From Bitcoin Mining to DeFi Innovation: João Simões on Unlocking Bitcoin Liquidity with InceptionLRT
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From Miner to Builder: João Simões' Web3 Journey
What happens when a pioneer in Bitcoin mining decides to tackle Ethereum staking? You get InceptionLRT—a project quietly reshaping the way liquidity and security interact in decentralized finance.
Today, João is the CEO and co-founder of InceptionLRT, a liquid restaking protocol that’s engineering solutions for some of the toughest challenges in Web3. In this episode, he unpacks that mission, offering a thoughtful look into how staking and restaking can evolve to support a more resilient and capital-efficient crypto ecosystem.
Why Staking (and Restaking) Is Harder Than It Looks
Staking has become synonymous with DeFi. But as João points out, it's far from beginner-friendly. The technical depth required to truly understand validator mechanics, slashing risks, restaking layers, and liquidity tradeoffs means many projects struggle to onboard users beyond the crypto-native crowd.
InceptionLRT addresses this with a simple yet powerful value proposition: reduce the friction in restaking and offer instant liquidity. Their “Flash and Stake” product enables users to stake ETH and access liquid tokens immediately—without waiting for long lock-up periods or redemption cycles.
Liquid Restaking and the Rise of Bitcoin in DeFi
One of the most compelling parts of this conversation is how João sees Bitcoin fitting into the restaking landscape. Historically, Bitcoin has been a passive asset in DeFi—underutilized and siloed. But new primitives like Bitcoin restaking, enabled through protocols like Babylon, are unlocking fresh opportunities.
InceptionLRT is positioning itself to become a gateway for this shift, aiming to capture Bitcoin liquidity in ways that preserve security and decentralization while enabling yield generation. The result? A world where Bitcoin can actively participate in validating and securing other chains without being moved off-chain or wrapped.
Building Through Cycles: Grit, Timing, and Strategic Capital
João offers a candid look into what it takes to fundraise in crypto. As he puts it, “your old contacts retire every cycle.” The landscape changes quickly, and founders need to adapt—not just with product but with how they tell their story.
His key advice for founders: focus on niche, conviction-driven VCs who understand your protocol deeply. Persistence pays off, but timing matters. With Series A and TGE on the horizon, João is taking a calculated approach, prioritizing strategic alignment over inflated valuations.
Marketing in DeFi: Community First, Product Always
Marketing in Web3 isn't about hype. João's approach revolves around community engagement, education, and strong user feedback loops. Instead of chasing short-term traction, InceptionLRT is investing in onboarding users who understand and value the protocol’s core mission.
That said, João acknowledges the mental and emotional toll the industry can take. Between high expectations, market volatility, and the constant threat of bad actors, resilience is critical. His antidote? A strong daily routine, good health practices, and staying grounded in long-term goals.
Key Takeaways
- From Portugal’s first Bitcoin miner to DeFi innovator: João’s journey is a lesson in evolving with the industry.
- Restaking isn’t simple, but it’s powerful: InceptionLRT simplifies participation while maximizing yield and liquidity.
- Bitcoin restaking is an emerging frontier: Projects like Babylon are turning BTC into an active participant in DeFi.
- Success in crypto requires timing, conviction, and storytelling: João highlights how fundraising evolves each market cycle.
- Building sustainably matters: Both in terms of user acquisition and founder well-being.
