Bitcoin.com News Interviews

MacLane Wilkison, Co-Founder and CEO of Threshold Labs, and Jameel Khalfan, Head of Ecosystem Development at the Sui Foundation, join Bitcoin.com’s Frederick Munawa to explore how the collaboration between tBTC and Sui is reshaping the future of Bitcoin in DeFi.The partnership brings tBTC, a fully decentralized and trust-minimized Bitcoin bridge, to Sui, a Layer-1 blockchain built by Mysten Labs that has rapidly climbed to become the 12th largest cryptocurrency by market value. Together, they’re unlocking Bitcoin’s potential in a new DeFi environment known for its speed, scalability, and ultra-low transaction fees.Wilkison and Khalfan share their personal journeys in crypto — from early Bitcoin experiences to building next-generation blockchain infrastructure — and explain how tBTC’s synthetic BTC asset allows users to generate yield, borrow, and transact across ecosystems without giving up custody or decentralization. With tBTC now live on Sui, they discuss early adoption metrics, liquidity growth, and the roadmap for integrating Bitcoin deeper into DeFi.• How tBTC enables Bitcoin to flow seamlessly into Sui’s DeFi ecosystem• Why Sui’s architecture delivers unmatched scalability and low fees• The mechanics behind tBTC’s decentralized bridge and synthetic BTC model• What the launch means for liquidity, yield, and Bitcoin-backed DeFi• The future of cross-chain interoperability and Bitcoin integrationA must-listen for developers, Bitcoin holders, and DeFi innovators exploring how tBTC and Sui are connecting the world’s most secure blockchain with one of the fastest-growing Layer-1 ecosystems in crypto.🎙️ Host: Frederick Munawa – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guests: MacLane Wilkison – Co-Founder & CEO, Threshold Labs | Jameel Khalfan – Head of Ecosystem Development, Sui Foundation🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | threshold.network | sui.io💡 In this episode:🎧

Charlie Hu, CEO and Co-Founder of Bitlayer, joins Bitcoin.com News Lead David Sencil (@_dsencil) to reveal how Bitlayer is transforming Bitcoin from a passive store of value into a programmable, high-performance ecosystem — with over $750 million in total value locked (TVL) and institutional partnerships including Franklin Templeton.Built on the vision of scaling Bitcoin without modifying its core protocol, Bitlayer combines ZK-STARKs with Bitcoin Verifiable Incentives (BVI) to deliver a trust-minimized, cost-efficient Layer-2 solution. With more than 200 projects and 28 million transactions, Bitlayer is pioneering the next generation of Bitcoin bridges, DeFi protocols, and yield products that bring dormant BTC capital to life.Hu also shares the story behind Bitlayer’s rise from $0 to $750M, explaining how Layer-2 innovation could mark Bitcoin’s biggest leap forward since Taproot — and why institutional demand for Bitcoin-native infrastructure is only just beginning.• How Bitlayer scaled to $750M in TVL by unlocking idle BTC liquidity• ZK-STARKs and Bitcoin Verifiable Incentives (BVI) explained• Why scaling Bitcoin doesn’t require protocol upgrades• Institutional adoption and partnerships driving Bitcoin’s evolution• The future of Layer-2 innovation and Bitcoin interoperabilityA must-listen for Bitcoin builders, investors, and developers exploring how Layer-2 solutions and zero-knowledge technology are powering the next wave of Bitcoin scalability and utility.🎙️ Host: David Sencil – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Charlie Hu – CEO & Co-Founder of Bitlayer🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | bitlayer.org | @BitLayerLabs | @CharlieHusats💡 In this episode:🎧

Emad Mostaque, Founder of Stability AI, joins Bitcoin.com News Lead David Sencil at Token2049 to explore how decentralized AI will reshape the way we live, work, and connect with technology.“As our kids grow, their best friend will be an AI,” says Mostaque — highlighting the coming era of AI agents that understand, assist, and evolve alongside humans. He shares why open, decentralized AI ecosystems will ultimately outpace centralized tech giants, and how crypto and blockchain are essential in ensuring transparency, security, and ethical alignment across AI systems.From the dangers of concentration in AI development to the opportunities for democratized intelligence, Mostaque paints a powerful picture of a future where AI and crypto converge to safeguard human freedom and creativity.• Why decentralized AI will outpace Big Tech’s centralized models• The rise of AI agents and how they’ll redefine human interaction• How crypto enables transparency and accountability in AI• Preventing misuse through decentralized infrastructure• The long-term vision for open, collaborative AI innovationA must-listen for AI pioneers, crypto builders, and technologists exploring how decentralized intelligence and blockchain can create a future where technology empowers — not controls — humanity.🎙️ Host: David Sencil – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Emad Mostaque – Founder of Stability AI🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | stability.ai | @EMostaque💡 In this episode:🎧

Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, joins Bitcoin.com News Lead David Sencil live from Bitcoin 2025 to discuss how the rise of PayFi — decentralized payment finance — could one day rival traditional payment giants like SWIFT, Visa, and Mastercard.In this candid conversation, Chen unpacks the VOXEL incident, offering rare insight into the token listing process and how centralized exchanges are evolving in response to market and regulatory pressures. She also explores the shifting balance between CEXs and DEXs, the growing demand for transparency, and why decentralized finance and payments may ultimately define the next chapter of crypto’s growth.With PayFi’s emergence as a bridge between crypto utility and everyday commerce, Chen explains why she believes this new paradigm could one day surpass centralized exchanges in both scale and influence.• The untold story behind the VOXEL incident and what it means for exchanges• CEXs vs. DEXs — how the balance of power is shifting• Token listings, compliance, and the challenges of trust in modern crypto markets• What PayFi is — and how it could rival SWIFT, Visa, and Mastercard• Why decentralized payments may be the next global financial frontierA must-listen for crypto traders, builders, and fintech enthusiasts exploring how decentralized payments (PayFi) could reshape the global financial system and redefine what it means to transact in the digital age.🎙️ Host: David Sencil – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Gracy Chen – CEO of Bitget🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | bitget.com💡 In this episode:🎧

Simon Davis, CEO of Goat Gaming, joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to explore how AI and Web3 are reshaping the future of gaming — and why AlphaGoats might just be the ChatGPT moment for play-to-earn and community-driven experiences.Davis shares the story behind Goat Gaming’s evolution from a traditional gaming company to a Web3-native studio, explaining why his team chose Telegram as the platform for onboarding the next generation of players. He discusses how AI integration through AlphaGoats enhances gameplay, personalization, and community interaction — while creating a more dynamic and engaging experience for users.From funding challenges and developer insights to the lessons learned during the shift from Web2 to Web3, Davis offers a candid look into building at the intersection of AI, blockchain, and gaming culture.• How Goat Gaming evolved from Web2 to Web3 innovation• Why Telegram is becoming the go-to platform for Web3 gaming• The role of AI and AlphaGoats in redefining player experience• Challenges and opportunities in building decentralized gaming ecosystems• Advice for developers entering the fast-growing Web3 gaming spaceA must-listen for gamers, developers, and investors exploring how AI, blockchain, and community engagement are converging to shape the next era of interactive entertainment.🎙️ Host: Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Simon Davis – CEO of Goat Gaming🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | goatgaming.io💡 In this episode:🎧

Ido Sofer, CEO and Co-Founder of Sodot, joins Bitcoin.com News Lead David Sencil to discuss how multi-party computation (MPC) is redefining digital asset security and enabling safer, more scalable Web3 adoption.After spending seven years at the Israeli Ministry of Finance, Sofer transitioned from government service to crypto innovation — founding Sodot, a company building secure, user-friendly MPC infrastructure for wallets, exchanges, and enterprises. He explains how Sodot’s MPC technology eliminates the vulnerabilities of traditional key management by distributing control across multiple trusted parties, making it virtually impossible for a single point of failure to compromise funds.Sofer also unpacks how Sodot’s mission goes beyond security — aiming to make crypto custody simple enough for everyday users while remaining robust enough for institutions managing billions in digital assets. This episode offers a rare insider’s view into the technological, regulatory, and human challenges of scaling secure Web3 infrastructure.• How MPC (multi-party computation) solves key management vulnerabilities• Ido Sofer’s journey from the Israeli Ministry of Finance to crypto entrepreneurship• Why MPC is becoming the gold standard for institutional-grade security• Making crypto custody simple, safe, and accessible for mass adoption• The future of secure user experience in the Web3 ecosystemA must-listen for security professionals, crypto developers, and fintech leaders exploring how MPC technology can bridge the gap between institutional trust and decentralized usability in the next era of Web3.🎙️ Host: David Sencil – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Ido Sofer – CEO & Co-Founder of Sodot🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | sodot.dev | @sodot_hq | @sofer_ido💡 In this episode:🎧

Charlie Hu, CEO of Bitlayers, joins Bitcoin.com’s Frederick Munawa for an exclusive deep dive into the next frontier of Bitcoin innovation — from scaling solutions and ZK-STARKs to the rise of institutional Bitcoin yield products.As one of the leading figures driving Bitcoin’s Layer-2 evolution, Hu reveals how Bitlayers is transforming BTC from a static store of value into a dynamic programmable ecosystem. With over 28 million transactions and 200+ projects already active, Bitlayers is pioneering the infrastructure that could redefine Bitcoin’s utility and scalability.From his early days at the Amsterdam Bitcoin meetup to becoming a key ecosystem builder, Hu shares how he’s blending AI, cryptography, and financial innovation to unlock new yield and liquidity opportunities for both developers and institutions.• How Bitlayers is scaling Bitcoin through Layer-2 innovation• The power of ZK-STARKs for privacy, performance, and verification• Why institutional demand for Bitcoin yield products is accelerating• How AI-driven strategies are shaping crypto finance• Lessons from building one of the fastest-growing Bitcoin ecosystemsA must-listen for developers, investors, and Bitcoin builders exploring how Layer-2 solutions and zero-knowledge technology are expanding what’s possible with the world’s most secure blockchain.🎙️ Host: Frederick Munawa – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Charlie Hu – CEO of Bitlayers🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | bitlayers.io💡 In this episode:🎧

At SEABW (Southeast Asia Blockchain Week), Alun sat down with Michael “BitBender” Brink of DGram Network (@BitBenderBrink) and Jeff Espejo of LFG Incorporated (@LFGincorporated) to unpack why Asia has become the global launchpad for real Web3 development.In this high-energy discussion, the trio explores why DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) are gaining momentum across Asia, how infrastructure-first projects are outperforming hype-driven ventures, and what many builders still misunderstand about creating sustainable ecosystems.With boots-on-the-ground insights from SEABW, they cut through the vaporware to highlight how real-world adoption, hardware integration, and network incentives are driving the next wave of blockchain growth — led by pragmatic builders in Asia.• Why Asia is the leading launchpad for DePIN and infrastructure-first ecosystems• Lessons from SEABW on what separates real builders from vaporware• How hardware, incentives, and user access shape long-term success• The importance of sustainable Web3 infrastructure over short-term hype• What global builders can learn from Asia’s fast-moving crypto marketsA must-listen for founders, developers, and investors who want to understand why Asia’s Web3 ecosystems are setting the standard for real-world blockchain adoption and decentralized infrastructure growth.🎙️ Host: Alun – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guests: Michael “BitBender” Brink – DGram Network | Jeff Espejo – LFG Incorporated🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | @BitBenderBrink | @LFGincorporated💡 In this episode:🎧

Alice Li, Investment Partner at Foresight Ventures, joins Bitcoin.com’s Frederick Munawa to share her global perspective on the future of crypto, the impact of AI, and what separates successful blockchain projects from the rest.Drawing insights from her experiences at leading industry events like Consensus Hong Kong and ETHDenver, Alice contrasts the evolving East vs. West crypto cultures — from institutional adoption and regulatory sentiment to innovation and community trends.She also explores how AI is reshaping stablecoins, on-chain analytics, and project evaluation, and how investors are adapting to the next wave of convergence between machine intelligence and decentralized systems.• The cultural and strategic differences between Consensus Hong Kong and ETHDenver• What top investors look for in a winning crypto project• How AI is influencing blockchain innovation and stablecoin design• Why global collaboration is key to sustainable ecosystem growth• The mindset shift defining the next generation of buildersA must-listen for founders, investors, and innovators exploring how AI, global strategy, and smart investment frameworks are driving the next wave of crypto success.🎙️ Host: Frederick Munawa – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Alice Li – Investment Partner at Foresight Ventures🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | foresightventures.com | @ForesightVen💡 In this episode:🎧

Edan Yago, CEO and Co-Founder of BitcoinOS, joins Bitcoin.com News Lead David Sencil (@_dsencil) to reveal how Bitcoin is evolving from digital gold into a universal programmable layer that can power the entire crypto ecosystem.By leveraging zero-knowledge cryptography, BitcoinOS enables trustless cross-chain integration, smart contracts, and programmable tokens — all secured by Bitcoin’s unmatched infrastructure. Without altering Bitcoin’s core protocol, BitcoinOS transforms BTC into the foundation for a new, interoperable financial system.Yago explains how this innovation could unlock 70% of crypto’s liquidity, turning every blockchain into a potential Layer-2 network secured by Bitcoin. From DeFi applications and tokenized assets to massive multiplayer games and even 30-year mortgages, BitcoinOS lays the groundwork for a fully composable and connected crypto economy.This episode dives into how Bitcoin can become the Internet of Value, bridging today’s fragmented crypto landscape and ushering in a new era of programmable money.• How BitcoinOS turns Bitcoin into a universal programmable layer• Zero-knowledge cryptography and trustless cross-chain functionality• Unlocking 70% of crypto’s liquidity through unified integration• Building smart contracts and programmable tokens on Bitcoin• The vision for Bitcoin as a global financial operating system• Why this transformation requires no change to Bitcoin’s core codeA must-listen for Bitcoin builders, developers, and innovators who believe in Bitcoin’s future as the secure foundation for an open, interoperable financial world.🎙️ Host: David Sencil – Bitcoin.com News Podcast💼 Guest: Edan Yago – CEO & Co-Founder of BitcoinOS🔗 Learn more: bitcoin.com | bitcoinos.build | @btc_os | @edanyago💡 In this episode:🎧