BTCFi is emerging, TVL on Bitcoin network has significantly surged since Oct 24 and remained at above $7b for almost a year. This TVL helps Bitcoin to rank the 3rd among the DeFi network. Some believe that zK has no connection to BTCFi, but @union_build may change your perspective on that. ▸ Briefly on Union - The Next-gen ZK Interop Layer @union_build is an interop Layer 1 powered by zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP). Union uses zk proofs to enable trustless and efficient movement of assets and data across ecosystems. Why an interop layer? As you know, countless L1s, L2s, and app-chains have led to significant fragmentation. ➜ A reliable interop infra is vital. Some may argue that current interop protocols can address these issues, but they often share a common concern - security. ▸ The advantages of ZK tech ​ ICYMI, current interop technology relies on third parties to verify the messages and validate transactions. ​ This can pose a significant problem if messages are exposed. ​ ➜ ZKPs enable one party to prove the validity of data without revealing the data, ensuring privacy. ​ Additionally, ZK-based systems are faster, more secure, and more scalable, making them ideal for handling cross-chain activity on a large scale. ​ Check out the comparison table of the current interoperability market. ▸ Major products of Union ​ Besides the common use cases of an interop infra, Union stands out with these functions: ​ - Cross-chain governance: allows users to stake in a chain’s governance module from connected chains without transferring their tokens. ​ ➜ This increases the opportunity to keep your assets on your favorite network, enhanced by LSTs within the ecosystem. ​ - Specialized BTCFi Infra (Bitcoin Supercharge Network - BSN): integrating with @babylonlabs_io to route nearly 98% of all BTC LST volume into Union. ​ ➜ This sets up a foundational position of Union in BTCFi. ▸ The current stats ​ @union_build is still in the testnet phase with notable metrics: ​ + over 325m testnet transactions + over $50m in TVL bootstrapped + upcoming $100m committed from top BTC staking protocols, including @Bedrock_DeFi, @Lombard_Finance, and @SolvProtocol + a wide range of partners integrated: Berachain, Polygon AggLayer, Celestia, Babylon, Arbitrum, Sei, Avalanche, and Sui ​ And as per my last post, $U tokenomics is out with @UnionFDN. Here're what you shouldn't miss about the use cases: ​ + Gas fee on Union: for ZK proof generation and verification ​ + Consumed for light nodes managing and updating ​ + Staked when a new route established ​ More at: ​ Thus, the flywheel of $U is explained below: ▸ Final take ​ @union_build, with their announcement of $U tokenomics, is accelerating the path to the Union mainnet. ​ The solid foundational factors behind Union are ZKPs and BTCFi. ​ Thus, we strongly believe Union will establish a new standard in securing interop. ​ Let's see.