The Bitcoin network is evolving on various fronts:

• Scalability thanks to L2s
• Institutional adoption via ETFs
• Tech innovation through DeFi and Web3 apps

These developments will help Bitcoin reinforce its position as a leading digital asses

This week, the Stacks ecosystem shared some important news:

• Bitflow Finance raised $1.3M to build Bitcoin DeFi
• Stacking DAO reached 10+ Million STX in TVL
• N21 prep program to support Stacks startups launched: https://n21.stacks.co/

Stacks keeps growing!

The next Building on Bitcoin virtual event is on February 22 📅

It's your chance to explore the innovation occurring on Bitcoin, from Ordinals and BRC-20s to L2s and DeFi

Sign up to join conversations held by Bitcoin leaders and builders 👉 https://stx.is/dqufSu

Some news from the Stacks Snacks blog:

• Arkadiko Finance teases their 2.0 protocol version launch
• OKX published their Bitcoin 2024 outlook report, featuring Stacks L2
• "The Opportunity for Stacks" by Andre Serrano was published on BowTiedBull newsletter

Subscribe now for weekly updates on Stacks ecosystem: https://stx.is/StacksSnacks28

The next step for the Bitcoin ecosystem is making BTC a fully programmable asset

Stacks is leading the way with:

• Nakamoto will enable fast transactions with 100% Bitcoin finality

• sBTC will facilitate the usage of BTC in Web3 and DeFi apps

Nakamoto upgrade is set to launch between April 15-29

It will enable:
• 100% Bitcoin finality
• Faster and cheaper transactions
• Establish the foundation for sBTC

Join us tomorrow for an AMA at 6 PM CEST to discover more about Nakamoto:
https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1gqGvQAynXpKB

Moreover, here are more info about the launch date and what to expect from Nakamoto:
https://stacks.org/nakamoto-launch-window

Another startup focusing on Bitcoin DeFi completed a raise 🎉

Velar, which is building a Bitcoin perpetual exchange through Stacks, secured $3.5 million

The time to build on Bitcoin and create new DeFi primitives and use cases is now ⏳

The Grants program provides funding for initiatives tackling crucial needs within Stacks

More tools for community engagement, digital asset management, and beyond are in demand

Here are the 6 projects chosen for the program pilot cohort 👇
https://stacks.org/degrants-pilot-cohort

The Bitcoin builder competition "Ready Layer 2" begins on March 8

The hackathon participants will enjoy many benefits:

• $15,000 in prize pool
• Advice from mentors
• Interviews with BTC StartupLab
• Featured in Stacks social media

Register now: https://stx.is/cEe6V3

Another institution is dedicated to contributing to the decentralization and security of sBTC upon its launch.

Luganodes will become an sBTC signer and Stacking node operator.

Offering Stacking options for institutions will further strengthen the Stacks ecosystem.

https://stacks.org/ludanodes-nakamoto-sbtc

February's here; time to flex your Naka•mojo• 💪

As the Bitcoin network continues to flourish, send a powerful message to the ecosystem.

Participate in our monthly challenges for a chance to win fantastic rewards! 🎁 🎁

https://stacks.org/nakamojo

The Bitcoin L2 ecosystem is heating up.

They are emerging to address the demand for new Bitcoin apps and use cases.

Ultimately, the goal is to build a digital economy around BTC.

Nakamoto and sBTC upgrades aim to get the ecosystem one step closer to this vision.

The voting for the Nakamoto upgrade is live!

The release will lead to around 5-sec blocks production and 100% Bitcoin finality.

Here is a step by step tutorial on how to cast your vote for Nakamoto:
https://stacks.org/nakamoto-voting-tutorial

If you are looking for more info on the upgrade, check here.

Bitcoin is the most known digital asset in the world.

Yet the application ecosystem on top of it is small.

Therefore, many holders can't do much with their BTC.

L2s are the opportunity to create Bitcoin-focused apps that address BTC holders' needs.

The analytics platform for on-chain data Ortege is integrating Stacks. 📊

Builders will soon be able to create dashboards to find insights and analytics on the Stacks ecosystem. 🔍

Discover more about the integration here:
https://stacks.org/ortege-stacks-integration

Bitcoin is already the oldest, most decentralized, and most reputable digital asset

Builders can leverage the network effects of the chain by building on top of it

The demand for BTC-focused protocols is here.

It's just a matter of who will build them first.

The sentiment about the Bitcoin ecosystem hasn't been so positive in a long time.

L2s are maturing, new Bitcoin apps are emerging, and innovative use cases are being unlocked. 🔓

The time to double down on Bitcoin development is right now.⏳

The Messari State of Stacks Q4 report is here! 📊

Highlights include:

• STX’s growth outpaced the overall crypto market

• DeFi TVL surged to $61M, with ongoing protocol developments

• Average daily addresses and transactions are on the rise

Check the whole Messari report here: https://buff.ly/49Dowyg

Building on Bitcoin is happening in less than a week⏳

Bitcoin is becoming more exciting thanks to L2s, Ordinals, and DeFi.

It's time to explore what is in store for Bitcoin future development. 🧪

Register now for the virtual event:
https://bitcoinunleashed.org/feb-22