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Event Recap: Babylon Labs and Prof. David Tse Spotlight Bitcoin Staking in Tokyo - Chainwire

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17Apr

Event Recap: Babylon Labs and Prof. David Tse Spotlight Bitcoin Staking in Tokyo

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 StakingBabylon 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.