Key HighlightsGrayscale’s research team forecasts ZEC reaching $8,100 if the coin captures 10% of Bitcoin’s total market capitalizationEven a modest 2% market share increase could drive ZEC prices above $1,622The inaugural U.S. spot Zcash ETF (ZCSH) debuted on NYSE Arca, recording $14.8M in first-day trading activityZCSH finished its first trading session at $63.10, down 1.54% despite climbing over 3.5% during intraday tradingZEC futures open interest declined 12% following the ETF launch, though buying pressure has recently reboundedIn a comprehensive analysis, Grayscale Research has laid out an optimistic outlook for Zcash (ZEC), contending that the privacy-centric digital asset remains significantly underpriced and positioned to capture substantial market share from Bitcoin over the coming half-decade.Grayscale Launches First U.S. Zcash ETF ZCSH, Now Listed on NYSE ArcaGrayscale launched the Zcash ETF (ZCSH) on Aug. 25, with the product now trading on NYSE Arca. Converted from the Grayscale Zcash Trust, it is the first U.S. exchange-traded product focused on ZEC. As of Aug.… pic.twitter.com/oGRDyQQuMO— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) August 25, 2026According to Zach Pandl, Grayscale’s Head of Research, ZEC possesses compelling competitive advantages against Bitcoin, primarily driven by its sophisticated privacy capabilities. He emphasized the escalating need for financial confidentiality as artificial intelligence-driven monitoring systems expand across the digital landscape.Pandl further underscored Zcash’s continuous technological evolution, particularly its preparations against potential quantum computing threats and enhanced interoperability across different blockchain networks as key catalysts for future appreciation.The cryptocurrency leverages “intents” infrastructure, which according to Pandl, eliminates the necessity for extensive merchant integration. He characterized Zcash as a “private asset hub with universal connectivity” accessible to both individual users and autonomous AI systems.ZEC has already surged approximately 70% in recent weeks and posted gains exceeding 350% year-to-date. Nevertheless, its current valuation represents less than 1% of Bitcoin’s aggregate market capitalization.[[IMG_4]]Zcash (ZEC) PriceAccording to Grayscale’s analytical framework, capturing just 2% additional market share relative to Bitcoin would propel ZEC beyond the $1,622 threshold. Should Zcash secure 10% of Bitcoin’s market cap over the next five years, their price projection extends to $8,100.Historic U.S. Spot Zcash ETF Makes Market DebutAugust 26 marked the launch of ZCSH on NYSE Arca, representing the first spot-based Zcash exchange-traded fund available to U.S. investors. The product originated from the transformation of Grayscale’s existing Zcash Trust into a complete ETF framework.Trading volume reached $14.8 million during the inaugural session. The fund surged beyond 3.5% in early trading before momentum reversed, ultimately settling down 1.54% at $63.10.The ETF framework provides enhanced liquidity compared to its predecessor trust structure, incorporating creation and redemption mechanisms. These features facilitate tighter tracking between the fund’s market price and the underlying cryptocurrency’s net asset value.ZEC Price Action Following ETF IntroductionZEC was trading near $790 at press time, retreating approximately 7% after completing a robust weekly advance. Intraday price action spanned from $754.93 to $847.10.Open interest in futures contracts dropped 12% to $1.65 billion during the 24-hour period after the ETF’s introduction, with notable declines registered on Binance, OKX, and Hyperliquid platforms. Nevertheless, purchase activity within cryptocurrency derivatives markets has strengthened in subsequent hours.$ZEC with one of the most bullish base breakouts in the entire market.Leader among the big, liquid coins.Expecting some chop around this general b/o level, but ultimately much higher. pic.twitter.com/hbYCV2XUbk— Justin Spittler (@JSpitTrades) August 27, 2026Market analyst Justin Spittler commented on X that $ZEC was displaying “one of the most bullish base breakouts in the entire market,” identifying it as a frontrunner among major liquid cryptocurrencies. While he anticipated brief consolidation around the breakout zone, his longer-term projection calls for substantially elevated prices.ZEC trading volumes moderated as market participants awaited PCE inflation statistics and approaching cryptocurrency options expiration dates.The post Zcash (ZEC) Could Hit $8,100 by 2030 as Grayscale Debuts First U.S. Spot ETF appeared first on Blockonomi.