DerivaDAO (DDX) is a decentralized exchange (DEX) that operates on the Ethereum blockchain, with a focus on derivatives trading. It distinguishes itself by offering real-time price feeds, swift trade resolution, and a fee structure that aims to be competitive. As a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), DerivaDAO is governed and controlled directly by its traders and token holders. It seeks to address the challenges faced by both centralized and decentralized exchanges, such as weak security, potential regulatory issues, and user experience concerns. DerivaDAO's distinctive architecture allows it to provide a similar level of speed and efficiency as centralized exchanges while maintaining the security and decentralization of a DAO.

DerivaDAO operates using a distinctive architecture that handles trading and other exchange-related transactions on its DerivaDEX operator network, rather than on a public blockchain. This custom layer-two solution allows DerivaDAO to compete with centralized exchanges in terms of speed and cost. It also eliminates the need for users to deal with high Ethereum gas fees. DerivaDAO's system focuses on providing the core functionality of a centralized exchange in a non-custodial manner, with all funds secured by the Ethereum network. Unlike other layer-two solutions, DerivaDAO's centralized order sequencer has no control over the order flow, and users don't experience long wait times for on-chain transactions.

DerivaDAO aims to fill a gap in the intersection of trading and blockchain technology. It seeks to solve the issues faced by other exchanges, such as weak security and potential regulatory concerns, by operating as a DAO. This removes censorship concerns and eliminates a single point of failure. DerivaDAO also strives to offer a performant and capital-efficient user experience, addressing the liquidity and user experience issues of decentralized exchanges. Its off-chain price feeds, matching engine, and liquidation operators aim to provide a similar level of speed and efficiency as centralized exchanges, making it a potential choice for users seeking a decentralized yet efficient trading platform.

DerivaDAO was founded by Aditya Palepu, a Duke alumnus and former algorithmic trader with experience in software engineering. He is supported by a team of nine, including co-founder Frederic Fortier, a software engineer with over a decade of experience building distributed systems. DerivaDAO has also received support from a variety of investors, raising a total of $2.7 million in several rounds. The total supply of DDX, the native token of DerivaDAO, is 100 million, with 50% emitted as part of the genesis supply and 50% to be emitted over ten years as part of the liquidity mining supply. The DerivaDAO network is secured by Ethereum, a widely used blockchain for DAOs.