For episode 724 of the BlockHash Podcast, host Brandon Zemp is joined by Samuel (Chad) Patt, Co-founder of OP_NET.

OP_NET enables smart contracts directly on Bitcoin Layer 1, with no bridges, sidechains or Layer 2s. BTC is used as gas, keeping all security and liquidity native to Bitcoin. This unlocks stablecoins, lending, trading, staking and DeFi entirely on Bitcoin without wrapped assets or custodial risk.

Samuel has always pursued opportunities that challenge conventional market cycles and push the boundaries of narrative. Coming from a punk background, his passion for Bitcoin stems from its decentralized architecture and anti-establishment ethos. In 2023, alongside his co-founders Danny and Anakun, Samuel began building toward a more productive Bitcoin - one capable of hosting smart contracts, institutional-grade infrastructure, and open financial applications.

📣 This episode is brought to you by Sumsub.

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⏳ Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(3:26) Who is Samuel (Chad) Patt?

(5:07) Is Bitcoin DeFi viable?

(7:25) Building native functionality on Bitcoin

(10:30) Whitepaper for OP_NET

(10:48) Sumsub

(11:32) Public Investing

(12:17) Mainnet launch

(14:14) Eliminating friction points

(17:35) Does building on Bitcoin congest the network?

(28:30) Bitcoin 2026

(31:52) OP_NET roadmap

🎙 OP_NET Links:

🔗 Website: https://opnet.org/

🔗 X: https://x.com/opnetbtc

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opnetbtc/

🔗 Telegram: https://t.me/opnetbtc

🔗 Discord: https://discord.com/invite/opnet

📢 Disclaimer:

None of our content constitutes, nor is intended to act as financial advice. It’s important to always do your own research and due diligence before making any investment decision. Digital Assets and Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile and carry a considerable amount of risk.

📣 This episode is brought to you by Public Investing

Paid ad. Brokerage services by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. This information is for educational purposes only and is not tax or investment advice. Consult your tax advisor for individual considerations. Crypto IRAs are self-directed individual retirement accounts offered and custodied by Alto Trust Co, a New Mexico trust company. Information about retirement accounts on Public is for educational purposes only and is not tax or investment advice. Visit the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/ for more information on the limitations and tax benefits of IRAs. Crypto is highly speculative and involves significant risk, including loss of principal. Cryptocurrencies are not protected by FDIC or SIPC. See our Crypto Risk Disclosures at https://public.com/custodian-account-agreement for additional information.

See terms of Match Program. Matched funds must remain in your account for at least 5 years. Match rate and other terms are subject to change at any time.

Ep. 724 OP_NET | Building Native Functionality on BTC (feat. Samuel Patt)