Zest Protocol Introduces New Yield-Based Token BTCz for Bitcoin Holders

Zest Protocol, a Bitcoin lending protocol, launches yield-bearing token BTCz.

Binance-supported Bitcoin DeFi protocol Zest launches yield-bearing token BTCz

Bitcoin Liquid Staking Launched on Stacks via Zest Protocol

Binance and Tim Draper-Backed Zest Protocol Launches New BTCz Token in Bitcoin DeFi Push

ZEST PROTOCOL has completed a $3.5 million seed round financing, led by TIM DRAPER.

Bitcoin lending protocol ZEST completes $3.5 million seed round financing

Bitcoin lending protocol ZEST completes $3.5 million financing round led by TIM DRAPER

Zest Bitcoin Lending Protocol Secures $3.5 Million in Funding Led by Tim Draper

Binance Labs Invests in Zest Protocol for On-Chain Bitcoin Lending

Tim Draper Leads $3.5 Million Funding Round for Bitcoin Lending Startup Zest Protocol

ZEST PROTOCOL has completed a $3.5 million seed round financing, led by TIM DRAPER.

The Zest Protocol in the Stacks ecosystem was hacked, resulting in a loss of 324,000 STX.

Zest Protocol Suspends Operations After Theft of 324,000 STX

ZEST PROTOCOL suspends operations, 324,000 STX tokens stolen.

Zest Protocol Launches Bitcoin Lending Markets on Stacks

ZEST PROTOCOL Completes First Round of Financing and is About to Launch on the BLAST Mainnet

We're sunsetting BTCz - what you need to know. With Stacks now leading Bitcoin Layer 2s by BTC supply and over 500 sBTC on Zest, the protocol is shifting its focus to sBTC and Borrow markets. A new form of BTCz could return soon. In the meantime, here’s how to withdraw from BTCz. 🧵⬇️

In Episode 55, we talk with @markymark about what makes the new Leather Mobile app a true rebuild from the ground up. Plus, @ReeceSwanepoel and @3hunnatheArtist join to share how Leather Mobile is already changing the way they earn STX and sBTC on @ZestProtocol and @StackingDao, swap tokens on @Bitflow_Finance, manage perps on @VelarBTC, create and collect art on the go with @trygamma, and more. 00:00 Introduction to Leather Mobile App Launch 03:30 Deep Dive into Features and Vision 07:05 Taking a Look - User Experience and Design Philosophy 12:51 Multi-Account Management and Navigation 16:03 Earning Opportunities and In-App Discovery 20:21 Ambassador Insights with Reece and 3Hunna 22:10 Reece's Perspective and Insights as an Artist 23:54 3Hunna's Excitement for the New App Features 25:34 How Reece Uses Leather to Connect to Dapps across the Bitcoin and Stacks Ecosystems 27:04 Collecting and Supporting Art in the Digital Space 28:41 Community-Centric Development and Integration 31:04 Roadmap and Future Features for the Mobile App 32:59 Showcasing the Web App and Its Unique Features 40:54 Reflections on Team Efforts and Future Goals

zest is now live on @Cookie3_com. See which zest chads are leading the charge and amplifying the protocol everywhere. 🍊 https://t.co/LaxWs1V5Sp

Borrow USDh against your sats on @ZestProtocol. Stake borrowed USDh for a 10% yield spread at the current 3% borrow APR. It took us 58 seconds, can you beat that? 👀 https://t.co/pKIykD05hL

Leather’s new web app just dropped – and we went deep with @markymark Hendrickson on the Leather Lounge. Mark breaks down how this new platform lets you discover, track, and manage Bitcoin yield strategies right from your browser. Plus, we spotlighted builders and founders from @HermeticaFi , @ZestProtocol , @ALEXLabBTC , @StackingDao , @VelarBTC , @GraniteBTC , and more. Whether you’re stacking STX, exploring sBTC, or just curious about the future of Bitcoin-powered DeFi, this one’s packed with insights and alpha. 📺 Full replay available now – with timestamps 👇 00:00 Introduction to Leather's New Web App 02:48 Vision Behind the Browser-Based Experience 05:44 Exploring Stacking and sBTC Opportunities 08:08 Understanding Hermetica's Yield-Bearing Stablecoin with Founder @jakob_btc 11:34 Zest Protocol: Lending and Yield Generation with Founder @TychoOnnasch 17:58 Yield Strategies with STX and Liquid Staking w/ @theadvisorbtc 20:25 Integrating AI for User Education 22:15 Velar: The First Perpetual DEX on Stacks w/ @Sureshsinghn 26:42 Navigating Scams in the Crypto Ecosystem 29:21 Native Stacking vs Liquid Stacking with StackingDAO w/ @philiphacks 33:41 @marshallmixing from Granite: A Safe Bitcoin Lending Protocol 40:07 Innovations in Mobile and Web Apps 40:42 @DeFiPoet from ALEX 46:41 Mark Hendrickson on their intention behind building the WebApp

"The entire point of BTC is to never sell it" @renapshah says lending protocols like @ZestProtocol and @GraniteBTC are the "golden goose of DeFi" https://t.co/PSu1RGHFVc

2,000 more sBTC just got deployed to Stacks.The sBTC-USDh yield trade on @ZestProtocol remains the highest-yielding way to put your sBTC to work. https://t.co/X1c25fxUXR

Here's all the yield opportunities on @Stacks that Muneeb highlighted at @token2049 👇 ✦ 3-5% APY just for holding sBTC ✦ 12% APY on @VelarBTC ✦ Up to 40% APY with @ZestProtocol + @HermeticaFi https://t.co/vQ6JWiRqt9

Hermetica Hangout is back. This week, we’re joined by @ZestProtocol to talk about the rise of credit markets on Bitcoin. Host: @DCBK2LA Guest: @ZestProtocol Set a reminder. ⏰ https://t.co/Q64kCwPxvR

Zest is quickly becoming the central hub of DeFi on @stacks — and the numbers prove it. From stablecoins to sBTC, liquidity is flowing into the protocol to earn yield or borrow for advanced strategies. Let’s dig into the data that shows how central Zest has become 👇🧵

🟧To accommodate institutional interest, the third sBTC deposit cap is rescheduled to May 22, 2025, allowing 2,000 $BTC to be deposited, expanding Bitcoin’s DeFi role on Stacks. sBTC, a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset on @Stacks, enables Bitcoin holders to engage in DeFi while upholding Bitcoin’s security and decentralization. This follows the April 30, 2025, launch of sBTC withdrawal functionality, enabling trust-minimized conversion to native BTC. With 3,000 sBTC already in circulation, Stacks has emerged as a leading blockchain for BTC locked. The upcoming 2,000 sBTC cap raise will further cement Stacks’ position as a premier hub for BTCFi. By minting sBTC, users can unlock Bitcoin’s potential in the Stacks ecosystem, participating in innovative DeFi protocols without compromising Bitcoin’s foundational values. 👇 🔸@ZestProtocol 🔸@ALEXLabBTC 🔸@Bitflow_Finance 🔸@ArkadikoFinance 🔸@VelarBTC 🔸@StackingDao 🔸@HermeticaFi

USDh is the most borrowed stablecoin on @ZestProtocol. Borrow from over 500K USDh available at 2.95% APY. https://t.co/Pr9oJGu89g

zest ships so often on @Stacks that sometimes it’s hard to keep up. here’s the latest on what’s new and what makes the protocol even more zesty. 🧵⬇️

Stacks gives you native BTC for stacking. But there's a ton of additional opportunities. "You can provide liquidity to something like @VelarBTC and start earning higher yields. You can borrow on @ZestProtocol and provide liquidity into bitcoin-backed stablecoins [like USDh]" https://t.co/F07l1jV5H7

Bitcoin is the world’s most valuable idle asset. Bitcoin-backed lending can unlock BTC liquidity and become the next trillion-dollar opportunity. Here is how Zest Protocol is leading the way. 🧵👇

Zest Protocol co-founder, @TychoOnnasch will be at @token2049 in Dubai from Apr 30 - May 1. Perfect opportunity to connect and discuss all things Bitcoin, L2s, DeFi, @Stacks, and more! https://t.co/xp7mGiFzQz

We wrote this guide a while back on how to borrow USDh against sBTC on @ZestProtocol. Since then, borrowable liquidity has grown by over 300%. There’s now $1M+ USDh available to borrow. Same steps. Way more firepower.

USDh 现在为 Zest 清算提供支持。 我们将 CeFi 流动性引入 Stacks DeFi，使 sBTC 支持的贷款更具可扩展性。 目前在 @ZestProtocol 上有超过 100 万美元的 USDh 可供借用。https://t.co/bQAzeqLXHi

We’ve been cooking up something and it’s almost time to serve. Ready when you are, @ZestProtocol. 🔥 https://t.co/qlhBBRn2Rp

Want to earn sBTC yield while borrowing other liquidity? Depositing stSTXbtc on @ZestProtocol and using it as collateral is the move. Quick video guide to walk you through it ⬇️ https://t.co/quHsDl9PRa

VELAR PERPDEX: Earn 5% when you trade with USDh Join us on Spaces tomorrow, April 16th at 2 PM UTC to learn how you can earn yield with USDh on Velar PerpDex. Hosted by @RainFire09 with co-hosts @HermeticaFi and @ZestProtocol, plus special guests @jackbinswitch and @theadvisorbtc. RSVP link below 👇

sBTC, STX, and stablecoins are the core assets for Stacks to thrive. Zest is the protocol that brings them to life in DeFi. Here’s why Zest will be the one activating capital and igniting Stacks DeFi season. 🧵 ⬇️

🤔 How will ALEX DAMM benefit you? For Traders: 🔸 Tighter spreads from concentrated liquidity 🔸 More precise trade execution 🔸 Lower slippage on large orders 🔸 Protection against price manipulation For Liquidity Providers: 🔸 Higher capital efficiency (more fees, same capital) 🔸 Easier and more flexible position management 🔸 Fungible LP tokens that can be used elsewhere 🔸 Reduced impermanent loss via targeted liquidity For the @Stacks ecosystem: 🔸 Enables higher borrow limits on stables like $aUSD on @ZestProtocol 🔸 Boosts total value locked (TVL) 🔸 Increases on-chain volume and activity Even if you’re not an active trader or LP, DAMM is a major step forward for DeFi — helping DEXs close the gap with CEXs in functionality and advanced features. That means that more liquidity stays on-chain where it can be better utilized. 💸 Learn more about DAMM on our Medium 🔗 https://t.co/83HtAFxbiL

✅ @ZestProtocol has updated their scope! Updated smart contracts are now available for bug bounty hunting! https://t.co/QBFDm9apBR

Muneeb is getting Zesty! If you want to lend and borrow your assets on Stacks, just use @ZestProtocol!

Long ago, our founder Jakob prophesied the sBTC use case. Today, it’s real: ✅ Borrow USDh against sBTC on @ZestProtocol ✅ Trade sBTC/USDh on @VelarBTC Perp DEX Bitcoin DeFi has entered its “told you so” era. 🟧 https://t.co/kCJrsXIaCS

Just the last 10 days on Stacks: Velar launches its perpetual futures decentralized exchange on Stacks. The Stacks Foundation launches its builder program called “Stacks Ascent". Zest Protocol shares price feeds now powered by Pyth Network. STX denominated value deployed in Stacks DeFi at an all-time high. Hermetica shares it’s the first trading pair for Velar’s Bitcoin-native PerpDEX on Stacks. Daily unique active wallets on Stacks have been consistently going up. Stacks Buidl Battle hackathon sees hundreds of attendees and nearly a hundred submissions. Signal21 reports STX all-time high for stacking TVL. Much more.

📈 Even in a quieter market, $USDA is pulling its weight.Over the past few weeks, USDA deposits on @ZestProtocol have averaged nearly 10% APR.Real yield. No noise. Just pure returns 🔥Put your $USDA to work👉 https://t.co/uYdOXPt3xf https://t.co/vt1WoxYUeM

Integration Announcement 📣Zest protocol price feeds are now powered by @PythNetwork!Zest pulls real-time price updates from the best in the business, ensuring smooth and robust operation of the protocol.Accurate price feeds = stronger, more powerful Bitcoin DeFi. https://t.co/KY2n4On291

another Zest weekly recap is here!Zest deposits are growing with an inflow of 70 sBTC and a 2x increase in stSTXbtc on the protocol.let’s dive into the numbers! ⬇️ https://t.co/8EmXrWNKw9

Zest has unlocked yield on sBTC and is driving stablecoin liquidity flows in @Stacks defi.but what is next for the protocol?here is everything you need to know about what Zest is working on. 🧵 ⬇️ https://t.co/uRI5QwHVBN

The sBTC 2nd cap is now live on @Stacks! Don't forget you can earn up to 7% APY by depositing sBTC using Zest protocol. Already 400 sBTC are on Zest; can it reach the 1000 milestone? 😉 https://t.co/uzoiq69XO1

🟧@Stacks is set to launch sBTC Cap-2, increasing its capacity by 2,000 $BTC to a total of 3,000 $BTC. Deposits, with a minimum of 0.01 $BTC, will open at 10 AM ET on a first-come, first-served basis, while withdrawals are anticipated in March 2025.sBTC is a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset that offers approximately 5% annual yield and opportunities in DeFi on Stacks, all secured by Bitcoin’s hash power and comprehensive audits. This phase aims to enhance Bitcoin liquidity, with plans for a fully decentralized system expected later in 2025.You can utilize your sBTC across various DeFi protocols on Stacks, with more opportunities to be announced soon. Current options include:🔸@ZestProtocol🔸@Bitflow_Finance🔸@VelarBTC🔸@HermeticaFi🔸@ALEXLabBTC🔸@ArkadikoFinance🔸@StackingDao

Stacking Defi Strategy 🔥1️⃣ Mint $stSTX on @StackingDao2️⃣ Deposit as collateral on @ZestProtocol3️⃣ Borrow against your $stSTX4️⃣ Swap $stSTX for $sBTC or $STX on @Bitflow_Finance 5️⃣ Provide liquidity & maximize rewards6️⃣ Use daily Bitflow rewards to pay off your loan. https://t.co/UP9UHVRjoy

🎙️𝕏 Spaces: 'Building on Bitcoin' | Hosted by BITFLOW 🗓️Date: WED FEB 19TH | 🕒Time: 3PM EST ✨Guest: @ZestProtocol, @jackbinswitch, @JakeBlockchain, @PeaceLoveMusicG, & @GPSC_STX Join us as we explore the future of Bitcoin DeFi being built today! 🚀 https://t.co/U73HcUiL0H

new users are coming to stacks in anticipation for sbtc cap-2, feb 25, and btcfi.new institutions are coming to stacks for sbtc and btcfi.let's give them a warm welcome and introduce our btc defi ecosystem:@ALEXLabBTC: stx / btc dex to swap bitcoin l1 and l2 assets: running a 12m alex token rewards program for community involvement.@VelarBTC: dex / perp dex to swap between sbtc, stx and other assets: running velar tokens rewards for sbtc pools.@Bitflow_Finance: runes amm: trading runes on the l2 with a great user experience and pooling rewards.@ZestProtocol: bitcoin liquidity protocol for lending and borrowing. earn extra yield by supplying sbtc.@StackingDao: liquid stacking protocol. stack stx to earn sbtc.@GraniteBTC: btc lending and borrowing with sbtc, now in beta. get in early!@HermeticaFi: usdh stablecoin with up to 25% apy. you can use sbtc as collateral to borrow and stake usdh. there's many other flourishing apps we should celebrate and share with new users.

Our USDh reserves on @ZestProtocol are holding strong, and demand isn’t slowing down 🚀🍊$212.03k+ USDh in total reserves☑️ Borrowing cap pushing its limit again💼 Supply APY at 5.38%, up to 25% on staked USDhLiquidity is moving, rates are competitive, and the window is open. Put your USDh to work.

Hermetica Hangout is back! 🚀 This week, we’re talking DeFi strategies with USDh on @ZestProtocol & @StackingDAO. 🌟 Host: @DCBK2LA 🌟 Guests: @LeeorShimron & @theadvisorbtc Set your reminder and join the conversation! 🔥 https://t.co/M0MUBh0QPe

Bitcoin-backed liquidity is creating new yield opportunities. Watch how to borrow USDh on @ZestProtocol and stake it for yields.

The sBTC cap is set to be increased this month.🚀This is your reminder that you can:🔹 Borrow USDh against sBTC on @ZestProtocol🔹 Earn up to 25% yields from funding rate premiums on USDhMore sBTC = more yields. 🟧 https://t.co/Ta4sm2vi4j

Due to high demand, the stSTXbtc supply cap on @ZestProtocol has been removed, allowing more users to leverage their stSTXbtc positions to borrow additional liquidity.

Still looking where to park your stablecoins? 👀 💸 Supply $USDA on @ZestProtocol for a very comfy 46% APR (avg 31%) 🤯

According to Wu's report, Stacking DAO Development Director @LeeorShimron summarized that Bitcoin L2 Stacks is building a DeFi ecosystem based on Bitcoin, with multiple protocols offering opportunities for lending, staking, and liquidity mining. Arkadiko supports STX and stSTX/sBTC collateral to mint USDA, enabling arbitrage of over 20%; Hermetica issues USDh, utilizing Bitcoin basis arbitrage with an annual yield of about 33%; Zest Protocol provides a lending market where deposited assets can earn returns and points; Stacking DAO supports liquid staking of STX, with an annual yield of approximately 10%; DEXs such as Bitflow, Velar, and ALEX offer LP rewards, with some trading pairs having APYs exceeding 100%. https://t.co/3ZqxVNBEaK