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

# Introduction

### Why Zivoe?

* **Private credit yield:** Access yields generated by short-duration private credit portfolios, designed to be uncorrelated with broader crypto and financial markets.
* **Auto-compounding:** Returns accrue continuously to the price of the vault token, compounding automatically without the need to claim or restake.
* **Composable by design:** Depositors receive a vault token (zVLT) built on the ERC-4626 standard, enabling composability across the broader DeFi ecosystem.
* **Professional risk management:** Zivoe's team comes from leading TradFi and DeFi institutions including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Capital One, Experian, and Maple Finance, with over 40 years of collective experience managing credit risk.
* **Structural protections:** Assets financed through the protocol are held in dedicated special purpose vehicles (SPVs) designed to segregate assets and help protect depositor funds.

***

### How It Works?

* **Deposit** stablecoins (USDC or USDT) through Zivoe's platform.
* **Receive** vault tokens (zVLT) representing your proportional position in the assets being financed.
* **Earn** as the underlying credit portfolios generate repayments, with returns accruing continuously to the price of zVLT.
* **Redeem** your vault tokens for stablecoins, reflecting your initial deposit plus any yield accrued.

***

### Navigating These Docs

**User Documentation** - Learn how Zivoe works and how to participate in the protocol. You're in this section now.

[**Developer Documentation**](/developer-docs/core-contracts.md) - A deeper look at the technology behind Zivoe, including smart contracts and system architecture.


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