From Argentina's Hyperinflation to BTC Layer 2: Building Rootstock- Gabriel Kurman & Adrian Eidelman
In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Gabriel Kurman and Adrian Eidelman, co-founders of Rootstock, to discuss why they built a Bitcoin-native smart contract layer instead of launching a separate blockchain. Gabriel and Adrian share how growing up in Argentina amid hyperinflation and capital controls shaped their conviction that the world needs a neutral, censorship-resistant financial system, especially for the unbanked.
They break down what makes Rootstock unique as a side chain secured by Bitcoin proof-of-work through merged mining, why using Bitcoin as the native currency avoids the incentive misalignment of other layer twos, and how full EVM compatibility lets developers build with familiar tools.
The conversation also covers the role of stablecoins like USDB in emerging markets, how agentic AI is accelerating the need for scalable programmable money, and Gabriel's work with Bitcoin for Humanity and Bitcoin circular economies. They close by reflecting on how technology, purpose, and humanitarian work intersect in building a more open financial system.
- ⏱ Timestamps:
- 00:00 Cold open: when the money in your bank isn't your money anymore
- 01:00 Welcome back to Redefined — meet Gabriel Kurman & Adrian Eidelman
- 02:00 Growing up in Argentina: hyperinflation, capital controls, and discovering Bitcoin
- 04:00 Why Rootstock is an open protocol, not a company
- 06:00 The origin story: Nick Szabo's challenge to build smart contracts on Bitcoin
- 10:00 Corralito: Argentina's 2001 banking collapse, explained
- 13:00 Decentralization vs. “just a blockchain” — why neutrality matters
- 17:00 Value never flowed through the old internet — until Bitcoin
- 19:00 20 billion unbanked, and why access to money should be like access to air and water
- 22:00 From color coins to layer twos: choosing to build on Bitcoin instead of a new chain
- 25:00 What makes Rootstock a side chain, and how merged mining ties it to Bitcoin's security
- 29:00 EVM compatibility, native Bitcoin, and 85% of Bitcoin's hash rate
- 36:00 Rootstock's structure: a neutral protocol, Rootstock Labs, and a decentralized builder ecosystem
- 42:00 Stablecoins on Rootstock — and why they should be secured by Bitcoin
- 47:00 Agentic AI and the push for 100x more scalability
- 50:00 From building Rootstock to Bitcoin for Humanity and circular economies
- 55:00 Where to find Rootstock, Bitcoin for Humanity, and the circular economy book
- 🔗 Follow the Guests:Gabriel Kurman – LinkedIn | XAdrian Eidelman – LinkedIn | X
- 🎙️ Follow our Hosts:Jeremy Almond – Twitter
- 📣 Follow the Podcast:Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReDeFined_talksApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-redefined-podcast/id1655798659Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0f7eB4hl90sRijPxOHFxIA?si=d_BGCbN8TPaf99rzvZDC8wHype: https://hype.co/@redefinedpodcast