Summary

In this episode, Matt Mudano, co-founder and CEO of Arch Network, explains how Arch is pioneering a new execution platform purpose-built for Bitcoin-native DeFi. Unlike EVMs or SVMs, Arch introduces a virtual machine and consensus layer that can directly interact with the Bitcoin mempool, enabling smart contracts and transaction signing without bridging. Matt outlines how this unlocks new primitives for builders, reduces risk from wrapped BTC models, and preserves the security of Bitcoin while bringing programmability to it. He also touches on technical design choices, developer opportunities, and how Arch aims to evolve Bitcoin into a fully programmable, trust-minimized ecosystem.

Takeaways

— Arch Network is a new execution platform purpose-built for Bitcoin

— Its VM and consensus layer natively understand Bitcoin transactions

— Current EVM/SVM environments can’t read or sign Bitcoin transactions directly

— Traditional Bitcoin DeFi relies on insecure bridges and wrapped assets

— Arch eliminates the need for bridging by enabling direct Bitcoin smart contracts

— It’s designed for developers who want to build on Bitcoin securely and efficiently

— The system introduces new primitives that expand what Bitcoin DeFi can be

— Security and decentralization are preserved at the base Bitcoin layer

— The goal is to bring full programmability to the most secure blockchain

— Arch positions itself as a foundational layer for the next phase of Bitcoin-based DeFi

 Chapters

(00:00 ) Introduction and guest welcome

(01:10 ) What Arch Network is building

(03:20 ) Why Bitcoin needs a new execution layer

(05:40 ) Limitations of EVMs and SVMs for Bitcoin

(07:55 ) How Arch interacts directly with the Bitcoin mempool

(10:25 ) Eliminating bridges and wrapped BTC risk

(13:05 ) New primitives enabled by native Bitcoin execution

(16:30 ) Developer and builder opportunities

(19:45 ) Security, decentralization, and design choices

(23:00 ) Future of Bitcoin programmability and closing thoughts

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