Stacks
Stacks is a Bitcoin Layer-2 blockchain protocol that enables smart contracts, decentralized finance, and self-custodial Bitcoin yield through its Proof of Transfer consensus mechanism, Clarity smart contract language, and sBTC bridge. It serves Bitcoin holders, developers, and institutional participants.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersMelbourne, Australia
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Stacks does
Stacks is a Bitcoin Layer-2 blockchain protocol, founded in 2017 (originally as Blockstack), that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications without modifying Bitcoin's base layer. It uses a Proof of Transfer (PoX) consensus mechanism that links its security to Bitcoin's hashrate, and pairs that with Clarity — a decidable smart contract language designed to avoid unbounded loops and unpredictable execution. The protocol is led by founder Muneeb Ali and CEO Alex Miller, with the network's upgrade cadence anchored by major releases including the Nakamoto upgrade (October 2024), which delivered 5-second block times and Bitcoin finality.
The protocol's product surface centers on three core primitives. First, sBTC is a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset launched in December 2024 that allows trust-minimized movement of BTC into programmable layers; over 5,000 BTC has been deposited into the bridge. Second, Stacking is the consensus-anchored lockup mechanism in which STX holders (581,424,225 STX currently stacked) secure the network in exchange for BTC-denominated rewards — 3,666 BTC has been distributed to stackers historically. Third, Dual Stacking (also called Bitcoin Staking), launched in late 2025, lets participants earn yield on both STX and BTC simultaneously and has attracted over $100M in capital. Supporting infrastructure is delivered through partners including Hiro Systems (developer tooling) and Trust Machines (consumer applications).
Stacks serves three principal customer segments. Bitcoin holders use Stacking and Dual Stacking to generate self-custodial yield on BTC and STX without relinquishing custody. Developers use Clarity and the Hiro toolchain to build DeFi, NFT, and AI-agent applications anchored to Bitcoin's security model. Institutional participants access the network through custody and staking integrations with Fireblocks, BitGo, Grayscale (via the Stacks Trust), Figment, Blockdaemon, Circle, Asymmetric Research, and Jump Crypto. Protocol-level economics are denominated in STX and BTC and flow through transaction fees, Stacking reward distribution, and sBTC bridge operations; corporate-level revenue, pricing, and headcount for any single operating entity are not disclosed in the input.
Stacks firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Stacks
- Legal name
- Stacks
- Website
- https://stacks.co
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Stacks is a Bitcoin Layer-2 blockchain protocol that enables smart contracts, decentralized finance, and self-custodial Bitcoin yield through its Proof of Transfer consensus mechanism, Clarity smart contract language, and sBTC bridge. It serves Bitcoin holders, developers, and institutional participants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Stacks industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Bitcoin Layer-2 Blockchain Protocol
- NAICS
- Other Financial Vehicles (525990)
- SIC
- Finance Services (6199), Security & Commodity Brokers, Dealers, Exchanges & Services (6200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Stablecoins & On-Chain Money (fiat-backed, crypto-backed, algorithmic; issuance/redemption) (FSAPAEAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Yield, Vaults & Asset Management (vault strategies, robo-vaults, structured yield) (FSAPAEAG), Enterprise Payments & Tokenized Money (stablecoins, tokenized deposits, CBDC rails) (FSAPAIAJ), Mint/Redeem, Issuance APIs & Treasury Operations Platforms (FSADADAE), Stablecoin Payment Rails & Settlement Networks (Issuer-Led) (FSADADAF), Reserve Management, Custody & Segregated Accounts (Backing Infrastructure) (FSADADAD), Stablecoin Protocols (Decentralized) (FSADAMAD)
Keywords
Where Stacks is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Melbourne
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Markets served
Stacks business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Network Transaction Fees: Stacks network generates revenue through transaction fees paid by users executing smart contracts, transfers, and other on-chain activities. As DeFi volume and AI agent activity scale on the network (targeting 100x throughput improvement), fee revenue scales proportionally with network usage.
- STX Token Economics: STX is the native cryptocurrency of the Stacks network and serves as the capacity asset for Bitcoin Staking. As Bitcoin staking adoption grows, demand for STX as the staking capacity asset increases. STX is also used to pay transaction fees on the network.
- sBTC Bridge Fees: sBTC enables programmatic Bitcoin to be used across DeFi, lending, and decentralized apps on Stacks. Fees may be generated through bridge operations, DeFi protocols built on Stacks, and other on-chain financial services that leverage sBTC.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Network participation — Stacking: Earn BTC yield by locking STX |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels9 records
Stacks product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Stacks is a Bitcoin Layer-2 blockchain protocol that enables smart contracts, decentralized applications, and native Bitcoin yield without modifying Bitcoin itself. It uses Proof of Transfer (PoX) consensus to cryptographically anchor every block to Bitcoin, with the Clarity smart contract language and the sBTC 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset powering programmable DeFi and self-custodial BTC yield.
Product overview
Stacks is a Layer 2 network built on Bitcoin that enables smart contracts, decentralized applications, and native Bitcoin yield without modifying Bitcoin itself. The core offering consists of the Stacks L2 network using Proof of Transfer consensus anchored to Bitcoin, paired with two yield mechanisms: Stacking (locking STX to earn BTC) and Bitcoin Staking (locking BTC on L1 to earn yield while maintaining custody). The key product is sBTC, a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset enabling programmable Bitcoin use in DeFi. Smart contract functionality is powered by Clarity, a decidable programming language that reads Bitcoin state natively. Developer infrastructure includes Clarinet (local development environment), Stacks.js (TypeScript SDK), Hiro Platform (browser-based IDE), and the Stacks API for blockchain interactions. The ecosystem encompasses DeFi protocols (ALEX, Zest Protocol, Stacking DAO, BitFlow, Arkadiko), NFT platforms (Gamma), wallets (Leather, Xverse), and infrastructure services including the Signer Network securing sBTC operations. The Nakamoto upgrade (October 2024) delivered 100% Bitcoin finality and 5-second block times, followed by sBTC mainnet launch in December 2024.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Stacks Layer-2 Network The core Bitcoin Layer-2 blockchain protocol that adds smart contracts, decentralized apps, and Bitcoin yield on top of Bitcoin without modifying Bitcoin. Every block is cryptographically anchored to Bitcoin and inherits Bitcoin's security.
- Stacking
Quantifiable outcome
- 581,424,225 STX staked in the network
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Stacks
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Stacks technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration25 records
Feature5 records
Stacks partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
53 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- FireblockscoreStacks is live on Fireblocks, a leading institutional digital asset custody and infrastructure platform. Fireblocks provides institutional clients with access to Stacks' Bitcoin Staking functionality. This partnership enables institutional-grade access to Stacks' self-custodial Bitcoin yield products.
- BitGocoreBitGo provides regulated custody, financial services, and core infrastructure for investors and builders on Stacks. Listed as a company growing Bitcoin with Stacks. BitGo is also an sBTC Signer.
- FigmentcoreFigment is an industry-leading staking provider and upcoming sBTC Signer on Stacks. Provides staking infrastructure and services. Listed as a company growing Bitcoin with Stacks.
- BlockdaemoncoreBlockdaemon provides complete institutional solution for seamless, secure, and efficient Web3 services on Stacks. Listed as a company growing Bitcoin with Stacks. Blockdaemon is also an sBTC Signer.
- CirclecoreCircle, issuer of USDC stablecoin, is listed as a company growing Bitcoin with Stacks. USDCx on Stacks plugs directly into Circle's multichain ecosystem.
- Asymmetric ResearchcoreAsymmetric Research is a boutique security venture focused on deep partnerships with L1/L2 blockchains and DeFi protocols. Listed as a company growing Bitcoin with Stacks. Asymmetric Research conducted rigorous research and protocol audits for sBTC and is an sBTC Signer.
- Hiro SystemscoreHiro Systems provides developer tools that bring web3 to Bitcoin, including the Stacks API, Hiro Platform (browser-based IDE), and Stacks.js SDK. Key infrastructure partner for the developer ecosystem. Also listed as a community partner, event partner, and core contributor.
- Trust MachinescoreTrust Machines builds Bitcoin apps in-house and invests in teams in the Stacks Ecosystem. Runs the Bitcoin Education Center for Stacks. Core ecosystem builder.
- Stacks FoundationcoreThe Stacks Foundation supports builders on a mission to activate the Bitcoin economy. Provides grants, organizes events, and supports community development. Also supports Critical Bounties (RFP-style grants supporting Working Groups and Core Development).
- Stacks Asia FoundationcoreThe Stacks Asia Foundation works to deepen key relationships across Asia for the leading Bitcoin L2. Regional ecosystem development and community building.
- GammacoreGamma is the leading NFT marketplace on Stacks. Explore, collect, and sell NFTs secured by Bitcoin. Powers the NFT section of the Stacks ecosystem.
- ALEXcoreALEX is an open-source DeFi protocol modeled on the world's financial markets. An autonomous Bitcoin liquidity protocol where users can participate as liquidity providers, borrowers, or liquidators. Major DeFi application on Stacks.
- Leather WalletcoreLeather is the primary wallet for Bitcoin and Stacks, designed for security, clarity, and growth. Supports Stacking (via Leather Earn), sBTC, and connects to Stacks apps. Integrated deeply with the Stacks ecosystem.
- XversecoreXverse is the Bitcoin wallet for everyone. Connect to Stacks apps and stacking pool with Ledger support. Available on iOS, Android, and Chrome. Supports sBTC and Stacking.
- BinancecoreBinance is the largest world cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Offers Stacking services for STX, making Stacks accessible to Binance's massive user base. Also a major sBTC exchange partner and sBTC Signer.
- OKXcoreOKX is the second biggest crypto exchange by trading volume, serving over 50 million people globally. Offers Stacking via OKX Web3 and is an sBTC exchange partner.
- CoinbasecoreCoinbase is the largest and most popular US-based exchange. Offers Coinbase Custody for STX and Stacking, Coinbase Pay for purchasing/transferring crypto, and is an sBTC exchange partner.
- Zest ProtocolcoreZest Protocol is a Bitcoin lending protocol on Stacks. Listed as a featured app, ZEST token debuted on Binance in May 2026. One of the sBTC ecosystem apps.
- BitfinexcoreBitfinex is one of the world's longest-running exchanges, trusted by professionals. Listed as an sBTC Signer, contributing to the security of sBTC operations.
- CoppercoreCopper provides custody, Stacking, and SIP-10 support for the Stacks network. Institutional-grade infrastructure partner. Listed as an sBTC Signer.
- Chorus OnecoreChorus One is a staking provider for over 50+ decentralized networks including Stacks. Offers non-custodial Stacking pools. Listed as an sBTC Signer.
- KilncoreKiln makes enterprise-grade staking easy. Listed as an sBTC Signer and staking provider for Stacks.
- Hex TrustcoreHex Trust provides regulated institutional digital asset custody, staking, and markets services for builders, investors, and service providers. Listed as an sBTC Signer.
- LuganodescoreLuganodes is a Swiss-operated enterprise-grade staking provider and upcoming sBTC Signer on Stacks.
- Stacking DAOcoreStacking DAO provides liquidity for stacked tokens on Stacks. Liquid Stacking solution that allows users to leverage their STX throughout the ecosystem while continuing to earn Stacking rewards. Listed as an sBTC Signer.
- DeSpreadcoreDeSpread is a consultancy that leads Stacks activity in Korea, specializing in the growth of crypto startups and protocols. Listed as an sBTC Signer.
- LuxorcoreLuxor provides software and financial services for the future of Bitcoin mining. Listed as an sBTC Signer on Stacks.
- Dystopia LabsminorDystopia Labs runs industry events and helps onboard developers into the blockchain space. Community and event partner.
- BrinkminorBrink is a Bitcoin development nonprofit focused on advancing the Bitcoin ecosystem. Community partner and event partner.
- Anchorage DigitalcoreAnchorage Digital is crypto for institutions, home to the only federally chartered crypto bank. Listed as a custody and ecosystem partner.
- Blockchain.comminorBlockchain.com is the world's leading crypto finance house since 2011. Exchange partner and ecosystem participant.
- RyderminorRyder is the world's first social wallet bringing real-life social interaction to crypto. Operates Fast Pool by Ryder, a community-run Stacking pool paying in STX. Listed as a wallet and Stacking provider.
- EasyAminorEasyA is a mobile app for learning Stacks development. Education partner helping onboard developers.
- MessariminorMessari is the leading provider of crypto market intelligence products. Published State of Stacks Q4 2025 report. Community partner.
- Stacks Korea CommunityminorTelegram channel for Stacks community in Korea. Regional community and marketing partner.
- Stacks AustraliaminorAn Aussie community building decentralized applications and smart contracts on Bitcoin. Regional community partner.
- STX:LDN (Stacks London)minorThe official and Number 1 Stacks Community of the UK. A community-led group expanding the Stacks community and Bitcoin ecosystem through education.
- MegaDAOminorAn on-chain DAO operated by the Megapont Community. NFT community and ecosystem participant.
- MegapontminorAn NFT community for pioneers. Top NFT collection by volume on Stacks (Megapont Ape Club). Ecosystem participant.
- Bitcoin Builders Association (BBA)minorCommunity for builders of all kinds on Stacks. Community partner.
- PlanbettercorePlanbetter is a non-custodial Stacking Pool paying in BTC. Listed as a Stacking provider and sBTC Signer.
- InfStonescoreInfStones provides easy-to-use blockchain infrastructure for Stacks. Listed as an sBTC Signer and infrastructure partner.
- Alum LabscoreAlum Labs combines benefits of institutional and community node operators. Listed as an sBTC Signer and Staking provider.
- SenseiNodecoreSenseiNode builds with leading node infrastructure in Latin America. Listed as an sBTC Signer and Stacking provider.
- Signal21coreSignal21 is the premier blockchain data and intelligence platform of the Bitcoin economy. Listed as an sBTC Signer and data partner.
- LISAminorLISA is an upcoming liquid Stacking option for Stackers on Stacks. Liquid Stacking solution via lisalab.io.
- BitgetminorSeychelles-based exchange with 20+ million users across 100 countries, with focus on copy trading and smart trading tools. sBTC exchange partner.
- CoinListminorCoinList is where the best crypto projects launch. sBTC exchange partner.
- Strata LabsminorClarity experts that have worked with projects like Nakamoto-1, CrashPunks, ProjectIndigo and more. Ecosystem builder and technical partner.
- RestakecoreRestake is an institutional Stacks Signer and Stacking pool. Listed as an sBTC Signer.
- Degen LabcoreDegen Lab is an innovative developer agency specializing in Stacks, Clarity, and Bitcoin. Listed as an sBTC Signer and Stacking provider.
- BitfariminorBitfari is the Internet of Places, a location-based communication solution on Stacks.
- ArkadikocoreArkadiko is an open-source protocol that mints a stablecoin (USDA), generating Bitcoin yield. Major DeFi protocol on Stacks. Community and event partner.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Stacks competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Citrea: Citrea is a ZK-rollup Bitcoin L2 focused on programmable Bitcoin and BTC-backed assets; it competes with Stacks on the Bitcoin programmability thesis using a different execution/scaling approach (validity proofs vs. PoX/Clarity).
- Liquid Network (Blockstream): Liquid is a Bitcoin sidechain operated by Blockstream offering BTC-pegged assets, asset issuance, and trading. It is comparable to Stacks as a Bitcoin-anchored platform for tokenized BTC and DeFi, though with sidechain (federated) rather than PoX consensus.
- Rootstock (RSK Labs): Rootstock is the longest-running Bitcoin sidechain/L2 enabling smart contracts on Bitcoin via merge-mining. It is directly comparable to Stacks on programmable Bitcoin, EVM compatibility vs. Clarity, and Bitcoin-anchored security, competing for the same developer and BTC-yield market.
- Babylon: Babylon is a Bitcoin staking / restaking protocol that lets BTC holders secure other chains while earning BTC-denominated yield — directly intersecting with Stacks' Bitcoin Staking and Stacking narratives and vying for the same BTC-capital and institutional onboarding flow.
- Core DAO: Core DAO operates a Bitcoin-secured EVM-compatible chain using Satoshi Plus consensus that lets BTC holders stake to secure the chain and earn rewards — competing with Stacks for BTC staking yield share and Bitcoin-aligned DeFi liquidity.
Emerging players
- BOB (Build on Bitcoin): BOB is a hybrid Bitcoin L2 combining Bitcoin security with EVM smart contracts and a BTC-pegged asset (wBTC bridging). It competes with Stacks on the Bitcoin-programmability thesis using an EVM-first approach rather than Clarity.
- Threshold Network (tBTC): Threshold issues tBTC, a trust-minimized wrapped Bitcoin token used across DeFi. It is comparable to Stacks' sBTC as a BTC-pegged asset bridging idle BTC into DeFi, with similar decentralization trade-offs and competing for the same BTC-into-DeFi use case.
- Spark (Lightspark / Bitcoin L2 by Lightspark): Spark is a Bitcoin L2 initiative by Lightspark focused on stablecoin payments and Bitcoin-anchored settlement. It overlaps with Stacks' sBTC / tokenized-money angle and competes for institutional Bitcoin payment and treasury use cases.
- Badger DAO: Badger DAO is a DeFi protocol focused on Bitcoin-collateralized products (Sett vaults, ibBTC). It overlaps with Stacks' Zest Protocol, ALEX, and Arkadiko as a destination for BTC-yield seekers, though without the Bitcoin-finality / L2 security positioning.
- Solv Protocol: Solv issues yield-bearing BTC and tokenized treasury products (stBTC, xSolvBTC) for institutional BTC holders. It targets the same institutional BTC-yield audience as Stacks' Bitcoin Staking and sBTC, though via tokenized wrappers on EVM chains rather than native Bitcoin finality.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Stacks social profiles
Digital presenceStacks financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Stacks leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Stacks funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Stacks M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Stacks
What does Stacks do?
Stacks is a Bitcoin Layer-2 blockchain protocol that enables smart contracts, decentralized applications, and native Bitcoin yield without modifying Bitcoin itself. It uses Proof of Transfer (PoX) consensus to cryptographically anchor every block to Bitcoin, with the Clarity smart contract language and the sBTC 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset powering programmable DeFi and self-custodial BTC yield.
Is Stacks a public or private company?
Stacks is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Stacks founded?
Stacks was founded in 2017. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Stacks based?
Stacks is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Stacks make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Network Transaction Fees are the primary driver. The others are STX Token Economics and sBTC Bridge Fees.
Who are Stacks's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Citrea, Liquid Network (Blockstream), Rootstock (RSK Labs), Babylon and Core DAO. Emerging players are BOB (Build on Bitcoin), Threshold Network (tBTC), Spark (Lightspark / Bitcoin L2 by Lightspark), Badger DAO and Solv Protocol.
Does Stacks have an API?
Yes. The Stacks API allows developers to interact directly with the Stacks blockchain to query information, broadcast transactions, and scale projects. The Stacks.js SDK is an all-in-one TypeScript/JavaScript library for decentralized app development on the Stacks ecosystem. Additional developer tools include Stacks CLI for command-line interactions and Clarinet for local blockchain development and smart contract testing. Developer documentation is at docs.stacks.co.
What industry is Stacks in?
Stacks's product category is Bitcoin Layer-2 Blockchain Protocol. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAPAEAB, Stablecoins & On-Chain Money (fiat-backed, crypto-backed, algorithmic; issuance/redemption), with a secondary code of FSAPAEAG, Yield, Vaults & Asset Management (vault strategies, robo-vaults, structured yield). Its NAICS code is 525990 and its SIC code is 6199.