> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://zkgate.gitbook.io/zkgate-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://zkgate.gitbook.io/zkgate-docs/introduction/what-is-zkgate.md).

# What is ZKGate?

ZKGate is a **Layer-2 privacy-first blockchain** built around the concept of **ZK Pools** — pooled privacy domains that enable private transactions, pooled liquidity, and cross-chain private settlement for any project.

Instead of building their own privacy infrastructure, projects integrate directly into ZKGate through an SDK, enabling:

* Private swaps
* Private transfers
* Private staking & lending
* Private fundraising
* Private liquidity routing
* Private payroll
* Private gaming & NFT actions

Web3 projects plug into a **shared but isolated privacy infrastructure**, reducing cost and complexity by over **90%**.