Starknet Introduces Bitcoin Staking for Enhanced Transaction Validation Текст: Starknets L2 Network Launches Bitcoin Staking, Empowering Users to Validate Transactions and Earn Rewards.

Users of the Starknet L2 solutions have gained the ability to take part in the transaction validation process by delegating their first cryptocurrency to the network in exchange for rewards.

The Starknet community approved the integration of Bitcoin staking as part of SNIP-31 in August, with 93.6% of voters supporting the proposal.

Previously, users could only stake the native token of the network—STRK.

This mechanism does not alter the underlying layer of the digital gold blockchain, which operates on a Proof-of-Work algorithm. Starknet supports «wrapped» versions of Bitcoin, including WBTC, LBTC, tBTC, and SolvBTC, with potential for further expansions in the future.

This new functionality is being positioned as the first native and sustainable source of yield for cryptocurrency investors among all rollup solutions.

«Last year, I said that Starknet would unleash the power of Bitcoin. […] There is a genuine beauty in the idea that a coin from the largest blockchain is now helping to secure another decentralized network. I am sure Satoshi would be proud of this,» stated Eli Ben-Sasson, co-founder and CEO of StarkWare, in a comment to The Block.

The non-profit Starknet Foundation has also allocated 100 million STRK (approximately $12 million at current rates) to foster the BTCFi ecosystem. These funds will be directed towards promoting lending collateralized by digital gold.

«Bitcoin is the best form of collateral. Everyone—from Michael Saylor to Wall Street—has already realized this,» noted Ben-Sasson.

The investment firm Re7 Capital has also announced the launch of a new product offering yields in the first cryptocurrency on Starknet, scheduled for release in October.

This initiative is designed for earning income directly in Bitcoin through a combination of off-exchange trading of derivatives, curated DeFi strategies, and participation in BTC staking on Starknet.

Representatives from Re7 Capital mentioned that the product is structured according to institutional standards and will also be available in a tokenized format, providing access not only to professional investors.

It is worth noting that macro analyst Luke Gromen stated that the absence of built-in yield in Bitcoin is an advantage, making it a safer store of value.