> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://natureloved-staxiq-48.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Protocols Overview

> Explore the Stacks DeFi ecosystem through Staxiq

## Introduction to Stacks DeFi Protocols

Staxiq connects you to the leading DeFi protocols on Stacks, Bitcoin's smart contract layer. Whether you're looking to lend, swap, earn yield, or stack STX, our platform provides seamless access to the entire ecosystem.

With over **\$722M in Total Value Locked** across integrated protocols, Staxiq enables you to maximize your Bitcoin and STX holdings through battle-tested DeFi primitives.

## All Protocols

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Zest Protocol" icon="building-columns" href="/protocols/zest">
    Lending protocol offering **8.2% APY** on sBTC with transparent on-chain rates. **\$48.2M TVL** | Low Risk
  </Card>

  <Card title="ALEX Lab" icon="bolt" href="/protocols/alex">
    Leading Bitcoin DeFi super app with **15.1% APY**. Swap, earn, and launch on Stacks. **\$124.5M TVL** | Medium Risk
  </Card>

  <Card title="Bitflow" icon="arrows-rotate" href="/protocols/bitflow">
    DEX aggregator providing **12.4% APY** with best swap rates for sBTC/STX pairs. **\$31.7M TVL** | Medium Risk
  </Card>

  <Card title="Hermetica" icon="wand-magic-sparkles" href="/protocols/hermetica">
    High-yield protocol offering **18.7% APY** on Bitcoin-backed synthetic dollars. **\$9.8M TVL** | High Risk
  </Card>

  <Card title="StackingDAO" icon="layer-group" href="/protocols/stackingdao">
    Liquid stacking with **9.5% APY** — stack STX while maintaining liquidity with stSTX. **\$89.3M TVL** | Low Risk
  </Card>

  <Card title="Velar" icon="chart-line" href="/protocols/velar">
    Perpetuals and spot trading with **11.3% APY** on Bitcoin L2 via Stacks. **\$431K TVL** | Medium Risk
  </Card>

  <Card title="Granite" icon="mountain" href="/protocols/granite">
    Lending protocol offering **7.8% APY** — borrow stablecoins against Bitcoin collateral. **\$18.6M TVL** | Low Risk
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Protocol Categories

### Lending Protocols

Lend your Bitcoin-backed assets and earn competitive yields with transparent, on-chain interest rates.

* **Zest Protocol** — 8.2% APY on sBTC
* **Granite** — 7.8% APY on sBTC

### Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

Swap, provide liquidity, and earn trading fees on Stacks' leading decentralized exchanges.

* **ALEX Lab** — 15.1% APY on sBTC/STX
* **Bitflow** — 12.4% APY on sBTC/STX
* **Velar** — 11.3% APY on sBTC/STX

### Yield Protocols

Maximize returns through advanced yield strategies on Bitcoin-backed assets.

* **Hermetica** — 18.7% APY on sBTC

### Stacking Protocols

Participate in Stacks consensus while maintaining liquidity through liquid stacking.

* **StackingDAO** — 9.5% APY on STX

## Protocol Comparison

| Protocol      | Type     | APY   | TVL      | Asset    | Risk Level |
| ------------- | -------- | ----- | -------- | -------- | ---------- |
| Hermetica     | Yield    | 18.7% | \$9.8M   | sBTC     | High       |
| ALEX Lab      | DEX      | 15.1% | \$124.5M | sBTC/STX | Medium     |
| Bitflow       | DEX      | 12.4% | \$31.7M  | sBTC/STX | Medium     |
| Velar         | DEX      | 11.3% | \$431K   | sBTC/STX | Medium     |
| StackingDAO   | Stacking | 9.5%  | \$89.3M  | STX      | Low        |
| Zest Protocol | Lending  | 8.2%  | \$48.2M  | sBTC     | Low        |
| Granite       | Lending  | 7.8%  | \$18.6M  | sBTC     | Low        |

## Getting Started

Staxiq makes it easy to interact with any of these protocols:

1. **Connect your wallet** — Use Leather, Xverse, or any Stacks-compatible wallet
2. **Browse protocols** — Compare APY, TVL, and risk levels
3. **Deposit assets** — Start earning with just a few clicks
4. **Track performance** — Monitor your positions across all protocols in one dashboard

<Tip>
  New to DeFi? Start with **Low Risk** protocols like Zest or StackingDAO to familiarize yourself with the ecosystem.
</Tip>

<Warning>
  Always conduct your own research and understand the risks before investing. Higher APY often comes with higher risk.
</Warning>