a publicly traded firm operating ZEC mining operations.
In August, Winklevoss-affiliated entities also finalized the sale of a $33 million Zcash mining hardware fleet to Cypherpunk. Under the deal structure, Gemini handles custody services and executes trades for the public mining company’s ZEC balance.
Strengthening exchange infrastructure alongside expanding mining hardware secures institutional positioning on both fronts. Ahead of next month’s network acceleration, the Zcash ecosystem is locking in technical and operational readiness through maneuvers by its major players. Reported via CoinDesk.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
