Velodrome is an automated market maker (AMM) built atop the Optimism ecosystem. It is recognized for its presence in decentralized finance (DeFi) and is actively traded on both centralized exchanges (CEXs) and decentralized exchanges (DEXs). Velodrome aims to address liquidity concerns in the DeFi space and distinguishes itself with a transparent approach and user-friendly interface.
What is Velodrome
Velodrome, also known as Velodrome Finance, is a liquidity incentivization project designed specifically for protocols operating on the Optimism Layer 2 chain. Its primary objective is to provide users with benefits such as low slippage, reduced swapping fees, and deep liquidity across projects. In essence, Velodrome functions as a DEX within the Optimism ecosystem, offering users a seamless trading experience.
The Velodrome team
The team that created Velodrome Finance is the same one behind veDAO, an initiative centered around Information Tokens and designed to interact with Andre Cronje's Fantom-based Solidly ecosystem. The purpose of veDAO was to extend the reach of Solidly's features to individuals who did not have access to DeFi resources. veDAO then introduced Velodrome, modeling Solidly on Optimism.
How does Velodrome work
Velodrome’s working model involves rewarding governance participants and liquidity providers (LPs) with VELO, the native utility token. Liquidity providers are eligible to receive VELO emissions, similar to vesting incentives, which can be held and converted to veVELO, the governance tokens of Velodrome. This process forms a loop where VELO tokens are used to acquire veVELO tokens, granting voting rights and eventually leading to the collection of “bribes” and trading fees. The inflow of VELO and veVELO tokens ensures a sustained flow of incentives within the ecosystem.
Velodrome expands on Solidly's codebase by tying rewards with thoughtful emissions. This approach promotes openness and transparency within the ecosystem, providing participants with a better understanding of how rewards are allocated and encouraging active engagement in the platform.
Velodrome’s native token: VELO
Velodrome operates with two tokens: the ERC-20 VELO and the ERC-721 token known as veVELO, which functions similarly to non-fungible tokens (NFTs). VELO is specifically designed to reward liquidity providers (LPs), while veVELO serves as the governance token within the ecosystem.
To acquire veVELO and gain voting rights, users can vest their VELO tokens. The longer the locking period for vesting, the greater the corresponding voting power granted to the holder.
VELO tokenomics
VELO, the native token of Velodrome, has an initial supply of 400 million tokens. There is a weekly emission rate of 3.75 percent, equivalent to 15 million tokens per epoch. This is balanced with a 1 percent decline in tokens, much like a token burning mechanism. This built-in burn mechanism helps to mitigate inflation and maintain a controlled token supply, allowing for sustainable growth. Additionally, VeVELO holders receive a rebase value of tokens proportional to the LP emissions.
Velodrome's operational model combines elements from three token economics models, known as Ve(3,3). It incorporates features inspired by Curve, such as low fees, Solidly with its voting-to-trading relationship, and Votium, which includes an in-built "bribe" design. By incorporating these traits, Velodrome creates a unique ecosystem that combines the strengths of different token economic models.
How to stake VELO
To participate in the staking process, users need to have ETH locked on Optimism or in their connected wallet. By bridging ETH to Uniswap V3, users can join specific pools such as VELO-USDC, VELO-OP, and others to provide liquidity and earn passive income.
VELO use cases
Here are some standard use cases of VELO, the native token of Velodrome:
- Rewarding LPs
- A means to vest or vote-escrow and earn governance-focused veVELO tokens
VELO distribution
The VELO distribution model is structured as follows:
- 60 percent of the tokens are allocated to the community.
- 24 percent of the tokens are distributed to DAOs and associated protocols in the form of veNFTs.
- 10 percent of the tokens are allocated to the team as VELO.
- 5 percent of the tokens are designated for the Optimism team in the form of veNFTs.
- 1 percent of the tokens are allocated to the Genesis pool as VELO.
Reasons to watch Velodrome
Velodrome (VELO) is an emerging player in the DeFi space, with a focus on improving upon the Cronje-backed Solidly project. With a total value locked (TVL) of nearly $230 million, Velodrome demonstrates promising potential for growth.
