TLDR:
- Shielded Labs launched Partner Support Services to diversify funding beyond its existing donation-based revenue model.
- The NEAR Foundation became the first partner, covering past work and ongoing technical and strategic Zcash support.
- NEAR Intents has made it easier for users to acquire ZEC directly without depending on centralized crypto exchanges.
- Shielded Labs is already in talks with additional teams exploring similar advisory and ecosystem coordination agreements.
Shielded Labs has introduced a new Partner Support and Advisory Services initiative to diversify its funding. The organization, which backs long-term Zcash development, previously relied solely on donations.
Under the new program, external teams building on or integrating with Zcash can engage Shielded Labs directly. Services include technical support, advisory work, and ecosystem coordination. The NEAR Foundation is the first confirmed partner under this arrangement.
Shielded Labs Expands Revenue Model Through Ecosystem Partnerships
Shielded Labs has structured the new initiative to serve teams working through integrations, network upgrades, and related development efforts.
The program also offers advisory input based on direct experience with the Zcash protocol, community, and governance process. This creates a clearer path for external teams to engage with Zcash more efficiently.
The initiative also aims to reduce friction for builders entering the Zcash ecosystem. Teams that previously had no formal channel to engage Shielded Labs now have a direct route.
This approach helps ensure that new integrations align naturally with the broader ecosystem’s direction and standards.
Partner Services does not replace Shielded Labs’ core technical mission. Rather, it runs alongside it as a supplementary revenue stream.
The organization stated that its primary focus remains building and supporting technology that strengthens Zcash over the long term.
Shielded Labs confirmed it is already in discussions with additional teams considering similar engagements. Organizations interested in exploring collaboration are encouraged to contact the team directly, according to the announcement.
NEAR Foundation Becomes First Partner Under the New Program
Shielded Labs and the NEAR Foundation have formalized an agreement that covers both past contributions and future work.
Early collaboration involved communications and awareness strategy around Zcash’s initial integration into NEAR Intents.
Shielded Labs also helped organize the NEAR Intents hackathon and provided similar coordination support for integrations with Rhea Finance and Templar Protocol.
NEAR Intents has been noted as a meaningful development for Zcash, making it easier for users to acquire ZEC without relying on centralized exchanges.
Wallet teams, including Zashi, have since brought NEAR Intents integrations into mobile applications independently. These developments expanded access to ZEC for a broader user base.
As part of the ongoing agreement, Shielded Labs will continue providing technical, strategic, and ecosystem support to the NEAR Foundation.
This also covers teams building use cases around NEAR Intents. Stakeholder engagement, education, and coordination remain central components of the continued work.
On the technical side, Shielded Labs is exploring ways to simplify implementation for partners through targeted guidance and coordination.
Advisory input on security and privacy improvements is also part of the scope as new use cases around NEAR Intents continue to develop.
