{"id":"elizabeth-stark","version":1,"language":"en","title":"Elizabeth Stark","hidden":false,"content":"**Elizabeth Stark** is a [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) entrepreneur, educator, and advocate for the open internet. She is also the co-founder and CEO of Lightning Labs, the developer of the [Lightning Network](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network). [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-tuy9ggo49ik) $$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](9IXZqPTTRE0)$$  \n  \n# Education  \n  \nStark graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Management in 1995. She also holds a Joint Degree (J.D.) from Havard University. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-tuy9ggo49ik)[\\[2\\]](#cite-id-g7wgrxbu3ok)  \n  \n# Career  \n  \nElizabeth Stark was a Fellow at the Yale Information Society Project, a Lecturer in Computer Science at Yale University, and an Adjunct Associate Professor at NYU. A graduate of Harvard Law School, she founded the Harvard Free Culture Group and served on the board of Students for Free Culture. While at Harvard, she was editor-at-large for the Harvard Journal of Law & Technology and worked with the Harvard Advocates for Human Rights to utilize new media to promote human rights. She conducted research for the Berkman Center for Internet & Society and taught courses on topics like Cyberlaw, Intellectual Property, Technology & Politics, and Electronic Music. Stark also produced the inaugural Open Video Conference in New York. In 2016, she co-founded Lightning Labs. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-tuy9ggo49ik)[\\[2\\]](#cite-id-g7wgrxbu3ok) $$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](7LW_Txd7Fw0)$$  \n  \n# Interviews  \n  \n## Bitcoin Tech Talk  \n  \nStark discussed Lightning Lab's role in developing the [Lightning Network's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network) technical infrastructure at the [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) Channel Tech Talk. Lightning Labs focuses on creating open-source solutions, contributing to the LND implementation, and enabling multi-asset transactions over [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) and Lightning. The team released an alpha version of the Taro assets protocol, allowing asset issuance on Bitcoin’s layer one, which can be moved into [Lightning](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network) channels for faster, cheaper transactions. Stark highlighted the importance of capital efficiency in the [Lightning Network](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network), rather than maximizing [total value locked](https://iq.wiki/wiki/tvl), and emphasized their commitment to building infrastructure while remaining neutral on asset issuance. The company aims to bring more assets, including [stablecoins](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stablecoin), to [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin), allowing global scalable, low-fee instant transactions. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-f89anfeevqb)   \n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](7a1qXUnLX0k)$$  \n  \n## Lightning Network  \n  \nAt SALT New York, Stark and Brett Messing (SkyBridge) discussed the evolution and potential of the [Lightning Network](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network) as a second layer on [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin), enabling instant, high-volume transactions. She explained how this technology makes [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) more than just a digital asset, positioning it as an internet-native monetary system. Stark highlighted the growing use cases of the [Lightning Network](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network), such as cross-border payments, in-game payments, and content creator tipping, particularly in emerging markets. She noted that adopting [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) as legal tender in El Salvador was a pivotal moment, underscoring the global potential of the technology, which allows individuals without access to traditional financial systems to participate in a decentralized, digital economy. Stark's company, Lightning Labs, plays a significant role in this development by building tools that facilitate these innovations. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-8oi0bxl25b8)   \n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](KOEZ-08n3Ww)$$  \n  \n# Panels  \n  \n## Lightning & Bitcoin  \n  \nStark reflected on [Bitcoin's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) evolution at the [Bitcoin Amsterdam Conference](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-conference) and the community's efforts to maintain its decentralization and security. She highlighted the blocksize wars, a critical period where [Bitcoin's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) future was uncertain, as some wanted to centralize control. However, the community ultimately chose a decentralized, layered scaling approach, solidifying [Bitcoin's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) core values. Stark emphasized [Bitcoin's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) significance as a global movement, distinct from traditional financial systems, and the growing role of Lightning Labs in onboarding developers and users, particularly in emerging markets, to improve financial access. [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-ouwqvlg375)   \n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](R-fZtw-vVT0)$$  \n  \n## Young Bitcoin Coders  \n  \nAt the [Bitcoin 2022 Conference](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-conference), Stark discussed the contributions of young [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) coders Autumn Domingo and Ishaana Misra, who met at a BitDevs meetup and became actively involved in the [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) community. Stark praised their dedication, noting their work on various projects, such as UI/UX design and developing a [testnet](https://iq.wiki/wiki/testnet) wallet. Autumn and Ishaana also co-founded Generation [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin), a group that educates teens about [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) through peer-led presentations and discussions. Stark highlighted the [Lightning Network's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network) and [Bitcoin's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) significance as tools for financial inclusion and global access to [decentralized finance](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi). [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-bi4ncagfqdm)   \n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](M130SNz3NVk)$$  \n  \n## Fireside Chats  \n  \n### BASS NYC  \n  \nIn a BASS NYC fireside chat between Stark and Gil Rosen (Blockchain Builders Fund), they discussed the history and evolution of [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin), the [Lightning Network's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network) development, and scaling challenges. Stark shared her early experiences and how the community initially doubted the feasibility of [Layer 2 (L2)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) solutions. Despite skepticism, the [Lightning Network](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network) evolved as a prominent [L2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2), allowing faster and more scalable [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) transactions. Stark explained the technical challenges, such as the block size debates and the significance of the 2017 Segregated Witness (SegWit) soft fork, which resolved issues and paved the way for [L2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) developments. She also discussed [Bitcoin’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) core principles, emphasizing security and decentralization over rapid changes. The conversation explored the growing adoption of [Lightning](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network), its role as a payment and interoperability layer, and the community’s cautious approach to changes at [Bitcoin’s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) base layer. Stark highlighted innovations, including side chains, and the increasing interest in [L2s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) and [stablecoins](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stablecoin) as key trends in the current cycle. [\\[7\\]](#cite-id-9yuyi0lk5lb)   \n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](cxV7L6avPNU)$$  \n  \n### Africa Bitcoin Conference  \n  \nIn a fireside chat at the [Africa Bitcoin Conference](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-conference), Stark discussed the evolution and significance of the [Lightning Network](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network). She shared her journey in co-founding Lightning Labs and highlighted the network's ability to enable [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) to function as a monetary and transactional network. She emphasized the growing community of developers building on [Lightning](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network), especially in emerging markets like Africa, where the technology has seen notable adoption. Stark also addressed the importance of education and community engagement in expanding the use of [Lightning](https://iq.wiki/wiki/lightning-network), particularly through grassroots efforts and developer workshops. She concluded by discussing Taro, a project to integrate [stablecoins](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stablecoin) on the [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) network to meet global demand for stable assets in regions lacking traditional financial systems. [\\[8\\]](#cite-id-wvpw45rjgz9)   \n$$widget0 [YOUTUBE@VID](LeaGsSvxNbs)$$","summary":"Elizabeth Stark is a blockchain entrepreneur, educator, and CEO of Lightning Labs, known for her work on the Lightning Network and advocacy for the open internet.","categories":[{"id":"people","title":"People in crypto"}],"promoted":0,"tags":[{"id":"Founders"},{"id":"PeopleInDeFi"},{"id":"Speakers"}],"metadata":[{"id":"references","value":"[{\"id\":\"tuy9ggo49ik\",\"url\":\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-stark-565690206/\",\"description\":\"Elizabeth Stark | LinkedIn\",\"timestamp\":1730334148210},{\"id\":\"g7wgrxbu3ok\",\"url\":\"https://www.aspeninstitute.org/people/elizabeth-stark/\",\"description\":\"Elizabeth Stark | Aspen Institute\",\"timestamp\":1730334177046},{\"id\":\"f89anfeevqb\",\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a1qXUnLX0k&pp=ygUPZWxpemFiZXRoIHN0YXJr\",\"description\":\"Keynote Interview with Stark | YouTube\",\"timestamp\":1730334327411},{\"id\":\"8oi0bxl25b8\",\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOEZ-08n3Ww&pp=ygUPZWxpemFiZXRoIHN0YXJr\",\"description\":\"Bitcoin for Billions | YouTube\",\"timestamp\":1730334525451},{\"id\":\"ouwqvlg375\",\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-fZtw-vVT0&pp=ygUPZWxpemFiZXRoIHN0YXJr\",\"description\":\"The Future of Bitcoin & Lightning | YouTube\",\"timestamp\":1730334577681},{\"id\":\"bi4ncagfqdm\",\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M130SNz3NVk&pp=ygUPZWxpemFiZXRoIHN0YXJr\",\"description\":\"The Youngest Bitcoin Coders | YouTube\",\"timestamp\":1730334616849},{\"id\":\"9yuyi0lk5lb\",\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxV7L6avPNU&pp=ygUPZWxpemFiZXRoIHN0YXJr\",\"description\":\"BASS NYC Fireside Chat | YouTube\",\"timestamp\":1730334748181},{\"id\":\"wvpw45rjgz9\",\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeaGsSvxNbs&pp=ygUPZWxpemFiZXRoIHN0YXJr\",\"description\":\"Africa Bitcoin Conference Fireside Chat | YouTube\",\"timestamp\":1730334828219}]"},{"id":"facebook_profile","value":"https://facebook.com/elizabeth.stark.1420"},{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://twitter.com/starkness"},{"id":"linkedin_profile","value":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-stark-565690206/"},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmY3WhkBeNW2PS8yFHv5b4w5AYLLayicT7mteS2wr2f7hb"}],"user":{"id":"0xacb6c5AD52b8f605299B0d774CE97F26e3DB80c2"},"author":{"id":"0x704E3d9c38E339b15631C1bedd7aCfd476ADB7a6","profile":{"username":"feekaryo","avatar":"QmQS9UprDFh5916nofUYhu3Y5nNAeqTNKhTiMFDpZYL8aK"}},"media":[{"name":"7a1qXUnLX0k","size":0,"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a1qXUnLX0k","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"name":"9IXZqPTTRE0","size":0,"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IXZqPTTRE0","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"name":"KOEZ-08n3Ww","size":0,"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOEZ-08n3Ww","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"name":"R-fZtw-vVT0","size":0,"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-fZtw-vVT0","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"name":"M130SNz3NVk","size":0,"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M130SNz3NVk","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"name":"cxV7L6avPNU","size":0,"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxV7L6avPNU","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"name":"LeaGsSvxNbs","size":0,"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeaGsSvxNbs","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"name":"7LW_Txd7Fw0","size":0,"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LW_Txd7Fw0","source":"YOUTUBE"}],"views":8456,"events":[],"linkedWikis":null,"founderWikis":[],"blockchainWikis":[],"ipfs":"QmY3WhkBeNW2PS8yFHv5b4w5AYLLayicT7mteS2wr2f7hb","transactionHash":"0x562c8848b98bd43de24ff7037c1d5dec46e128be07ef086b6210b39c778166b8","created":"2022-08-10T18:22:28.927Z","updated":"2022-08-14T12:38:28.294Z","images":[{"id":"QmR9XQ3JePZsptJqVSx5M7JFJquYxGpaRmMaLam5u41hPL","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}]}