Core Ventures | Core Cartel

Build the Bitcoin
economy of tomorrow

Why join The Cartel?

[An inflection point for Bitcoin]

For the first time, Core has introduced the 0-to-1 enablers needed to make Bitcoin productive, from trustless staking to composable yield. We partner with and support builders at critical inflection points, from company formation to going to market, helping you navigate complexity with strategy and intention.

[Holistic support from Core Foundation]

Core builders are the blood of our ecosystem, and our team is your team. We are your partner at every critical stage from company formation to going to market, helping you navigate complexity with strategy and intention.

[Great ideas don’t happen in isolation]

Innovation compounds when you’re surrounded by others doing the same. The Cartel is where builders collaborate, question, and tackle the most challenging problems in Bitcoin — together.

Products we’re partnering
with driven founders on

Lending and credit markets

Bitcoin is the apex collateral asset. Non-custodial infrastructure, productive collateral, securitization, and permissionless capital formation are laying the foundation for accessible and efficient liquidity on Bitcoin. Create intent-based lending markets, CDP protocols, and undercollateralized credit markets, all anchored in real BTC yield.

Trading venues

On-chain trading is one of crypto’s largest use cases, and BTC is at the forefront. Bitcoin native AMMs, perpetuals, and CLOBs are unlocking new pathways for deep, permissionless BTC liquidity. Build the next standard for Bitcoin-denominated markets.

Structured products

TradFi activity has illustrated the overwhelming interest in derivatives that deliver targeted risk-return profiles using BTC as the underlying asset. As DeFi and TradFi lines begin to blur, structured products represent one of the largest on-chain opportunities for Bitcoin. EVM developers can build Bitcoin-based vault products, fixed and floating yield markets, and products leveraging off-chain venues and yields.

FAQ

Is it a requirement for Cartel applications to be native to Core?

Yes, selected teams are required to be native to Core. Core is purpose-built to be the most aligned Bitcoin sidechain, and we believe innovation should start where those values are embedded.

What makes a strong applicant?

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, demographics, and geographies to apply. We evaluate teams on intrinsic motivation, technical talent, and the ability to execute.

Can I apply without an idea or MVP?

Yes, the Cartel is built for ambitious founders at the earliest stages. You don't need to have everything figured out. The program is designed to challenge assumptions and evolve your thinking as you go.

When will applications be evaluated?

All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Core Cartel

Build the Bitcoineconomy of tomorrow