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Welcome to OnePiece Labs Web3 Talks, a podcast series designed to bring the latest insights from industry leaders, innovators, and Web3 pioneers. As a leading Web3 incubator, OnePiece Labs is committed to driving the growth and adoption of decentralized technologies. Our bi-weekly podcasts feature in-depth interviews with the top minds in Web3, offering valuable advice and insights into the rapidly evolving blockchain ecosystem.
In this inaugural episode, we are thrilled to introduce Jeff Yin, Founder and CEO of Merlin Chain, as he shares his insights on Bitcoin’s future, the emergence of BTCFi, and how Merlin Chain’s EVM-compatible Layer 2 solution is reshaping the landscape of Bitcoin. Hosted by Dafu Gao, Partner at OnePiece Labs, this conversation dives deep into the challenges and innovations in the Bitcoin ecosystem, as well as Jeff's visionary approach to the future of Bitcoin and Web3.
👉 Watch the full interview here: Pushing the Boundaries of Bitcoin: Merlin Chain's Vision with Jeff Yin
Merlin Chain, launched in February 2024, is an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible Layer 2 solution designed to bring the power of smart contracts and DeFi (decentralized finance) to Bitcoin. By leveraging the EVM framework, Merlin allows Bitcoin users to access a range of innovative financial products, transforming Bitcoin from a simple transactional currency into a dynamic platform for decentralized applications (dApps).
Jeff Yin, a seasoned entrepreneur with years of experience in both Web2 and Web3, founded Merlin Chain to address the limitations of Bitcoin’s current infrastructure. His vision for Merlin is to unlock Bitcoin’s full potential by creating a decentralized financial ecosystem that bridges Bitcoin with the broader DeFi landscape.
"Merlin aims to bring Bitcoin assets to life by using EVM technology to enable smart contracts and decentralized finance," says Jeff. "We envision an ecosystem where Bitcoin fuels a fully decentralized financial landscape."
In recent months, BTCFi has rapidly gained momentum, combining Bitcoin’s unmatched brand recognition with the emerging world of DeFi. The term BTCFi refers to the idea of integrating Bitcoin into decentralized finance systems, unlocking new opportunities for Bitcoin holders. By leveraging innovative technologies and protocols like Scroll, Linea, and Babylon, BTCFi has the potential to elevate Bitcoin from a digital store of value into a fully-fledged decentralized financial ecosystem.
"BTCFi has immense potential," shares Jeff. "Almost everyone knows about Bitcoin—from my grandparents to tech-savvy youth. This gives it a huge advantage over newer chains that lack the same trust and market recognition."
BTCFi represents a new narrative for Bitcoin, offering a fresh way for users to engage with Bitcoin beyond its traditional role as a store of value. Merlin is at the forefront of this movement, integrating Bitcoin assets like ordinals and runic tokens into a Layer 2 solution that facilitates smart contract execution and access to decentralized applications.
For Bitcoin to evolve and thrive in the Web3 ecosystem, Jeff outlines three major strategic focus areas for Merlin:
"Building out Bitcoin-native assets like BRC-20 will create a more interactive experience and is crucial for attracting retail users," Jeff notes.
Two breakthrough technologies, BitVM and OP_CAT, stand out as game-changers for the Bitcoin ecosystem. BitVM, a trustless environment similar to Ethereum’s Layer 2, and OP_CAT, which adds smart contract functionality to Bitcoin, are technologies that Merlin is working on to help shape Bitcoin’s future.
These advancements enable smaller teams to build decentralized applications on Bitcoin in a secure and scalable manner. By introducing these technologies, Merlin is lowering the barrier to entry for developers and creating an environment where more decentralized applications can flourish.
"Technologies like BitVM and OP_CAT simplify development without sacrificing security, which is crucial for teams building on Bitcoin," says Jeff.
As a visionary in the Web3 space, Jeff offers invaluable advice for Web3 builders: "Create solutions that align with Bitcoin’s unique properties rather than copying concepts from other chains. By crafting ideas that leverage Bitcoin’s strengths, developers can contribute to Bitcoin’s broader narrative and have a lasting impact on the space."
"Users want fresh and distinct experiences—not just another replication of something already out there," he stresses.
OnePiece Labs, in collaboration with Merlin Chain, Franklin Templeton, and OKX Ventures, has launched the BTC Runes Incubator to support the next wave of early-stage Bitcoin projects. This program provides mentorship, funding, and resources to help emerging Runes projects overcome typical challenges like limited infrastructure and market access.
The BTC Runes Incubator offers selected teams access to personalized mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support to accelerate their growth and innovation within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
🎥 Check out the OnePiece Labs BTC Runes Incubator Online Demo Day: https://lu.ma/oplrunes
This episode marks the beginning of OnePiece Labs Web3 Talks, a series dedicated to bringing you closer to the minds and technologies shaping the future of Bitcoin and Web3. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for regular updates and never miss an interview with leading Web3 innovators.
🔔 Subscribe for more Web3 insights and expert interviews: OnePiece Labs Web3 Talks
This episode provides not only insight into Bitcoin's evolving role but also essential guidance for Web3 founders, developers, and enthusiasts who are passionate about the future of decentralized technologies. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights, tips, and real-world experiences from the best in the industry.
