Ark Labs launches Arkade public beta, a Bitcoin-native Layer 2

Originally published by The Block - James Hunt · Oct. 21, 2025

The Block reports that Ark Labs launched Arkade in public beta as a Bitcoin-native Layer 2 built around Virtual Transaction Outputs, or VTXOs. The design keeps settlement tied to Bitcoin while moving activity offchain, with Ark Service Providers coordinating batched transactions without taking custody of user funds. Ark Labs also introduced Arkade Assets for stablecoins and other tokens, positioning the system for applications beyond payments. The report describes an early infrastructure release, so developers should still evaluate the beta's tooling, security model, liquidity, and operational dependencies before treating it as production-ready.

• Arkade uses VTXOs to represent Bitcoin-backed offchain claims

• Ark Service Providers coordinate settlement without holding user funds

• Arkade Assets extends the proposal toward stablecoins and other tokens