User:Fernando Nikolic/sandbox

Blockstream

‘’‘Blockstream’’’ is a blockchain technology company founded in 2014 that develops infrastructure for the Bitcoin network, including sidechains, privacy enhancements, and tools for both institutional and consumer use. Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with offices in Lugano and Tokyo,https://blockstream.com/press-releases/2024-11-04-blockstream-launches-lugano-research-center/https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/02/05/blockstream-opens-new-office-in-tokyo-as-it-expands-in-asia Blockstream is known for its contributions to Bitcoin protocol development and its suite of Bitcoin-native financial products and services.

History

Blockstream was founded in 2014 by cryptographer Adam Back, along with Bitcoin developers and cryptographers including Pieter Wuille and Gregory Maxwell. The company raised $21 million in seed funding in 2014, followed by a Series B round in 2021 that valued the company at $3.2 billion.https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2021/08/24/blockstream-raises-210m-valued-at-3-2b/ In 2024, Blockstream secured $210 million in convertible note financing to drive Layer-2 growth and expand its Bitcoin treasury.https://blockstream.com/press-releases/2024-10-15-blockstream-secures-210m-dollars-led-fulgur-ventures-drive-layer-2-growth-expand-bitcoin-treasury

Blockstream entered the asset management space in 2021 by acquiring Adamant Capital, founded by Tuur Demeester.https://finance.yahoo.com/news/blockstream-buys-demeester-adamant-expansion-193050327.html

Products and Services

Liquid Network

Launched in 2018, the Liquid Network is a Bitcoin sidechain developed by Blockstream that enables faster settlements, confidential transactions, and tokenized asset issuance.https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2018/10/10/bitcoins-liquid-sidechain-launches-with-23-exchanges-on-board/

Blockstream Jade

Blockstream Jade is a fully open-source hardware wallet introduced in 2021, supporting Bitcoin and Liquid assets. It uses an air-gapped design and QR code communication for enhanced transaction security.https://blog.blockstream.com/blockstream-jade-open-source-hardware-wallet/

Blockstream App

Formerly known as Blockstream Green, the Blockstream App is a non-custodial mobile wallet for Bitcoin and Liquid with advanced multisig security and hardware wallet support. It includes expanded onboarding features and supports both retail and institutional users.https://blog.blockstream.com/introducing-the-blockstream-app-the-bitcoin-wallet-that-grows-with-you-2/

Core Lightning and Greenlight

Blockstream maintains Core Lightning (formerly c-lightning), a lightweight implementation of the Lightning Network. Greenlight, launched in beta in 2022, allows users and developers to run non-custodial Lightning nodes on demand.https://blog.blockstream.com/announcing-greenlight-beta-access/

Blockstream Satellite

Blockstream Satellite broadcasts the Bitcoin blockchain via geostationary satellites, enabling global access without an internet connection. Initially launched in 2017, it aims to improve network resilience and censorship resistance.https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2020/05/04/blockstream-satellite-adds-api-to-send-data-messages-via-space/

Blockstream Finance and Asset Management

Launched in 2023, Blockstream Finance offers institutional products, including: • Bitcoin Yield Fund and USD Yield Fundhttps://www.theblock.co/post/268429/blockstream-bitcoin-usd-yield-funds • AMP – institutional-grade custody and compliance tools • Regulated asset issuance for tokenized securities via the Liquid Networkhttps://bitcoinmagazine.com/business/blockstream-liquid-network-asset-tokenization • Blockstream Mining Note (BMN) – a Bitcoin mining security token issued on STOKRhttps://blockstream.com/press-releases/2021-03-30-blockstream-releases-bitcoin-mining-security-token-the-blockstream-mining-note-bmn-on-stokr/ • BASIC Note – a Bitcoin basis investment vehicle tied to ASIC market cycleshttps://blockstream.com/press-releases/2023-08-15-blockstream-bets-on-asic-market-recovery-with-launch-of-new-basic-note-investment-vehicle/

Developer Tools and R&D

Blockstream contributes to the broader Bitcoin ecosystem through open-source initiatives such as: • Elements – a Bitcoin-compatible testbed for new blockchain features • Miniscript – a simpler syntax for Bitcoin Script • Simplicity – a smart contracting language designed for safety and auditability • MuSig2 – a multi-signature scheme developed in collaboration with researchers to improve privacy and efficiency of Bitcoin multisig transactionshttps://blockstream.com/research/musig2

Leadership

• ‘’‘Adam Back’’’ – CEO, co-founder, cryptographer, and inventor of Hashcash • ‘’‘Lawrence Nahum’’’ – CTO • ‘’‘Michael Minkevich’’’ – COO • ‘’‘Michael Golomb’’’ – CFO • ‘’‘Sean Bill’’’ – CIO • ‘’‘Jeff Boortz’’’ – CPO

Recognition and Industry Role

Blockstream is regarded as one of the most influential companies in Bitcoin infrastructure. It played a significant role during the Bitcoin block size debate, helped shape Lightning Network development, and remains a major contributor to Bitcoin-related cryptographic research.

Blockstream’s infrastructure has supported various institutional and retail Bitcoin use cases, including regulated digital asset issuance and self-custody products for consumers.

References