What Is Velocore?
Velocore is a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange (DEX) built on the zkSync Era Layer-2 network, launched in 2023. Unlike centralized platforms like Binance or Coinbase, Velocore doesn’t hold your funds. You trade directly from your own wallet - meaning you control your keys, your assets, and your risk.
It’s not just another DEX. Velocore uses a modified version of Solidly’s ve(3,3) model, a sophisticated liquidity system that rewards long-term supporters and keeps trading fees low. It also has something called Protocol Owned Liquidity (POL), where the exchange itself holds and manages liquidity pools. This is rare in DeFi and designed to reduce impermanent loss for liquidity providers.
How Velocore Works: The ve(3,3) Model Explained Simply
Most DEXes like Uniswap use a basic formula to set prices based on supply and demand. Velocore takes it further with ve(3,3). Think of it like a loyalty program for liquidity providers.
- You lock up VC tokens (Velocore’s native token) to earn voting power and fee rewards.
- The longer you lock, the more influence you have over which trading pairs get boosted.
- Trading fees from popular pairs are redistributed to those who locked their tokens - creating a self-sustaining loop.
This system encourages users to stick around instead of jumping from one platform to another. It’s not just about swapping tokens - it’s about building a community that benefits when the platform grows.
Protocol Owned Liquidity: Why It Matters
Most DEXes rely on users to deposit liquidity. If no one deposits, the platform dies. Velocore flips that model.
With Protocol Owned Liquidity, Velocore uses its own treasury to fund key trading pairs. This means:
- Even if users aren’t adding liquidity, there’s still enough depth for trades.
- Slippage stays low, even for larger orders.
- Liquidity providers get more stable rewards because the protocol backs them up.
This isn’t just theory - it’s a practical fix to a real problem. Many DEXes collapse when liquidity dries up. Velocore’s POL mechanism gives it a buffer.
Trading Pairs and Supported Tokens
As of early 2026, Velocore supports only 4 coins across 6 trading pairs. That’s tiny compared to Uniswap, which has thousands.
The main tokens you’ll find:
- VC (Velocore’s native token)
- ETH
- USDC
- zETH (zkSync’s native ETH wrapper)
Common pairs include VC/ETH, VC/USDC, and ETH/zETH. If you’re looking to trade obscure altcoins, this isn’t the place. But if you’re active in the zkSync ecosystem, these are the tokens you’ll actually use.
Price and Market Data: A Wild Ride
Don’t be fooled by the numbers. Velocore’s token (VC) has wildly different prices across exchanges.
- KuCoin shows VC at $0.0139
- Bitget shows it at $0.0024
That’s an 83% difference. Why? Because Velocore is still new, and liquidity is scattered. Most trading happens on centralized exchanges, not on the DEX itself. This means:
- The price you see on KuCoin might not reflect what you’ll get when swapping on Velocore.
- Slippage can be high if you trade large amounts.
- VC is ranked #7372 by market cap - meaning it’s tiny in the grand scheme.
Don’t treat this like a blue-chip crypto. This is a high-risk, high-potential play.
How to Use Velocore: Step-by-Step
Using Velocore isn’t like clicking a button on Robinhood. You need to understand Web3 basics.
- Get ETH or USDC from a centralized exchange like Coinbase or KuCoin.
- Transfer it to a Web3 wallet like MetaMask or Rabby, connected to the zkSync Era network.
- Go to the Velocore website and connect your wallet.
- Adjust your slippage tolerance to 1-3% (higher if the pair is illiquid).
- Swap your ETH or USDC for VC or other tokens.
You’ll need a small amount of ETH to pay for gas - even though zkSync is cheap, you still need native tokens to confirm transactions.
Pros and Cons of Velocore
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low fees thanks to zkSync Layer-2 | Only 6 trading pairs - very limited selection |
| Protocol Owned Liquidity reduces risk for LPs | VC token price is inconsistent across exchanges |
| ve(3,3) model rewards long-term users | Low community awareness - few guides or tutorials |
| Full self-custody - no KYC, no middleman | Not audited publicly - no third-party security report available |
Who Is Velocore For?
Velocore isn’t for beginners. If you’re new to crypto, stick to Coinbase or Kraken.
It’s ideal for:
- Active zkSync users who already hold ETH or USDC on Layer-2
- DeFi veterans who understand liquidity pools and impermanent loss
- People who believe in zkSync’s long-term potential and want to support early projects
- Liquidity providers looking for high-yield, low-slippage opportunities
If you’re just speculating on VC’s price - you’re taking a big risk. The token’s value is tied to the platform’s usage, not hype.
How Does Velocore Compare to Other DEXes?
Compared to Uniswap or SushiSwap on Ethereum mainnet, Velocore is faster and cheaper - but far less liquid.
Uniswap handles billions in daily volume. Velocore handles maybe a few million. But it’s not trying to beat Uniswap on volume. It’s trying to win on efficiency.
On zkSync, Velocore has an edge. Projects like SyncSwap and Mute.io are competitors, but none use POL like Velocore does. That’s its unique selling point.
Is Velocore Safe?
It’s as safe as your wallet. Velocore doesn’t touch your funds. But there are risks:
- No public audit report - the code hasn’t been reviewed by a major firm like CertiK or OpenZeppelin.
- Smart contract bugs could drain liquidity pools.
- Low liquidity means large trades could move the price dramatically.
If you’re trading small amounts (under $500), the risk is manageable. If you’re locking up thousands, proceed with extreme caution.
Future Outlook: Can Velocore Grow?
Velocore’s future depends entirely on zkSync Era’s growth. If zkSync becomes a top Layer-2, Velocore could be one of its flagship DEXes. If zkSync stalls, Velocore will fade.
Right now, the ecosystem is growing. More projects are launching on zkSync. More users are moving from Ethereum mainnet to save on fees. Velocore is positioned to ride that wave - if it can expand its trading pairs and attract more liquidity.
Watch for updates: Will they add more tokens? Will they release an audit? Will they partner with other zkSync projects? Those are the real signals of success.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Velocore?
If you’re already on zkSync Era and want to trade ETH, USDC, or VC with low fees - yes, Velocore is worth trying.
If you’re looking for a quick profit on VC’s price - forget it. The token’s value is tied to usage, not speculation.
If you’re a liquidity provider and want to earn rewards with less risk - Velocore’s POL model is one of the smartest ideas in DeFi right now.
But don’t go all-in. Start small. Test the waters. Learn how it works. And never invest more than you’re willing to lose.