StarkWare Bets on Becoming Bitcoin’s Execution Layer, Not on Attracting Corporate Chains

In this episode of The Defiant Podcast, we sit down with Eli Ben-Sasson, co-founder and CEO of StarkWare, to explore how StarkNet is revolutionizing blockchain scalability with ZK proofs. From Bitcoin staking to the creation of an "integrity web," Eli shares groundbreaking insights into the future of decentralized finance, Bitcoin's execution layer, and the role of StarkNet in shaping the blockchain ecosystem. Tune in to discover how StarkNet is leading the charge in decentralization, scalability, and innovation.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Eli Ben-Sasson & StarkWare

00:24 – StarkNet’s mission: Scaling blockchain with ZK proofs

01:30 – StarkWare’s achievements: $8B valuation & global impact

03:22 – BTC Phi: Bitcoin staking & $100M incentive program

07:05 – How Bitcoin staking works on StarkNet

17:11 – StarkNet as Bitcoin’s execution layer: The vision

27:21 – Verifying Bitcoin headers in milliseconds: A breakthrough

41:02 – StarkNet’s role in the "integrity web"

49:51 – Why corporate chains won’t work in crypto

51:53 – Closing thoughts: Decentralization, scale, and the future