Discovering Variational: A Game-Changer in DeFi Derivatives

As a seasoned Web3 enthusiast who's been navigating the blockchain space for years, I can't help but get excited about projects that push the boundaries of decentralized finance. Variational stands out as a cutting-edge P2P derivatives protocol built on the efficient Arbitrum network, designed to streamline everything from perpetual contracts to options and basis trades with its smart, adaptable pricing and settlement system.

At the heart of this ecosystem is Omni, a user-friendly app tailored for everyday traders dipping into perpetuals. It leverages an innovative Omni Liquidity Provider (OLP) pool that smartly combines liquidity from centralized and decentralized exchanges, opening up trading opportunities for over 500 niche assets that are often overlooked in mainstream markets.

What really sets Variational apart is its bold zero-fee approach—no charges for placing or taking orders. Instead, the protocol thrives on peer-to-peer spreads and liquidity premiums, making it incredibly accessible for high-frequency traders who might otherwise face steep barriers to entry. This model not only democratizes access but also fosters a more vibrant, efficient trading environment.

The Brains Behind the Operation

Variational was co-founded by Columbia University alumni with deep roots in quantitative finance, bringing a wealth of expertise to the table.

Leading the charge is CEO Lucas V. Schuermann alongside Co-founder Edward Yu. These two powerhouses previously launched Qu Capital, a quant firm that Genesis Trading snapped up, and went on to spearhead tech and quant strategies at Genesis itself.

The engineering squad is no slouch either, boasting an average of over a decade in distributed systems. You'll find talent drawn from heavyweights like Goldman Sachs, Google, Meta, and even Tether—quant researchers and engineers who know how to build robust, scalable solutions.

Funding and Backing: Solid Foundations

To date, Variational has raised a impressive $11.8 million, earning nods from some of the crypto world's most respected venture firms.

The seed round pulled in $10.3 million, led by Bain Capital Crypto and Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India), with participation from Coinbase Ventures, Dragonfly Capital, and Hack VC.

Following that, a $1.5 million strategic round came from investors like Mirana Ventures, Caladan, Zoku Ventures, and Brevan Howard.

This lineup of backers—from top exchanges and traditional quant funds to Silicon Valley VCs—positions Variational perfectly to shape the derivatives landscape and expand globally, with resources to match its ambitious vision.

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Variational Interaction Guide: Earning Points

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