Deep-dive: @Coredao_Org Category: BTCFi Bitcoin might be the biggest digital asset in the world, but most of it sits there, stored, collateralised, not doing much. That’s because it's difficult to use BTC in DeFi without giving up custody. But that’s starting to change... BTCFi (Bitcoin DeFi) has been gaining traction this cycle, with Bitcoin TVL up over 2,000% in 2024. @Coredao_Org is one of the projects leading this shift. With a consensus mechanism aligned with Bitcoin’s own and the first implementation of non-custodial BTC staking, Core is unlocking real, self-custodial yield, turning Bitcoin from a passive asset into a productive one. Let’s break it down… 1/ What is Core? Core is a platform built to bring Bitcoin into DeFi without compromising on self-custody. It acts as a Proof of Stake layer for Bitcoin and is the first to offer non-custodial BTC staking while supporting a fully EVM-compatible environment. This means BTC holders can earn yield natively. Core aims to move Bitcoin beyond its role as a store of value turning it into productive capital. And it’s already making real progress: - 6,000+ BTC staked, - $600M+ in TVL, - 75% of Bitcoin’s mining hash power, - 44M+ addresses, - Hundreds of live dApps, - Institutional integrations with BitGo, Maple Finance, Hashnote, and more. 2/ Key Features Core introduces several innovations that bring Bitcoin into the world of decentralised finance. The backbone is Satoshi Plus — a unique consensus model that combines Delegated Proof of Work (DpoW), Delegated Proof of Stake (DpoS), and non-custodial Bitcoin staking. This means Bitcoin miners, BTC stakers, and CORE stakers all contribute to the network’s security and governance. Standout features: - Non-custodial BTC staking – Stake BTC and earn native yield without giving up custody., - stCORE – A liquid staking option for CORE holders., - Dual staking – Earn higher yields by staking Bitcoin and CORE simultaneously., - lstBTC (coming soon) – A liquid, yield-bearing Bitcoin token built for institutions seeking BTC-denominated returns without lending risk or loss of custody., - EVM Execution Layer – Devs can build or port Ethereum dApps seamlessly onto Core., - Core DAO – Manages on-chain governance. 3/ The $CORE Token $CORE is the native token powering the Core blockchain, serving multiple functions: - Transaction Fees - Used to pay for transactions and smart contract execution., - Staking & Rewards - Can be staked alongside BTC to help secure the network and earn yield., - Governance - Enables participation in on-chain governance, influencing the network’s future., It also incorporates mechanisms for burning a percentage of block rewards and gas fees to manage token supply dynamically. 4/ A Growing Ecosystem Core isn’t just infrastructure – it’s already powering the largest BTCFi ecosystem. With over 100 live dApps, it supports a wide range of use cases - from DEXes and NFT marketplaces to ordinals and runes exchanges. DeFi users will find familiar opportunities for lending, borrowing, swapping and more. Core’s integrated design also allows each product to compound value across its expanding financial landscape. To drive further growth, Core runs several builder and incentive programmes: - Core Starter Program – Incentives for building on Core. - Core Ignition – Rewards users based on activity. - Core Ignition Builders’ Incentive Program – Rewards innovation on Core. More at: 5/ Final Thoughts It’s still early days for BTCFi. Right now, Bitcoin’s TVL is around $6.3B - just 0.32% of its market cap. Compare that to Ethereum’s ~22%, and there’s a lot of untapped potential. Core is at the forefront of this new phase in Bitcoin’s evolution. With its self-custodial BTC staking, dual staking model, and institutional-grade products like lstBTC on the way, it’s giving holders new ways to earn. I’m excited to be working with the Core team as a partner and will be sharing more educational insights over time (disclaimer).

Deep-dive: @Coredao_Org Category: BTCFi Bitcoin might be the biggest digital asset in the world, but most of it sits there, stored, collateralised, not doing much. That’s because it's difficult to use BTC in DeFi without giving up custody. But that’s starting to change... BTCFi (Bitcoin DeFi) has been gaining traction this cycle, with Bitcoin TVL up over 2,000% in 2024. @Coredao_Org is one of the projects leading this shift. With a consensus mechanism aligned with Bitcoin’s own and the first implementation of non-custodial BTC staking, Core is unlocking real, self-custodial yield, turning Bitcoin from a passive asset into a productive one. Let’s break it down… 1/ What is Core? Core is a platform built to bring Bitcoin into DeFi without compromising on self-custody. It acts as a Proof of Stake layer for Bitcoin and is the first to offer non-custodial BTC staking while supporting a fully EVM-compatible environment. This means BTC holders can earn yield natively. Core aims to move Bitcoin beyond its role as a store of value turning it into productive capital. And it’s already making real progress: - 6,000+ BTC staked, - $600M+ in TVL, - 75% of Bitcoin’s mining hash power, - 44M+ addresses, - Hundreds of live dApps, - Institutional integrations with BitGo, Maple Finance, Hashnote, and more. 2/ Key Features Core introduces several innovations that bring Bitcoin into the world of decentralised finance. The backbone is Satoshi Plus — a unique consensus model that combines Delegated Proof of Work (DpoW), Delegated Proof of Stake (DpoS), and non-custodial Bitcoin staking. This means Bitcoin miners, BTC stakers, and CORE stakers all contribute to the network’s security and governance. Standout features: - Non-custodial BTC staking – Stake BTC and earn native yield without giving up custody., - stCORE – A liquid staking option for CORE holders., - Dual staking – Earn higher yields by staking Bitcoin and CORE simultaneously., - lstBTC (coming soon) – A liquid, yield-bearing Bitcoin token built for institutions seeking BTC-denominated returns without lending risk or loss of custody., - EVM Execution Layer – Devs can build or port Ethereum dApps seamlessly onto Core., - Core DAO – Manages on-chain governance. 3/ The $CORE Token $CORE is the native token powering the Core blockchain, serving multiple functions: - Transaction Fees - Used to pay for transactions and smart contract execution., - Staking & Rewards - Can be staked alongside BTC to help secure the network and earn yield., - Governance - Enables participation in on-chain governance, influencing the network’s future., It also incorporates mechanisms for burning a percentage of block rewards and gas fees to manage token supply dynamically. 4/ A Growing Ecosystem Core isn’t just infrastructure – it’s already powering the largest BTCFi ecosystem. With over 100 live dApps, it supports a wide range of use cases - from DEXes and NFT marketplaces to ordinals and runes exchanges. DeFi users will find familiar opportunities for lending, borrowing, swapping and more. Core’s integrated design also allows each product to compound value across its expanding financial landscape. To drive further growth, Core runs several builder and incentive programmes: - Core Starter Program – Incentives for building on Core. - Core Ignition – Rewards users based on activity. - Core Ignition Builders’ Incentive Program – Rewards innovation on Core. More at: 5/ Final Thoughts It’s still early days for BTCFi. Right now, Bitcoin’s TVL is around $6.3B - just 0.32% of its market cap. Compare that to Ethereum’s ~22%, and there’s a lot of untapped potential. Core is at the forefront of this new phase in Bitcoin’s evolution. With its self-custodial BTC staking, dual staking model, and institutional-grade products like lstBTC on the way, it’s giving holders new ways to earn. I’m excited to be working with the Core team as a partner and will be sharing more educational insights over time (disclaimer).