Zebec Network’s DePin Thesis: Decentralized Physical Infrastructure for Retail Payments
Introduction
We are living in transformational times. The unprecedented technological advancements and market demand give birth to new business models, where capital-intensive infrastructure projects and centralized networks can be replaced by crowd-sourcing and community-based solutions.
Zebec Network’s interconnected multi-chain infrastructure is hyper-optimized for payments and financial transactions and already services web3 and web2 payroll, crypto cards, and payments, providing solutions to companies and individuals globally.
The next logical step in Zebec’s growth is: enabling merchants in retail, hospitality, and other sectors to accept crypto payments via Zebec’s decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePin) managed and balanced via crypto-economic incentives for network contributors, users, and clients.
Poised for early success:
Several factors and recent developments pave the way to this next chapter in our business:
Developments in blockchain technology and broader adoption of stablecoins and digital assets — and their continued regulatory codification around the world — enable new blockchain-based payments and DePin infrastructure models.
The demand for seamless, efficient, integrated, and cost-effective transaction solutions in the retail environment is more pressing than ever. Immediacy is now a daily expectation, yet retail payments lag behind, hampered by high credit card fees, multiple intermediaries, and delays.
Plus, the maturity of our own network with its interoperable and connected blockchain infrastructure is capable to seamlessly power financial transactions and is optimized to integrate with modern payment systems and point-of-sale physical devices.
Zebec’s market advantage is bolstered by an existing pool of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) already serviced through its payroll products. Client acquisition is further simplified by modular integrations with off-ramp rails for existing payment solutions and seamless integrations within current payment and card systems.
This approach means that businesses can adopt the technology with minimal disruption, reaping the benefits of faster, cheaper transactions almost immediately. Amplifying certainty for Zebec Network to rise quickly to dominate the space.
DePins: Physicality and Geography
Important fundamentals for DePin projects are physicality (hardware) and geography (locations of services).
Zebec’s Phase I deployment will use re-tooled and networked models of existing NFC and PoS devices from leading suppliers, deployed at retail locations in the US, Canada and several pilot locations in Asia, all networked into Zebec’s infrastructure.
This is no small task: on the network architecture side multiple layers of connectivity must be upgraded and tied together. To enable existing web2 hardware devices and networks to speak the same language as next-gen blockchain ledgers with their added cryptographic software and security layers. In addition, building a layer where network data flows are incorporated, managed and settled onto a blockchain to reward participants and users with tokens.
Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships and investments are crucial. Early support from industry leaders like Lightspeed, with over 100,000 PoS terminals worldwide, and Verifone, market leader in the global retail payment market, positions Zebec for an impactful market entry.
Drawing on the experience and counsel of leading DePin projects within the Solana ecosystem, such as Helium and Hivemapper, along with industry innovators like IoTex and Filecoin, we are confident in our ability to address the complexities of web2 and web3 interoperability challenges.
PoS Models at Launch: portable and versatile
Our Phase I PoS models include portable, wireless, and versatile devices designed to simplify the purchasing experience. These devices can be placed anywhere consumers are physically located.
NFC Model: A portable wireless ‘smart box’, the size of a credit card, that integrates with existing merchant hardware, adding crypto payment options. A projected funds flow [subject to change]
Z-PIN: A universally compatible, portable, Wi-Fi, and cellular- connected terminal, rechargeable and networked.
Additional models, including exclusive, proprietary and manufactured by Zebec are on the roadmap.
Benefits for Merchants
In a day and age of instant everything, payments and financial transactions in retail are the last frontier. We are bringing to merchants what we delivered with our real-time payroll and instant payments products: an inclusive, open, and empowering change.
Our terminals in shops and cafes, networked directly into our payments infrastructure, will eliminate high fees, endless intermediaries, and frustrating delays.
Token Incentives Structure
Each device and merchant will have a unique network identifier NFT, ensuring accurate rewards distribution. Zebec will reward participating merchants with its native token ZBCN during the setup and stream tokens regularly, aiming to offset the device costs within 36 months. Additional token tiers based on transaction volume will allow merchants to achieve profitability sooner. Incentives structure:
Setup Rewards: Merchants receive ZBCN tokens during the initial setup.
Ongoing Incentives: Regular token streams to offset device costs.
Performance-Based Rewards: Higher transaction volumes yield additional token rewards, promoting faster ROI for merchants.
We are also planning to expand the universe of rewards mechanisms and opportunities for ecosystem participants, contributors and clients.
Looking ahead: Global Market Opportunity
The global retail payments market is projected to experience significant growth. In 2023, the digital payment market, a major component of the retail payments market, was valued at USD 9.03 trillion.
The global PoS market alone grew from $29.02 billion in 2023 and expected $110.22 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 16.1%.
Concurrently, global crypto ownership is rising, with 580 million holders in 2023, up 34% from the previous year. Zebec Network’s interoperable blockchain infrastructure is optimized to power modern payment systems, positioning it to capture a substantial share of this expanding market.
Conclusion
Zebec Network’s expansion into DePin with the launch of PoS terminals represents a significant step toward realizing our vision of seamless, inclusive, and empowering financial system.
By leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative technology, Zebec is well-positioned for swift and successful entry into DePin space, offering a transformative solution for merchants and consumers alike.
This initiative aligns with Zebec’s on-going commitment to fostering a more inclusive and accessible financial environment, driving forward the adoption of blockchain technology and crypto payments in everyday life.
This thesis is a continuous work in progress. As our development advances and our network and ecosystem grow, the implementation of our vision will likely evolve and differ from what is represented in today’s thinking. We invite you to follow our channels for ongoing updates and insights into our plans.
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice or to provide specific financial guidance. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and consult financial experts before making any investment decisions.
