Might 21, 2025
The next submit accommodates a recap of stories, initiatives, and vital updates from the Spartan Council and Core Contributors from final week.
👉TLDR
SIP-415: Proposal to Purchase Derive (previously Lyra)Strategic acquisition to broaden Synthetix’s derivatives suite (Perps and future Choices)$27M valuation; 27 $DRV <> 1 $SNX trade ratioFunded by minting 29.3M SNX, pending twin council approval (Synthetix and Derive)Why Derive?DeFi Perps market has consolidated (HyperLiquid dominating)Temporary window to launch aggressive L1 Perps trade earlier than others go liveDerive brings tech and workforce; Synthetix provides model, incentives, and liquidityWhy Purchase, Not License?Licensing provides danger; acquisition consists of workforce and shortens V4 supply timelineAccelerates launch from months → weeksMarket makers already in discussions to assist the L1 rolloutBig PictureComplements Synthetix’s B2B → B2C pivot and builds a full-stack derivatives exchangeAims to compete straight with prime centralized exchangesGovernance vote coming quickly — keep tuned!
Spartan Council and SIP updates
The Spartan Council had a bonus assembly final week to debate the brand new proposal to amass Derive, previously Lyra, and broaden Synthetix’s spinoff providing. This acquisition is time-sensitive, as Kain highlighted that many older DeFi Perps initiatives have light out previously couple of years, with HyperLiquid at the moment dominating the market. Nonetheless, he believes there’s a temporary window of alternative to capitalize on minimal competitors earlier than different exchanges come on-line within the subsequent six months.
Kain defined that this “winner-takes-all” dynamic is particularly distinguished in DeFi, the place quite a few protocols, together with Synthetix, have maintained a prime spot based mostly on the incentives supplied. Nonetheless, the panorama is shifting, and he believes the way forward for DeFi on L1 would possibly begin trying extra just like the centralized trade area, the place sturdy demand from customers will drive competitors.
Even with all the UX enhancements, the most important roadblock for prime quantity merchants continues to be bridging and liquidity points, which is why the SC has opted to pursue an L1 Perps trade (and Derive would grow to be a part of the V4 Synthetix Suite on L1).
The acquisition of Derive would mark a major shift for Synthetix. Over the previous six months, Synthetix has transitioned from a B2B mannequin to B2C, specializing in bringing companions and customer-facing protocols again in-house. The proposal consists of an trade ratio of 27 $DRV to 1 $SNX, representing an approximate $27 million valuation of Derive. The deal, nevertheless, can be funded by minting 29.3 million new SNX tokens, and would subsequently want council approval from each Synthetix and Derive.
As soon as acquired, Derive would grow to be a part of the Synthetix Suite within the upcoming V4 replace on L1, beginning with Perps and finally increasing to choices. This could spherical out Synthetix’s providing, making a complete derivatives trade. With futures and choices added to the platform, Synthetix can be higher aligned with prime centralized trade choices, offering a extra strong and aggressive ecosystem for customers.
There was a query from the viewers about why Synthetix would select to amass Derive slightly than merely licensing its know-how. Kain made it clear that licensing would introduce pointless danger, whereas Burt emphasised that the acquisition would additionally embody the present Derive workforce, which might be pivotal in serving to construct out the Synthetix spinoff merchandise.
Moreover, Kain famous that whereas Derive’s know-how is spectacular, one of many greatest challenges they’ve confronted is getting market makers on board. Nonetheless, Kain expressed confidence that Synthetix might assist with this, as he has already engaged with some market makers for the L1 launch.
Lastly, in response to questions on what worth Synthetix might supply Derive, the SC emphasised the facility of name recognition and the power to create the proper incentives to construct liquidity and seize buying and selling quantity, which is one thing Derive has struggled to realize independently. By bringing Derive into the Synthetix fold, the mixed entities can be well-positioned to ship a singular buying and selling expertise forward of any rivals on L1.
The acquisition would additionally considerably speed up the supply timeline for V4, decreasing the time from months to just some weeks. With this velocity, Synthetix would be capable to launch the brand new providing rapidly, capitalizing on the present market situations and positioning itself as a dominant participant within the derivatives area.
Keep tuned for updates from us as this proposal strikes via governance.
