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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