Core DAO
Core DAO operates the Core Blockchain, an EVM-compatible layer-1 protocol enabling non-custodial Bitcoin staking and Dual Staking yield products for retail and institutional BTC holders, secured by Satoshi Plus consensus combining Bitcoin mining hash power, CLTV timelocks, and CORE token staking.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2023
- Headquarters—
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Core DAO does
Core DAO operates the Core Blockchain, an EVM-compatible layer-1 launched in January 2023 that positions itself as the "Bitcoin Everything Chain." Its core technical differentiator is the Satoshi Plus consensus mechanism, which combines three delegation layers: Bitcoin mining hash power (Delegated Proof of Work), Bitcoin holder timelock voting via Bitcoin's native CLTV function (Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking), and CORE token staking (Delegated Proof of Stake). This architecture enables non-custodial Bitcoin staking where holders maintain full custody of their BTC while earning CORE rewards, combined with Dual Staking tiered yield boosts when CORE is paired with staked BTC. The platform reports approximately 90% of Bitcoin mining hash power participating, 6,000+ BTC natively staked (~$600M+), $1B+ Total Value Locked per DefiLlama, 44M+ unique addresses, 1M+ weekly active users, and 100+ integrated dApps.
The business model operates through multiple revenue and value-capture mechanisms rather than traditional enterprise contracts. Protocol-level economics include a fixed 81-year CORE token emission schedule, transaction fees from BTCfi applications (median gas under $0.01), and Asset Management Protocol fee retention that funds CORE buybacks. Core serves a dual-primary customer base: retail and institutional Bitcoin holders seeking yield on idle BTC, plus institutional investors and funds requiring qualified custody and regulated yield exposure. Distribution is achieved through a self-serve staking platform (stake.coredao.org) for retail users and deep integrations with major qualified custodians — BitGo, Fireblocks, Copper, and Cactus Custody (Matrixport) — for institutional access. Core also supports an enterprise solutions platform, the Valour yield-bearing Bitcoin ETP on Deutsche Börse, SatPay neobank (with Mobilum), Molten Finance Super DEX, Pell Network restaking, Nawa Finance Shariah-compliant vaults, Rev+ builder revenue sharing, and the Core Ventures funding arm.
Core DAO firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Core DAO
- Legal name
- CORE Foundation
- Website
- https://coredao.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2023
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Core DAO operates the Core Blockchain, an EVM-compatible layer-1 protocol enabling non-custodial Bitcoin staking and Dual Staking yield products for retail and institutional BTC holders, secured by Satoshi Plus consensus combining Bitcoin mining hash power, CLTV timelocks, and CORE token staking.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Core DAO industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Layer 1 Blockchain / Bitcoin DeFi Infrastructure
- NAICS
- Financial Transactions Processing, Reserve, and Clearinghouse Activities (522320), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182)
- SIC
- Finance Services (6199)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Staking-as-a-Service Platforms (Non-Custodial) (FSADAHAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Staking Infrastructure & Validator Enablement (Middleware, Slashing Protection, MEV Relays) (FSADAHAJ), Treasury Management & Corporate Crypto Yield Programs (FSADAHAL), On-Chain Payments & Stablecoin Infrastructure (Issuance, Rails, Treasury) (FSAGAMAD), Governance / DAO Validator Participation & Delegation Infrastructure (FSADAKAL), Delegation, Representation & Voting Power Markets (FSAPAHAG)
Keywords
Core DAO business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Transaction fees: BTCfi applications on Core generate transaction fees that contribute to the rewards pool distributed to stakers. Lending platforms, DEXs, asset management protocols, and other dApps produce fees that flow through the ecosystem. Faster Hermes upgrade enables more transactions and accelerated fee generation.
- CORE token block rewards: Fixed block rewards schedule distributing CORE tokens gradually over an 81-year period to consensus participants. Rewards distributed to Bitcoin stakers, CORE stakers, and Bitcoin miners who participate in Satoshi Plus consensus.
- Protocol revenue and CORE buybacks: Asset Management Protocols retain fees from generated yield. Revenue is reinvested into CORE through buybacks to boost yields via Dual Staking. Multiple modules (AMPs, LSTs, SatPay, ETFs, enterprise solutions) funnel value to CORE through accumulated demand and buyback pressure.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Bitcoin staking with variable yield tiers based on CORE token participation |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels9 records
Marketing channels9 records
Core DAO product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Core DAO operates the Core Blockchain, an EVM-compatible Layer 1 secured by the Satoshi Plus consensus mechanism that combines Bitcoin mining hash power, Bitcoin holder CLTV timelocking, and CORE token staking. Its primary products are Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking (using Bitcoin's native timelock to let BTC holders earn yield without bridging or wrapping) and Dual Staking (combining BTC and CORE stakes across tiered yield multipliers). The platform also supports an ecosystem of 100+ Bitcoin DeFi dApps, BTC liquid staking tokens, asset management protocols, and institutional infrastructure delivered via qualified custodians.
Product overview
Core DAO operates the Core Blockchain, an Ethereum-compatible Bitcoin Everything Chain that transforms idle Bitcoin into productive, yield-generating assets. The platform combines Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking (using Bitcoin's native CLTV timelock) with Dual Staking (combining BTC and CORE staking for tiered yields) powered by the Satoshi Plus consensus mechanism. The CORE token (fixed 2.1B supply) serves as the native utility, governance, and yield-unlocking asset. The ecosystem includes the Molten Finance Super DEX, SatPay neobank, BTC Liquid Staking Tokens, Asset Management Protocols, Pell Network restaking, CORE-powered ETPs (via Valour), Rev+ protocol fee sharing, Core SZN retail initiative, Core Academy education, Core Ventures funding, and Institutional Solutions for enterprise Bitcoin yield infrastructure. Key integrations include MetaMask, Fireblocks, Copper, Cactus Custody (Matrixport), BitGo, Ankr, API3, and Akka Finance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Molten Finance: Super DEX launching Core SZN, combining Uniswap and Curve capabilities for Bitcoin-pegged assets with deep liquidity pools.
- Nawa Finance
- Core SZN
- SatPay
- Rev+
- Bitcoin Power Grid
Products and services
- Core Blockchain Bitcoin Everything Chain - an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain that transforms idle Bitcoin into yield-generating assets through Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking and Dual Staking, supporting 100+ DeFi dApps.
- Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking Trustless Bitcoin staking using Bitcoin's native CLTV (CheckLockTimeVerify) timelock feature with a minimum 24-hour lock. BTC holders maintain full custody, vote for Core validators, and earn CORE token rewards without bridging, wrapping, or slashing risk.
- Dual Staking Staking model combining Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking with CORE token staking for enhanced yields. Four tiered levels (Base, Boost, Super, Satoshi) based on CORE-to-BTC ratio, with Satoshi Tier providing maximum yields at a 68,000:1 ratio.
- CORE Token Native utility and governance token of Core blockchain with fixed supply of 2.1 billion tokens. Used for transaction fees, governance participation, network security staking, and unlocking higher Bitcoin staking yields through Dual Staking.
- Molten Finance Super DEX on Core that merges BitFLUX and Glyph, offering the deepest Bitcoin-focused liquidity pools in DeFi with Uniswap-style swaps and Curve-style low-slippage trading for Bitcoin LSTs, wrapped BTC variants, and Bitcoin-backed stablecoins.
- SatPay Core-powered Bitcoin neobank in partnership with Mobilum. Users borrow stablecoins against yield-bearing BTC or LSTs to fund debit cards while continuing to earn yield. Features self-repaying BTC loans and integrated BTCFi applications.
- Pell Network (Restaking on Core) Restaking protocol integration enabling users to restake Bitcoin LSTs (coreBTC, solvBTC.b, solvBTC.m) on Core to earn additional yield and support network security, with Ignition Drop multipliers for participation.
- Nawa Finance Shariah-compliant, ethical DeFi vaults on Core offering Riba-free yield generation through on-chain participation including Core's Dual Staking and Solv Protocol. Launched with SolvBTC.CORE Vault and CORE Vault.
- Asset Management Protocols (AMP) Protocols that package CORE and Bitcoin yield offerings, allocating capital across yield strategies, generating fee revenue, and reinvesting percentages into CORE for Dual Staking boosts. Includes the CoreFi Strategy by DeFi Technologies.
- BTC Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs) Liquid, yield-bearing BTC tokens where users deposit BTC and receive LSTs representing BTC plus revenue. Underlying BTC is staked with Core while supporting additional yield strategies, designed for DeFi composability and as potential underlying assets for yield-bearing BTC ETFs.
- Institutional Solutions Enterprise-grade Bitcoin yield infrastructure including staking architecture, yield engines, collateral models, and liquidity pathways designed for institutions. Supports custom rollup frameworks and private ledgers anchoring to Core, distributed via qualified custodians.
- CORE-Powered ETPs (Valour) Valour's yield-bearing Bitcoin ETP built on Core infrastructure, listed on Deutsche Börse and Frankfurt Stock Exchange, providing the first regulated product offering Bitcoin staking yield via traditional investment vehicles. Includes a separate CORE ETP.
- CoreFi Strategy (DeFi Technologies) DeFi Technologies' product providing sophisticated investors with regulated, leveraged exposure to Bitcoin yields and the CORE token, demonstrating the maturation of BTCfi products for institutional investors.
- Hermes Hardfork (Network Upgrade) Major network upgrade delivering ~6 second transaction finality, enhanced validator operations including maintenance mode and consecutive block production, advanced developer tools including BLS12-381 cryptography and historical block access, and validator commission support up to 100%.
- Core Ventures Venture arm supporting ecosystem development and builder funding within the Core ecosystem.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 6,000 BTC natively staked (~$600M+)
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Core DAO
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Core DAO technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration12 records
Feature5 records
Core DAO partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- BTCS S.A.minorBTCS S.A. is a Polish-listed Bitcoin Digital Asset Treasury that integrated with Core, running a validator and earning yield directly on its corporate balance sheet. This serves as an early case study for CORE-powered Digital Asset Treasuries.
- MobilumcoreMobilum is the infrastructure provider for SatPay, Core's next-generation neobank. Mobilum generates tens of millions in annual revenue across its existing business lines. SatPay allows users to borrow stablecoins against yield-bearing BTC or LSTs to fund debit cards while earning yield.
- Molten FinancecoreMolten Finance is the flagship Super DEX on Core, merging BitFLUX and Glyph into a unified platform. It combines Uniswap's swap capabilities with Curve's low-slippage trading for Bitcoin-pegged assets. Molten launches with the deepest Bitcoin-focused liquidity pools in DeFi, serving as Core SZN's catalyst dApp.
- Nawa FinanceminorNawa Finance launched on Core offering Shariah-compliant, ethical DeFi yields. Nawa's Riba-free vaults enable users to earn sustainable returns through Core's Dual Staking and Solv Protocol without interest-bearing loans or speculation. Two vaults launched: SolvBTC.CORE and CORE vaults.
- ValourcoreValour launched the world's first and only yield-bearing Bitcoin ETP in collaboration with Core Foundation, listed on Deutsche Börse and Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Valour also launched a CORE ETP. The ETP has generated approximately 6% yield to date and demonstrates Core's ability to deliver institution-ready Bitcoin yield products.
- DeFi TechnologiesminorDeFi Technologies launched the CoreFi Strategy providing sophisticated investors with regulated, leveraged exposure to Bitcoin yields and the CORE token. This demonstrates growing institutional interest in complex BTCfi opportunities within the Core ecosystem.
- CoinExminorCoinEx exchange plans to integrate with Core's technology, expanding support for ecosystem tokens and providing real-world use cases to bridge technology and adoption.
- BitFLUXminorBitFLUX co-founded by Anas Bitar, COO, is a Bitcoin DeFi liquidity platform that merged into Molten Finance. BitFLUX brought BTC liquidity expertise and was backed by UTXO and Core Ventures.
- Cactus Custody (Matrixport)coreCactus Custody, an institutional-grade custodial service under Matrixport, integrated with Core. Matrixport was founded by crypto veterans Jihan Wu and John Ge with established relationships to Bitmain and major mining pools like Antpool. The integration enables institutions to access Bitcoin staking yields through Dual Staking.
- BitGocoreBitGo became the first US Qualified Custodian to integrate with Core, enabling institutional access to Dual Staking for Bitcoin yield. BitGo's integration targets $2T of untapped Bitcoin liquidity. The partnership provides institutions with secure access to Core's tiered yield without slashing or counterparty risks.
- CoppercoreStrategic partnership with Copper, a leader in digital asset custody and collateral management. Copper's ClearLoop infrastructure supports CORE token and staking, allowing Bitcoin and CORE to be staked directly from custodial accounts. Founded in 2018, Copper has built the standard for institutional digital asset infrastructure.
- FireblockscoreFireblocks integration enables institutional users to securely custody CORE tokens and access BTCfi through the Fireblocks Web3 Engine. Fireblocks has secured over $6T in transactions, created more than 200M wallets, and serves 1,800+ leading organizations. The partnership extends institutional access to Core's non-custodial Bitcoin staking.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights1 record
Core DAO competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- EigenLayer: Established restaking incumbent on Ethereum. While Ethereum-focused, it sets the restaking template that BTCfi restaking competitors (including those on Core) must differentiate against.
Others
- Valour (DeFi Technologies): Issuing partner for the world's first yield-bearing BTC ETP powered by Core. Channel partner/reseller bringing Core's BTC yield infrastructure to traditional financial investors via regulated ETPs.
Direct peers
- Babylon: Bitcoin staking protocol enabling BTC holders to stake and secure Proof-of-Stake chains via Bitcoin timestamping. Most direct competitor to Core's non-custodial BTC staking, sharing the BTCfi yield narrative.
- Stacks: Bitcoin Layer 2 enabling smart contracts and BTC yield through sBTC. Competes with Core for Bitcoin-aligned DeFi developer mindshare and BTC-denominated yield products.
- Botanix Labs: Bitcoin Layer 2 with EVM-equivalent smart contracts (Spiderchain). Competes with Core on the Bitcoin-aligned EVM chain thesis and BTCfi dApp deployment.
- Lombard Finance: Liquid staking protocol issuing LBTC against staked BTC. Directly competes with Core's BTC Liquid Staking Token offerings in the BTCfi composability stack.
- Solv Protocol: Issues solvBTC and other BTC liquid staking tokens integrated with Core (e.g., solvBTC.b, solvBTC.m). Overlaps with Core's BTC LST and restaking strategy.
- Pell Network: Restaking protocol already integrated with Core (5X Ignition Drop multiplier). Competes for BTC LST restaking flow and restaking-driven yield products across BTCfi.
Emerging players
- BounceBit: BTC restaking chain offering CeDeFi yield on wrapped BTC. Emerging competitor pursuing the same BTC yield and restaking narrative as Core.
- Symbiotic: Restaking and shared-security protocol competing for staked-asset (including BTC) restaking flows. Adjacent but partially overlapping with Core's BTCfi restaking strategy.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Core DAO social profiles
Digital presenceCore DAO financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Core DAO leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Core DAO funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Core DAO M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments4 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Core DAO
What does Core DAO do?
Core DAO operates the Core Blockchain, an EVM-compatible Layer 1 secured by the Satoshi Plus consensus mechanism that combines Bitcoin mining hash power, Bitcoin holder CLTV timelocking, and CORE token staking. Its primary products are Self-Custodial Bitcoin Staking (using Bitcoin's native timelock to let BTC holders earn yield without bridging or wrapping) and Dual Staking (combining BTC and CORE stakes across tiered yield multipliers). The platform also supports an ecosystem of 100+ Bitcoin DeFi dApps, BTC liquid staking tokens, asset management protocols, and institutional infrastructure delivered via qualified custodians.
Is Core DAO a public or private company?
Core DAO is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Core DAO founded?
Core DAO was founded in 2023. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
How does Core DAO make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Transaction fees are the primary driver. The others are CORE token block rewards and protocol revenue and CORE buybacks.
Who are Core DAO's main competitors?
EigenLayer is listed as a broad incumbent. Valour (DeFi Technologies) is listed as an others. Direct peers are Babylon, Stacks, Botanix Labs, Lombard Finance, Solv Protocol and Pell Network. Emerging players are BounceBit and Symbiotic.
Does Core DAO have an API?
No public API is recorded for Core DAO.
What industry is Core DAO in?
Core DAO's product category is Layer 1 Blockchain / Bitcoin DeFi Infrastructure. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSADAHAF, Staking-as-a-Service Platforms (Non-Custodial), with a secondary code of FSADAHAJ, Staking Infrastructure & Validator Enablement (Middleware, Slashing Protection, MEV Relays). Its NAICS code is 522320 and its SIC code is 6199.