Tokyo, Japan, April 17th, 2025,
Chainwire
DeFimans Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Co-CEOs:
Mitsushi Ono and Taishi Sato), in collaboration with the Babylon
Labs team behind a self-custodial Bitcoin staking protocol, hosted
an exclusive meetup event to deepen the understanding of Bitcoin
and foster connections among leading web3 professionals.
Unlocking the Potential of Bitcoin Staking
Babylon
Labs, the innovator behind the world’s first trustless,
self-custodial Bitcoin staking protocol, hosted a private event on
Monday, April 8, 2025, in collaboration with industry leaders
BitGo, DSRV, and Hinode Technologies. DeFimans, a Tokyo-based web3
consulting firm, organized and produced the event.
Over 100 attendees, including representatives from sponsoring
companies and media partners, gathered at the venue.
Featured
speakers included Rikiya Yanagisawa (Director and Sales, Head of
Japan of BitGo), Jiyun Kim (Co-founder and CEO of DSRV), Henry Jung
(Japan BD of DSRV), and Jun Morimoto (Director of Hinode
Technologies).
The highlight of the evening was a keynote by Prof. David Tse,
co-founder of Babylon and professor at Stanford University. His
session was a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the
foremost thinkers in the field of blockchain security.
Opening Remarks
The
event began with an opening address by DeFimans Co-CEO Mitsushi
Ono, who introduced the firm’s hands-on approach to web3, ranging
from consulting and fundraising to business development and
overseas expansion. Describing their role as a “private gun for
hire” for web3, Ono emphasized their commitment to supporting
client success with an all-hands-on-deck approach.
Keynote by Prof. David Tse “What is Bitcoin
Staking?”
As
one of the key highlights of the event, Professor David Tse of
Stanford University and Co-Founder of Babylon took the stage to
present a compelling vision: introducing Bitcoin staking as a
“third native use case” for Bitcoin, beyond its
traditional roles in payments and store of value.
Babylon Labs has developed an innovative protocol that enables
Bitcoin to serve as a security foundation for other Proof-of-Stake
(PoS) chains. Without requiring token wrapping or third-party
custody, users can lock their native BTC directly to earn rewards,
bringing staking capabilities to the most valuable digital
asset.
What makes Babylon’s solution even more remarkable is that it
requires no smart contracts, relying instead on advanced
cryptographic techniques to enable trustless staking with slashing
mechanisms-ensuring both security and decentralization.
The protocol already integrates multiple L1 and L2 chain tech
stacks such as OP, Arbitrum, and Cosmos, supporting them as Bitcoin
Security Network(BSN), and integration with other technology
stack-based chains is planned in the near future.
He concluded by stating, “We must break Bitcoin’s passivity and
fully utilize its value as the security infrastructure of Web3,”
leaving the audience energized about the future of Bitcoin
staking.
Panel Discussion
“The Evolving Bitcoin Ecosystem and
Opportunities"
Moderator:
- Mitsushi Ono (Co-CEO, DeFimans Co., Ltd.)
Speakers:
- Rikiya Yanagisawa (Director, Sales Head of Japan, BitGo)
- Jiyun Kim (Co-founder & CEO, DSRV)
- Jun Morimoto (Director, Hinode Technologies)
The
panel explored the evolving Bitcoin ecosystem and its future
potential from both domestic and international perspectives.
Speakers shared their insights on the challenges facing Bitcoin,
emerging trends and market opportunities in Japan, and their
outlook for the Bitcoin ecosystem in 2025.
Challenges and Initiatives in the Bitcoin
Space
Mr. Yanagisawa from BitGo emphasized that the greatest challenge
not only for Bitcoin but the entire digital asset industry is
“security.” In order to gain the trust of
investors and businesses, secure and reliable custody services for
managing private keys are essential. BitGO is committed to
providing a trusted platform, both as a regulated custody provider
and as a provider of self-custody wallets.
Mr. Kim from DSRV pointed out that Bitcoin has traditionally
been used primarily for payments and holding, but projects like
Babylon are introducing new use cases. As an
infrastructure company, DSRV is actively building tools like
custody, wallets, and developer kits to support this growing
utility.
Scalability – Realistic or Not?
Mr. Kim stated that expanding utility is key to achieving
scalability. Bitcoin is inherently a low-liquidity asset, but
through secure and productive applications like Babylon, it can
contribute to expanding the ecosystem.
Mr. Morimoto from Hinode Technologies added that Bitcoin’s core
consensus algorithm is difficult to scale, but ecosystem expansion
is possible via shared security and bridging with other chains. By
enhancing interoperability, Bitcoin’s utility and
value can grow significantly.
Trends in Japan and Key Drivers
Mr. Morimoto stated that a key trend in Japan is the growing
anticipation that crypto asset management-initially driven by
lending services, will expand significantly with the approval of
ETFs. He emphasized that ETFs, by enabling investment in crypto
assets through traditional securities accounts, are bringing new
types of investors into the Bitcoin market, which in turn is
expected to further energize and broaden the market.
Mr. Yanagisawa emphasized the increasing attention on both ETFs
and Bitcoin staking. The rise of ETFs is helping to position
Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class, and with that, the role of
custody providers like BitGO is expanding.
Outlook for the Bitcoin Ecosystem in 2025
Mr. Yanagisawa shared plans to launch a secure platform
supporting Babylon staking, allowing users to stake directly from
their self-custody wallets.
Mr. Kim stated that the real value in protocols comes through
actual usage. DSRV plans to support developers in creating
utilities on Babylon and the broader Bitcoin ecosystem.
Mr. Morimoto stated that his team will focus on operating
Babylon validators and enhancing asset management solutions through
staking. Responding to increased institutional demand, they will
also develop improved UX and solutions tailored to accounting and
auditing requirements.
Driving Web3 Innovation from Japan
Guests enjoyed free-flow drinks and pinchos during the
networking session, where vibrant conversations and new connections
were sparked throughout the venue.
In an industry like web3, where real-time information and
collaboration are critical. DeFimans remains committed to
strengthening its efforts in organizing and participating in
networking events that foster meaningful connections and industry
growth.
About Babylon Labs
Babylon Labs focuses on developing Bitcoin security-sharing
protocols with a vision to build a decentralized, Bitcoin-secured
world. The company has introduced the world’s
first trustless and self-custodial Bitcoin staking
protocol, allowing Bitcoin holders to stake their BTC on
PoS chains, Layer 2 solutions, and Data Availability (DA) layers
without relying on third-party custody or bridge solutions. This
technology enhances Bitcoin’s utility while maintaining security
and decentralization.
About Bflux
Bflux provides non-custodial staking solutions for Bitcoin
holders, enabling them to contribute to the security of PoS
networks while earning rewards. Through integration with the
Babylon protocol, Bflux offers secure, bridge-free Bitcoin
staking.
About BitGo
BitGo is a leader in digital asset security, custody, and
liquidity, serving over 700 institutional clients in more than 50
countries. The company processes approximately 20% of global
Bitcoin transactions.
About DSRV
DSRV is a blockchain infrastructure company based in Seoul,
South Korea, supporting over 70 major networks with more than
12,000 validators. In 2024, DSRV became Korea’s only VASP-licensed
validator and continues to expand its global footprint.
About Hinode Technologies
Hinode Technologies, a joint venture between gC Labs and TIS, is
focused on developing blockchain infrastructure. The company aims
to drive blockchain adoption and enhance Web3 services, including
cryptocurrency management systems.
About Chainwire
Chainwire is a press release distribution
platform dedicated to the blockchain and Web3 industry. It
enables crypto projects, exchanges, VCs, and PR agencies to
distribute press releases across top-tier crypto media outlets,
including Decrypt, Cointelegraph, and Coindesk.
About DeFimans
DeFimans is a professional firm specializing in tokenomics,
DeFi, GameFi, and blockchain consulting. The company provides
strategic support for blockchain businesses, fundraising, and
international expansion, and is on a mission to strengthen Japan’s
Web3 industry.
Contact
DeFimans
info@defimans.com
