StarkWare Bets on Becoming Bitcoin's Execution Layer, Not on Attracting Corporate Chains
StarkWare Bets on Becoming Bitcoin's Execution Layer, Not on Attracting Corporate Chains  
Podcast: The Defiant
Published On: Wed Oct 01 2025
Description: 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.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Eli Ben-Sasson & StarkWare00:24 – StarkNet’s mission: Scaling blockchain with ZK proofs01:30 – StarkWare’s achievements: $8B valuation & global impact03:22 – BTC Phi: Bitcoin staking & $100M incentive program07:05 – How Bitcoin staking works on StarkNet17:11 – StarkNet as Bitcoin’s execution layer: The vision27:21 – Verifying Bitcoin headers in milliseconds: A breakthrough41:02 – StarkNet’s role in the "integrity web"49:51 – Why corporate chains won’t work in crypto51:53 – Closing thoughts: Decentralization, scale, and the future