Rootstock (RSK) is a Bitcoin sidechain that provides EVM‑compatible smart‑contract functionality secured by over 80% of Bitcoin’s proof‑of‑work hash power. It enables developers to build DeFi applications using familiar Ethereum tools and lets Bitcoin holders use a 1:1 pegged rBTC token for lending, staking, swapping and other decentralized finance activities.
Funding
$2.7M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Bitcoin’s native blockchain lacks native smart‑contract capabilities and fast, low‑cost transaction processing, making it difficult for developers and users to build or access decentralized finance (DeFi) applications directly on Bitcoin.
Solution
Rootstock (RSK) delivers a Bitcoin sidechain that combines Bitcoin’s proof‑of‑work security with full EVM compatibility. By merge‑mining with Bitcoin, the network inherits over 80 % of Bitcoin’s hash power, providing a highly secure environment for smart contracts. The native rBTC token is a 1:1 pegged, trustless representation of BTC that can be used for gas, DeFi lending, staking, swapping and other dApp interactions. Rootstock supplies a complete developer stack—including Solidity, Hardhat, Foundry, Ethers.js, Remix and audit tools—plus starter kits, grants, hackathons and the Builder Rootcamp program to accelerate onboarding. Users can bridge BTC to rBTC via the battle‑tested PowPeg bridge or the Union Bridge, then access a growing ecosystem of over 150 DeFi protocols, exchanges, and infrastructure services while retaining Bitcoin’s security guarantees.
Target Audience
Rootstock targets Ethereum‑experienced developers seeking Bitcoin security, Bitcoin holders wanting programmable assets, DeFi users and institutions looking for a secure, scalable layer‑2 for financial applications.
Features
- Merge‑mined security: over 80 % of Bitcoin’s mining power secures the sidechain, ensuring high decentralization and censorship resistance.
- Full EVM compatibility: supports Solidity, standard Ethereum tooling (Hardhat, Foundry, Ethers.js, Remix) for seamless porting of existing smart contracts.
- Trustless 1:1 BTC peg: rBTC is minted and burned via the PowPeg bridge, providing a secure, non‑custodial Bitcoin representation for gas and DeFi.
- Comprehensive developer resources: starter kits, sandbox environments, free courses, audit services (Solidity Scan), and a grant program to fund projects.
- Builder Rootcamp: a 12‑week learn‑and‑earn cohort offering mentorship, double Hacktivator rewards, and direct access to the Rootstock Collective community.
- Extensive DeFi ecosystem: over 150 partner protocols (e.g., SushiSwap, Beefy, Sovryn) for lending, swapping, yield optimization, and stablecoins (DOC, USDRIF).
- Open‑source infrastructure: public node APIs, documentation portal, and support for running your own RSKj node.