186: Layer 2 Innovation on Bitcoin: Willem Schroé of Botanix Labs on Scaling Bitcoin with EVM

In Episode 186 of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I sit down with Willem Schroe, co-founder of Botanix Labs, to discuss the future of Bitcoin and the role Layer 2 solutions like Botanix will play in expanding the Bitcoin ecosystem. Willem and his team are building Spiderchain, a Layer 2 EVM on Bitcoin that opens up decentralized financial applications and scalability like never before. We dive deep into macroeconomic topics such as Bitcoin's deflationary nature, its role as a store of value, and whether people will start spending Bitcoin for everyday transactions. We also explore the technical and economic potential of Bitcoin’s layer two infrastructure, how Botanix reduces gas fees, and what decentralized finance on Bitcoin might look like in the coming years. Key Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Willem Schroé, co-founder of Botanix Labs, to discuss building a Layer 2 solution on Bitcoin, Spiderchain, and the evolution of Bitcoin as a financial ecosystem. [00:02:00] Willem’s Journey: Willem shares how his background in cryptography and time in the Middle East inspired him to dedicate his work to advancing the Bitcoin ecosystem. [00:05:00] What is Botanix? Willem explains how Botanix is a Layer 2 EVM on Bitcoin that allows for the development of decentralized applications (DeFi, DEXs, lending protocols) on Bitcoin. [00:08:30] Bitcoin as a Global Financial System: Willem discusses how Botanix can bring applications like decentralized exchanges and lending platforms to Bitcoin, enabling users to borrow against their Bitcoin holdings. [00:10:00] Overcoming Bitcoin’s Speed and Scalability Issues: Willem addresses the challenge of Bitcoin being slow and hard to build on, and how Layer 2 solutions like Botanix can scale Bitcoin while maintaining security and decentralization. [00:13:00] Paying Gas Fees in Bitcoin: How Botanix allows users to pay gas fees in Bitcoin on Layer 2, providing a seamless experience for Bitcoin users. [00:16:00] Deflationary Bitcoin and Spending: Willem debates the idea that people won’t spend deflationary assets like Bitcoin, explaining how customer demand will unlock Bitcoin for spending in DeFi applications. [00:19:00] Bitcoin Yield: Willem introduces the concept of Bitcoin yield through decentralized Layer 2 solutions, making it possible to generate yield in Bitcoin without leaving the Bitcoin ecosystem. [00:23:00] Bitcoin TVL (Total Value Locked) Growth: How the infrastructure being built on Bitcoin, including stablecoins and DeFi products, will drive a significant increase in Bitcoin’s TVL. [00:27:00] Contrarian Views: Willem shares his belief that Bitcoin requires a decentralized Layer 2, and why decentralized finance infrastructure will drive greater adoption of Bitcoin. [00:31:00] Final Thoughts: Willem provides a call to action for developers, users, and businesses interested in building on Bitcoin using Botanix and unlocking the potential of Layer 2 on Bitcoin. Connect https://www.botanixlabs.xyz/ https://twitter.com/BotanixLabs https://www.linkedin.com/company/botanix-labs https://www.linkedin.com/in/willemschroe https://twitter.com/WillemSchroe Disclaimer Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/