Before joining the dYdX Foundation, Charles was Global Head of Business Development at ConsenSys and previously served as Head of Fintech for Hong Kong’s InvestHK. He is also the co-author of Block Kong.
What key lessons have you learned in dYdX’s evolution from a startup to a more structured organisation?
As dYdX has grown, we’ve learned the importance of maintaining agility and innovation. Preserving an entrepreneurial spirit — encouraging creativity, maximising ownership, and iterating quickly — is vital for adapting in the decentralised finance sector.
By balancing structured processes with flexibility, we can continue to drive the dYdX ecosystem forward effectively.
How do you plan to balance agility with operational demands, as discussed in Antonio Juliano’s “Regenesis” initiative?
Antonio’s “Regenesis” initiative focuses on reigniting the original spark that made dYdX a leader in DeFi by removing unnecessary layers. As companies grow, they often accumulate processes that slow them down. “Regenesis” aims to strip back these layers to refocus on what truly matters.
At the dYdX Foundation, we are well-positioned to support this shift. With a small, flat team, decision-making is quick and adaptable. We focus on streamlining decisions, encouraging experimentation, and fostering cross-functional collaboration, which enables us to innovate while delivering reliability.
Our goal remains to support and grow the dYdX protocol ecosystem by enabling communities, developers, and decentralised governance.
What can you tell us about the “dYdX Unlimited” upgrade and the significance of the MegaVault?
dYdX Unlimited introduces features that expand access and enhance the user experience, such as MegaVault and Instant Market Listings, allowing users to list and trade any market instantly with built-in liquidity. Features like a refreshed rewards program, instant deposits, and a perpetual affiliate program further enrich the platform.
MegaVault, in particular, stands out for its ability to provide automatic liquidity to dYdX markets, enabling users to earn yield on USDC deposits without active trading. The automated market-making system strengthens market depth and stability, and the process is seamless — users can withdraw their deposits without a lockup period.
How do you encourage meaningful community participation and why is it essential for dYdX’s long-term growth?
Active community participation is crucial for dYdX’s success and sustainability. We foster meaningful engagement through transparent communication, regular AMAs, user interviews, and direct dialogue via Discord. We also provide educational resources on governance. This year alone, the community has submitted over 170 governance proposals.
For dYdX Unlimited, we invite the community to contribute to discussions, ensuring their involvement in shaping the upgrade’s direction, which supports long-term growth and strengthens the platform.