Build on Bitcoin: Combining Bitcoin's Security With Ethereum's Versatility
Episode 589 • March 10, 2025

Build on Bitcoin: Combining Bitcoin's Security With Ethereum's Versatility

Bitcoin’s security and reliability as a store of value are undeniable. However, its liquidity remained untapped for too long due to a lack of trustless bridges and native smart contract capabilities. As BTC is only native to Bitcoin’s L1, any attempt to include it in DeFi relies on the trust assumptions of third party custodians that wrap it. Build On Bitcoin (BOB) aims to expand Bitcoin’s functionality by integrating it with Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities. BOB operates as an OP Stack L2 with a hybrid design incorporating ZKPs, Bitcoin staking, and Ethereum for data availability. By functioning as a rollup, BOB processes transactions off-chain and batches them for settlement on Bitcoin and Ethereum, significantly improving transaction speed and reducing costs compared to Bitcoin’s base layer.

Topics:

  • Alexei’s background
  • Setbacks for Bitcoin DeFi
  • Bitcoin bridges
  • BitVM
  • BOB operators and trust assumptions
  • BOB architecture & Bitcoin staking
  • Bitcoin LSTs
  • The future of Bitcoin DeFi

Links:

Host:Brian Crain