Web3 with Sam Kamani

211: Building a DeFi Powerhouse: Darius from Vertex on Liquidity, Speed, and Scaling to 20 Chains

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In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I speak with Darius, co-founder of Vertex Protocol, about building a cutting-edge DeFi platform that delivers unparalleled speed, liquidity, and professional-grade features.

We explore:

  • How Vertex’s Rust-based matching engine achieves 250k TPS.

  • Innovative cross-chain liquidity aggregation with minimal bridging requirements.

  • The importance of product completeness in DeFi: perps, spot, and money markets in one platform.

  • Lessons from Darius’s transition from TradFi to crypto trading.

    • Darius also shares insights on the future of Vertex, plans to expand to 20 chains, and their vision for decentralized infrastructure.

    If you’re a trader, a Web3 enthusiast, or interested in the mechanics of DeFi platforms, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.


    Key Timestamps

    [00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Darius and the conversation about Vertex Protocol’s journey in DeFi.

    [00:01:00] Vertex Origins:

    • How Darius’s background in trading inspired the creation of Vertex.

    • Building a platform tailored to professionals with capital efficiency and speed.

      • [00:04:00] The Matching Engine:

      • How Vertex uses a Rust-based sequencer for high-speed order processing.

      • The trade-offs between decentralization and performance.

        • [00:07:00] Cross-Chain Liquidity:

        • Vertex’s innovative approach to liquidity aggregation.

        • Achieving minimal bridging through netting effects and money markets.

          • [00:10:00] Business Model:

          • Revenue sources: trading fees, money markets, and protocol staking.

          • The balance between reinvestment and decentralization goals.

            • [00:11:00] User Demographics:

            • Why Vertex appeals to professional traders and small/medium trading firms.

            • The role of spot and money markets in supporting perps trading.

              • [00:16:00] Future Roadmap:

              • Plans to expand to 20 chains.

              • Enhancing retail adoption with gamification and yield products.

              • Decentralizing the Vertex sequencer.

                • [00:20:00] Challenges in Scaling:

                • Managing team burnout and sustaining high standards in a growing organization.

                • Balancing scrappiness with documentation and process development.

                  • [00:25:00] Ask and Opportunities:

                  • Vertex’s need for skilled engineers and professionals to support its growth.

                  • How listeners can connect with Vertex and contribute.


                    • Connect

                    https://linktr.ee/vertex_protocol

                    https://x.com/vertex_protocol

                    https://www.linkedin.com/in/darius-tabatabai/

                    https://x.com/dariustabai


                    Disclaimer

                    Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.
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                    Web3 with Sam KamaniBy Sam Kamani