Zero Network, an Ethereum Layer 2 focused on gasless transactions, has announced its closure after 1.5 years of operations. According to reports from The Block, the team made the announcement on Thursday, stating that resources will be redirected to focus on growing Zerion's API and wallet service. The network initially went live in November 2024 and was positioned as the first EVM-compatible, fully gasless rollup designed to simplify user experience and foster mainstream adoption.
As reported by The Block, the Zero team acknowledged that while their vision remains valid, maintaining a standalone blockchain was the wrong path to realize it. The team stated that focusing resources where they have the greatest impact for daily users is the optimal approach. Zerion, founded in 2016, operates Zerion Wallet, a self-custody crypto wallet available on mobile and web browser extensions.
According to the announcement, users' assets are safe and the team has directed them to bridge any NFTs, ETH, or other tokens out of the Zero network by the end of July. As reported by The Block, bridging into Zero has already been suspended as part of the winddown process. The team assured users that their assets remain secure during this transition period.
Zero joins a growing list of crypto protocols announcing closures in recent days, with Everclear also shutting down within 24 hours amid accelerating DeFi closures in 2026. Syndicate Labs wound down on May 21 after five years, citing fundamental shifts in the rollup market, while Fantasy.top announced closure at the end of June after two years of operations. Multiple reports suggest these closures span from infrastructure layers to consumer-facing apps, signaling broad DeFi consolidation amid a broader market downturn that has pressured crypto companies.
