Ishan Pandey: Hello, Stéphane Doueihi; it's a pleasure to welcome you to our "Behind the Startup" series. We're excited to delve into your journey and the breadth of your expertise. Moreover, we would greatly appreciate it if you could shed light on the inspiration behind the ORION mission and how it envisions revolutionizing our online interactions through the utilization of Web3 technology.
Stéphane Doueihi: Orion's mission is to revolutionize DeFi by integrating centralized and decentralized exchange liquidity, providing direct access from personal wallets. This approach lowers trading fees, democratizes access to prime crypto prices, and redistributes wealth globally. Our vision extends beyond traditional online interactions, harnessing Web3 technology to lead in DeFi trading innovation and establish Orion as a primary, community-driven crypto trading platform.
Ishan Pandey: DAOs have gained a lot of attention recently. How is Orion utilizing DAO structures, and what are the advantages and challenges you've encountered in implementing them?
Stéphane Doueihi: Our transition to a DAO structure signifies a major evolution in Orion's journey, emphasizing decentralized governance and community engagement. This shift towards a DAO model is pivotal, as it represents Orion’s commitment to transparency, resilience, and innovation in governance. It's a strategic move towards a more democratic and user-empowered ecosystem, aligning with the core principles of decentralization in DeFi.
Ishan Pandey: As an early adopter in the blockchain domain, what inspired you to be an Orion DAO ambassador, and what do you envision for its role in the future of the crypto ecosystem?
Stéphane Doueihi: My role as an Orion DAO ambassador and external representative at events and interviews is to advocate for Orion's trailblazing technology in blockchain and DeFi. I'm inspired by Orion's unique approach to liquidity aggregation, allowing decentralized access to top exchanges like Binance, KuCoin, and OKX, a feature that sets Orion apart in the blockchain world.
My role as an Orion DAO ambassador also involves promoting Orion's unique liquidity protocol, which is a game-changer in the DeFi space. This protocol is not only powering Orion but is also available for third parties, potentially bringing all centralized exchange (CEX) liquidity into DeFi. This capability is pivotal in transforming how liquidity is accessed and utilized in the decentralized finance ecosystem.
Ishan Pandey: Could you provide insights into ways you can support the ORION ecosystem, and how people are empowered being part of the eventual DAO?
Stéphane Doueihi: In the Orion ecosystem, the veORN system offers significant APR for governance participation. Simultaneously, our 'Refer & Earn' program drives deeper user engagement with exponential rewards based on network effects, making it both sustainable and lucrative. These innovative programs empower users within the DAO, promoting a dynamic and active community central to Orion's decentralized philosophy.
Ishan Pandey: Interoperability is a crucial aspect of blockchain. How does Orion facilitate the seamless exchange of assets across different blockchains, and what are the technical hurdles you've had to overcome to achieve this?
Stéphane Doueihi: Orion Bridge exemplifies our commitment to seamless, ultra-fast, and secure cross-chain transfers. Its simplicity and user-friendliness, coupled with strong security measures, make it a standout in the blockchain space. This interoperability, integrated directly into Orion Terminal, offers users a hassle-free and secure trading experience across various blockchains. For more insights, I invite you to explore our detailed documentation.
Ishan Pandey: Security is a paramount concern in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector, especially considering the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. Can you share with us the details about the security audits and safeguards Orion has in place to protect its platform and users' assets? Additionally, how does Orion ensure ongoing security in the face of rapidly evolving digital threats?
Stéphane Doueihi: Security is paramount at Orion. Our comprehensive approach includes rigorous audits by top firms like Halborn and continuous system monitoring. These measures, combined with our unique liquidity aggregation model, ensure a secure trading environment, protecting user assets against evolving digital threats.
Uniquely, we are TVL-light by design, utilizing atomic swaps and other advanced technologies to ensure safer transactions, though these technologies are complex to implement. Our liquidity aggregation model further ensures a secure trading environment against evolving threats.
Ishan Pandey: The crypto industry is known for its rapid innovations. How does Orion stay ahead of the curve in terms of technology and product development, and what strategies do you employ to remain competitive?
Stéphane Doueihi: Orion has consistently stayed ahead of the curve, focusing on creating innovative products from scratch using first principles rather than merely copying or forking existing projects. Orion's achievements, including our unique decentralized access to major exchange order books, an ultra-fast cross-chain bridge, a 5-tier referral system, and much more (such as our upcoming mobile app!), underscore our commitment to staying ahead in the crypto market. Our approach to innovation, focusing on user-centric features and community feedback, positions us at the forefront of the DeFi space.
Ishan Pandey: What are some of the most exciting use cases or trends you see emerging in the crypto and blockchain space, and how is Orion positioned to capitalize on these opportunities?
Stéphane Doueihi: Account abstraction is an exciting trend, and we're exploring it to simplify our trading UI/UX. Orion's strategic positioning allows us to leverage such cutting-edge concepts, enhancing our liquidity aggregation technology and community-driven development, further establishing our leadership in the sector.
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