The 50 Most Interesting Companies In Bitcoin's History: 28/50
Lightning Labs
The Idea: Build the Lightning Network - a 'Layer 2' payment protocol on top of Bitcoin that enables instant, nearly free transactions by creating off-chain payment channels.
Early Traction: Lightning was the most anticipated technical upgrade in Bitcoin's history. The angel investor roster read like a who's who of tech and finance.
Peak Stats: Lightning Network capacity has grown to 5,000+ BTC. Millions of users access Lightning through apps like Strike, Cash App, and Wallet of Satoshi. Taproot Assets protocol enables stablecoins on Bitcoin.
Status Today: Active. Developing the Taproot Assets protocol to bring stablecoins and other assets to Bitcoin's Lightning Network.
Why It Matters:
Lightning Labs is building what could be the most important scaling solution in Bitcoin's history. If Bitcoin becomes a global payment network, Lightning is the rails it runs on.