Introducing BTC Forge, the flagship accelerator for Bitcoin-native builders.

BTC Forge

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BTC Forge is a 14-week accelerator program that supports the best early-stage teams building staking, yield, and liquidity products on Core chain — the Bitcoin-powered Layer 1.

➤ 8 teams max—exclusive cohort
Funding included to continue the build - up to $100K
➤ Hands‑on support from top‑tier operators, investors, and mentors
Direct access to Core’s ecosystem

We’re on a mission to make Bitcoin more useful, and evolve from a “Pet Rock”

Some Examples of What You Could Build on Core

Bitcoin-native yield primitives

Design protocols where idle BTC earns yield autonomously. Build simple, transparent products—aggregators, vaults, or native staking tools.

Bounty-driven trading terminals

Build advanced trading interfaces on Core that match CEX-level UX and execution, but run on-chain. Incorporate gamified rewards like contests or strategy bounties to attract volume and liquidity

DApps with economic activity

Ship apps with real users, real flows, and real revenue. We’re looking for measurable throughput—not just demos.

Applications open

Submit your project for a chance to join the first cohort. We’re selecting 8 standout teams building in staking, yield, and BTC-native DeFi.

Selected teams will get direct access to Core Ventures' network of seasoned builders, investors, and domain experts. From product strategy and token design to growth and fundraising, our mentors bring hands-on experience from building and scaling in crypto’s most competitive verticals.

Program Benefits

Funding via Core Ventures
Deep mentorship from founders, product leaders, and investors
Full-stack support from Harbour Labs
Access to Core’s ecosystem, tooling, and BD network

Core Ventures Mentors

Selected founders will gain access to Core Ventures' network of mentors — including founders, operators, and investors from some of the most established names in crypto.From product strategy and token design to growth, BD, and fundraising, our mentors offer practical guidance grounded in real-world experience.

Ryón Nixon

Founder & CEO / Marin Digital Ventures

Grace Li

Strategic Industry BDM / Google

Matt Paik

Head of DeFi / LayerZero

Kevin Williams

Founder / Sats Ventures

News & Events

FAQ

01
Who is BTC Forge for?

BTC Forge is designed for early-stage teams building Bitcoin-native products — especially those focused on staking, yield, and on-chain liquidity. You don’t need to have raised funding, but you should have a clear idea and a committed team.

02
What kind of support will selected teams receive?

Selected teams get hands-on mentorship from founders, operators, and investors, funding from Core Ventures, and full-stack support through Harbour Labs. You’ll also get direct access to the Core ecosystem, including technical infrastructure and BD connections.

03
Do I need to already be building on Core to apply?

 No — teams from any ecosystem are welcome to apply. If selected, we’ll help you port or build natively on Core, with technical and strategic guidance to make the most of its Bitcoin-native infrastructure.