[Election & Application Thread] V2 Arbitrum Research & Development Collective

[Immutablelawyer]

[SNAPSHOT VOTE - PASSED Snapshot]

Dear Arbitrum Community,

Hereunder, please find the details relating to the elections of the Arbitrum Research & Development Collective (pending & dependent on snapshot vote passing!).

Firstly, interested applicants are invited to join the ARDC Election Telegram channel here: Telegram: Join Group Chat

Additionally, for easier reading, please find the timeline and election templates on the published notion site here: Notion – The all-in-one workspace for your notes, tasks, wikis, and databases.

Applications are to be posted under this thread - for easier delegate/reviewer reading, please do your best to use the ‘Hide Details’ function for each section of the application <3

Election Timeline:

• 24/10/2024 [16:00 PM UTC]

3-business day buffer period pre-application submission period is initiated.

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• 30/10/2024 [12:01 AM UTC] - 18/11/2024 [11:59 PM UTC]

14-business day ‘Application Submission’ Period

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• 19/11/2024 [12:01 AM UTC] - 27/11/2024 [11:59 PM UTC]

7-business day ‘Proposal Review’ Period

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• 28/11/2024 [12:01 AM UTC] - 02/12/2024 [11:59 PM UTC]

3-business day ‘Amendment Period’

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• 03/12/2024 [12:01 AM UTC] - 11/12/2024 [11:59 PM UTC]

7-business day ‘Snapshot Member Election’ Period

Working Member Template:

Election Template

Applicant Information

• Name of Applicant & Applicant’s Representative (If applicable):
• Telegram Handle (if applicable):
• LinkedIn Profile (if applicable):
• The role being applied for (choose one):
  • Research Working Member
  • Risk Working Member
  • Security Working Member
• Hourly Rate (in USDC):

If different hourly rates apply for specific types of work e.g. standard tasks vs specialised analysis, please specify each rate and the corresponding type of work.

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Background & Skills

Please provide a brief overview of your experience in the digital asset industry, particularly within the Ethereum & Arbitrum Ecosystems. Include your involvement in any relevant projects or contributions to the ArbitrumDAO, or other Ecosystems. (400 words max)

Explain how your skills align with the role you are applying for and describe your methodology for fulfilling your duties. How will these skills help you effectively contribute to the ArbitrumDAO? (500 words max)

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Motivation

What motivates you to join ARDC, and what do you aim to achieve as a Working Member? (400 words max)

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Security-Related Experience [Only applicable to Security Working Member]

Describe your experience providing security-related services (advisory, audit, DevRel/Educational material, assessment/analysis etc.) within the digital asset industry, more specifically (and if applicable), research related to the Arbitrum tech-stack and/or projects within the Arbitrum Ecosystem. Explain how your previous experience can translate to an added value contribution to the ARDC & the ArbitrumDAO. (500 words max)

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Risk-Related Experience [Only applicable to Risk Working Member]

Describe your experience providing risk-related services (advisory, assessment/analysis etc.) within the digital asset industry, more specifically (and if applicable), research related to the Arbitrum tech-stack and/or projects within the Arbitrum Ecosystem. Explain how your previous experience can translate to an added value contribution to the ARDC & the ArbitrumDAO. (500 words max)

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Research Initiatives [Only applicable to Research Working Member]

Describe your experience conducting research-oriented initiatives within the digital asset industry, more specifically (and if applicable), research related to the Arbitrum tech-stack. Explain how your previous experience can translate to an added value contribution to the ARDC & the ArbitrumDAO. (500 words max)

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Project Management & Collaboration

Describe your project management experience (This could include project management in other ecosystems you have operated in, management of initiatives, etc.) (300 words max)

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Scope of Work

Outline the tasks and key deliverables you propose, covering one-third of the 6-month term. Demonstrate your understanding of the most pressing needs within the ArbitrumDAO and how your work will support its strategic goals. (500 words max)

Please also elaborate as to your capacity to execute, including how you intend to allocate resources for the remaining term, with regard to ad hoc or flexible tasks that the Supervisory Council may put forward. Please also describe how you would plan to satisfy this should the ARDC be extended for an additional 6-month term. (300 words max)

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Additional Details

Any additional information deemed relevant (500 words max)

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Conflict of Interest

Please disclose any potential conflicts of interest and how you plan to handle situations where they might arise. (250 words max)

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Summary

In summary, please highlight your key qualifications and explain why you are a strong fit for the role. (500 words max)

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Supervisory Council Member Template:

Election Template

Applicant Information

• Name of Applicant & Applicant’s Representative (if applicable):
• Email Address:
• Telegram Handle (if applicable):
• LinkedIn Profile (if applicable):
• Current Occupation/s (if applicable):
• Delegate details (if applicable):
• Country of Residence & Time Zone:
• Contact information for any additional references who can attest to your qualifications and character (optional):
• Preferred Role within the Supervisory Council (choose one):
  • Communications
  • Operations

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Background & Skills

Provide a brief overview of your experience within DAOs and governance. Highlight any relevant leadership or organizational roles within Arbitrum, or other DAOs. Include how your experience has prepared you for the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council. (400 words max)

Explain how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council. Focus on your ability to oversee strategic priorities, manage resources, and handle communication or operations. (400 words max)

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Motivation & Strategic Vision

What motivates you to join the Supervisory Council, and what do you hope to achieve during your term? Explain why you are interested in a specific role (Communications or Operations) and how it aligns with your experience and skills. (300 words max)

What strategic priorities would you focus on during your term to ensure the ARDC meets its goals? How do you plan to contribute to aligning the ARDC’s activities with the broader objectives of the ArbitrumDAO? (500 words max)

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Role-Specific Responsibilities [Only Applicable to Communications]

Describe your approach to maintaining transparent communication channels with key stakeholders, including OffChain Labs, the Arbitrum Foundation, and the DAO. How will you ensure that updates on ARDC activities are accessible and meaningful to the DAO? Provide examples of past communication or stakeholder engagement efforts. (400 words max)

How would you design and implement a communication strategy to enhance the visibility of ARDC’s work? Describe how you would manage press releases, social media, and community calls to ensure clear and consistent messaging. Anything you would improve on current strategies? (400 words max)

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Role-Specific Responsibilities [Only Applicable to Operations Role]

Describe your experience in overseeing operations and resource management. How will you manage the ARDC’s resources effectively, particularly within the context of the retainer model, where two-thirds of the cap allocated to working members is contingent on actual project needs? Provide examples of how you will track project deliverables, manage budgets, and ensure that payments are aligned with project milestones and usage. (500 words max)

Explain your approach to maintaining transparent task-tracking systems for the ARDC. How will you use tools like public dashboards or Notion to ensure accountability and provide regular progress updates to the DAO? (300 words max)

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Prioritisation & Time Allocation

You will also need to evaluate and prioritise deliverables while assessing whether the time quoted by working members for specific tasks is reasonable. How will you determine which deliverables should be prioritised based on DAO needs, and how will you assess whether the time allocated for these tasks is appropriate? (400 words max)

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Summary of Qualifications

In summary, highlight your key qualifications and explain why you are a strong fit for the Supervisory Council. Emphasise the skills and experiences that make you well-suited for either the Communications or Operations role, and how you will contribute to the ARDC’s success. (400 words max)

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For any questions or queries, please joing the telegram channel stated above (Telegram: Join Group Chat) or dm on Telegram (@immutablelawyer / @DeRegul8)

We look forward to a productive and competitive election!

Best Regards,
Axis Advisory

[Entropy]

Name of Applicant & Applicant’s Representative: Entropy Advisors
Email Address: cattin@entropyadvisors.com, sam@entropyadvisors.com (please contact both)
Telegram Handle: @cattin, @swmartin19 (please contact both)
Country of Residence & Time Zone: EST, Perú
Preferred Role within the Supervisory Council: Operations

Background & Skills

Provide a brief overview of your experience within DAOs and governance. Highlight any relevant leadership or organizational roles within Arbitrum or other DAOs. Include how your experience has prepared you for the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council. (400 words max)

Over the last eight months, Entropy Advisor has established itself as a core contributor to the Arbitrum DAO, successfully managing and coordinating multiple high-impact initiatives. Our experience in governance and organizational management is demonstrated through the following work:

• Spearheading the Stylus Sprint program, which involved developing and executing the proposal, ensuring a balanced evaluation committee, coordinating with QuestBook to set up the platform for application tracking, and organizing a marketing push in tandem with OCL
• Developing and implementing the Arbitrum Multisig Support System, which helped save the DAO hundreds of thousands of dollars in operational costs and created a more professionalized multisig system. It currently secures over $16m and can be tracked with Entropy’s custom dashboard.
• Researching and designing the OpCo proposal, which seeks to expand the DAOs operational capabilities further to improve the DAO’s ability to execute different strategies efficiently.
• Incorporating a wide range of stakeholder feedback to create a Treasury Management proposal. Coordinated with multiple parties to find exceptional members for the Treasury Management Council and the Growth Management Committee.
• Developing the Arbitrum DAO Delegate Code of Conduct to provide delegates with written guidelines and best practices.
• Formalizing the DAO’s operations and procedures by introducing a series of standards for elections, voting schedules, minimum application periods, and basic requirements for DAO-funded initiatives (delegating to the Exclude Address).
• Leading the ARB Staking Reward Working Group as project manager, where our team hosts weekly calls with working group members and ensures that work is distributed effectively between contributors.
• Proposing and drafting the DAO Mission, Vision, and Purpose, which, paired with the Strategic Objectives System, will increase the DAO operational capabilities by aligning contributors on specific objectives.

These are some of the initiatives that Entropy has been working on, which demonstrates our commitment to the DAO and our experience in operational and leadership roles. Apart from this, our team members have been contributing to the Arbitrum DAO since its inception, having been involved in a variety of initiatives, including participation in the LTIPP Council, Questbook Domains, and V1 of the ARDC. Additionally, many members of our team previously worked at one of the leading research providers in the industry, which complements the requirements for the Supervisory Council role.

Explain how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council. Focus on your ability to oversee strategic priorities, manage resources, and handle communication or operations. (400 words max)

Entropy’s ongoing work and team members’ previous experiences directly align with the core responsibilities outlined by the ARDC Supervisory Council, particularly in operations and resource management. Through our work leading multiple concurrent initiatives, we have developed and demonstrated the key competencies required for effective oversight of the ARDC’s strategic priorities and day-to-day operations.

Our operational capabilities are evidenced through our approach to project management and constant coordination with different parties in the DAO. As project managers for the ARB Staking Working Group, we’ve demonstrated our ability to coordinate with multiple contributors, distribute tasks amongst them, and consolidate all the information gathered to provide the DAO with a recommendation on potential staking reward sources.

The Stylus Sprint is another example that showcases our team’s organizational and project management expertise. So far, Entropy has executed the proposal, organized an evaluation committee, and led the creation of necessary program materials, including the application template, grading rubric, and final RFP Track categories. In addition to reviewing applications, our team will also coordinate feedback and ongoing communication between applicants and the evaluation committee to ensure that every application is of the highest quality.

In specific regard to resource management, Entropy has led the 2025 Events Budget proposal, showcasing our ability to handle financial planning and resource allocation. This initiative required coordinating with OCL and the Foundation’s event teams, establishing a streamlined process for event approvals, and managing a budget of $1.5m. Additionally, we also led the development of the Treasury Management proposal. If this proposal passes, we will also be members of the Growth Management Committee, where we will be responsible for developing strategic partnerships for the DAO.

Motivation & Strategic Vision

What motivates you to join the Supervisory Council, and what do you hope to achieve during your term? Explain why you are interested in a specific role (Communications or Operations) and how it aligns with your experience and skills. (300 words max)

As stated in Entropy’s proposal to work exclusively with the Arbitrum DAO, our vision is to “turn Arbitrum into a sustainable entity with durable operations in place. We want to be the spearhead of catalyzing operational change and leave a long-lasting structure in its wake.” The ARDC Supervisory Council’s Operations role directly aligns with our vision in ensuring the DAO’s initiatives operate efficiently and effectively.

Our motivation stems from seeing firsthand how proper operational frameworks can help maximize the impact of DAO initiatives. We’ve developed a deep understanding of coordinating complex workstreams while maintaining alignment with the DAO’s objectives through our work on multiple proposals and individual contributions. The operations role would allow us to apply what we have learned to enhance the ARDC’s effectiveness. By leveraging our strategic position within the DAO, we’ll help ARDC members better understand what workflows they should prioritize.

Lastly, we value our ability to save the DAO money wherever possible. Our team is more than qualified to handle the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council position, and see this as a great opportunity to save the DAO funds on council positions that otherwise require pay.

What strategic priorities would you focus on during your term to ensure the ARDC meets its goals? How do you plan to contribute to aligning the ARDC’s activities with the broader objectives of the ArbitrumDAO? (500 words max)

During our term, we will focus on several key strategic priorities to ensure the ARDC effectively serves its mandate while maintaining alignment with the DAO’s broader objectives:

1. Effective Resource Management and Utilization

• Implement systematic tracking of working group member hours and deliverables under the retainer model.
• Ensure optimal allocation of resources across the different verticals per the DAO demands and priorities.
• Create a clear process for evaluating and approving task requests based on strategic value.
• Regular monitoring of budget utilization and project progress.

2. Operational Framework

• Establish a standardized process for task assignment and milestone tracking.
• Coordinate with other Supervisory Council members to implement clear documentation standards for ARDC activities.
• Develop efficient workflows for financial management, including coordination of payments through the MSS.
• Create a system to track the completion of pre-paid hours and manage subsequent payment phases.

3. Alignment with DAO Initiatives

• Coordinate ARDC workstreams with ongoing DAO initiatives.
• Integrate ARDC deliverables with broader DAO operational frameworks.
• Regular evaluation of projects against strategic objectives.

Through these operational priorities, we aim to create an efficient and effective framework that enables the ARDC to maximize its impact while maintaining alignment with the DAO’s objectives. Entropy’s experience in managing and developing complex initiatives positions our team well to assist the ARDC in meeting its goals.

Role-Specific Responsibilities [Only Applicable to Operations Role]

Describe your experience in overseeing operations and resource management. How will you manage the ARDC’s resources effectively, particularly within the context of the retainer model, where two-thirds of the cap allocated to working members is contingent on actual project needs? Provide examples of how you will track project deliverables, manage budgets, and ensure that payments are aligned with project milestones and usage. (500 words max)

As detailed above, our team has extensive experience in overseeing programs and managing resources. Apart from this, one of our team members (@cattin) assisted with QuestBook’s Education, Community Growth, and Events, he’s also a chair at the MSS, giving him direct experience in coordinating resource allocation and overseeing the effective distribution of the DAO’s resources. Additionally, our role in coordinating the ARB Staking Working Group demonstrates our capability to manage complex workstreams and ensure effective resource allocation.

Drawing lessons from the ARDC’s first term, we will implement a comprehensive system for managing the retainer model, with particular attention to the challenges and successes identified by the DAO advocate. Our approach will focus on three key areas:

1. First, we will establish a clear financial oversight mechanism, which includes implementing detailed tracking of working member hours against deliverables, managing the one-fifth upfront payment allocation, and coordinating with the MSS for the 50/50 payment structure for subsequent work. We’ll maintain clear documentation of all financial transactions and resource utilization, including publicly available dashboards that any party can verify and audit.
2. Second, we will create a structured project management framework that builds on the successful elements of the first term’s operations. This includes maintaining comprehensive meeting minutes in a public Notion workspace, implementing a clear system for task requests and prioritization, and establishing regular check-ins with working members. This, in coordination with the other Supervisory Council members, ensures that every update related to the project is properly communicated with the DAO through every public means available, including keeping an up-to-date communications thread.
3. Third, we will implement a robust tracking system for deliverables and milestones. Learning from the previous term, where they had around 42 deliverables across six months, we’ll establish a clear process for evaluating time estimates, monitoring progress, and validating completed work. This includes creating standardized templates for reporting and maintaining transparent documentation for all interested parties.

Our operational framework will ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, based on actual usage and strategic priorities, while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Explain your approach to maintaining transparent task-tracking systems for the ARDC. How will you use tools like public dashboards or Notion to ensure accountability and provide regular progress updates to the DAO? (300 words max)

As mentioned previously, we plan to use a public Notion workspace that will serve as the primary hub for ARDC operations. This workspace will include detailed meeting minutes from all ARDC sessions, comprehensive task tracking for each vertical, and clear documentation of deliverable progress. Taking inspiration from the work done by the DAO Advocate on the first term, we will maintain an updated dashboard showing active workstreams, completed deliverables, and resource utilization across ARDC verticals.

Prioritization & Time Allocation

You will also need to evaluate and prioritize deliverables while assessing whether the time quoted by working members for specific tasks is reasonable. How will you determine which deliverables should be prioritized based on DAO needs, and how will you assess whether the time allocated for these tasks is appropriate? (400 words max)

Our prioritization framework will primarily be driven by the DAO’s immediate needs and strategic objectives. Drawing from the ARDC’s first term, where only 8 out of the 42 deliverables came from direct DAO requests, we recognize the importance of proactively identifying and prioritizing work that adds the most value to the DAO. This includes considering upcoming governance decisions, broader ecosystem developments, and strategic initiatives that require research and analysis.

Time assessment will be based on explicit task complexity and scope evaluation criteria. When working members submit time estimates for specific deliverables, we will evaluate them against several factors: the complexity of the required research or analysis, historical data from similar tasks completed in the first term, and the specific level of expertise required. This evaluation will help us ensure that quoted hours are reasonable and align with the expected deliverable quality.

Summary of Qualifications

In summary, highlight your key qualifications and explain why you are a strong fit for the Supervisory Council. Emphasize the skills and experiences that make you well-suited for either the Communications or Operations role and how you will contribute to the ARDC’s success. (400 words max)

To summarize, Entropy Advisors has a proven track record of developing and managing high-impact programs in the Arbitrum DAO. Our team is currently composed of 5 members, soon to be 6, each of which has previous experiences and skills that can help contribute to the ARDC’s success.

Given the level of our involvement in the DAO and position as a mesh-layer between key stakeholders, our team has a unique insight into what should be the highest priority action items for the ARDC members.

Lastly, as part of Entropy’s exclusivity clause with the Arbitrum DAO, our team will be waiving any payment associated with the Supervisory Council. If elected, this ARB can either be returned to the DAO or remain in the MSS-controlled multisig as a buffer for the ARDC V2.

[VendingMachine]

Name: Vending Machine

Email Address: woo.sung@vendingmachine.design , jean-luc@vendingmachine.design, jack@vendingmachine.design (please contact all)

TG Handle: @woosungD94, @jeanluc_sh, @JackMgn (please contact all)

Role: Risk Member

Twitter: Vending Machine

Website: https://www.vendingmachine.design/

Hourly rate: USD 125

SUMMARY

Vending Machine is a token design and research firm with over two years of experience in crafting and simulating token systems, crypto-economic mechanisms, and incentive strategies for more than ten protocols. Our team excels in data engineering, modeling, simulations, and mechanism design. Recently, we’ve been active participants in the ARB Staking and Incentive Detox working groups, providing incentive recommendations and methodological approaches to meet Arbitrum’s objectives. Our extensive experience aligns perfectly with the key skills required for the Risk Member role in the ARCD. Motivated by Arbitrum’s leadership in DeFi and innovation, we aim to bring a methodical and rigorous engineering approach to support critical decisions during this pivotal time. We propose to conduct a comprehensive design and simulation process for ARB staking and governance attack vectors, guiding the DAO through an end-to-end design that includes stakeholder engagement and iterative feedback. Throughout this process, we’ll keep the community involved by posting updates for feedback. By the end, the DAO will have a fully designed and simulated token system addressing governance concerns.

BACKGROUND AND SKILLS

Vending Machine is a token design and simulation firm. We design and simulate token systems, crypto-economic mechanisms, and incentive strategies. We have been operating for over two years and have designed and monitored token and incentive systems for over 10 protocols. Our team has a math and data background, with data engineering, modeling, simulations, and mechanism design being our core skill set.

Previous work we have done includes parameterizing slashing conditions for dPoS networks; modeling and simulating L2s to parameterize inflation rates for network security; designing and parameterizing token systems for L2s to dApps; economic risk management for L1s; as well as designing launch mechanisms.

More recently, we have been active participants in both the ARB Staking working group and the Incentive Detox working group. We have supported the ARB Staking working group by providing incentive recommendations derived from our simplified inflation model and have also helped determine the final recommendations to deliver to the DAO. We have also supported the Incentive Detox group by sharing an approach to transition from reflecting on past campaigns to methodically defining a new campaign to meet Arbitrum’s objectives.

Our past experience in crypto-economic design, simulations and modeling, token design, and incentive design comprehensively covers the key skills required from the Risk Member of the ARCD. Our recent involvement in the Arbitrum ecosystem has allowed us to become intimately familiar with the core pain points and is why we are well suited for the role.

MOTIVATION

As long-time participants in crypto, we have always viewed Arbitrum as an exciting leader in the ecosystem and one we naturally align with. It is the home of DeFi and token design innovators such as GMX and Camelot, highlighting the ecosystem’s emphasis on experimentation and innovation. These are qualities that Vending Machine values highly, and we strive to adopt a similar approach in our work. This is how we would approach our involvement in the ARCD—not to deliver results based on common practices, but based on first principles.

With a number of working groups exploring token design updates for ARB and a new incentive campaign to follow the STIP and LITPP programs, we recognise that this period is consequential for Arbitrum. As a Risk Member in the ARCD, Vending Machine aims to bring a methodical and rigorous systems engineering approach to support decisions on these two fronts, helping to achieve the best possible results for the ecosystem.

RISK-RELATED EXPERIENCE

As mentioned above, Vending Machine has extensive experience in the required skill set for the Risk Member position in the ARCD.

Our token design and simulation process follows a Model-Based Systems Engineering approach (MBSE), which allows us to methodically design and parameterise mechanisms. It is multistep, involving research, objective definitions, design concept generation, concept selection, simulations, parameterisation, and then delivery. It requires both strong technical competency as well as market and mechanism knowledge.

Some specific examples of our work that are most applicable for this role are listed below:

• Fuel Network: token design, dPoS design, and validator simulations
• Arch Network: token design, dPoS design, and validator simulations
• Berachain: economic research, network simulations
• Everclear: token design and network simulations
• Aerodrome: mechanism research
• Bio Protocol: protocol design and simulations
• Arbitrum: preliminary modelling for ARB Staking

Our work directly involves highly consequential mechanisms and components, which warrants a high degree of risk awareness that we carry into every design process.

Here are some examples of our public work with other DAOs, highlighting our ability to work in public alongside the community:
- Everclear: Full Simulation Report (censored)
- Everclear: Token Design
- Everclear: Simulation Process
- Everclear: Parameter Recommendations
- Bio Protocol: Full list of forum updates

And some of the initial work we have done with Arbitrum Staking Working group:
- Arbitrum: Simple Reward Model

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION

With every project we undertake, we lead and manage the design process end-to-end. This involves conducting necessary stakeholder interviews, confirming the legitimacy of the objectives we define, generating design concepts and seeking review, determining the final design and presenting the selection process to stakeholders, building the simulation environment, sourcing the required input variables, analysing the simulation results, and presenting the final parameterised design to stakeholders.

Importantly for Arbitrum, we have experience performing this process openly with DAOs and including the community as a stakeholder in the design and simulation process.

We have led this process for over two years with more than 10 protocols and networks, including all the examples mentioned above.

SCOPE OF WORK

The scope of work we propose to complete for ArbitrumDAO is to conduct a comprehensive design and simulation process for ARB staking and governance attack vectors. This scope will cover three to four months of the six-month period, which is the typical duration of our full token design and simulation process. From our time participating within the DAO’s staking working groups, it is clear that there is a need for a team to be fully accountable for delivering a comprehensive end-to-end exploration of what the future of the ARB token could look like, as well as exploring and resolving any security threats via governance attacks.

Our work will pick up where we left off in the working group. We will take the research conducted in this group to supplement our design process. With this, Vending Machine will guide the DAO through an end-to-end design, where we will:

• Conduct stakeholder interviews to define system objectives and requirements
• Create multiple design concepts and present these to the DAO for discussion and feedback
• Iterate if necessary and select the final design with the DAO
• Build a model of the token system to parameterize the design
• Simulate the design and present the DAO with a simulation report
• Present the DAO with a fully parameterized token design

Throughout this process, we will post updates to the forum so that the DAO and key stakeholders can share feedback, allowing them to be part of the design process.

By the end of the process, the DAO will have a fully designed and simulated token system that addresses governance concerns while also potentially extending the utility of the ARB token.

With our wide skill set expanding across risk, incentive design, modelling, and simulating, we can remain flexible to other tasks the Supervisory Council puts forward.

Here are some examples of what the DAO could expect in terms of deliverables.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

As an advisory firm, we work with many projects across the ecosystem; however, we take conflicts of interest seriously. Any potential conflicts of interest will be promptly reported to the Supervisory Council, and we will cooperate to determine the most appropriate path forward to ensure maximal integrity.

[pedrob]

Applicant Information

• Name of Applicant: Pedro Breuer
• Email Address: pedbreuer@gmail.com
• Telegram Handle: pedro_breuer
• Current Occupation/s: Lawyer / Arbitrum DAO Delegate
• Delegate details: DIP Application / Tally Profile
• Country of Residence & Time Zone: Argentina. GMT -3

Preferred Role within the Supervisory Council: Communications

Background & Skills

Provide a brief overview of your experience within DAOs and governance. Highlight any relevant leadership or organizational roles within Arbitrum, or other DAOs. Include how your experience has prepared you for the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council. (400 words max)

I started in DAO Governance two years ago when I joined the Defi_Latam team (now called SEED Gov) to participate in MakerDAO governance. I led the creation of the Sovereign Finance AVC, a special committee dedicated to engaging with the DAO’s key stakeholders, facilitating understanding of the DAO for MKR holders, and proposing changes to its rules. In 2023 alone, we hosted 26 subcommittee meetings, where we invited guests—both ecosystem actors, delegates, community members and external stakeholders—to discuss various aspects of the Maker ecosystem.

At the same time, I collaborated with the Seed Latam team in their involvement with the Arbitrum DAO, though my public and active engagement only began in October 2023 (just over a year ago). In January, I led SEED’s application and participation in the LTIPP as an advisor to protocols (and later in B.STIP), working alongside the outstanding @JoJo and @CastleCapital . This experience allowed me to connect with and understand the perspectives of the DAO’s various stakeholders.

In July of this year, I announced that I was no longer collaborating with SEED. Since then, I’ve been contributing to the DAO in a personal capacity. Currently, I am an active delegate, a member of the DIP as of this month (November 2024), and part of the Staking Working Group. If the DAO decides to proceed with my nomination, I will step down from the Working Group.

Explain how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council. Focus on your ability to oversee strategic priorities, manage resources, and handle communication or operations. (400 words max)

Since I began in governance, my contributions have primarily focused on fulfilling roles that required strategic oversight and resource management on one hand and serving as a point of contact between stakeholders on the other.

The role of the AVC was precisely to propose and debate the strategy and vision for the DAO. During LTIPP and B.STIP, we had to be highly resourceful to efficiently manage the available resources, especially since we received twice the number of applications expected. Every applicant received their feedback on time, in a fair, transparent, and publicly auditable manner.

My constant engagement with various DAO participants, both in Maker and Arbitrum, taught me the critical importance of effective communication among stakeholders. For the ARDC to succeed, transparency and effective communication are essential.

Any initiative must have clearly defined strategic priorities while maintaining the flexibility to iterate and improve over time. For this reason, I strongly support reflection, sharing lessons learned, and fostering debate to enhance initiatives—in this case, the ARDC. I will seek this iteration and feedback when the DAO needs to decide on extending the six-month term.

On a personal level, I have always been a supporter of order and transparency in Web3. To keep a diverse group of individuals and stakeholders aligned, communication and transparency are absolutely key.

@pedrob

We need to have clear oversight of the spending executed by the DAO and how each expense impacts the treasury, its sustainability, and the impact on the DAO’s objectives.

This same perspective I shared some time ago fully applies to the ARDC.

Motivation & Strategic Vision

What motivates you to join the Supervisory Council, and what do you hope to achieve during your term? Explain why you are interested in a specific role (Communications or Operations) and how it aligns with your experience and skills. (300 words max)

As I mentioned when providing feedback on the proposal, I believe the work carried out by the ARDC during its first term was excellent. The main challenge for this second stage is to consolidate internal processes and improve coordination with all stakeholders to maximize resource utilization.

@Sinkas

we chose to try to identify risks or points of concern in proposals that were already on Snapshot, or had garnered significant and vocal support from delegates without necessarily having gone to Snapshot, so we could help delegates make informed decisions.

The ARDC should act as a support system, providing expert opinions and the necessary arguments to enable delegates to vote with the best understanding possible. It should be seen this way, ensuring that information and access for all DAO participants flow seamlessly.

I choose the communications role because I believe that coordination and communication among the various stakeholders are essential for the ARDC to remain a key player in the coming months. This is how I see it, and it’s the approach I have implemented in practice during my time with Maker and LTIPP/B.STIP.

What strategic priorities would you focus on during your term to ensure the ARDC meets its goals? How do you plan to contribute to aligning the ARDC’s activities with the broader objectives of the ArbitrumDAO? (500 words max)

The DAO will define the strategic priorities. The new model allows the ARDC to remain flexible and adapt to the DAO’s requests, thereby avoiding unnecessary resource expenditures.

My strategic priority will be to ensure that identifying and executing the DAO’s strategic priorities is as simple and seamless as possible. This way, a clear and established process for determining priorities can be set for the future.

That said, I will pay special attention to what the DAO ultimately defines as its mission, vision, and purpose. Every request to the ARDC will be evaluated based on those definitions and the fundamental values outlined in the DAO’s Constitution.

Lastly, during Devcon, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by @EdFelten , who articulated with great precision how I believe the determination of priorities should operate:

In my opinion, the strategic priorities should address the six “big moves” identified there, always keeping as a north star the alignment of technology with user needs.

Role-Specific Responsibilities

Describe your approach to maintaining transparent communication channels with key stakeholders, including OffChain Labs, the Arbitrum Foundation, and the DAO. How will you ensure that updates on ARDC activities are accessible and meaningful to the DAO? Provide examples of past communication or stakeholder engagement efforts. (400 words max)

Transparent communication relies on collective willingness. From day one, I will focus on coordinating available communication channels to maximize the use of resources.

Transparency and awareness of the ARDC’s work are essential for the DAO to understand what is being done and ensure that it is reliable. For this reason, constant communication must reflect a proactive approach to transparency.

I will utilize all available channels and platforms to ensure updates and the status of the ARDC’s work reach every DAO participant. If elected, we will establish, together with the other Council members, dedicated channels to facilitate seamless communication.

I also believe that reports on the forum are crucial. The forum should be the first point of reference for anyone interested in learning about the DAO, so I will prioritize consistent reporting on the ARDC’s activities and plans.

Lastly, we will organize calls and meetings with the elected ARDC members to discuss priorities and ongoing projects. These sessions will aim to align all DAO participants and address any questions regarding the direction being pursued.

How would you design and implement a communication strategy to enhance the visibility of ARDC’s work? Describe how you would manage press releases, social media, and community calls to ensure clear and consistent messaging. Anything you would improve on current strategies? (400 words max)

External communication requires resources.

The first step is to enhance coordination between the DAO and the foundation, as they hold the primary communication channels under the Arbitrum brand. Over the past year, these channels haven’t been fully leveraged to raise awareness about all DAO initiatives and extend their impact.

During LTIPP, I coordinated multiple times with the foundation to publish various opportunities and the application process on their social media. The impact was significant.

The foundation controls Twitter and Discord, two tools that can be very effective in communicating the ARDC’s results outside the DAO. I don’t believe new communication channels need to be created, as that would only further fragment and create friction in accessing information. Instead, we should amplify the existing channels, which are already very effective.

Earlier this year, I had discussions about creating a shared communication calendar between the DAO and the foundation to align on initiatives. I believe this same approach should be applied to effectively communicate the ARDC’s results.

Additionally, I will reach out to Web3 media outlets to share and amplify the ARDC’s work results.

Lastly, something that I believe hasn’t been done is communicating both the decisions to execute and those to hold off on, along with the reasoning behind prioritizing one task over another. This will give the DAO the opportunity to stay informed about the requests the ARDC receives and its priorities, allowing members to voice concerns if they disagree with the direction being taken.

Priorization & Time Allocation

You will also need to evaluate and prioritise deliverables while assessing whether the time quoted by working members for specific tasks is reasonable. How will you determine which deliverables should be prioritised based on DAO needs, and how will you assess whether the time allocated for these tasks is appropriate? (400 words max)

This is a difficult question to answer, as the dynamics of the DAO and the market change rapidly, and what seems like a need today might not be as urgent in a month, with new needs emerging.

It’s crucial to always maintain flexibility and the ability to adapt to changes in the environment. The different stakeholders are very good at identifying their needs, and when it comes to prioritizing deliverables, the decision will be based on how well the requests align with the DAO’s mission, values, and purpose.

Regarding whether the time allocated for each task is adequate, the most important thing will be to create a system that prioritizes transparency in the decision to execute and complete work. Once a task is approved and started, it’s essential to communicate not only that work is being done but also how much time will be dedicated to it. This will allow the DAO to assess whether resources are being allocated appropriately or not.

There is no need to trust if communication and transparency are prioritized. On the provider side, when everything is communicated as transparently as possible, their incentives will be to show that their work is reliable and valuable.

Summary of Qualifications

In summary, highlight your key qualifications and explain why you are a strong fit for the Supervisory Council. Emphasise the skills and experiences that make you well-suited for either the Communications or Operations role, and how you will contribute to the ARDC’s success. (400 words max)

With over two years of experience in DAO governance, I have developed a robust understanding of decentralized decision-making processes and the strategic oversight required to guide DAOs toward achieving their objectives.

My experience has sharpened my ability to manage resources, drive stakeholder engagement, and navigate complex governance structures. Both in Maker and Arbitrum I have served in various capacities, including advisor, delegate, and member of governance working groups/committees, where I encouraged transparent communication, ensured fair resource allocation, and contributed to the DAO’s strategic direction.

In my role with the Supervisory Council, I would leverage my expertise to strengthen transparency and ensure alignment with the DAO’s MVP. I will focus on facilitating seamless information flow, maintaining close coordination with key stakeholders, and refining internal processes to ensure the ARDC’s work is transparent, effective, and aligned with the broader objectives of the Arbitrum DAO. Additionally, I am committed to maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing needs and priorities, ensuring that the Council can respond proactively to emerging challenges.

Overall, my experience in governance, resource management, and communication within DAOs makes me a strong fit for the Supervisory Council, where I can contribute significantly to both the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the DAO.

Lastly, I agree with kris comment:

@krst

Lastly, we want to highlight that if the OpCo is set up during the ARDC’s tenure, we expect it to take ownership of the initiative and be responsible for its oversight. We think that in the event that happens, the Supervisory Council should work with the OpCo to figure out how to transition properly into the new structure.

If OpCo is ready during the ARDC’s mandate, we will work towards transferring ownership to them.

[ReveloIntel]

Name of Applicant: Revelo Intel
Telegram Handle: @VuBenson
Role: Research Working Member

Hourly Rate (in USDC): Revelo Intel operates most effectively on a project-based model, which aligns with the nature of our work and ensures clear deliverables and outcomes.

While our preference is for project-based compensation, we understand the structure of the ARDC proposal and are happy to accommodate its requirements. Based on the scope and anticipated tasks, our hourly rate would be $125/hour, calculated to reflect the level of expertise, depth of research, and resources dedicated to each initiative.

Background & Skills

Overview of Experience

Please provide a brief overview of your experience in the digital asset industry, particularly within the Ethereum & Arbitrum Ecosystems. Include your involvement in any relevant projects or contributions to the ArbitrumDAO, or other Ecosystems.

Revelo Intel is a boutique research firm renowned for its institutional-grade insights on blockchain protocols, ecosystems, and narratives. Our team specializes in tailored reports that synthesize complex project mechanics, assess market dynamics, and identify adoption catalysts. By bridging gaps in understanding, we help stakeholders to make informed decisions and build trust within the ecosystem.

Two of our most impactful research formats are Project Breakdown (Diligence) reports, which offer detailed analyses of a protocol’s architecture, mechanics, tokenomics, cases for adoption, roadmap, and more, and Industry Intel (Narrative) reports, which explore broader trends and their implications for protocol and/or ecosystem growth. These reports have become go-to resources for both protocols and users/investors.

Our work deeply intersects with Ethereum and Arbitrum, given their dominance in the EVM ecosystem. For instance, we have analyzed leading Arbitrum projects, contributing to their growth through reports that highlight their mechanics and positioning.

Examples include:

• The State of Arbitrum (in collaboration with Castle Capital)
• Analyzing the Economics of L2s
• 2023/2024 Annual Intel - Our View on Trends and Narratives
• Arbitrum Breakdown (Diligence) Report
• Premia Breakdown (Diligence) Report
• Pendle Industry Intel (Narrative) Report
• Vertex Edge Industry Intel (Narrative) Report
• Pear Protocol Industry Intel (Narrative) Report
• Liquity Stablecoin Risk Assessment Report

Our research has consistently been praised for its depth, clarity, and actionable recommendations and, with this grant, we aims to deepen its focus on Arbitrum, producing research that supports the ArbitrumDAO’s goals of scalability, adoption, and ecosystem growth. This includes spotlighting underrepresented projects, assessing key infrastructure developments, and preparing the proper educational rails to both help inform existing and onboard new participants effectively.

Alignment of Experience

Explain how your skills align with the role you are applying for and describe your methodology for fulfilling your duties. How will these skills help you effectively contribute to the ArbitrumDAO?

Our extensive experience producing institutional-grade, comprehensive research and collaborating with a diverse range of teams across the industry positions us as uniquely qualified for the ARDC research member role. Our methodology emphasizes three pillars: collaboration, objectivity, and fundamentally-driven insights, ensuring high-quality deliverables that align with the values and goals of the ArbitrumDAO.

Collaboration

We prioritize seamless communication and collaboration with protocol teams, creating the highest understanding of their mechanics, challenges, and objectives. This allows us to provide contextually relevant research that accounts for both on-chain performance and off-chain dynamics. Importantly, while we engage with teams to understand their nuances, our research process ensures independence. Input from protocol teams is limited to factual verification, guaranteeing that our findings remain unbiased and reflective of the data and mechanics alone.

This collaborative yet impartial approach builds trust within the ecosystem. Protocol teams benefit from accurate, high-quality research, while stakeholders—whether users, developers, or investors—can rely on our work to make informed decisions.

Objectivity

A cornerstone of our methodology is maintaining a clear distinction between marketing and research. Our reports are crafted to present facts in a neutral, digestible format, allowing protocols’ merits to shine through without promotional bias. While our short-form content, i.e., Twitter threads, newsletters, etc., generates attention and engagement for protocols, our long-form research provides deeper, unbiased insights and understanding. By focusing on objective representation, we empower stakeholders to evaluate protocols based on their intrinsic value and performance, aligning with the ArbitrumDAO’s ethos of transparency and trust.

Fundamentally-Driven Insights

Our research is grounded in rigorous analysis, enabling us to uncover actionable insights and evaluate protocol at the deepest level. By combining narrative-driven analysis with deep-dive research rooted in fundaments, we ensure our findings are not only insightful but also actionable for stakeholders. This methodology is particularly valuable for assessing key areas of growth and identifying catalysts for further ecosystem development within Arbitrum.

How These Skills Align with the ArbitrumDAO

As an ARDC research member, our skills directly contribute to the DAO’s mission of facilitating informed governance, ecosystem growth, and stakeholder education. By providing unbiased, objective research, we can:

1. Support governance decisions: Equipping DAO members with objective insights to evaluate proposals and their potential impacts.
2. Educate stakeholders: Creating content that demystifies complex topics for the community, encouraging broader participation and understanding.
3. Promote ecosystem growth: Identifying trends, gaps, and opportunities within Arbitrum, enabling the DAO to take proactive steps toward scalability and adoption.

Our collaborative, objective, and fundamentally-driven approach ensures that our contributions to the ArbitrumDAO will be both impactful and aligned with its goals. With our proven track record and commitment to high standards, we are well-prepared to advance the DAO’s objectives while maintaining the integrity and trust that define the Arbitrum ecosystem.

Motivation

What motivates you to join ARDC, and what do you aim to achieve as a Working Member?

Our motivation to join the ARDC collective stems from a deep respect for Arbitrum’s position as one of the most impactful, resilient, and forward-looking ecosystems in the blockchain space, coupled with a desire to contribute meaningfully to its continued growth and success. This opportunity aligns perfectly with our goals as an independent research firm and offers a platform to expand both the scope and depth of our work.

Expanding Ecosystem Analysis

As a research firm, Revelo Intel has consistently delivered objective, fundamentally-driven insights into protocol mechanics and industry trends. While we already produce adjacent analyses for our audience, joining the ARDC would allow us to extend our expertise into broader ecosystem analysis, particularly in retrospective studies of initiatives and governance decisions, areas that we haven’t, but are interested in and capable, of covering. This role offers the chance to formalize and expand these efforts, ensuring they reach a wider user base and deliver maximum impact.

Strengthening Ties with Arbitrum

Arbitrum has always been a focal point for our research, as evidenced by our coverage of prominent native projects such as GMX, Vertex, and others. We view this opportunity not only as a chance to deepen our understanding of the ecosystem but also to establish a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. As one of the earliest L2s to achieve large-scale success, Arbitrum exemplifies resilience and innovation—qualities that resonate deeply with our firm’s values.

Driving Value for the Community

We aim to leverage this role to further bridge the gap between protocol teams, DAO members, and end users by producing accessible, actionable research that demystifies complex concepts and highlights growth opportunities. Although we already have a strong presence within the Arbitrum ecosystem, this becoming a Research Member amplifies our ability to empower the community with the insights they need to make informed decisions, support governance, and drive the ecosystem forward.

Our Vision as a Working Member

As an ARDC Working Member, we aim to be a trusted, independent voice delivering research that enhances transparency, builds trust, and fosters collaboration. This role represents a unique opportunity for us to grow alongside Arbitrum while contributing to its mission of scaling blockchain technology and decentralized finance.

Research Initiatives

Describe your experience conducting research-oriented initiatives within the digital asset industry, more specifically (and if applicable), research related to the Arbitrum tech-stack. Explain how your previous experience can translate to an added value contribution to the ARDC & the ArbitrumDAO.

Revelo Intel has a distinguished history of conducting research-oriented initiatives within the digital asset industry, with a particular focus on delivering unparalleled diligence and professionalism. Our analysts take a “leave no stone unturned” approach, ensuring they understand every facet of the protocols and projects they report on. This commitment extends beyond data and mechanics—it’s about grasping the narrative, the context, and the implications for the ecosystem. This ethos defines our work and sets us apart in an industry where surface-level analysis often prevails.

Experience with Arbitrum and Broader Research

Our research spans commissioned and self-initiated work on projects and protocols within the Arbitrum ecosystem. Notable examples include analyses of GMX and Vertex, as well as broader analyses of trends like restaking and the economics of Layer 2 solutions. These reports not only dissect protocol mechanics but also position projects within the larger trends shaping DeFi and blockchain technology.

We consistently revisit, update, and expand upon prior research to reflect new developments. This perpetual diligence ensures stakeholders have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information—a critical advantage in an industry where protocols evolve rapidly, and ongoing diligence is often overlooked. This methodology, which combines rigorous research with a forward-looking approach, has proven invaluable to the teams and users we serve.

Value to the ARDC and ArbitrumDAO

Becoming an ARDC research member would allow us to bring this unparalleled level of diligence and professionalism directly to Arbitrum. We want to help set new benchmarks for diligence and research, reinforcing Arbitrum’s position as a leader in the blockchain space.

Our work isn’t just about detail; it’s about transformation. By delivering research that is as actionable as it is thorough, we ensure that Arbitrum benefits from insights that drive informed decision-making, empower stakeholders, and create lasting value for the ecosystem.

Project Management & Collaboration

Describe your project management experience (This could include project management in other ecosystems you have operated in, management of initiatives, etc.)

Revelo Intel’s ability to execute complex projects is driven by a versatile team with expertise spanning industries and disciplines, led by a Head of Research who is deeply immersed in the digital asset space. This expertise allows us to approach research with diligence and care, ensuring every protocol and project we cover is analyzed comprehensively, with no detail overlooked.

Our CEO adds another layer of strength to our project management capabilities, bringing experience in building and scaling companies with a focus on execution. By implementing effective processes, procedures, and practices, we operate with the structure and precision required to deliver consistently high-quality results.

With ~200 long-form reports under our belt—many produced in collaboration with leading protocols—we have honed the skills needed to manage deliverables, timelines, and expectations effectively. Our Project Breakdown reports, in particular, demonstrate our ability to maintain long-term partnerships and manage evergreen content. These reports are perpetually updated to reflect new developments, showcasing our commitment to producing accurate, relevant research and fostering strong relationships with protocol teams.

We approached the opportunity to become an ARDC research member with careful consideration, and we are confident in our ability to fulfill the role and contribute meaningfully. Our track record gives us the assurance that we can not only meet expectations but also bring valuable expertise to the ARDC initiative and the ArbitrumDAO.

Scope of Work

Outline the tasks and key deliverables you propose, covering one-third of the 6-month term. Demonstrate your understanding of the most pressing needs within the ArbitrumDAO and how your work will support its strategic goals.

Please also elaborate as to your capacity to execute, including how you intend to allocate resources for the remaining term, with regard to ad hoc or flexible tasks that the Supervisory Council may put forward. Please also describe how you would plan to satisfy this should the ARDC be extended for an additional 6-month term.

Tasks and Key Deliverables

Outline the tasks and key deliverables you propose, covering one-third of the 6-month term. Demonstrate your understanding of the most pressing needs within the ArbitrumDAO and how your work will support its strategic goals.

Proposed Tasks and Key Deliverables (First Two Months)

For the initial one-third of the 6-month term, we propose the following deliverables, designed to address the ArbitrumDAO’s most pressing needs:

Arbitrum Stylus Developer Analysis

Deliverable: A study focused on attracting developers to build with Arbitrum Stylus, including:

• A comparative analysis of Stylus’ capabilities versus existing solutions.
• Feedback from developers on barriers to adoption and how to address them.
• Key recommendations for enhancing developer experience and onboarding.

Timeline: Delivered by the middle of the second month.

Value: Supports Stylus’ success by identifying strategies to position it as the leading choice for developers, strengthening Arbitrum’s technical ecosystem.

Arbitrum Orbit Growth Study

Deliverable: A report identifying trends and strategies for attracting projects and users to the Arbitrum Orbit ecosystem. This will include:

• Key metrics and benchmarks for evaluating growth opportunities.
• Recommendations for fostering adoption and incentivizing projects to launch within Orbit.

Timeline: Completed by the end of the second month.

Value: Provides the DAO with insights to guide resource allocation and initiatives for expanding Orbit, increasing Arbitrum’s market share.

Comprehensive Governance Analysis and Delegate Engagement

Deliverable: A detailed report evaluating recent governance proposals, focusing on their outcomes, alignment with DAO priorities, and opportunities for improvement. This will include recommendations for a delegate incentive structure to encourage active and consistent participation.

Timeline: Delivered at the end of the first month.

Value: Provides actionable insights to enhance governance transparency and optimize delegate engagement, ensuring the DAO remains agile and effective.

Understanding and Addressing DAO Needs

The ArbitrumDAO operates at the intersection of governance, technical innovation, and ecosystem growth. These proposed deliverables address its strategic priorities:

• Governance: Transparency and enhanced delegate participation through governance analysis and incentives.
• Technical Adoption: Supporting Stylus by identifying developer needs and positioning it as a top choice for innovation.
• Ecosystem Growth: Expanding Orbit’s user base and project ecosystem to maintain Arbitrum’s competitive edge.

By aligning with these goals, our work ensures that the DAO is equipped to make informed, impactful decisions.

Capacity to Execute

Revelo Intel’s experienced team is well-positioned to execute these deliverables. Our analysts and research specialists will focus on governance, Stylus, and Orbit studies, while our content team ensures that findings are communicated effectively. A portion of our team is allocated to ad hoc tasks, ensuring responsiveness to the Supervisory Council’s evolving priorities.

We operate with proven methodologies, including perpetual diligence and structured project management, supported by leadership experienced in scaling organizations. These processes allow us to maintain quality while handling flexible workloads.

Planning for an Extended Term

Should the ARDC be extended, we propose continuing with longitudinal initiatives:

1. Stylus and Orbit Impact Analysis: Ongoing evaluation of adoption trends, developer feedback, and user growth across these ecosystems.
2. Governance Enhancements: Expanding on initial findings to develop frameworks for sustained participation and alignment with DAO goals.
3. Community Engagement: Scaling education and outreach to onboard more developers and projects, ensuring long-term ecosystem vibrancy.

This phased approach ensures continuity and sustained value for the DAO while adapting to emerging priorities.

Conflict of Interest

We are dedicated to maintaining objectivity and transparency in our research, ensuring that all findings are presented accurately and without bias. From the outset, we make it explicitly clear to both our users and partner protocols that our research process is entirely impartial. We do not omit data, gloss over critical themes, or obscure information to portray any protocol in a more favorable light. This ethos of objectivity forms the foundation of trust and sets clear expectations for all stakeholders.

To further mitigate potential conflicts of interest, we prioritize transparency throughout our collaboration process. Research goals, methodologies, and publication details are thoroughly discussed and agreed upon with protocol teams at the start of each engagement. This proactive approach minimizes misunderstandings and ensures alignment between all parties.

While we have not encountered conflicts of interest to date, we are fully prepared to address any that may arise. In such cases, we would reaffirm our commitment to impartiality and reference the expectations established at the beginning of the engagement. By adhering to these principles, we ensure the integrity of our research remains uncompromised, resolving any potential concerns swiftly and professionally.

Summary

Revelo Intel is uniquely positioned to serve as an ARDC Research Member due to our deep expertise, rigorous methodology, and commitment to elevating ecosystem understanding and engagement. Our team operates at the intersection of professionalism and passion, bringing unmatched diligence to every research initiative we undertake.

We pride ourselves on delivering research that goes beyond surface-level analysis. Our “leave no stone unturned” approach ensures that every protocol, governance decision, and ecosystem trend we study is analyzed thoroughly, with insights presented clearly and objectively. This ethos has earned us the trust of protocols across the digital asset industry, including prominent Arbitrum-native projects. We see this trust not as a milestone but as a mandate to continue pushing the boundaries of what independent research can achieve.

Our track record of producing ~200 long-form reports reflects not only our capacity but also our consistency. Yet what sets us apart is our perpetual diligence—our commitment to revisiting and updating research to keep it relevant as protocols and ecosystems evolve. This adaptability is particularly critical for the ArbitrumDAO, where rapid innovation demands ongoing analysis to support informed governance and strategic growth.

We approach every engagement with a deep respect for transparency and collaboration. From setting clear expectations at the outset to delivering actionable insights, we ensure that our research empowers decision-makers while remaining accessible to the wider community. Whether it’s through comprehensive governance analyses, actionable recommendations for developer adoption with Stylus, or strategies to foster project growth through Orbit, our work is designed to drive meaningful progress within the Arbitrum ecosystem.

What makes Revelo Intel a strong fit for this role isn’t just our ability to deliver—it’s our readiness to adapt, innovate, and align with the DAO’s evolving priorities. We have built a team that thrives on flexibility without compromising quality, ensuring we can respond to ad hoc needs from the Supervisory Council while adhering to the highest standards of research excellence. With leadership grounded in execution and a team dedicated to learning every nuance of the protocols we study, we are confident in our ability to meet and exceed the expectations of this role.

Looking ahead, our vision aligns seamlessly with the ARDC’s goals: to bring clarity, credibility, and actionable insights to the forefront of decentralized governance. Whether for the initial six-month term or an extended engagement, our research will not only illuminate the challenges and opportunities within Arbitrum but also help shape its continued evolution as a leading Layer 2 solution.

[TAU_Labs]

Application for Risk Member Seat

• Name: TAU Labs
• Telegram Handles: Pixel2904, TauKatana, gm_0xKepler, OxCypherPeak, RogerTennis1
• Email Addresses: vladt@628labs.xyz 0xkepler@628labs.xyz Katherine Long alexander.zahnd@gmail.com rogger@628labs.xyz
• The role being applied for: Risk Working Member
• Hourly Rate (in USDC):
  Fundamental research + basic financial, data and incenvitve modelling + in-depth reports - $100/hr
  Everything mentioned above including advanced modelling and simulations - $125/hr
  Everything above plus treasury managenent services + in-depth capital efficiency across all Arbitrum DeFi ecosystem - $140/hr

Summary

TAU Labs is a Tokenomics and Data Science Lab that has been helping 15+ clients with token engineering, incentive design, and economic modeling, with a focus on DeFi protocols.

Our team is made up of data scientists, chartered financial analysts and DeFi experts. We’re experienced in building a wide spectrum of highly detailed risk models and stress parameters, including monte carlo simulations to create resilient protocol and incentivization mechanics.

We particularly excel at incentive-based user acquisition and therefore would like to create further macro and micro level optimizations to the DAOs incentive programs.

Throughout the term, TAU will be at the DAO’s disposal to work on other tasks the Supervisory Council puts forward. Given our expertise in protocol design, tokenomics, and economic modeling, we are flexible and can work on any relevant task.

We cover all bases needed to design a comprehensive crypto-economic system with:

1. Resilient products with PMF (protocol design),
2. Incentive-based user acquisition mechanics providing long-term retention & positive ROI, and
3. Value-based tokenomics,

to build a thriving, value-driven ecosystem.

Background & Skills

TAU Labs is a Tokenomics and Data Science Lab, specialized in providing comprehensive token and incentive engineering, financial modeling, economic simulation, and mechanism design.

We’ve worked with 15+ clients in the past year, focusing mostly on DeFi projects. Some of the most relevant projects to the work needed by the DAO include:

• MORE Markets (Borrow/Lending): Token Engineering, Incentive Design, Structured Product modeling and risk parameterization, treasury management, in-depth fee-discount research, airdrop modeling.
• Rain.Fi (Borrow/Lending): Token Engineering, Incentive Design, Structured Product modeling and risk parameterization, airdrop modeling.
• YieldNest (Restaking): Token Architecture and Design, in-depth Points structuring, documentation and research, Quantitative OTC deal structuring and negotiations, airdrop modeling.
• Vest Exchange (Perp Dex) - Token Architecture and mechanism design consulting.
• Opsin (Spot DEX) - Token design and mechanism consultation, points incentive and utility design, airdrop modeling.
• Mendi.finance V2 protocol, name not yet public (Borrow.lending) - Token Engineering, Incentive Design, Structured Product modeling and risk parameterization, in-depth fee-discount research, airdrop modeling.

We make use of Monte Carlo simulations and rigorous stress testing to ensure resilient risk management. We provide public Machinations models and custom-built Python dashboards that allow all stakeholders in the protocol to understand our research and recommendations.

Our team is made up of data scientists, chartered financial analysts and experts in DeFi and the broader Ethereum ecosystem.

Our focus on DeFi has naturally led us to Arbitrum as the main L2 for DeFi. TAU’s team members have been early supporters of leading Arbitrum-native protocols such as GMX.

TAU’s previous experience in protocol design, economic modeling, and token engineering aligns with the risk member’s responsibilities and required skills in the ARDC.

Motivation

We aim to bring a systematic and data-driven approach to risk evaluation, supporting protocol design, tokenomics updates and incentive campaigns. Through this, we aim to build a more resilient DeFi and crypto ecosystem which creates value for its users that can be captured via tokens.

We cover all bases needed to design a comprehensive crypto-economic system with:

1. Resilient products with PMF (through protocol design),
2. Incentive-based user acquisition mechanics providing long-term retention & positive ROI
3. Value-based tokenomics built with balance in mind between all shareholders

to build a thriving, value-driven crypto ecosystem rather than purely resorting to speculative token use cases, particularly through long-term incentives.

TAU is perfectly set up for data-driven user acquisition; our team has previously worked in performance-driven user acquisition for 4 years, combining crypto-native skills with traditional UA expertise. We would like to use this expertise in particular to help build a strong successor to the STIP and LITPP programs. Please refer to our articles about points and incentives for more info.

Risk-related Experience

TAU Labs has extensive experience in data science and economic modeling, having built a wide spectrum of highly detailed risk models and stress parameters for a number of DeFi protocols.

Due to our quantitative background, we naturally gravitate towards rigorously understanding the limits of every module we build. For each project where we have created a utility or incentive model, we have built accompanying models that stress test the limits of the initial models. For example:

For a choice-to-claim airdrop model, we built a detailed sell-pressure scenario dashboard. A small part of it can be seen below:

We are always up-to-date on DeFi strategies and how yield dynamics shift every day. To this end, we work with projects as in-house quantitative analysts and treasury managers to ensure that every capital allocation is as efficient as possible.

Project Management & Collaboration

We have a structured approach to project management which has been battle-tested with our 15+ clients.

Our comprehensive workflow starts with a consultation and exploration phase, collecting information on stakeholders through primary and secondary research. This follows a research phase where we ideate and design multiple variations for each major part of the project, i.e. incentive or mechanism design.

This is then presented at both the strategic and the tactical level, which will help the team zero in on the best solution in an iterative process, incorporating feedback from clients and stakeholders. We then create detailed models and simulations to fine-tune parameters.

We collaborate closely with our clients end-to-end, from ideation to strategy, modeling, design, and implementation. Thus, we have experience working with different groups, such as company leadership, developers, and marketing teams throughout the collaboration lifecycle.

Our collaborations are designed for the long-term, including a multi-year collaboration agreement which we currently have with at least one client.

Scope of Work

Given the success of the STIP and LTIPP programs, we would like to continue to explore data-driven incentive distribution to boost TVL and trading volumes for DeFi protocols, as well as the usage of Arbitrum apps more generally.

Strategically allocating incentives based on pre-determined goals such as liquidity and market share has proven effective as a macro level optimization.

We believe further optimizations are possible on a micro, per-user level. By utilizing onchain (and potentially offchain data), we can further segment users by expected lifetime value and related metrics such as retention, wallet net worth, etc.

One-third of the 6-month term would be dedicated to build upon the existing analysis of LTIPP and STIP programs to push improvements at the macro level. Additionally, TAU Labs will provide the DAO a range of suggestions for incentive designs and micro level optimizations.

• Summarize key findings from existing LTIPP and STIP analysis and foster it with secondary research. Fill gaps with primary research
• Identify room for optimization on the macro level
• Ideate micro level optimizations through user segmentation. Discuss tradeoffs and feasibility with the DAO, then plan, budget, and execute experiments for multiple promising approaches to generate insights
• Provide a final report with key learnings

Throughout the term, TAU will be at the DAO’s disposal to work on other tasks the Supervisory Council puts forward. Given our expertise in protocol design, tokenomics, and economic modeling, we are flexible enough to work on any relevant task.

Conflict of Interest

At the time of writing, no conflicts of interest exist. We’re happy to work with Arbitrum as our only ecosystem client for the full period of ARDC V2. In the case that unexpected conflicts of interest arise, these will immediately be reported to the Supervisory Council to resolve in collaboration as quickly as possible

[PYOR]

Applicant Information

• Name of Applicant & Applicant’s Representative (If applicable): PYOR (Power Your Own Research)

• Telegram Handle (if applicable): Telegram: Contact @sriramHQ / Telegram: Contact @nihar_t (please use both)

• LinkedIn Profile (if applicable): PYOR | LinkedIn

• The role being applied for (choose one): Research Working Member

• Hourly Rate (in USDC):
  We have categorised our hourly rates to reflect the expertise and experience required for specific roles:

1. Tier 1: $100 USDC per hour : Resources with 2–5 years of hands-on experience in executing and contributing to crypto-native projects, including tasks such as protocol analysis and data-driven research.

2. Tier 2: $150 USDC per hour: Resources with over 5+ years of experience, including working with Big 4 consulting firms, institutional finance, and leading crypto projects.

Resource allocation will be dynamically adjusted based on project requirements, ensuring optimal expertise deployment while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Each project, regardless of tier, will have a dedicated project manager to ensure smooth execution, clear communication, and timely delivery.

Our team consists of over 30 experienced professionals, including data researchers, analysts, developers, and project managers. This ensures we have adequate in-house bandwidth to execute projects of any scale and complexity efficiently.

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Background & Skills

Please provide a brief overview of your experience in the digital asset industry, particularly within the Ethereum & Arbitrum Ecosystems. Include your involvement in any relevant projects or contributions to the ArbitrumDAO, or other Ecosystems. (400 words max)

Overview:

At PYOR, we empower blockchain protocols, DAOs, and dApps with targeted research and analytics & tools. Founded in 2022 by veteran executives from Barclays / EY / Coinswitch—India’s premier cryptocurrency exchange—PYOR bridges the critical gap between complex blockchain data and actionable insights.

We’re backed by industry leaders including Castle Island Ventures and Coinbase Ventures, Balaji Srinivasan, etc.

The PYOR team consists of experienced builders from the TradFi, Consulting, and Web3 industries.

Our Co-Founders:

Our collaboration with diverse clients has strengthened our expertise and continuously shapes our evolving understanding of the blockchain ecosystem. We have partnered with clients across various ecosystems and of varying scales:

Protocol Partnerships

We’ve delivered strategic insights for leading blockchain protocols including:

• Layer 1 & 2 Solutions: Arbitrum, Internet Computer Protocol (ICP), Cosmos, Tezos
• DeFi Protocols: Compound, Venus, Osmosis
• Web3 Infrastructure: Livepeer, Swell

Institutional Collaborations

• Ribbit Capital
• M31 Capital

Home of EigenLayer: We developed a complete analytics dashboard dedicated to understanding the EigenLayer Restaking ecosystem. This platform offers a single hub to analyze and manage restaking data, ensuring users have the insights necessary to make informed decisions about their staking and delegations.

You can access our Dune dashboards , research content and other proof of work in the given links.

Arbitrum Projects:

We are honoured to be selected as a trusted partner for conducting key research and analysis within the Arbitrum ecosystem.

Our approach is multi-dimensional, combining both top-down and bottom-up strategies to deliver comprehensive insights. This enabled us to serve not only as trusted advisors to the DAO, but also as hands-on contributors.

Our deep understanding of the concerns and challenges faced by end-users, combined with our awareness of the DAO’s strategic vision, gives us a unique perspective.

Through our extensive experience in leading community and developer initiatives, we have witnessed firsthand what works—and what doesn’t—when such initiatives are implemented.

This invaluable insight allows us to tailor our recommendations to the DAO in a way that is both strategic and grounded in practical, real-world outcomes.

As Arbitrum DAO looks towards unifying its mission and vision statement, we are committed to supporting this process with strategic guidance and actionable recommendations.

Arbitrum Project links:

• Research: Impact analysis of STIP, Backfund and LTIPP programs [Ongoing]
• Analytics: RWA Dashboard [Completed]
• Community Growth: Namaste Arbitrum (60 Video Series + 10 IRL Educational Workshops) [Completed]

Following the success of Namaste Arbitrum, two of our team members, Sriram and Aakash, have been selected as Arbitrum Ambassadors.

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Explain how your skills align with the role you are applying for and describe your methodology for fulfilling your duties. How will these skills help you effectively contribute to the ArbitrumDAO? (500 words max)

Core Competencies

Blending our experience from building PYOR’s data infrastructure and our backgrounds at EY, Barclays & CoinSwitch, we bring unique insights to crypto projects:

• Incentive Mechanism Design & Analysis
  Combining research models with real crypto market dynamics learned from heading research at Barclays & EY
• Market Research & Protocol Intelligence
  Merging TradFi research frameworks with hands-on crypto analytics users
• Governance Framework Design
  Applying corporate governance principles refined through building regulatory-compliant crypto infrastructure
• Strategic Community Initiatives
  Direct experience growing CoinSwitch’s user base from zero to millions through data-driven community strategies

Research Philosophy

1. Data Integrity: Rigorous on-chain analysis ensuring accuracy and reliability
2. Actionable Insights: Converting complex data into clear, implementable insights
3. Strategic Impact: Focusing on insights that drive measurable protocol improvements

Technical Capabilities

• Advanced On-Chain Analytics
  Expertise in complex data modeling across multiple chains, having built custom analytics frameworks for institutional-grade reporting and real-time monitoring
• Protocol Architecture
  Deep understanding of DeFi mechanics from both technical and financial perspectives, shaped by years of implementing trading systems across TradFi and crypto
• Data Infrastructure
  Proven track record of building and optimizing large-scale analytics platforms using tools like Dune Analytics, enabling sophisticated protocol insights and market intelligence
• Market Analysis
  Comprehensive research capabilities combining traditional market fundamentals with real-time on-chain metrics, delivering actionable protocol strategies

This combination of having built a crypto analytics company and major crypto exchange from the ground up, while bringing experience from EY and Barclays, gives us a comprehensive view of what drives successful crypto projects. We’ve lived through the challenges of scaling crypto platforms and know how to apply institutional best practices in a Web3 context.

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Motivation

What motivates you to join ARDC, and what do you aim to achieve as a Working Member? (400 words max)

Arbitrum has historically maintained a dominant position as Ethereum’s leading Layer 2 rollup, particularly excelling in the DeFi ecosystem. However, the Layer 2 landscape has evolved significantly over the past year, with rising competition from emerging rollups and application-specific chains.
Technologically, Arbitrum continues to innovate with key implementations such as:

• Stylus: Enabling developers to write smart contracts in languages like Rust, expanding the development ecosystem.
• BoLD (Better on L2 than L1 Directly): A framework that improves the native Layer 2 experience beyond simple L1 replication.

Arbitrum is also working on several critical upgrades:

• Decentralized Sequencer: Enhancing network resilience and reducing centralization risks.
• Timeboost Ordering: Implementing fair transaction ordering mechanisms to combat MEV.
• Adaptive Price Mechanism: Introducing more efficient and responsive fee structures.
• The growing adoption of the Orbit chain cluster highlights Arbitrum’s commitment to scalability and customization, enabling projects to deploy application-specific chains while maintaining security.

However, Arbitrum faces challenges from new Layer 2 solutions offering competitive advantages in transaction costs, processing speed, novel architectures, incentive programs, developer tooling, and ecosystem funding.

Our Objective:

Our motivation to join ARDC is driven by a distinctive perspective formed through a blend of institutional and deep crypto expertise.

Building on this experience, our goal is to conduct comprehensive research, collaborate with stakeholders, and implement strategies that will reestablish Arbitrum as the leading roll-up platform. This involves analyzing current market dynamics, addressing competitive pressures, and identifying growth opportunities across technical, economic, and community dimensions.

Through strategic planning and execution, we aim to strengthen Arbitrum’s position in the Layer 2 ecosystem while fostering sustainable growth and innovation.

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Research Initiatives

Describe your experience conducting research-oriented initiatives within the digital asset industry, more specifically (and if applicable), research related to the Arbitrum tech-stack. Explain how your previous experience can translate to an added value contribution to the ARDC & the ArbitrumDAO. (500 words max)

Our team blends on-chain analysts, data scientists, and researchers with extensive experience in data-driven research, specializing in the Arbitrum ecosystem. Our portfolio showcases a comprehensive analysis of key aspects of the ecosystem:

1. Comprehensive Analysis of Arbitrum Incentive Programs - WIP
   

• Conducted in-depth analysis of 116 protocols across STIP, Backfund STIP, and LTIPP programs
• Evaluated the efficacy of ~95M ARB tokens in incentives through 7 different metrics and 15 distinct segments
• Developed interactive dashboards to visualize and track program outcomes
• This research provides valuable insights for optimizing future incentive structures within the Arbitrum ecosystem

2. Real World Asset (RWA) Sector Analysis - Completed
   

• Created comprehensive analytics infrastructure for tracking 14 RWA protocols on Arbitrum
• Developed specialized tools including yield calculators for investors and cost calculators for builders
• This expertise positions us to contribute meaningfully to Arbitrum’s growing RWA sector

3. Protocol Analytics Infrastructure

• Built extensive Compound v3 dashboard tracking all markets across Arbitrum, Ethereum, Base, and Optimism
• Developed SNS DAO dashboard monitoring rewards from 14 SNS DAOs for ICP holders
• Published multiple technical protocol deep dives on Paragraph.xyz
• Created 25+ public good dashboards on Dune Analytics, garnering over 200 community endorsements

Our research experience uniquely positions us to contribute to the ARDC & ArbitrumDAO through:

• Data-driven analysis of ecosystem initiatives
• Creation of accessible tools and dashboards for community benefit
• Deep understanding of cross-chain dynamics and protocol implementations
• High-quality technical research output
• Commitment to public goods and ecosystem transparency

We aim to leverage this expertise to help shape and analyze future initiatives within the Arbitrum ecosystem, providing data-driven insights to guide DAO decisions and measure their impact.

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Project Management & Collaboration

Describe your project management experience (This could include project management in other ecosystems you have operated in, management of initiatives, etc.) (300 words max)

With leadership experience at EY and Barclays, we bring proven project management expertise honed through years of delivering complex financial transformations, including managing cross-functional teams, effective stakeholder communication, and risk mitigation to ensure successful project outcomes. We have consistently met deadlines, been transparent about progress, and set clear expectations for all stakeholders.

In the Arbitrum ecosystem, we’ve demonstrated this approach in initiatives like research on incentive programs, developing the RWA Dashboard, and scaling community education through Namaste Arbitrum.

Several DAO members have expressed concerns about transparency and accountability in the initial draft proposals for ARDC V2, primarily due to a lack of information and clarity.

To address this, we are committed to proactive communication and building in public. By making our research transparent and accessible through live dashboards (wherever applicable), we will provide continuous, monthly reports, eliminating any gaps and ensuring clarity for all DAO members.

We will bring these same principles to ARDC initiatives, ensuring clear milestones, regular communication, and measurable progress.

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Scope of Work

Outline the tasks and key deliverables you propose, covering one-third of the 6-month term. Demonstrate your understanding of the most pressing needs within the ArbitrumDAO and how your work will support its strategic goals. (500 words max)

As Research Members, our primary goal is to strengthen Arbitrum’s position as the leading Layer 2 solution and DeFi hub.

For any network, the core requirements are a strong developer mindshare and capture, projects that address both emerging and institutional use cases, and deep liquidity across the ecosystem. To address these challenges, we propose the following research initiatives for the first two months. Based on feedback from the foundation and DAO, we will prioritize and conduct two out of the following three studies during this period.

1. Institutional or sectoral research for Arbitrum:

• Arbitrum has long been a hub for DeFi protocols, and this will continue. However, with the emergence of new market cycles and innovative primitives, it’s crucial to understand and expand into these new areas, both crypto-native and institutional.

• For example, Polymarket, a prediction market app, accounted for nearly half of Polygon’s transaction volume in October 2024. As new primitives emerge, Arbitrum must capture protocols from these sectors.

• This research aims to assess where Arbitrum lags behind competing Layer 2 and Layer 1 networks. The study will explore:

  1. Crypto-native sectors: prediction markets, memecoins, decentralized science (DeSci), gaming, decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), etc.
  2. Institutional sectors: Treasuries, payments, funds, and bonds

• We will conduct a data-driven analysis to identify key sectors with little to no presence on Arbitrum, evaluate their growth potential, and develop strategies to attract these protocols to the network.

2. Liquidity and capital migration research:

Ethereum mainnet currently holds approximately $50 billion in capital. Until now, this capital has remained on the mainnet primarily due to security concerns. However, this capital is now primed for migration. It’s necessary for Arbitrum to establish itself as a chain to be a home of this liquidity.

• Recent advancements — such as live fraud proofs, enhanced cross-chain infrastructure, and an increasing number of protocols building on Arbitrum—make it the ideal platform for this migration.

• This research will:

  1. Analyze the risk profiles of large capital holders
  2. Assess the current infrastructure for migration and identify gaps
  3. Engage with capital holders through interviews to develop a strategy for attracting liquidity

• Key areas of focus will include:

  • Identifying infrastructural gaps that hinder capital migration
  • Conducting user interviews to understand views on Layer 2 migration
  • Analyzing capital ownership on the mainnet and categorizing entities by likelihood to migrate
  • Exploring short-term strategies and incentives to encourage both migration and long-term retention of liquidity on Arbitrum

3. Developer interview based research on current dev-tooling on Arbitrum and Orbit cluster:

• The Arbitrum Orbit cluster is rapidly expanding, with over 50 Layer 2 and Layer 3 projects currently being built, making it one of the largest chain clusters today. Arbitrum has also launched its multi-VM smart contract framework, Arbitrum Stylus.

• As the Orbit cluster grows and Stylus is in place, it’s important to identify infrastructure bottlenecks and challenges developers face.

• This research will involve interviews with both existing and new builders to:

  1. Assess the current state of developer tooling on Arbitrum
  2. Identify support needed from Orbit chain teams for continued growth
  3. Explore challenges around intra-chain and cross-chain messaging within the Orbit ecosystem

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Please also elaborate as to your capacity to execute, including how you intend to allocate resources for the remaining term, with regard to ad hoc or flexible tasks that the Supervisory Council may put forward. Please also describe how you would plan to satisfy this should the ARDC be extended for an additional 6-month term. (300 words max)

Our 30+ member team, with expertise in institutional finance and crypto development, is ready to handle both planned initiatives and ad hoc requests from the Supervisory Council.

For each request, we’ll provide a clear scope, timeline, and cost estimate for Council approval before proceeding. Having successfully delivered multiple Arbitrum projects, we’ve streamlined workflows to quickly address urgent needs without compromising on quality.

With a potential 6-month extension in mind, our scalable team structure and proven project management practices will ensure consistent delivery while adapting to the DAO’s evolving needs.

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Additional Details

Any additional information deemed relevant (500 words max)

Our capabilities extend beyond standard research through key technological and operational advantages:

1. X-ray Analytics Platform

• Proprietary on-chain analytics platform providing real-time protocol insights
• Advanced data visualization and pattern recognition
• Automated monitoring and alert systems for key metrics
• Custom analytics modules for governance, liquidity, and user behavior analysis

2. Custom Analytics Infrastructure

• Dedicated data engineering team for building specialized monitoring systems
• Proprietary data pipelines enabling deeper protocol insights
• Track record of creating public analytics tools used by major protocols

With our proven track record of delivering complex analytics infrastructure and research for major protocols, combined with our proprietary X-ray platform and experienced team of 30+ professionals, we are confident in our ability to exceed expectations and drive meaningful impact for the Arbitrum ecosystem.

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Conflict of Interest

Please disclose any potential conflicts of interest and how you plan to handle situations where they might arise. (250 words max)

We ensure transparency and impartiality in all our work. Our policy is to fully disclose any relationships with other protocols or DAOs and document them clearly.

In case of conflicts, we we inform the Supervisory Council at the earliest for transparent decision-making.

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Summary

In summary, please highlight your key qualifications and explain why you are a strong fit for the role. (500 words max)

At PYOR, we believe our unique blend of experience in both traditional finance and the blockchain space makes us an ideal fit to contribute meaningfully to the ArbitrumDAO. Our team is built on a foundation of expertise from institutions like Barclays, EY, and CoinSwitch, which means we approach blockchain research with the same rigor and strategic thinking expected at the highest levels of finance. This allows us to offer practical, data-driven insights that are both actionable and aligned with long-term ecosystem growth.

We’ve been fortunate to work closely with the Arbitrum ecosystem, conducting research and developing analytics tools that have already provided valuable insights for the DAO. From our deep dive into Arbitrum’s incentive programs to our work building real-time dashboards tracking Real-World Assets (RWA) on the network, we’ve consistently delivered outputs that help stakeholders make informed decisions. Our experience also extends to scaling community efforts, such as our “Namaste Arbitrum” initiative, which aimed to increase engagement and education across the ecosystem.

We are excited to drive impactful initiatives, including researching how Arbitrum can capture emerging sectors like decentralized science, gaming, and prediction markets, as well as assessing the migration of Ethereum-held capital to Arbitrum.

What sets us apart is our ability to combine high-level strategic thinking with technical execution. We’ve built custom data infrastructure, like our proprietary X-ray platform, which provides live, on-chain insights into protocol performance, and developed tools for large-scale monitoring and analytics. These assets help stakeholders at all levels—from developers to investors—navigate the complexity of the blockchain landscape.

Having led complex projects in the corporate world, we understand the importance of clear communication, transparency, and meeting deadlines. We’re committed to working collaboratively with the ArbitrumDAO, offering insights and strategies that support both immediate needs and long-term goals. With our track record, technical expertise, and hands-on approach, we’re confident in our ability to help Arbitrum continue its leadership in the Layer 2 space.

[openzeppelin]

OpenZeppelin’s Application for Security Working Member

• Applicant: OpenZeppelin
• Applicant Representative: Michael Lewellen
• Telegram Handle: @cyloncat
• LinkedIn Profile: OpenZeppelin | LinkedIn
• Role being applied for: Security Working Member
• Hourly Rate (in USDC): $600/hour

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Background & Skills

OpenZeppelin has been a foundational security provider in the blockchain ecosystem since 2016, with deep expertise across decentralized finance (DeFi), governance frameworks, and Ethereum-based smart contracts. Our open-source OpenZeppelin Contracts library is widely trusted and serves as the core infrastructure for secure smart contract development across the blockchain space. Our security services are well recognized for setting industry standards in smart contract security auditing and threat prevention.

Our comprehensive approach to security includes static analysis, fuzzing, and rigorous manual review that address vulnerabilities from multiple angles. Additionally, OpenZeppelin developed the Defender platform, which integrates monitoring and secure operations for managing blockchain deployments, helping protocols proactively address security needs. This extensive background enables us to implement security best practices and address governance security challenges for DAOs and DeFi protocols effectively.

Motivation

At OpenZeppelin, our mission is to build technology that empowers people and brings freedom to the world through secure, transparent, and resilient decentralized systems. This mission drives our commitment to advancing the security and governance frameworks within the Arbitrum ecosystem, where we’ve made significant contributions to support safe and scalable decentralized operations. Our active roles within Arbitrum include serving on the Security Council, where we help uphold the protocol’s security integrity, and developing the open-source OpenZeppelin Governor contracts, which provide a robust governance framework used by the Arbitrum DAO.

In ARDC V1, we expanded our commitment by contributing to Arbitrum DAO’s foundational security measures, including:

• Security Reviews/Audits of governance upgrades such as Arbitrum Governor V2 and Event Horizon Franchiser Contract
• Assessing security risks and correctness for on-chain proposals such as the ArbOS 31 Upgrade and Security Council Improvement Proposals
• Performing initial security design assessments for critical projects like Timeboost and BOLD.
• Providing security feedback for early proposals and assisting the authors with strategies to mitigate potential risks such as the RARI Multichain and Event Horizon

You can review a complete list of our 15 ARDC V1 deliverables here.

In addition to ARDC deliverables, our work on the Stylus Contracts Library and our audit of the Stylus SDK have helped strengthen Arbitrum’s developer ecosystem, providing secure, reliable tools that enable developers to build confidently within the Rust-based Stylus environment. These contributions reflect our dedication to building essential, resilient infrastructure that enhances the Arbitrum ecosystem’s security and functionality.

As we look to ARDC V2, we are prepared to further strengthen Arbitrum’s governance, ensuring that it remains secure, transparent, and well-positioned to foster freedom within the decentralized space. Building on the experience and insights we gained from ARDC V1, OpenZeppelin is well-equipped to support and enhance the DAO’s security processes, establishing governance structures that empower the community to navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Security-Related Experience

OpenZeppelin has a strong track record of security partnerships with leading DAOs, with a particularly impactful role in securing the Compound DAO. Our collaboration with Compound has involved implementing proactive security measures, developing response strategies, and continuously enhancing Compound’s security frameworks. In a recent instance, we identified an error in a proposal that prevented a potential $120,000 loss of funds. Our team was also instrumental in issuing early warnings during the Humpy governance takeover attempt, assisting in the response and recommending protective measures to implement following the incident to guard against similar threats in the future.

In partnership with the Security Alliance, OpenZeppelin participated in one of the first wargame simulations for Compound, rigorously testing the DAO’s emergency response to oracle risks which included OpenZeppelin’s monitoring catching the live issue as part of the scenario. This exercise highlighted vulnerabilities and strengthened Compound’s defenses in high-stakes scenarios. We also spearheaded improvements in Compound’s bug bounty program, facilitating the recent onboarding of Immunefi as a direct DAO bug bounty provider. This program now benefits from Safe Harbor, an initiative led by the Security Alliance that we’ve helped support from its early days, which provides legal assurances for responsible whitehat recoveries. Through these initiatives, OpenZeppelin has demonstrated a proactive, hands-on approach to DAO security, delivering robust, scalable security practices that extend beyond traditional audits.

OpenZeppelin has worked closely with the Arbitrum DAO on key governance and security initiatives as part of ARDC V1 that include reviews of governance upgrades, verification of proposal correctness, and security design evaluations which can all be viewed in the ARDC forum. We’ve also participated in reviewing and approving the ArbOS 32 emergency action as part of the Security Council. These efforts reflect our commitment to upholding the security and integrity of the Arbitrum ecosystem and governance.

Moreover, OpenZeppelin was the ONLY external security provider to identify a critical vulnerability in the protocol as part of our Uniswap V4 Audit, showcasing our advanced capability in vulnerability discovery compared to top competitors. Our experience with high-stakes protocols like Compound and Uniswap underscores our hands-on, proactive approach, which we look forward to bringing to ARDC V2 in support of the Arbitrum DAO.

Project Management & Collaboration

OpenZeppelin’s project management practices are adaptable to client needs and structured for security efficiency. We have a dedicated project manager with prior experience working with DAO communities both in ARDC V1 and Compound DAO. For ARDC V2, we will provide monthly reports and participate in community calls, ensuring transparency and communication with Arbitrum DAO stakeholders. Our team is prepared to respond flexibly to ad-hoc security requests and manage these efficiently in alignment with ARDC’s evolving needs.

Our work in ARDC V1 underscored the impact of effective collaboration and early security guidance on proposal quality and safety. In one of our initial engagements, the Event Horizon proposal, we encountered challenges that highlighted areas for refining our process. The Event Horizon team’s feedback to us emphasized the value of checking in briefly before publishing initial findings, which would have helped avoid some early misunderstandings. By adopting this approach, we have strengthened our communication practices to ensure a smoother collaboration. This experience underscored the importance of continuous, transparent engagement with proposal authors, allowing us to identify and address risks effectively before proposals reach the on-chain stage. More about our technical project management process can be seen in our ARDC V1 application.

Furthermore, OpenZeppelin pioneered the Aera vault solution with Gauntlet for Compound DAO’s vendor payments, providing stability in vendor compensation while minimizing price impact. This model, which we recommended for implementation in ARDC V2, offers efficient and low-risk vendor payments, aligning with ARDC’s goals for operational improvement and financial stability. This shows how OpenZeppelin is capable of going above and beyond to collaborate with decentralized communities in improving the processes in which we operate rather than just being a passive participant.

Scope of Work

First 6-month Term (One-Third Deliverables):

1. Proposer Assistance and Payload Preparation: Upon request from a proposal that has passed a snapshot, OpenZeppelin will support non-technical proposal authors in preparing their proposals, guiding them through best practices in proposal construction to meet the Arbitrum DAO’s technical and security requirements. We will offer security insights throughout the drafting process to preemptively address any potential vulnerabilities, helping authors create secure and well-structured proposals. This item comes directly from delegate feedback we received following ARDC V1.
2. Proposal Security Review Process: OpenZeppelin will conduct security reviews of proposal payloads submitted to Tally (ideally in draft form prior to submission), ensuring their integrity and alignment with the intended governance actions. We will provide a final security check to verify that the proposal’s on-chain deployment matches the reviewed content. This process will include manual security checks, supplemented by automated tools where possible, to ensure robustness and accuracy. Our forum reports on proposal safety will foster transparency and community engagement with proposal security.
3. Governance Upgrade Audits: As the primary auditor for governance upgrades, OpenZeppelin will collaborate closely with Tally and Scopelift to ensure future upgrades are secure and aligned with the Arbitrum DAO’s roadmap. Through this collaboration, we’ll also explore integration opportunities with OpenZeppelin Governor, identifying feature enhancements that could serve both Arbitrum DAO and the broader ecosystem as part of the OpenZeppelin Governor Working Group that we’ve recently launched alongside Tally, ScopeLift and Agora.
4. Security Council Improvements: OpenZeppelin will contribute recommendations for enhancing the Arbitrum Security Council’s functionality, such as enabling multi-sig support for company entities to streamline operations. We will also propose setting technical requirements to ensure at least 9 of the 12 council members possess the technical skills to independently verify emergency upgrades. We’ve already seen forum requests for testing the technical expertise of Council candidates.
5. Additional Security Audits: While we’ve explicitly proposed that the Security Member serves as the primary auditor for governance upgrades, we are also happy to conduct security audits for other smart contracts wherever the Supervisory Council considers them to be in-scope for the ARDC. This could include any smart contracts to be utilized in a governance proposal such as the Franchiser Contracts used by Event Horizon that we audited in ARDC V1.

These deliverables address critical security needs and emphasize proactive upgrades and enhanced security governance. OpenZeppelin’s approach allows flexibility in addressing additional security tasks as ARDC’s term progresses. We are also open to additional feedback from other delegates and the guidance of the Supervisory Council, once elected.

Please note that the new ARDC V2 Retainer model will require a dependency on the Supervisory Council to proactively approve budget and timeline for our deliverables in a timely manner. If the Supervisory Council does not wish to engage our team in a continuous manner, we will need to receive advance notice several weeks ahead of time for starting new deliverables in an ad-hoc manner. We do feel confident that this challenge can be mitigated with proactive planning and maintaining a healthy backlog of work tracked in coordination with the Supervisory Council. We will be comfortable continuing work in this manner should the ARDC be renewed for an additional 6 months.

Finally, we will work with the Supervisory Council to define a process that determines the appropriate stages at which to engage proposal authors for security feedback, proposal creation assistance, and final security review. For example, we would only recommend providing resources to prepare and review an on-chain proposal payload after it has already passed a community snapshot vote.

Conflict of Interest

OpenZeppelin is fully committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, impartiality, and integrity in our work with the Arbitrum DAO. We do not anticipate any conflicts of interest in our role as Security Working Member and remain dedicated to prioritizing the security and governance excellence of the DAO.

To maintain complete transparency, we provide details of our other engagements within the Arbitrum ecosystem, which we believe do not present conflicts but are disclosed here to clarify our involvement:

• Stylus Contracts Library Development: OpenZeppelin collaborates with the Arbitrum Foundation on the development of the Stylus Contracts Library, which aims to provide secure, accessible resources for smart contract developers.
• Arbitrum Security Council Membership: OpenZeppelin serves on the Arbitrum Security Council, with the current term set to expire in March 2025. This position enhances our understanding of Arbitrum’s security needs and informs our contributions to governance stability.
• Stylus Sprint Grant Committee Participation: Two OpenZeppelin team members actively participate in the Stylus Sprint Program grant committee, which supports innovation and development within the Arbitrum ecosystem.

These roles support our mission to contribute positively to the broader Arbitrum ecosystem. OpenZeppelin will continue to operate with transparency and impartiality, ensuring that any potential conflicts are managed and disclosed promptly.

Summary

OpenZeppelin brings unmatched expertise and hands-on experience to the Security Working Member role in ARDC V2. Having already contributed to ARDC V1, we’ve gained a nuanced understanding of Arbitrum’s governance and security needs, which positions us uniquely to excel in this role. Our previous work with Arbitrum includes evaluating key governance upgrades, verifying proposal correctness, and conducting security design assessments for projects like Timeboost and BOLD. Additionally, our in-depth involvement with the Stylus SDK and our contributions to the Stylus Contracts Library have given us a strong foundation in the Arbitrum ecosystem, especially with Arbitrum’s Stylus runtime.

As we transition to ARDC V2, our existing knowledge and established relationships in the Arbitrum DAO enable us to provide refined, impactful support that new entrants may struggle to match. Our proposed Scope of Work addresses key areas: helping proposers prepare secure, technically sound proposals; performing final security checks to ensure on-chain accuracy; auditing governance upgrades; and enhancing Security Council operations. With our extensive background and commitment to the Arbitrum DAO’s goals, OpenZeppelin is prepared to elevate the DAO’s security and governance standards even further in ARDC V2.

[tamara]

Applicant Information

• Name of Applicant & Applicant’s Representative : Backbone
• Email Address: tamara@backbone.build
• Telegram Handle : tbenetti
• LinkedIn Profile : Tamara Benetti - Lido Finance | LinkedIn
• Current Occupation/s : Project Manager Research - Lido
• Country of Residence & Time Zone: Cayman Islands, ET
• Preferred Role within the Supervisory Council Operations

Background & Skills

Provide a brief overview of your experience within DAOs and governance. Highlight any relevant leadership or organizational roles within Arbitrum, or other DAOs. Include how your experience has prepared you for the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council. (400 words max)

As a Project Manager for the Research Team with Lido DAO, I have contributed to advancing critical initiatives, ensuring that research and strategy align with the DAO’s overarching goals while fostering collaboration across teams.

Additionally, I am an active member of the Governance Circle at V DAO, where I have helped shape governance processes and contributed to creating policies that enable efficient and transparent decision-making. This involvement has given me a deep understanding of decentralized governance frameworks and the importance of balancing community interests with operational priorities.

Lastly being part of backbone.build I have access/exposure to other DAOs such as e.g., dYdX Operations subDAO and others. These experiences have provided me with a comprehensive view of decentralized governance, from DAO/contributor transparency to implementing robust operational frameworks.

This diverse background equips me with the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council. My ability to navigate complex governance structures, manage stakeholder interests, and implement strategic initiatives ensures I can contribute effectively to upholding the council’s mission and driving long-term success.

Explain how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council. Focus on your ability to oversee strategic priorities, manage resources, and handle communication or operations. (400 words max)

Having previously been a management consultant, managing stakeholders and their operations towards a common goal comes natural to me. Similarly as project manager with Lido I am handling all operations, OKRs and budgets for the Research team.

Motivation & Strategic Vision

What motivates you to join the Supervisory Council, and what do you hope to achieve during your term? Explain why you are interested in a specific role (Communications or Operations) and how it aligns with your experience and skills. (300 words max)

I am highly excited to support the forefront of technology by coordinating research and development efforts, and doing this within the leading L2 DAO is an added bonus. As my previous experience shows, I have a strong background in operations and believe my contribution can bring a lot of value to the ARDC and the Arbitrum DAO overall.

What strategic priorities would you focus on during your term to ensure the ARDC meets its goals? How do you plan to contribute to aligning the ARDC’s activities with the broader objectives of the ArbitrumDAO? (500 words max)

As a supportive function in the ARDC, excellence in this operations role, forme means three things:

1. Impactful and effective allocation of resources
2. Enabling researchers to deliver within timelines
3. Transparency of the ARDC’s ongoing efforts to the broader Arbitrum DAO

I plan to pursue the goals mentioned above by establishing best practice processes around project management, here I can draw from my professional experience as a management consultant. Ensure effective communication between collaborators with structured async communication policies. Foster a culture of documentation of both WIP reports as well as final reports open to the DAO.

Role-Specific Responsibilities [Only Applicable to Operations Role]

Describe your experience in overseeing operations and resource management. How will you manage the ARDC’s resources effectively, particularly within the context of the retainer model, where two-thirds of the cap allocated to working members is contingent on actual project needs? Provide examples of how you will track project deliverables, manage budgets, and ensure that payments are aligned with project milestones and usage. (500 words max)

Prior to joining Lido I worked as a project manager with McKinsey, and thereafter led startups with annual revenue ranging 10-15M USD, giving me extensive experience in resource management and operations.

To ensure the resources are used effectively and efficiently I suggest the following approach (or a variation after gaining more insights):

• determine project needs
• identify deliverables and responsible working member(s)
• identify resources required
• set up project milestones and (bi)-weekly check-points to track progress
• identify % of milestone completion during check-points
• after milestone completion xxx

Explain your approach to maintaining transparent task-tracking systems for the ARDC. How will you use tools like public dashboards or Notion to ensure accountability and provide regular progress updates to the DAO? (300 words max)

Ideally we create full visibility on projects and milestones on a public dashboard on Notion.
What I have seen working well are Trello style dashboards on Notion, where for every project a template needs to be filled out including: problem statement, goals, key results, stakeholders, customers, requirements and milestones.
Based on the milestones, regular check-ins will be conducted and minutes published accordingly,

Best case scenario is that the DAO can view the project status any time with at most a 3-4 day delay.

Prioritisation & Time Allocation

You will also need to evaluate and prioritise deliverables while assessing whether the time quoted by working members for specific tasks is reasonable. How will you determine which deliverables should be prioritised based on DAO needs, and how will you assess whether the time allocated for these tasks is appropriate? (400 words max)

Priorization:
Priorization will occur by assessing the DAOs needs and whether deliverables fullfill these needs (completely or partially).

Time allocation:
Being a DAOs research team’s project manager makes me confident to be able to assess whether a certain time allocation is appropriate. In doubt, I would conduct a small benchmark among other researchers in my network.

Summary of Qualifications

In summary, highlight your key qualifications and explain why you are a strong fit for the Supervisory Council. Emphasise the skills and experiences that make you well-suited for either the Communications or Operations role, and how you will contribute to the ARDC’s success. (400 words max)

The combination of my “traditional” experience (project manager with McKinsey) and my current role as Project Manager for Lido within the Research team, equips me perfectly for the operations role within the supervisory council. Not only am I highly skilled in dealing with different stakeholders, bringing them together towards a common goal, while reporting on all activities, but I also have deep experience in working with individual researchers and research teams.

[JupiterBlock]

Applicant Information

• Applicant: JupiterBlock [JB Advisory Services SEZC]
• Telegram Handle: @rtudor
• LinkedIn Profile: Ramona Tudorancea - JupiterBlock | LinkedIn
• The role being applied for: Risk Working Member
• Hourly Rate (in USDC): 350 USDC for senior / executive / NED level, and 150 USDC for supervised junior / lawyer level

Background and Skills

I am an experienced lawyer in Web3 projects, Cayman foundation companies, BVI tokenization structures, investment funds, capital markets, M&A, and Strategy, Risk Management and Governance, and a Chartered Governance Professional. I have been studying DAO legal wrappers, DAOs as automated cybernetic organisms, and risk management frameworks in DAOs, and published a research paper with the Crypto Valley Association last year on this specific topic, and carried out further research since then. I am a member of LexDAO (Operating Committee), and a co-founder of Ixian.tech, a hybrid law, management and Web3 legal engineering firm building legal products for the world of tomorrow. My practice focuses on DAOs and also FinTech, DeFi, M&A, RWA and investment funds in this space.

Since Arbitrum is using a Cayman Islands foundation company legal wrapper, I have first hand experience and expertise in assisting with associated risks, as well as sufficient Board-level experience, and a good understanding of good practices in modern governance in all types of organizations. I believe my insights would be very useful. I am also building a decentralized risk management framework based on an application of ERM in a decentralized setting, with a risk dashboard and Guardian Roles. I would be able to provide high-level training and project manage Arbitrum initiatives on risk.

Motivation

I believe that DAOs are live laboratories for the organizations of tomorrow and a key element in the future digital economy. Both via JupiterBlock and via Ixian, I am fully committed to supporting radical innovation and problem-solving in this space.

Risk-Related Experience

I was a co-founder of Provenance, a digital assets compliance firm set up in the Cayman Islands and which is now operating in several countries. I have significant experience with due diligence investigations, risk assessments and in-depth analysis both as a consultant, a lawyer and a Chartered Governance professional. I have not previously interacted with the Arbitrum ecosystem in-depth, but I believe this is a plus, since I would be able to provide an objective “fresh” perspective.

Scope of Work

Like all decentralized projects, I believe (also based on interactions and conversations) that Arbitrum is confronted with a strategic and management gap. On the risk side, it is important to be aware of the good practices developed in other industries and fields, and adopt a holistic approach, and I believe that I could support this build. With developer resources and assistance from the Arbitrum communities, a decentralized risk management framework could be developed comparable to what ERM is currently for traditional organizations. This would improve the quality of interactions and increase credibility for Arbitrum overall. I could develop the general outline and framework for the first couple of months in approx. 25-30 hours of work and then work together with devs for the build, for another 50-75 hours of work. I do not have the tech skills personally, but could get technical support via Ixian.tech also. The outline will be based on the work already done for the DAO Risk Taxonomy (see below).

Additional Details

Please view my perspective on DAOs and risk management and get a sense of who I am via:

Eth Denver presentation here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOSTpA4bujY

CVA Research Paper here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeUeTmemI00 [first presentation minute 3:45]

I have no conflicts of interest.

In summary, I am an experienced lawyer with specific focus and experience on Cayman and BVI issues, DeFi and Web3 and DAO issues, and without any conflicts of interest or any in-depth involvement in the Arbitrum ecosystem previously. I am also a co-founder of Ixian, a new model of law+management+legal engineering which is building legal products at a global level, and this collaboration could be mutually beneficial and support the larger industry.

[ShinkaRex]

Name of Applicant & Applicant’s Representative: DeFiSafety, Rex Hygate

Email Address: rex@defisafety.com

TG Handle: @ShinkaRex

Role: Risk Member

Twitter: DeFiSafety, Rex Hygate

LinkedIn Profiles: DeFiSafety, Rex Hygate

Website: https://www.defisafety.com/app

Hourly rate: $150 USD per hour

Summary

DeFiSafety has been full-time on risk transparency and mitigation for DeFi protocols for four years. We are deeply motivated in this industry succeeding. We are user centric. Success for us is users understanding risk on using Arbitrum clearly and having faith in the risk reports.

We have run multiple programs successfully with top-notch DeFi protocols such as Compound. We know how to successfully generate the needed outputs and communicate clearly. As indicated we have published hundreds of reports on multiple topics on chains and DeFi protocols.

We would love the opportunity to help Arbitrum to understand the risks, document them and mitigate them. This would be a top priority for our team.

Background and Skills

I started DeFiSafety at the beginning of DeFi summer (May 2020). It had two purposes. First, give users an easy way to understand how risky a DeFi protocol was. Second, give DeFi protocol developers a structured method to mitigate the risks improve their quality and transparently communicate this to users.

We have generated over 600 reports and matured our protocol review process nine times.

Our skills in risk management came from a previous career in aerospace. Specifically in avionics. I started in crypto in 2018 with the SecurEth project as a way to use my background in aerospace software to improve the state of blockchain software development.

We have over 40 reviews of protocols on the Arbitrum network. Also, Arbitrum was one of the first chains we reviewed using our chain scores process.

Motivation

I have been involved in blockchain since 2018, full-time in DeFi since 2020. I love the DeFi because it allows you to own your own money. If you look at the recent past in Ukraine Russia and China you can see how little control people have over their own funds. DeFi can fix this if it is done correctly.

We have always looked at the blockchain industry from a process perspective. Process and quality are boring and feel like TradFi. However, they have massive value in reducing the risk. Our motivation is to improve the industry in this underappreciated perspective.

The blockchain industry is deliberately decentralized. This has worked against us with respect to industry risk mitigation and quality systems. No one wants to own these activities.

Arbitrum DAO is one of the few organizations large enough and active enough to affect real change. For me, our industry is in crisis. Governments want all of crypto to work through exchanges. Users both retail and business do not know which tools and chains to trust in using onchain transactions and as such are leaning towards exchanges. I am enormously motivated to focus Arbitrum DAO on mitigating this massive risk. This is a solvable problem.

Risk Related Experience

You can see the DeFiSafety risk related experience clearly through our reports. DeFiSafety’s primary output are our protocol review reports. We have over 300 on our website and many more on docs.DeFiSafety.com.

A recent very relevant initiative is the Compound protocol Multisig improvement program that we recently started. The initiatives are discussed in this article. Here we are trying to mitigate the risks of lost keys and the risk of inadequate trust of a Multisig by increasing transparency and trust. A focal her is proving that all Multisig signers are distinct humans without affecting their anonymity.

We also generated reports for Compound on risks for chains that the protocol can expand onto and risks for tokens. For token risk we wrote traditional reports and are finalizing an automated report generation process.

We also developed chain reports as an independent method to assess various layer 1 and layer 2 chains. This is an immature process which DeFiSafety did not have the resources or market interest to refine.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION

Our aerospace background gives us a lot of experience in program management. We have an internal tool (Zenkit) we use to coordinate activities amongst our team. Recently Questbook has been used for grants management for recent programs. We are diligent in communicating our progress and timelines on any program we undertake.

Our team is small and our experience in some aspects (such as token design) is limited. Where the DAO needs research in the area beyond our experience we can act as program managers to subcontract to capable third parties.

We have been actively collaborating with various protocols and chains in DeFi for over four years. We have worked extensively with DAO’s. We are very familiar with the processes and communication requirements for program such as ARDC.

SCOPE OF WORK

First off, we will execute the tasks requested by the Supervisory Council. We work for you.
A personal recommendation within the first six months would be development of a risk management plan. Arbitrum is in a very risky sector. Block chains are new. Layer 2’s are new. Yet, despite how technical our industry is, formal risk management is seldom found. We face many very large risks.

Therefore we recommend that through a series of meetings we develop a top level and mid-level risk management description with mitigations. Plans such as this focus DAO members on what is important and offer justification for investment in mitigation plans.

We would also suggest that Arbitrum consider a quality system. A quality system tells new users what is safe because they follow audited best practices. My opinion is that we will not have new user growth without a quality system. If a large chain like Arbitrum cannot indicate which wallet is safe to use and which protocols are safe to use, how can we expect add users.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

There are no clear conflicts of interest with DeFiSafety working for ARDC. If our situation changes we will communicate proactively and manage all confidential information and potential conflicts of interest professionally.

[Aleksaundr]

Trail of Bits Submission for Security Working Member

• Name of Applicant: Trail of Bits
• Applicant’s Representative: Ken Trueba
• Telegram Handle: TrailofBits_Ken
• LinkedIn Profile: Trail of Bits | LinkedIn
• The role being applied for: Security Working Member
• Hourly Rate : $700

Background & Skills

Trail of Bits has been a recognized leader in software security for the twelve years of our existence. We combine high-end security research with a real-world attacker mentality to reduce risk and fortify code.

We have a long track record of successful collaboration, available on our Publications repository, including our extensive work performed for the Arbitrum ecosystem. We have performed over 200+ engineer-weeks of security review of Arbitrum through Offchain Labs, including focused assessments of essential components such as Nitro, Timeboost Auction, Stylus, BoLD and most of the upgrades of ArbOS that were voted on by the Arbitrum DAO itself. We also helped with the recent ArbOS emergency upgrade, auditing the affected code and the proposed fix.

Through this work, we have developed an in-depth understanding of Arbitrum internals and risks.

Additionally, we produced a number of educational materials and resources directly or indirectly related with Arbitrum rollups security and internals:

• Out-of-order vulnerability due to retryable tickets When try, try, try again leads to out-of-order execution bugs | Trail of Bits BlogmaxFeePerGasTooLowmaxFeePerGasTooLow
• An ArbOS code walkthrough : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKM9fIx3HEQ
• Smart contract security tooling tutorials and our 10 hours workshop on fuzzing.

Many firms in DeFi, including Optimism, Balancer, Uniswap, and Compound trust our expertise to help secure their code, and you can find many more in our Publications repository, which includes security assessments of some of the most bleeding edge technical products and protocols ranging from but not limited to bridges, DEX’s, AMM’s, oracles, smart contracts, Layer 1’s, and Layer 2’s.

We’re relentless about raising the baseline in the communities we work, and have developed and made freely available some of the most-used security tools, reference guides, and security research in the industry, including:

• Slither, a static analyzer that detects common mistakes such as bugs in reentrancy, incorrect access controls, and more.
• Medusa and Echidna, our state-of-the-art smart fuzzers that targets EVM bytecode.
• solc-select, a tool to quickly switch between Solidity compiler versions.

As a Security-Oriented Member of the ARDC, we intend provide services to help secure projects in the ecosystem at different stages in their development lifecycle by performing design reviews, threat models, white box security reviews, invariant development, and automated tooling.

Trail of Bits has performed over 300 blockchain security reviews, worth 30 engineer years of effort. Among that, 200+ engineer weeks were solely dedicated to reviewing Arbitrum components with Offchain Labs. This puts us in a unique position to fulfill the review of on chain proposal code updates with an extensive pre-existing familiarity with the protocol itself and offer security consultation and guidance to the Arbitrum ecosystem.

Trail of Bits has strong expertise in the realm of program analysis and tooling, as demonstrated by our numerous open-source projects (Slither, Echidna, Medusa, etc). We combine a pragmatic approach and fundamental knowledge to create tools that provide values to their users. Trail of Bits engineers (~10% of whom hold PhDs) frequently present our tools at both industrial and academic conferences. This makes us a perfect fit for the Tooling Creation and Enhancement category, as a partner to drive more advanced testing methodologies and security practices throughout the ecosystem.

Uniquely among security consulting firms, Trail of Bits maintains an entire division dedicated to Research & Engineering. We attempt to apply the latest research in every project and our clients value our evidence and test-driven approach.

Motivation

As the main security partner of Offchain Labs, we are committed to ensuring the greater security of the Arbitrum ecosystem. Since our inception, our goal has been to improve the security practice and awareness of the blockchain ecosystem as a whole. This is why we have dedicated significant resources to our open-source tools and public research, to elevate the security standards and allow developers to build more secure code in the long term. Working with Offchain Labs extensively over the past couple years, we have built an incredible level of knowledge and expertise of the Arbitrum ecosystem, which we feel we would be able to apply more effectively as a working member of the ArbitrumDAO.

Security-Related Experience

Trail of Bits has years of expertise reviewing smart contracts and L2 related code, including on-chain upgrade proposals, including the design and specification of the proposal through whitebox source code techniques. This is particularly important given the prevalence of governance attacks, as seen with Tornado Cash. Trail of Bits can also focus on building content to help review further proposals, including tools (dedicated Slither detectors, fuzzing harness, proposal state diff visualizer, etc. ) and educational material (tutorial, checklist, code walkthrough, etc.) to promote overall security and integrity of the Arbitrum ecosystem.

In addition, by working with Offchain Labs and reviewing major Arbitrum components since 2021. During the past year, we reviewed pivotal features of Arbitrum chains such as BoLD, Stylus and many ArbOS upgrades. Trail of Bits is uniquely positioned to understand and review the impact of on chain proposal code updates.

Project Management & Collaboration

We pride ourselves on our open-communication model, and our project managers ensure we live up to this expectation. Each security assessment performed by Trail of Bits is assigned a dedicated project manager with a “client-first” mind-set. Trail of Bits Project Managers manages client-facing projects throughout our four practice areas: cryptography, blockchain, ML/AI, and application security.

Our team begins every engagement with a welcome call to discuss logistics, provide early design guidance on security, and to begin thinking about security capabilities and maturity in preparation for the security review. A Shared Chat Channel is created to ensure open communication before, during and after the assessment. Our project managers and engineers also host a kickoff call prior to the engagement to get up to speed quickly on the product in scope. We will reiterate the goals and expectations of the engagement, the current development status of the product, focus areas to prioritize during the engagement, and nightmare situations that Client is trying to avoid. Weekly calls are held throughout the assessment to discuss progress and priorities. Project closure calls cover findings identified during the assessment in-depth and offer guidance on structuring remediation efforts and more effective security testing.

Our project managers coordinate fix reviews after the engagement, as well as discuss next steps for any future assessments recommended by our team.

Scope of Work

For the initial two months of the 6-month term, our services will include one or more of the following tasks, according to the priorities and needs of the ArbitrumDAO:

• Review on-chain proposal code updates
  • White-box security review of source code through a combination of manual and automated review, which may include a review the proposal for design flaws and identifying security and correctness properties
  • Reviews do not include proposals that are initiated by Offchain Labs and the Arbitrum Foundation. These proposals are already going through security reviews (including by Trail of Bits)
  • If 12 engineer-weeks are not enough to review all the on-going proposals in a quarter (or 24 in the 6 months period), Trail of Bits will either perform a review of some of the proposals, or a best effort of as many as possible. Trail of Bits will agree with the Arbitrum coalition and its Advocate to determine the priorities.
  • Deliverables are full security reports with technical information regarding findings and appendices as needed. A typical report follows the outline below:
    • Executive Summary (short description of what was tested and an analysis of overall security risk based on the findings and brief summary of the recommendations)
    • Code Maturity Evaluation (holistic evaluation of the codebase and overall approach to software development and security, as well as recommendations intended to inform medium- and long-term strategy for improving software development and resilience to future security incidents)
    • Comprehensive List of Vulnerabilities (detailed explanations sufficient to identify and/or reproduce the vulnerability, attack and exploit scenario to provide context for the vulnerability, and recommended short- and long-term mitigation steps)
    • Trail of Bits has a discrete team of Technical Editors that reviews every client deliverable we write and an extensive, internally developed style guide that engineers are trained against.
• Invariants development
  • Creation of invariants targeting components for future upgrades. The invariants will help developers of upgrade to ensure the correctness of their addition
  • Activities may include but are not limited to:
    • Identify security and correctness at the function or system level
    • Write invariants to test them with state-of-the-art fuzzers (Echidna, Medusa, foundry fuzzer)
    • Documentation and guidance to help the community contribute to the invariants
  • Deliverables are the code for the security invariants produced, in runnable state including any documentation and tool instructions.
• Tooling Creation and Enhancement
  • Develop and enhance tooling to enhance the security of the Arbitrum ecosystem and its proposals, including:
    • Specific static analysis bug detectors targeting code update.
    • Visualize the state of the governance contracts, in particular: the state of previous proposals, current emitted and delegates votes, how the tokens are delegated,
    • Visualize and verify correct encoding of values used in the governance contracts and the action contracts.
  • Deliverable are specific features in isolated open-source PRs in the repository of each tool with a small description of the impact on the Arbitrum DAO goals.
• Office hours
• Security consultation
• Incident response/disaster recovery
• Additional services, based on the ARDC needs, which can include:
  • Design review
  • Threat modeling
  • Blogpost or public presentation
  • Appsec or cryptography review
  • Guidance on incident response plan or monitoring

Trail of Bits has a robust, adaptive approach to executing projects, and our history of providing high-caliber security research and engineering solutions equips us well for managing ad hoc or flexible tasks, as requested by the Supervisory Council.

Dedicated Expertise & Cross-Functional Collaboration: We have a diverse team of experts across multiple domains — including reverse engineering, cryptography, malware analysis, and software exploits. Each of these experts brings specialized knowledge that can be rapidly deployed on emerging tasks. In addition to these specialists, our project management team ensures seamless coordination across departments to maintain focus on client needs while managing time-sensitive requirements.

Proven Flexibility: Throughout our years of operation, we’ve developed an agile project management methodology, allowing us to allocate resources dynamically. We have worked with high-profile clients, such as Facebook and DARPA, where adaptability to new priorities and tasks has been essential. For example, if a new security gap or urgent issue arises, we can quickly pivot existing resources or deploy new ones to address that need without significant delays.

Real-World Attacker Mentality: Our approach is rooted in the mindset of real-world adversaries, allowing us to prioritize security tasks based on emerging threats and the highest risk factors. This strategic alignment with current threat landscapes gives us an edge in addressing ad hoc tasks that require immediate attention or flexibility in response to an unpredictable, evolving security environment.

Conflict of Interest

N/A

Summary

Our experience and expertise in static analysis tooling, fuzzing capabilities, performing whitebox security review, design reviews, and threat models to ensure security and correctness properties in on-chain upgrade proposals is evident by our successful track record of working with Arbitrum and similar projects, which can be found on our publications page GitHub - trailofbits/publications: Publications from Trail of Bits.

We believe the combined skills and reputations of the members of Trail of Bits’ project team will provide the best assessment and research capabilities in our industry, and have a massive impact in improving the security assurance of Arbitrum projects. Our team’s strong industry reputation will lend credibility to the result of the project in the form of referenceable public documents on the security of Arbitrum projects.

[Alice1123]

Name of Applicant & Applicant’s Representative (If applicable): The Block Research Team, represented by Abraham Eid, Alice Hou

Telegram Handle (if applicable): @Abraham_0000, @alice_hou

LinkedIn Profile (if applicable): Abraham Eid, Alice Hou

The role being applied for (choose one): Research Working Member

Hourly Rate (in USDC): 500

Background & Skills

Please provide a brief overview of your experience in the digital asset industry, particularly within the Ethereum & Arbitrum Ecosystems. Include your involvement in any relevant projects or contributions to the ArbitrumDAO, or other Ecosystems. (400 words max)

The Block Research is one of the leading and most trusted research teams in the industry. We possess over 5 years of experience analyzing blockchain protocols, with specialized expertise covering Ethereum and its layer 2 ecosystem. Our team of over 35 research specialists allows us to serve as trusted advisors guiding infrastructure providers, investors, and developers navigating the crypto ecosystem.

We have established ourselves as a leading voice within Ethereum layer 2 communities, demonstrated by our extensive coverage, and in-depth analysis of Arbitrum and other prominent optimistic rollups. We’ve provided in-depth research coverage of Arbitrum since before Arbitrum One’s launch. Our 2021 article comparing the original architectures of Arbitrum and Optimism highlighted the strengths of Arbitrum’s interactive fraud proof approach compared to the complexity of Optimism’s single-round simulation approach, which presaged Optimism’s decision to disable fraud proofs and transition to interactive proving with Cannon. Since then, we’ve provided comprehensive coverage of all Arbitrum upgrades and developments. We’ve published a comprehensive review of the architecture changes introduced by Arbitrum Nitro, analyzed the benefits introduced by the AnyTrust off-chain data availability model, provided comparisons between the Arbitrum Orbit model and the multi-chain frameworks of other rollup stacks like the OP Stack and the ZK Stack, and authored detailed explanations of upgrades like Stylus and BOLD. Moreover, we’ve provided research coverage of projects in the Arbitrum ecosystem with ongoing reports on protocols like GMX, Vertex, and others. Beyond Arbitrum-specific coverage, we regularly publish research on the broader Ethereum and layer-2 ecosystem, including coverage assessing the state of decentralization across rollups, examining innovations like shared sequencing, exploring the state of data availability solutions and regularly providing thorough explanations of Ethereum upgrades like EIP-4844. This body of work underscores our intimate understanding of the Arbitrum tech stack and ecosystem dynamics.

In addition to our research reports, The Block runs a consulting organization that has worked with multiple high-profile clients within the digital asset industry, including leading blockchains, DeFi protocols, and traditional finance institutions looking to integrate and educate themselves on blockchain technology. Our consulting services have ranged from strategic advisory to technical implementation guidance for protocol teams and other organizations in the ecosystem.

Overall, our specialized expertise has enabled us to guide our clients and audience in making informed decisions across the digital assets landscape. We intend to leverage this experience to meet the mandate of the ARDC.

Explain how your skills align with the role you are applying for and describe your methodology for fulfilling your duties. How will these skills help you effectively contribute to the ArbitrumDAO? (500 words max)

Framework Development:

Decentralized governance is an evolving field, and while Arbitrum DAO has made significant strides, challenges such as a lack of unified vision, unclear objectives, and difficulties in coordination remain apparent. The setbacks experienced during the Gaming Catalyst Program (GCP), including missed deadlines and limited measurable impact, underscore the need for additional governance solutions.

Our team specializes in researching and experimenting with emerging governance models like futarchy and quadratic funding. For example, our research into MetaDAO demonstrates how prediction markets can align stakeholder interests with quantifiable outcomes, enabling more effective decision-making. We propose launching governance experiments for the DAO to test such models, helping it address issues like those observed in the GCP. By combining theoretical insights with real-world experimentation, we aim to develop frameworks that improve governance efficiency and stakeholder alignment.

Tooling for Decision-Making:
To support informed participation in governance, we aim to develop tools and dashboards that provide actionable insights into DAO proposals and ecosystem trends. By leveraging our extensive database and expertise in quantitative analysis, we can create visualized dashboards to simulate the potential outcomes of decisions and aggregate key metrics.

For instance, our dashboards could:

• Simulate the impact of proposed initiatives, helping members understand potential trade-offs.
• Aggregate statistics on community growth, protocol usage, and on-chain activity.
• Provide clear, data-driven insights into voter turnout, proposal success rates, and treasury allocations.

These tools will empower participants to make more informed decisions, enhancing transparency and trust within the DAO.

Operational Excellence:
Effective operations are essential to achieving the DAO’s objectives. Our consulting team has extensive experience working with over 135 clients across Web3, FinTech, VC, and traditional finance sectors. Drawing on this expertise, we can help Arbitrum DAO:

• Crystallize Goals: Facilitate workshops and stakeholder discussions to align on clear, measurable objectives.
• Streamline Proposal Processes: Design efficient workflows for submitting, reviewing, and implementing proposals.
• Develop Incentive Programs: Create systems that reward active participation, assisting in value accrual, and align contributions with the DAO’s strategic goals.
• Establish Best Practices: Use data-driven insights from previous DAO initiatives to identify and implement operational improvements.
• By addressing operational inefficiencies, we aim to enhance the DAO’s ability to execute effectively, and foster greater community engagement.

In summary, our comprehensive expertise in governance, data-driven tooling, and operational strategy positions us to make meaningful contributions to Arbitrum DAO. By developing governance frameworks, equipping stakeholders with data tools, and optimizing operational processes, we aim to help the DAO overcome growing pains and achieve its vision of scalable, community-driven success.

Motivation

What motivates you to join ARDC, and what do you aim to achieve as a Working Member? (400 words max)

Crypto adoption is at a pivotal stage, with momentum accelerating as the U.S. elects a crypto-friendly president, El Salvador recognizes Bitcoin as legal tender, and Hong Kong implements a crypto licensing regime. Clearer legislation related to crypto is on the horizon, and this shift creates an urgent need for robust and scalable infrastructure capable of supporting a new wave of users. At The Block, we recognize the importance of preparing the crypto ecosystem for this influx, ensuring that it can handle exponential growth effectively and securely.
Arbitrum is a key player in bringing this vision to life, with its success closely tied to the broader mission of facilitating the Web2 to Web3 transition. We are motivated to join the ARDC because it offers The Block a valuable opportunity to contribute to the advancement of Arbitrum’s ecosystem and, in turn, help pave the way for wider adoption. We see this as an opportunity to actively shape the future of blockchain technology, and we are excited to lend our expertise to this transformative moment in the industry.

As a Working Member of the ARDC, The Block aims to foster greater engagement and informed participation in Arbitrum’s governance. To achieve this, we plan to produce data-driven research and dashboards that offer stakeholders a clear view of the ecosystem’s performance, challenges, and opportunities. By equipping the community with actionable intelligence, we hope to drive more informed decision-making and encourage broader participation in governance processes.

Additionally, we aim to facilitate thoughtful discussions and debates on critical topics such as protocol upgrades, governance model improvements, and ecosystem growth strategies. By staying attuned to the latest trends and developments in the broader blockchain space, we will bring these insights back to Arbitrum stakeholders, leading discussions and helping the community navigate these evolving dynamics. Through our research products and collaborative approach, we strive to provide clarity, foster understanding, and support informed decision-making. Together, we aim to build a resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking ecosystem that advances Arbitrum’s long-term success and contributes to the broader mission of scaling blockchain technology for global adoption.

Research Initiatives

Describe your experience conducting research-oriented initiatives within the digital asset industry, more specifically (and if applicable), research related to the Arbitrum tech-stack. Explain how your previous experience can translate to an added value contribution to the ARDC & the ArbitrumDAO. (500 words max)

Our research team is one of the most respected and in-demand in the digital asset industry. We cover protocol developments, ecosystem trends, protocol breakthroughs, investment activities and more across all sectors of the industry, including coverage of the Ethereum ecosystem and layer 2s in particular. Some of the most prominent layer 1 and layer 2 development teams and foundations have commissioned research from our team, including the likes of Polygon, Solana, and Avalanche.

We’ve covered Arbitrum extensively in our research, with coverage going back prior to Arbitrum One’s launch. We’ve written in-depth reports covering the differing approaches of Arbitrum and other optimistic rollups, notably Optimism. We published an in-depth piece covering the original architectures of both rollups when they launched, comparing and contrasting their original execution environments in the AVM and OVM, and comparing their fraud proof constructions. Our piece dove extensively into the details of Arbitrum’s interactive, bisection fraud proof approach, and contrasted it to the single-round whole transaction simulation approach that Optimism took at the time. We highlighted the complexities inherent in Optimism’s approach given the high-degrees of freedom in the outputs of whole transactions, which presaged Optimism’s pivot to an interactive fraud proof approach.

Since then, we’ve provided in-depth research coverage of Arbitrum upgrades and developments. We published an in-depth piece on Arbitrum Nitro covering the move away from the AVM to WASM for fraud proving, the separation of execution and fraud proving contexts, the introduction of better call data compression, and the move towards Ethereum gas equivalence. We also covered Arbitrum’s AnyTrust technology in depth, highlighting the mechanism’s benefits compared to sidechains and other approaches for handling off chain data availability. We’ve further authored research comparing Arbitrum Orbit to competitor rollup stacks. More recently, we’ve provided coverage of upgrades like Stylus and BOLD, covering how Stylus provides greater flexibility for developers by allowing them to write in languages that compile to WASM (e.g., Rust) and how BOLD’s bounded liquidity delay mechanism enables permissionless fraud proving. On top of our detailed coverage of Arbitrum’s tech stack and upgrades, we cover Arbitrum’s ecosystem trends and on-chain data on an ongoing basis.

Beyond Arbitrum-specific content, we’ve extensively covered developments in other layer-2 ecosystems and Ethereum scaling as a whole. We’ve authored research covering decentralized sequencing and proving, shared sequencers, rollup interoperability, data availability schemes, blockchain execution environments, novel cryptography, and more.

We believe our expertise will be invaluable to the DAO as competitive pressures continue to rise. With Stylus being made available to developers and BOLD launching on the testnet, we aim to provide impartial guidance to help developers navigate the various technical stacks Arbitrum offers. Additionally, we will closely monitor and engage with community discussions on critical topics such as permissionless fraud proofs, decentralized sequencing, rollup interoperability, and more, ensuring a well-rounded perspective to support the ecosystem’s growth and evolution.

Project Management and Collaboration

Describe your project management experience (This could include project management in other ecosystems you have operated in, management of initiatives, etc.)

At the heart of The Block Research’s consulting practice success over the past three years is our focus on effective project management, a cornerstone that has led to the successful completion of over 50 diverse client engagements. This has allowed us to collaborate effectively with various ecosystem partners, navigating a wide array of project demands and verticals. Our approach is deeply rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of each project, allowing us to allocate resources in a manner that delivers solutions our clients are happy with.

Examples of projects we’ve led:

• Guiding a $2B+ public gaming firm on their web3 gaming market entry strategy
• Collaborating with billion-dollar market cap blockchain platforms on on competitive benchmarking and strategy for further development
• Informing token distribution strategies for prominent L2 protocols
• Co-developing institutional-grade crypto index products for top tier funds, requiring resilience through market volatility

Throughout each project lifecycle, we prioritize open and detailed communication with our project sponsors. By providing regular progress updates and sharing insights into any challenges encountered, we ensure a transparent and collaborative relationship. This commitment to clear and continuous dialogue has been instrumental in building trust and fostering lasting relationships with stakeholders across the digital asset industry.

With this foundation, we’re confident we can add significant value to the Arbitrum DAO by contributing rigor and professionalism to governance processes, working hand-in-hand with delegates and contributors to guide efforts and ensure effective project execution to achieve the DAO’s ultimate goals.

Scope of Work

Outline the tasks and key deliverables you propose, covering one-third of the 6-month term. Demonstrate your understanding of the most pressing needs within the ArbitrumDAO and how your work will support its strategic goals.

ArbitrumDAO stands at a point where refining its governance frameworks and improving its ability to measure community engagement can drive meaningful progress. Our proposed work in the first two months of the six-month term will focus on two key initiatives: exploring complementary governance models and developing a comprehensive community metrics dashboard to evaluate the social adoption of Arbitrum’s various product offerings. These initiatives address the DAO’s current challenges, combining structured research and data tools to support transparency, efficiency, and community engagement.

Complementary Governance Models
The need for scalable and effective governance is clear from past initiatives like the Gaming Catalyst Program, where issues such as lagged operations and limited measurable impact surfaced. To address these challenges, we propose researching, designing, and piloting governance models such as futarchy and quadratic funding.

• Futarchy: This approach uses prediction markets to align governance decisions with measurable outcomes, ensuring that proposals are evaluated based on their projected success. We will conduct simulations to model how this approach could guide decision-making by analyzing hypothetical scenarios.
• Quadratic Funding: This model supports fair resource distribution by emphasizing broad participation in grant programs and community initiatives. Our analysis will optimize funding allocations by examining voting behaviors, incentives, and projected impacts.

In designing these frameworks, we will deliver data-driven insights, including sensitivity analyses to explore how different variables (e.g., voter turnout, proposal costs) influence their effectiveness. Our work will culminate in a detailed proposal for governance experiments tailored to ArbitrumDAO, providing stakeholders with actionable tools to address governance challenges.

Community Metrics Dashboard
A vibrant and engaged community is critical for the success of any ecosystem. Developers often assess the community dynamics of an ecosystem when deciding if to build. Similarly, investors and users look for signals that indicate the ecosystem’s health and momentum. However, existing metrics like Twitter & Discord follower counts fall short of capturing the nuanced sentiment and engagement within a community.

We propose developing a community metrics dashboard that aggregates a wide range of indicators to provide a comprehensive view of ecosystem activity. This framework will allow developers, investors, and users to “test the temperature” of the ecosystem with data-driven insights. The dashboard would track, but not be limited to:

• Social Media Metrics: Twitter impressions, engagement rates, and Google Trends data to gauge interest and visibility.
• Sentiment Analysis: Aggregating community opinions from forums, tweets, and developer discussions to understand emotional and social trends.
• Engagement Metrics: Measuring active participation in Discord, Telegram, and GitHub to assess the vibrancy of the ecosystem.

This dashboard will not only help developers evaluate which technical stack to build on, but also assist investors in identifying promising projects, and users in understanding the ecosystem’s momentum. The ultimate goal is to establish a robust framework for assessing community sentiment and engagement that can set a new standard for the industry.

Through these efforts, we aim to provide ArbitrumDAO with structured governance models and a scalable framework for measuring community engagement. Together, these initiatives will help the DAO address its immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for sustained growth and ecosystem vitality.

Please also elaborate as to your capacity to execute, including how you intend to allocate resources for the remaining term, with regard to ad hoc or flexible tasks that the Supervisory Council may put forward. Please also describe how you would plan to satisfy this should the ARDC be extended for an additional 6-month term.

Our capacity to execute stems from a dedicated team of veteran researchers with over five years of specialized expertise and a proven track record of supporting decision-making across the digital asset landscape. Over the proposed term, we will allocate resources strategically to meet outlined initiatives and remain adaptable to ad hoc tasks from the Supervisory Council.

Resource Allocation
We will assign a dedicated five-member team comprising three subject matter experts in rollup architecture and DAO governance and two data engineers focused on analytics and dashboard development. This team will work full-time on governance discussions, proposal consultations, content creation, data analysis, and research production. Additionally, our broader 35+ person research team will provide specialized expertise when needed, ensuring flexibility in addressing unforeseen challenges or opportunities.

To handle ad hoc requests, we will prioritize tasks based on urgency and strategic relevance, reallocating internal resources as necessary. Our consulting experience enables us to quickly adapt and deliver high-quality outputs on short notice, whether in the form of advisory support, rapid data analysis, or bespoke research.

Plan for an Extended Term
Should the ARDC term extend, we will build on our initial work by：

• Scaling Governance Initiatives: Refining and expanding successful pilots based on community feedback and performance metrics.
• Enhancing Dashboards: Adding advanced analytics, such as predictive models for ecosystem trends and developer activity on emerging stacks.
• Deepening Engagement: Hosting additional workshops and publishing targeted reports to align stakeholders and address evolving needs.

Our capacity for sustained execution is bolstered by our proven workflows, adaptability, and commitment to delivering value. Whether meeting immediate goals or scaling efforts for the extended term, we are equipped to drive impactful outcomes for ArbitrumDAO.

Additional Details

Any additional information deemed relevant (500 words max)

Beyond the core research tasks, our proposal brings a comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs of the ArbitrumDAO. By combining high-quality research with impactful contributions across education, tooling, and growth, we aim to provide a holistic framework for advancing the DAO’s objectives.

Education
A critical aspect of fostering engagement within ArbitrumDAO is ensuring that its community understands the complex concepts underpinning its ecosystem. To this end, we will author technical explainers on key topics such as fraud proofs, shared sequencers, and data availability. These accessible resources will empower delegates, developers, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions and meaningfully engage in governance processes.

Tooling
Data transparency and usability are at the heart of effective governance. We propose building interactive dashboards to visualize adoption trends and evaluate the impact of DAO programs, such as the active Stylus Sprint Program. These dashboards will not only help stakeholders assess the performance of current initiatives but also highlight lessons learned, ensuring that insights from early efforts are maximally leveraged to inform future strategies. Our data engineers will design tools that make sophisticated analyses approachable, enabling delegates to better navigate the complexities of governance.

Growth
Raising awareness about the Arbitrum ecosystem is critical for long-term adoption. Leveraging our platform with over two million monthly visitors and 450K+ followers on social media, we will significantly boost visibility and familiarity of Arbitrum’s tech stack. Our reach extends to developers, investors, and the broader crypto community, helping to position Arbitrum as a leading Layer 2 solution. Moreover, our deep network within the blockchain industry allows us to broker partnerships and create opportunities for collaboration with leading investors and protocols.

Exclusive Research Content
ArbitrumDAO will have the option to commission research content through the following options:

• A long-form report (40+ pages) on a broad topic of interest
• Four short-form research unlocks (5–10 pages each) covering focused topics such as technical upgrades, ecosystem trends, or on-chain data analysis.

Conflict of Interest

Please disclose any potential conflicts of interest and how you plan to handle situations where they might arise. (250 words max)

We are committed to transparency and impartiality in our work with the ArbitrumDAO. While we do not currently foresee any direct conflicts of interest, we acknowledge that potential conflicts could arise given our position as a leading research organization actively engaged with various stakeholders in the blockchain ecosystem, including other Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks, investors, and protocols.

To manage such situations, we will adhere to the following principles:

• Transparency: We will disclose any existing or potential engagements with other protocols or organizations that may intersect with our work for the DAO. This includes research, consulting, or partnerships with entities that are direct competitors to Arbitrum or its ecosystem participants.
• Non-Preferential Treatment: We will ensure that our analysis, dashboards, and research output remain unbiased and data-driven, providing fair and objective insights to all stakeholders.
• Independent Review: In the event of a perceived conflict, we will consult with the Supervisory Council to evaluate the situation and determine an appropriate course of action.

By maintaining these safeguards, we aim to uphold the integrity of our contributions and remain fully accountable to the ArbitrumDAO community.

Summary

In summary, please highlight your key qualifications and explain why you are a strong fit for the role. (500 words max)

The Block Research is uniquely positioned to be the research member at ARDC, combining extensive expertise, a proven track record, and a vision for delivering scalable, long-term solutions. Our approach is centered on addressing governance and ecosystem challenges that are often overlooked, with the goal of establishing Arbitrum as a leader in experimental governance, and a model for sustainable, reusable public goods in decentralized ecosystems.

A Proven Foundation of Expertise
Over the past five years, we have developed a deep understanding of blockchain protocols, specializing in Ethereum and Layer 2s. Our work on Arbitrum predates the launch of Arbitrum One and includes detailed analyses of every major upgrade, from Nitro to AnyTrust, Stylus, and BOLD. Beyond technical reviews, we’ve also examined Arbitrum’s ecosystem dynamics, such as its role in fostering projects like GMX and Vertex. This body of work not only underscores our expertise but also reflects our commitment to supporting Arbitrum’s long-term growth.

Uniqueness of Our Research Proposals
Our research initiatives are designed to tackle critical issues often neglected by others in the ecosystem. For example, our focus on experimenting with governance models like futarchy and quadratic funding aims to solve a fundamental challenge: aligning stakeholder interests with measurable outcomes. These governance frameworks aren’t just temporary fixes; they are structured as scalable, reusable public goods that can serve as blueprints for other DAOs. By spearheading these experiments, we aim to position Arbitrum as a pioneer in decentralized governance.

Similarly, our proposal to build a community metrics dashboard introduces a novel way to evaluate the health and vibrancy of Arbitrum’s ecosystem. Unlike traditional metrics, this dashboard would aggregate nuanced indicators—such as sentiment analysis and social engagement—offering a comprehensive view of community dynamics. This tool would not only empower developers, investors, and users to make informed decisions but also serve as a lasting infrastructure for ecosystem analysis, benefiting Arbitrum for years to come. We have successfully conducted similar work by analyzing the social media strategies of protocol founders and influencers, identifying key personas and activities that foster growth, and curating actionable insights. These efforts have supported major crypto ecosystems in crafting effective community growth strategies, providing us with the expertise to develop impactful tools and tailored insights for Arbitrum’s ecosystem.

A Vision for Long-Term Impact
Our contributions are not limited to solving immediate challenges. Every initiative we undertake is designed to scale and provide enduring value. By structuring our research outputs and tools as public goods, we ensure they remain reusable and meaningful, driving both Arbitrum’s short-term success and its sustained leadership in the blockchain ecosystem.

Capacity to Execute
To bring these initiatives to fruition, we have assembled a dedicated five-member team comprising subject matter experts and data engineers. This core team will be supported by our broader 35+ person research organization, ensuring the flexibility to address both planned initiatives and emerging needs. Our structured workflows, combined with our commitment to delivering actionable insights, position us to execute effectively and adapt to the evolving requirements of the DAO.

In summary, The Block Research’s expertise, effective methodologies, and focus on scalable and sustainable solutions make us a strong fit for the ARDC. We are committed to helping ArbitrumDAO pioneer governance innovation, enhance community engagement, and solidify its position as a leader in the blockchain ecosystem.

Work Samples

• Protocol Prism Report: Unveiling the Architectural Tradeoffs of Modern Blockchains (In partnership with Solana) 1
• 2024 Digital Assets Outlook
• Comparing Layer-One Platforms
• Layer-2 Scaling Solutions: A Framework for Comparison (In partnership with Polygon)

[danielo]

Daniel Ospina on behalf of RnDAO

• Name of Applicant & Applicant’s Representative (If applicable): RnDAO, represented by Daniel Ospina
• Telegram Handle (if applicable): mrjackalop
• LinkedIn Profile (if applicable): https://www.linkedin.com/in/conductal/
• The role being applied for (choose one):
  • Research Working Member
  • Risk Working Member
  • Security Working Member
• Hourly Rate (in USDC):
  $350/hour for senior executive work e.g. strategic planning or high level org design
  $100-150 for regular research work

If different hourly rates apply for specific types of work e.g. standard tasks vs specialised analysis, please specify each rate and the corresponding type of work.

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Background & Skills

Please provide a brief overview of your experience in the digital asset industry, particularly within the Ethereum & Arbitrum Ecosystems. Include your involvement in any relevant projects or contributions to the ArbitrumDAO, or other Ecosystems. (400 words max)

I’ve been in Web3 since 2017, occupying senior leadership positions including as Head of Governance at Aragon (2021) and Supervisory Council of SingularityNET (2024).
As RnDAO, we have carried R&D work since 2022, completing over 15 research projects (Articles)and building a portfolio of 8 Web3 startups.

Explain how your skills align with the role you are applying for and describe your methodology for fulfilling your duties. How will these skills help you effectively contribute to the ArbitrumDAO? (500 words max)
As RnDAO, we combine user research, market research, lean startup methodology, business acumen, a deep understanding of decentralised governance, and a first-principles approach. We offer a rare mix of senior strategic experience in decentralisation and innovation management, and hands-on research capabilities.

I have been involved in R&D since 2013, including user research, scientific research (experimental psychology), venture validation, and business analyst research. While also having senior leadership experience, managing the turnaround of a family enterprise, facilitating large-scale strategic initatives (e.g. consolidation of Denmark’s healthcare sector), being invited to lecture executives at Oxford on Major Program Managment, upskilling BCG consultants on innovation management, and holding multiple senior strategic positions in Web3 (mentioned above).
Our research lead is Andrea Gallagher, who led a research team that became Google Suite and led research at Asana and Aragon before joining RnDAO in late 2021.

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Motivation

What motivates you to join ARDC, and what do you aim to achieve as a Working Member? (400 words max)

We hope to bring deep analysis of proposals to clarify not only the short-term merits but also the strategic consequences of design choices and ensure the multiple alternative paths have been identified and considered.

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Research Initiatives

Describe your experience conducting research-oriented initiatives within the digital asset industry, more specifically (and if applicable), research related to the Arbitrum tech-stack. Explain how your previous experience can translate to an added value contribution to the ARDC & the ArbitrumDAO. (500 words max)

RnDAO (which stands for R&D DAO) has completed 15+ research initiatives since late 2021. We started RnDAO to bring more rigour and discipline to understand human collaboration challenges and how Web3 could provide answers.
Since late 2023 we’ve been primarily focused on Arbitrum, having carried multiple innovation programs including overseeing 6 research fellowships in early 2024 and an Arbitrum Hackathon in October 2024.

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Project Management & Collaboration

Describe your project management experience (This could include project management in other ecosystems you have operated in, management of initiatives, etc.) (300 words max)

Before RnDAO, our team members have managed change management programs and held senior executive positions in Web2 and Web3, while having researched collaboration since Web1 (for organisations such as Intuit, Google, Asana, and Aragon). I was also invited as a visting lecturer to the Oxford University’s Executive Master in Major Program Managemnet for executives managing $100mn+ budgets.
Especifically for Arbitrum, we have completed 2 programs in 2024 (CoLab progarm and Arbitrum CollbTech Hackathon.

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Scope of Work

Outline the tasks and key deliverables you propose, covering one-third of the 6-month term. Demonstrate your understanding of the most pressing needs within the ArbitrumDAO and how your work will support its strategic goals. (500 words max)

Please also elaborate as to your capacity to execute, including how you intend to allocate resources for the remaining term, with regard to ad hoc or flexible tasks that the Supervisory Council may put forward. Please also describe how you would plan to satisfy this should the ARDC be extended for an additional 6-month term. (300 words max)

We’ll work under the guidance of the supervisory council. That being said, key research initiatives we propose:

• user research on the adoption of Arbitrum stack (Nova, Orbit, and Stylus) to understand what’s working and what needs remain unaddressed. This research can also inform marketing and branding work.
• mixed research (user, market, and desk research) on supporting Global Majority (aka Global South) communities and builders to adopt and build on top of Arbitrum.
• analysis of governance and organisation design related proposals.

Ability to execute:
Our research team counts on strong leadership capable of overseeing this work. We also count on an extensive network of researchers that we can call upon to scale the team as needed for per-project work.

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Conflict of Interest

Please disclose any potential conflicts of interest and how you plan to handle situations where they might arise. (250 words max)

We do not see any conflicts of interest. For full disclosure, we’re delegates in Arbitrum, Scroll, and zkSync.

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Summary

In summary, please highlight your key qualifications and explain why you are a strong fit for the role. (500 words max)

RnDAO counts with a world-class research lead and combines senior leadership experience in Web3 with strong qualitative research capabilities. Since late 2021, we’ve operated as an R&D DAO, leading over 15 research projects across the Ethereum ecosystem and having project managed two initiatives in Arbitrum in late 2024.

[CastleCapital]

DefiLlama Research & Castle Capital - Research Member Application

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Applicant Information

Name of Applicant & Applicant’s Representative: DefiLlama Research & Castle Capital

Email Address: ryan@dlnews.com, atomist@castlecapital.vc (please contact both)
Telegram Handle: @cryptodurs and @atomist

Role: Research Working Member
Hourly Rate (in USDC): $100 per hour

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Background & Skills

Please provide a brief overview of your experience in the digital asset industry, particularly within the Ethereum & Arbitrum Ecosystems. Include your involvement in any relevant projects or contributions to the Arbitrum DAO, or other Ecosystems. (400 words max)

DefiLlama Research and Castle Capital combine expertise in data-driven research, governance participation, and hands-on contributions within Ethereum and its Layer 2 ecosystems. Our shared mission is to provide objective and actionable insights that align with and empower Arbitrum DAO’s vision of scaling Ethereum securely and without compromise.

DefiLlama Research excels in conducting comprehensive research on emerging trends, complex technical frameworks, and DeFi protocols. As a part of LlamaCorp, DefiLlama Research contributes to the broader ecosystem supported by initiatives such as DefiLlama — one of the largest free, open-source data platforms, DefiLlama News (DL News) — which delivers accurate and transparent journalism, and infrastructure projects like Llama Nodes and Chainlist.

Castle Capital is a decentralised research collective that has been deeply involved with the Arbitrum ecosystem since its inception, contributing to key DAO initiatives. Castle has played a pivotal role in shaping governance and refining incentive structures. Castle’s advisory roles in the Long-Term Incentive Program Pilot (LTIPP) and STIP Bridge have equipped them with meaningful insights into the needs of the DAO as well as hands-on experience managing collaborations with over 60 protocols.

Key Highlights of Our Experience

Data-Driven Research & Analysis:

• Published in-depth reports on Ethereum Layer 2 solutions, exploring rollup technology and consensus mechanisms focusing on scalability and decentralisation.
• Conducted comprehensive analyses of DeFi protocols, examining the impact of governance decisions on protocol sustainability.
• Delivered exploratory research on DeFi governance, assessing grant allocations and the effectiveness of funding projects that drive innovation within the ecosystem.

Arbitrum-Focused Contributions:

• Conducted targeted research on Arbitrum-native protocols like GMX V2, analysing how DAOs utilised their ARB airdrop allocations to optimise incentive structures. (Example: ARB Airdrop Analysis)
• Provided advisory support in the LTIPP and STIP Bridge initiatives, managing collaborations with over 60 protocols and refining the DAO’s incentive frameworks to align with long-term growth objectives.

Governance & Community Engagement:

• DefiLlama Research has conducted analyses of DAO governance frameworks and the regulatory landscape in the EU, providing guidance to DAOs on strategic decision-making.
• Castle Capital has been actively involved in governance roles, such as the Multisig Signer Service (MSS) and working groups like the ARB Staking Rewards Source, showcasing practical experience in DAO operations.
• Created accessible resources, such as Castle’s STIP dashboards and detailed educational reports.

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Explain how your skills align with the role you are applying for and describe your methodology for fulfilling your duties. How will these skills help you effectively contribute to the Arbitrum DAO? (500 words max)

As onchain-native, grassroots, and community-driven organisations, DefiLlama Research and Castle Capital bring a distinct, hands-on approach to the role of Research Member for Arbitrum DAO’s ARDC V2. Our teams comprise researchers who have grown organically within the crypto space, driven by a commitment to decentralisation, transparency, and community engagement. This foundation aligns naturally with Arbitrum’s mission to scale Ethereum without compromise.

DefiLlama Research, led by Ryan Celaj, brings a robust background in the Ethereum ecosystem. Ryan’s experience, spanning from his early days at Messari, has seen him spearhead initiatives such as onchain trend identification, Ethereum blob pricing analysis, and deep dives into regulatory impacts in different geographic regions. With prior experience dissecting DeFi giants like Morpho, 1inch, and Liquity, the DL Research team leverages comprehensive onchain data analysis to deliver actionable insights.

Castle Capital complements this approach with its extensive hands-on experience in the Arbitrum ecosystem, actively contributing since its inception. Castle’s roles as advisors for the LTIPP and STIP Bridge, along with contributions to the ARB Staking Rewards Source working group, have provided us with a nuanced understanding of governance and incentive mechanisms. Castle has consistently produced educational content that translates complex topics into digestible formats, engaging both technical and non-technical stakeholders through effective storytelling and data visualisation.

Together, our grassroots, crypto-native ethos is complimented by our unique blend of expertise in data-driven research, educational content creation, and incentive framework design. This aligns perfectly with the Research Member role, supporting the Arbitrum DAO’s strategic goals through the provision of data-driven insights.

Methodology:

• Objective, Data-Driven Analysis: Leveraging DefiLlama’s extensive data infrastructure, we extract and analyse onchain data to provide unbiased insights. This allows us to identify trends, assess protocol performance, and recommend strategies that align with Arbitrum’s vision of scaling Ethereum while maintaining decentralisation and security.
• Strategic Content Creation: Castle Capital’s expertise in educational content and long-form research ensures that we can distil complex concepts into accessible materials. This will empower delegates and stakeholders to make well-informed decisions, fostering a collaborative and transparent ecosystem.
• Incentive Framework Design & Governance: Combining our advisory experience and research capabilities, we aim to optimise incentive mechanisms within the Arbitrum ecosystem. This includes designing frameworks that attract top-tier builders, fostering sustainable growth, and creating compelling blockspace.
• Community Engagement & Collaboration: As two grassroots collectives, we are committed to strengthening the DAO’s network by hosting regular collaborative calls and facilitating knowledge sharing. All research conducted for the DAO will be published on DL Research, leveraging our established platforms for promotion, outreach, and community engagement. To further amplify our findings, Castle will convert key insights into blog posts and Twitter threads. This multi-channel approach ensures that Arbitrum’s initiatives gain maximum visibility, attract new contributors, and drive broader adoption across the ecosystem.

By integrating our onchain-native experience with our deep understanding of decentralised ecosystems, we are confident in our ability to provide meaningful contributions that align with Arbitrum’s goals of scaling Ethereum efficiently, securely, and in a community-driven manner.

Motivation

What motivates you to join ARDC, and what do you aim to achieve as a Working Member? (400 words max)

Our motivation to join the ARDC is rooted in a shared vision of establishing Arbitrum as a premier Layer 2 scaling solution and a community-driven force dedicated to scaling Ethereum without compromise. Being part of this journey and amplifying its impact is a mission that inspires us.

We believe that integrating DefiLlama Research, alongside Castle Capital’s deep involvement in the Arbitrum ecosystem, presents a unique opportunity to accelerate the ARDC’s initiatives. By leveraging Castle’s established relationships with protocols and delegates, combined with DefiLlama Research’s data-driven insights, we can hit the ground running. This collaborative approach ensures that our contributions align seamlessly with Arbitrum’s strategic goals, enhancing governance frameworks, optimising incentive structures, and driving ecosystem-wide innovation.

Together, we will serve as a bridge between users, protocols, and the DAO itself. The synergy between our data-centric research and hands-on ecosystem experience empowers us to refine existing programs while proactively identifying new opportunities aligned with Arbitrum’s North Star.

Moreover, our combined efforts will significantly enhance the visibility and reach of the ARDC’s contributions. By publishing research findings across all DL channels and converting them into engaging content formats, we can expand outreach through blog posts and bi-weekly threads. This ensures that Arbitrum’s initiatives gain maximum exposure beyond its existing ecosystem, attracting new developers, dApp builders, and users. We are convinced that a vibrant, engaged community is the cornerstone of any successful DAO, and a key value proposition of Arbitrum. Through our efforts, we aim to strengthen that foundation.

By uniting the strengths of DefiLlama Research and Castle Capital, we are committed to supporting the ARDC in achieving its strategic objectives and solidifying Arbitrum’s position as a leader in the onchain movement. Our community-first approach will help build a resilient, inclusive ecosystem, driving the DAO’s next leap forward.

Research Initiatives

Describe your experience conducting research-oriented initiatives within the digital asset industry, more specifically (and if applicable), research related to the Arbitrum tech-stack. Explain how your previous experience can translate to an added value contribution to the ARDC & the Arbitrum DAO. (500 words max)

Castle Capital and DefiLlama Research bring a wealth of experience in conducting high-quality, data-driven research across the digital asset landscape, particularly focusing on the Ethereum and layer 2 ecosystems.

Castle Capital’s Contributions

1. Arbitrum-Specific Research & Analysis:

• What Did DAOs Do with Their ARB Airdrop?: An investigation into how various DAOs utilised their ARB allocations, providing insights into optimising future incentive structures within the Arbitrum ecosystem.
• Deciphering GMX V2: An in-depth look at GMX V2’s decentralised perpetual markets, offering strategies relevant to Arbitrum in attracting high-impact DeFi protocols.
• A Spotlight on Builders Without an ARB Airdrop: A report focusing on the contributions of Arbitrum-native builders who did not receive ARB airdrops, highlighting underappreciated participants in the ecosystem.
• The State of Arbitrum (Co-authored with Revelo Intel): A comprehensive analysis of the Arbitrum ecosystem, identifying current strengths and areas for future growth.

2. Incentive Program & Governance Support:

• As advisors in the LTIPP (Link to LTIPP information hub) and STIP Bridge, Castle Capital managed collaborations with over 60 protocols. This experience supports refining Arbitrum’s incentive structures to drive protocol adoption and engagement.
• Castle’s role in the Multisig Signer Service (MSS) and working groups such as the ARB Staking Rewards Source highlights their governance expertise, which can contribute to strengthening Arbitrum’s internal processes.

3. Educational Content & Community Engagement:

• Castle Capital has consistently produced educational content that simplifies complex topics, supporting community engagement. Resources like our STIP dashboards are designed to increase transparency, which aligns with Arbitrum’s goal of fostering an informed and engaged community.
• We have a structured research process that allows us to generate continuous, high-quality content that can be used to promote the initiatives of the Arbitrum DAO, driving greater awareness and adoption.

DefiLlama Research’s Contributions

1. DeFi & Regulatory Research:

• State of DeFi Q3’24 Report: A high-level overview of the latest developments in DeFi, which can help Arbitrum identify new growth areas and strategic partnerships.
• State of Digital Assets in Europe: A comprehensive report that covers the regulatory landscape and its implications for layer 2 protocols like Arbitrum, offering guidance on compliance and strategic positioning.
• Conducted over 40 interviews with top industry experts, providing diverse perspectives that can guide the Arbitrum DAO in aligning its initiatives with broader market trends.

2. Technical Deep Dives & Layer 2 Analyses:

• Hemi Network Modular L2 Deep-Dive Report: Our deep-dive into the Hemi Network’s modular layer 2 design examines innovations that could align with Arbitrum’s goal of expanding Ethereum’s scalability without compromising security.
• Zircuit L2 Deep-Dive Report: Our comprehensive analysis of Zircuit’s architecture explores scalability solutions that can inform Arbitrum’s efforts in understanding the competitive environment.
• Insights After Dencun: An analysis exploring layer 2 blob pricing in the wake of Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade. The findings are relevant for Arbitrum’s efforts to optimise gas costs and enhance rollup data availability.
• Kontos Interoperability Protocol Analysis: By evaluating Kontos’s approach to cross-chain interoperability, we provide insights that could support Arbitrum’s cross-chain initiatives and ensure seamless integration with other ecosystems.

Relevance to Arbitrum DAO’s Strategic Goals

Our combined experience positions us to effectively support the Arbitrum DAO in several critical areas:

• Upfront exploratory research to identify opportunities for protocol improvements and scaling.
• Post-mortem analyses of past initiatives to refine incentive programmes and optimise decision-making.
• Enhanced visibility through educational content and outreach.
• Strategic guidance on regulatory compliance and governance structures ensures that Arbitrum scales securely while aligning with Ethereum’s core principles.

Project Management & Collaboration

Describe your project management experience (This could include project management in other ecosystems you have operated in, management of initiatives, etc.) (300 words max)

Our combined team at DefiLlama Research and Castle Capital brings extensive, hands-on project management experience, leaving us well-equipped to support the DAO in executing its strategic initiatives.

DefiLlama Research has successfully created comprehensive research reports that exceed 100 pages, requiring collaboration with multiple stakeholders and experts. This process involved meticulous planning, coordination, and synthesis of complex technical information into actionable insights for the broader crypto community. Additionally, our experience in hosting high-profile events, such as A Night with DefiLlama News, demonstrates our ability to orchestrate large-scale initiatives, from planning and logistics to dynamic facilitation, ensuring valuable outcomes for participants.

Operating as a decentralised collective, Castle Capital has honed project management skills through its involvement in the Arbitrum ecosystem. An internal committee efficiently handles Castle’s responsibilities as an Arbitrum delegate, including research, feedback, proposal support, and voting, in a decentralised manner. As LTIPP and STIP Bridge advisors, Castle managed collaborations with over 60 protocols and took ownership of the database management system used by advisors and council members. This experience underscores the firm’s ability to effectively manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

Our combined approach to project management is rooted in structured processes, clear communication and delivery, and adaptability. By combining our extensive analytical capabilities and experience in decentralised coordination, we are confident in our ability to manage complex initiatives within the DAO.

Scope of Work

Outline the tasks and key deliverables you propose, covering one-third of the 6-month term. Demonstrate your understanding of the most pressing needs within the Arbitrum DAO and how your work will support its strategic goals. (500 words max)

The proposed scope of work will tackle the challenges the Arbitrum DAO faces, providing data-driven insights that can be leveraged to accelerate each component of Arbitrum’s flywheel (outside of the technology stack).

@Entropy

1. Exploratory Research on Builder Retention & Expansion (Target = Applications)

Challenge: Builders are not always aware of opportunities within the ecosystem or the possibilities that the tech stack unlocks, and once onboarded have limited support from the DAO.

Goal: Identify and address key challenges in developer retention, ecosystem growth, and strategic alignment to recommend an effective builder expansion strategy.

Deliverables:

• Builder Needs Survey: Identify pain points of current developers on Arbitrum One and Nova.
• Developer Segmentation: Profile builders (DeFi, GameFi, infrastructure) for tailored support.
• Competitive Benchmarking: Assess gaps vs. other layer 2 networks.
• Strategic Recommendations: Propose clear steps to improve onboarding and incentives.

Post Work Unlock: A clear pathway for an onboarding/ecosystem workstream to be set-up with a clear basis for a strategy to be created and implemented.

2. Ecosystem-Building Initiatives (Target = DAO-Driven Development Programs)

Challenge: Arbitrum lacks a competitive and builder-focused ecosystem strategy to reward innovative projects, limiting its ability to attract and retain top-tier developers – the same developers that gave Arbitrum its reputation as the home of disruptive builders.

Goal: Provide insights and recommendations to position Arbitrum as the premier blockchain for innovation by optimising grant funding mechanisms and incentivising novel protocols.

Deliverables:

• RPGF Analysis: Assess the impact of Retroactive Public Goods Funding (RPGF) models in competing ecosystems on builder and user retention.
• Innovation Grants Framework: Explore and propose possible retroactive funding mechanisms to reward innovative projects with long-term growth potential.
• Strategic Grant Prioritization: Identify high-impact Arbitrum-aligned protocols for targeted grant allocations by creating an evaluation matrix.
• Builder Engagement Initiatives: Recommend strategies to deepen relationships with current projects, enhancing ecosystem stickiness.

Post-Work Unlock: An outline of research for a grant-driven growth workstream to pick up and run with, enabling Arbitrum to attract high-impact builders and drive sustained ecosystem expansion.

3. Readying for Orbit Chain Interoperability (Target = Ecosystem)

Challenge: Orbit chains feel isolated from Arbitrum One and other orbits, and often face issues with liquidity and bridging solutions. We must improve interoperability to fully capitalise on Arbitrum’s strengths and become a cohesive ecosystem with seamless UX.

Goal: Address interoperability gaps in Arbitrum’s ecosystem to define a pathway to enhance Orbit chain adoption, strengthen the application layer, and ensure a seamless user experience.

Deliverables:

• Non-Technical UX Solutions: Propose immediate, non-technical improvements to the user experience and public perception of Orbit chain interoperability.
• Bridge Design Analysis: Compare intent-based bridges across ecosystems, outlining key differences and suggesting best practices for Arbitrum’s ecosystem.
• Messaging Layer Review: Investigate existing messaging layer solutions, evaluating their functionality and applicability to Orbit chains.
• Alignment with Ethereum Interoperability Plans: Analyse how proposed solutions align with Ethereum’s broader roadmap for interoperability.

Post-Work Unlock: An outline of research and recommendations for an interoperability workstream implementation, enabling Arbitrum to fully capitalise on its strengths and become a cohesive ecosystem with seamless UX.

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Please also elaborate as to your capacity to execute, including how you intend to allocate resources for the remaining term, with regard to ad hoc or flexible tasks that the Supervisory Council may put forward. Please also describe how you would plan to satisfy this should the ARDC be extended for an additional 6-month term. (300 words max)

Our joint application significantly strengthens our capacity to execute the ARDC’s responsibilities. This partnership is central to our approach and effectively doubles our resources. Together, we are prepared to allocate a team comprising two full-time analysts from DefiLlama Research and two full-time analysts from Castle Capital, along with additional part-time analysts as needed. This combined team ensures we have ample capacity to address both scheduled duties and any ad hoc or flexible tasks the Supervisory Council may assign.

By combining the expertise of DefiLlama Research and Castle Capital, we offer a comprehensive skill set that transcends a purely institutional research approach. Our collaborative partnership emphasises data-driven, grassroots, onchain native research, enabling us to provide deeper insights rooted in the nuances of the Arbitrum ecosystem.

Should the ARDC be extended for an additional six-month term, our partnership positions us to continue our work with sustained enthusiasm and seamless resource allocation. We are committed to maintaining flexibility and scalability in our team structure, ensuring we can adapt to extended responsibilities and evolving project needs.

Additional Details

Any additional information deemed relevant (500 words max)

Further to our outlined Scope of Work, we would like to note our interest in supporting the DAO in its search for Arbitrum’s identity.

@CastleCapital

To a regular market participant, Arbitrum is hard to define, like the surface of water—appearing still, but with hidden currents beneath.

This lack of a clear narrative or identity can at times hinder ecosystem actors from progressing toward a shared vision and impacts our ability to resonate with the wider industry. We know Arbitrum excels in various areas, but the question of what should it be known for remains unanswered.

If elected, we would advocate for the implementation of a comprehensive analysis of Arbitrum’s current identity within the wider ecosystem, addressing gaps and opportunities for narrative and branding alignment to inform the DAO and ensure ecosystem growth.

These clear and unbiased research findings would fully inform delegates of Arbitrum’s position and optics within the broader ecosystem. We suggest carrying this out before the DAO decides which Strategic Objectives to set following the agreement of Arbitrum’s Mission, Vision, and Purpose (MVP).

Informed by the experience of ARDC V1, we recognise the need for closer collaboration with proposal creators and ecosystem participants from the outset. DefiLlama Research and Castle Capital will prioritise proactive engagement, ensuring that our research and insights are aligned with the needs of the ecosystem and key stakeholders.

To address the gaps in visibility, we are committed to increasing transparency by providing regular updates on ongoing initiatives. All findings and progress will be actively shared across DL Research and Castle’s platforms, including blog posts, Twitter threads, and collaborative reports. This multi-channel strategy will ensure the community stays informed and engaged, driving a more cohesive and effective ARDC V2.

Conflict of Interest

Please disclose any potential conflicts of interest and how you plan to handle situations where they might arise. (250 words max)

DefiLlama Research and Castle Capital have no active conflicts of interest that would impact our ability to serve the Arbitrum DAO objectively. However, we acknowledge that Castle’s involvement with several protocols within the Arbitrum ecosystem could potentially create situations where conflicts may arise. We are committed to full transparency to address such scenarios and will promptly disclose any conflicts to the DAO and all other relevant stakeholders. In cases where conflicts are identified, we will refer the matter to the Supervisory Council for guidance and resolution, ensuring that our research and advisory efforts remain unbiased.

The partnership between DefiLlama Research and Castle Capital allows us to leverage each other’s strengths to mitigate potential conflicts. This includes segregating duties, reinforcing internal guidelines on impartiality, and relying on one another to maintain objectivity. By upholding these principles, we ensure that our contributions to the DAO are always aligned with its mission of scaling Ethereum without compromise.

Summary

In summary, please highlight your key qualifications and explain why you are a strong fit for the role. (500 words max)

DefiLlama Research and Castle Capital are uniquely positioned to excel as the Research Member within the ARDC V2. Together, we bring research expertise, hands-on governance experience, and a commitment to advancing the Arbitrum ecosystem.

DefiLlama Research focuses on data-driven analysis across DeFi protocols, layer 2 scaling solutions, and DAO governance. Our track record includes producing comprehensive reports, conducting technical evaluations, and delivering insights that optimise decision-making.

Castle Capital has been embedded in the Arbitrum ecosystem from the beginning, actively contributing as advisors to the LTIPP and STIP Bridge. By managing collaborations with over 60 protocols and supporting governance initiatives, Castle is deeply engrained within the ecosystem and aware of its needs.

Key Qualifications:

• Extensive Research Expertise: DefiLlama Research and Castle Capital excel in producing high-quality, data-driven research that informs strategic decisions. Our combined experience in evaluating layer 2 technologies, optimising protocol incentives, and conducting governance analysis aligns with Arbitrum’s needs.
• Proven Governance Participation and Extensive Knowledge of Incentive Frameworks: Castle’s deep involvement in Arbitrum’s incentive programs, coupled with DefiLlama’s expertise in governance structures, allow us to refine incentive mechanisms to foster sustainable growth and developer engagement.
• Project Management Expertise: Our teams have managed complex projects, from producing in-depth research reports to organising community events, ensuring timely and high-quality outputs.
• Community Engagement and Data Visibility: By leveraging our publication platforms we aim to enhance the visibility of ARDC initiatives, confident that a focus on data transparency and outreach will attract developers and users to the Arbitrum ecosystem.

Why We Are a Strong Fit:

• Alignment with Arbitrum’s Strategic Goals: A deep understanding of Arbitrum’s technology stack and a proven track record in DAO governance will enable us to deliver impactful research that drives informed decisions.
• Commitment to Transparency and Collaboration: We support Arbitrum’s mission to scale Ethereum securely while maintaining decentralisation.
• Optimising Incentive Structures: By applying our expertise we can refine DAO frameworks to drive protocol adoption and ecosystem growth.
• Empowering the Ecosystem: Our combined strengths will help advance Arbitrum’s vision of becoming the home for the universal shift onchain, contributing to a resilient and thriving ecosystem.

We are excited by the opportunity to contribute to Arbitrum’s mission and are confident that our skills and experience will be invaluable in helping the DAO achieve its strategic objectives.

[Nethermind]

• Applicant: Nethermind Research

• Applicant Representative: James Baggett

• Applicant Website: website

• Telegram Handle: @jamesbaggett

• Role being applied for: Risk Working Member

• Hourly Rate (in USDC):

  • Mid Level Researcher: $130 per hour

  • Senior Level Researcher: $180 per hour

Summary

Nethermind is a leading infrastructure builder, researcher and core development team in the blockchain space. We empower enterprises and developers worldwide to access and build on the decentralized web. Our work touches every part of the web3 ecosystem - from layer 1 and layer 2 engineering, research, and security to application-layer protocol development. We collaborate with a global developer community and strategic partners to advance Ethereum and the broader blockchain industry.

Nethermind’s risk research team was a member of the STEP Committee, where we rigorously vetted yield bearing stable coin issuers with the goal of diversifying the DAOs funds. The work from this committee led to a successful vote and $35m of DAO funds were deployed into yield bearing stablecoins per the committees recommendations.

STEP Committee recommendations

Background and skills

Our research team possesses extensive and diverse experience in risk management. We are composed of highly skilled professionals with expertise in finance, risk management, quantitative modeling, and on-chain data analysis. Many team members hold CFA charters and have worked at prestigious financial institutions such as Santander and Nomura, as well as established hedge funds like Janus Henderson.

Additionally, our team has developed strong blockchain expertise, having conducted research on Ethereum’s recent upgrades, including EIP-4844 and the Shapella upgrade. We were among the first to propose a framework for analyzing AVS restaking risks back in January 2024.

Our team will leverage Nethermind’s broad expertise, built from over 400 employees with specialized skills across Layer-2 solutions, DeFi protocols, infrastructure development, node operations, pre-confirmation research, and tokenomics. This diverse knowledge base allows us to allocate resources flexibly and adapt to the evolving needs of the Arbitrum DAO, addressing ad hoc and strategic tasks raised by the Supervisory Council with a commitment to detail and efficacy.

Motivation

At Nethermind, our mission is to deliver pioneering research and development that promote accessible, transparent, and borderless economic and governance systems. We believe in the power of decentralized solutions and are committed to fostering the growth of Ethereum and the broader blockchain industry. In this context, we aim to play a pivotal role in Arbitrum’s growth, engage in intellectually stimulating projects, and contribute to its success.
We are enthusiastic about continuing our previous collaboration and applying our comprehensive approach to enhance Arbitrum’s growth, governance, and technological advancement.

Experience

Nethermind Research has been a long term partner of hedge funds and VC funds, providing due diligence on projects, assessing technical and financial risks, and identifying areas for improvement. We also assist in designing trading strategies and risk management frameworks.

More recently, we worked with dYdX on their latest tokenomics and calibrating incentives in preparation for their Megavault product. We published a comprehensive report focusing which looked at the efficiency of current trading rewards, how much incentives to allocate to Megavault. We also studied how to optimize the size of the active validators set and the risk and rewards associated with the closure of their ETH Bridge,

As an active member of the STEP Committee, we assisted the Arbitrum Treasury in selecting optimal RWA investments, gaining a deep understanding of the Arbitrum ecosystem and its strategic goals.

The team has designed a Gas Fee Derivatives market to hedge against volatility. This research includes modeling and pricing base fee options.

Additionally, we’ve helped Puffer Finance design their Validator Ticket pricing system, allowing operators on the network to perform validator duties and earn rewards.

Our team has strong analytical capabilities, including retrieving and analyzing blockchain data to understand agent behaviors and designing multi-agent simulations for stress testing and model comparison.

Project Management Initiatives

Under our Chief Project Officer, Nethermind has developed efficient and effective project management systems. When working with external teams, we bring our time-tested systems and adjust them to work within the flow of the partner team. In DAOs, transparency is critical. We set a regular cadence for updates, e.g. weekly, and send ad-hoc updates when milestones or other critical items present themselves. We use industry standard software tools for project management. With dYdX, we also worked alongside the foundation to understand their needs and communicate our research with the various stakeholders. We also took the time to listen to their feedback and address their concerns.

Scope of Work

Should we join ARDC, we plan to focus on studies that directly improve Arbitrum’s ecosystem whilst maximizing the impact of incentives distributed by the Foundation. These include and are not limited to

• Making DeXes more competitive versus other L2s and CeXes

• Impact Analysis after deployment of:

  • ARB Staking: comprehensive impact assessment covering how staking affects treasury funding, user engagement in governance, potential price volatility, and liquidity conditions in the ARB market. The report will also include recommendations for optimizing staking incentives to align with community and DAO objectives.

  • Impact of the Timeboost upgrade on the Arbitrum ecosystem. This research focuses on how Timeboost changes transaction ordering policies, its influence on miner/extractor value (MEV), and its potential effects on user fees and sequencer revenues.

• Restaking (Ethereum and BTC) and LRTs what are their risks, which AVS should arbitrum strategically incentivize. On this subject Nethermind has been a long term partner of EigenLayer which give him a unique expertise to work on this.

We looking forward to discussing these with the DAO. Our diverse knowledge base allows us to allocate resources flexibly and adapt to the evolving needs of the Arbitrum DAO, addressing ad hoc and strategic tasks raised by the Supervisory Council with a commitment to detail and efficacy.

Conflict of Interest

Nethermind works with many teams in the Ethereum space, and part of our pre-engagement process includes screening for potential COIs. Nethermind must navigate potential COIs often, and we do so in earnest. As an Ethereum centric organization, we understand that working with DAOs requires the utmost amount of transparency and communication. While we do not anticipate any COIs when it come to risk research, any and all potential COIs that may arise will be immediately disclosed through the appropriate DAO channels.

[Juanrah]

Applicant Information

• Name of Applicant: JuanRah
• Email Address: juanramirogarza@gmail.com
• Telegram Handle: @JuanRah
• Current Occupation/s: Academic Advisor / Arbitrum DAO Delegate
• Delegate details: Delegate Thread / Tally
• Country of Residence & Time Zone: Mexico / CST (GMT-6)
• Preferred Role within the Supervisory Council:
  • Communications
  • Operations

Background & Skills

As an Arbitrum DAO Delegate, I have actively contributed to discussions and governance processes, ensuring alignment with the DAO’s values and long-term objectives. My experience in DAO ecosystems, dating back to 2016, enables me to understand decentralized environments, fostering meaningful engagement and strategic alignment between stakeholders.

In my academic career as a College Professor and researcher in Geopolitics and Strategic Foresight, I have developed analytical and communication skills. These roles have required translating complex ideas into accessible insights for diverse audiences, which are essential skills for effective stakeholder communication within the ARDC. Additionally, my research experience in political and risk analysis equips me to anticipate challenges, manage community expectations, and propose actionable solutions.

As a former Chief of Staff in a Mexican state-level government, I refined my strategic planning and leadership capabilities, overseeing initiatives that enhanced public security and transparency. As a liaison with local municipal governments, I developed and implemented frameworks for better practices in public security and transparency. This required continuous stakeholder engagement, coordination, and communication.

My background in Strategic Intelligence research and experience conducting political and risk analysis for policy development enhanced my experience assessing complex issues, filtering key insights, and help guide decision-making processes. These experiences are vital for managing ARDC communications and fostering trust within the community.

Skills for the Role

• Stakeholder Engagement: Successfully built collaborative relationships between different levels of governments and civil society organizations, demonstrating the ability to mediate diverse interests and maintain open lines of communication.

• Strategic Oversight: Experience in designing and implementing frameworks for organizational efficiency, ensuring alignment with long-term goals.

• Effective Communication: Experience presenting complex research and policy recommendations to varied audiences, ensuring accessibility and impact.

• Resource Management: I have experience coordinating multi-stakeholder projects with limited resources, ensuring timely and effective delivery.

I am interested to contribute to the ARDC’s success by combining my experience in decentralized governance, research, and strategic planning.

Motivation and Vision

I am motivated about joining the Supervisory Council because I am committed to contributing to Ethereum’s decentralization efforts through the expansion of Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum. I believe that Arbitrum plays a focal role in scaling Ethereum, and being part of the ARDC presents an exciting opportunity to shape its future trajectory.

My goal is to help the Arbitrum DAO establish a robust structure and a long-term vision that adheres to its statutes. I am convinced that research should serve as the guiding beacon of any organization, illuminating the path forward. We need to ensure that the DAO’s initiatives are innovative and strategically aligned, this needs to be done with rigorous research that will eventually translate into the basis for decision-making processes.

My experience in stakeholder communication and serving as a liaison has equipped me with the skills necessary to convey messages effectively across diverse groups. I have experience facilitating clear and concise communication, conveying complex ideas to all stakeholders. This aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of the Communications role, where the ability to bridge gaps and foster understanding is essential.

During these six or twelve months, I hope to enhance transparency, promote active engagement, and build stronger connections between the ARDC, the DAO, and the wider community. I aim to amplify the impact of our research initiatives and contribute to the overall growth and decentralization of the Arbitrum ecosystem.

VISION

My strategic priorities will focus on ensuring that the ARDC’s research initiatives are closely aligned with the Arbitrum DAO’s statutes and objectives, and that this alignment is effectively communicated.

Establish Communication Channels

• Implement a consistent schedule for disseminating updates on research progress through newsletters, forums, and social media platforms.
• Develop summaries, infographics, and explainer videos to translate complex research findings into formats that are understandable and engaging for the wider community.
• Host bi-weekly community calls and Q&A sessions to facilitate direct communication between researchers and the community.

Align Research Initiatives with DAO Objectives

• Develop a clear and simple framework that maps research initiatives directly to the DAO’s objectives, so that every project contributes to the broader strategic goals.
• Facilitate workshops and strategy sessions with researchers and stakeholders to co-create research agendas that reflect collective priorities, the DAO’s statutes and its long-term vision.
• Review research projects to confirm they remain aligned with the DAO’s objectives, addressing any deviations promptly.

Enhance Stakeholder Engagement

• Coordinate with the Supervisory Council to develop programs to help stakeholders grasp the significance of research initiatives and their impact.
• Establish channels for surveys, suggestions, and open forums for stakeholders to share their perspectives.
• Maintain public dashboards and progress trackers to provide updates on research activities, milestones, and outcomes.

Role-Specific Responsibilities

My approach centers on establishing clear, consistent communication adapted to each stakeholder’s requirements. Recognizing that OffChain Labs, the Arbitrum Foundation, and the DAO have distinct perspectives, I aim to facilitate open dialogues that foster collaboration.

I would implement dedicated channels for regular updates, including summaries and monthly reports. For OffChain Labs and the Arbitrum Foundation, communications would highlight technical advancements and strategic alignments. For the DAO, I would emphasize how ARDC initiatives support decentralization and align with its mission.

To make updates accessible and meaningful, I would simplify complex information using infographics and summaries. Leveraging multimedia content like videos and webinars caters to diverse learning preferences, enhancing engagement.

Fostering two-way communication is essential. I would establish forums and feedback mechanisms consistent interaction. Regular feedback is important so that community voices have an influence in the ARDC activities, promoting ownership and collaboration.

In my previous role working with official governments, I improved transparency in public initiatives by hosting community forums and providing metric reports, increasing public trust. As an Academic, I consistently must communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences, increasing engagement through understandable curricula.

To enhance the ARDC’s visibility, I would develop a strategy aligned with our mission and the DAO’s objectives, focusing on clear messaging and valuable content. Establishing a unified messaging framework that encapsulates the ARDC’s core lines of research to ensure consistency across all platforms. I will provide briefs and key messaging points, to equip our communications team and social media managers to engage our target audiences.

I would prepare concise summaries of research findings, project updates, and significant milestones. Translating complex technical information into accessible language makes the ARDC’s work understandable and engaging for the broader community. Creating visual assets like infographics and charts further simplifies concepts.

Having close collaboration with the communications team is essential. Coordinating on press releases for major announcements ensures they accurately reflect the ARDC’s achievements and contributions.

Community calls are a vital part of our engagement strategy. Hosting bi-weekly calls allows us to provide updates, share research insights, and interact directly with community members. Recording calls and providing summaries improves accessibility for all stakeholders.

To improve current strategies, I would focus on enhancing content diversity and inclusivity. Expanding our content to include educational materials and tutorials caters to different audience preferences.

Gathering feedback on our communication methods is also a very important part. Regularly assessing the effectiveness of our strategies through surveys or analytics allows us to make data-driven adjustments, ensuring our communications remain relevant. This iterative process will help us align our efforts with the evolving interests of the community.

My background in strategic planning equips me to anticipate industry trends and adapt our communication strategies proactively. The focus should be on creating valuable content and collaborating effectively with the goal to provide a clear message that is consistent and aligned with the DAO’s mission and values.

Prioritization & Time Allocation

To determine which deliverables should be prioritized based on DAO needs, a thorough understanding of the scope of each research proposal is needed. Knowing the specific objectives and expected outcomes is an essential part to understand in order to fully align them with the DAO’s strategic goals. It’s important to differentiate between tasks that rely on publicly available data and those that depend on information from external parties. Tasks using publicly available data can often be completed more quickly, while those requiring external cooperation may need additional time due to factors beyond our control.

When assessing whether the time quoted by working members is reasonable, I will consider the availability and accessibility of the required data. Understanding the data gathering and processing time helps in setting realistic deadlines. I will also evaluate the complexity of each task and consult with working members to make sure their time estimates are based on practical considerations. For each research initiative we can agree on a plan that balances the DAO’s needs with the practical timelines necessary for high-quality outputs.

Summary of Qualifications

I think I’d be a great fit for the Communications role on the Supervisory Council because of my diverse background spanning academia, government, and DAOs.

As a College Professor specializing in Geopolitics and Strategic Intelligence, I’ve gotten pretty good at breaking down complex ideas into easy-to-understand concepts. This knack for synthesizing and simplifying information will be a useful asset in communicating the ARDC’s research value to a broad audience.

I’ve been involved in blockchain research and actively participate as an Arbitrum DAO Delegate, so I have an understanding on decentralized governance. I understand the importance of transparent communication to keep the community collaborating in the same direction.
From my previous professional experience, I handled Strategic Planning and served as a stakeholder liaison to bolster strategic objectives. My past roles have sharpened my communication skills and gave me tools to manage relationships with various stakeholders.
As a Strategic Foresight Professional, I am always looking ahead, which helps in aligning the ARDC’s activities with the evolving objectives of the DAO. My research in Political and Risk Analysis will help me assess how our initiatives might impact the ecosystem, so that delegates can make informed decisions.

By joining the Supervisory Council, I would be focused on boosting the ARDC’s visibility, ensure we’re aligned with the DAO’s mission, and encourage more active participation from the community. My goal is to bridge the gap between complex research and stakeholder understanding, making the ARDC’s work accessible and meaningful to everyone. I’m confident that my skills and experiences will bring professionalism for the Communications role, and I’m excited about dedicating more time to contribute to the growth and decentralization of the Arbitrum ecosystem.

[BlockworksResearch]

Blockworks Advisory ARDCv2 Application

Below is an ARDC application submitted by Blockworks Advisory (a new Advisory arm spun out of Blockworks Research). You can find a link to the full application here.

Thanks to @Immutablelawyer and the Axis Advisory team for leading this initiative!

Applicant Information

• Name of Applicant & Applicant’s Representative [If Applicable]:
  • Blockworks Advisory
    • Representatives: EffortCapital, magicdhz, GoldDefi, 0xMims
• Email Address:
  • Blockworks Advisory: advisory@blockworks.co
• Telegram Handle (if applicable):
  • Blockworks Advisory representatives:
    • @effortcapital, @magicdhz, @carolinagold, @Mims0x, @rmalakaib
• Role being applied for: Research-Oriented Member
• Hourly Rate (in USDC): $195/hr

Background & Skills

Please provide a brief overview of your experience in the digital asset industry, particularly within the Ethereum & Arbitrum Ecosystems. Include your involvement in any relevant projects or contributions to the ArbitrumDAO, or other Ecosystems. (400 words max)

Blockworks Advisory is a dedicated team spun out of Blockworks Research to help protocols and their communities sidestep pitfalls and accelerate their path to success. Blockworks Advisory is rooted in the knowledge we’ve gained from the 2.5 years of delivering institutional-grade, data-driven research and analysis under the Blockworks Research brand.

Our Research arm has authored many industry-leading reports on Arbitrum, its ecosystem, and the rollup landscape more generally.

Some examples include:

1. An Overview of Arbitrum vs Optimism
2. Arbitrum Styles: The Dual VM
3. An Analysis on ARB Staking
4. Sequencers: The Key to the Rollup Investment Thesis
5. An Analysis on Timeboost Revenues
6. Vertex: Edge of Tomorrow
7. GMX V2: Improved UX and LP Risk Management
8. Radiant Capital: A Novel Approach to the Lending Market

As a delegate, Blockworks Advisory actively contributes to the Arbitrum DAO, participating in community calls, discussions, and proposal evaluations. Our notable contributions as a delegate include highlighting key points in AIP-1, developing resources like the original STIP spreadsheet, and authoring the original Arbitrum Coalition proposal that ultimately led to the creation of ARDC. Our engagement and contributions to the Arbitrum DAO as a delegate reflect our commitment to advancing the ecosystem through informed analysis and active participation.

As a Research Member in ARDCv1, some of our contributions included extensive operational and statistical analysis on both incentives programs (STIP and LTIPP), recovering/saving over 3.7M ARB worth of misused or unallocated funds for the DAO and Foundation (examples: Furucombo and Synapse), and providing context for important conversations around Timeboost. You can find all of our contributions from ARDCv1 here.

Explain how your skills align with the role you are applying for and describe your methodology for fulfilling your duties. How will these skills help you effectively contribute to the ArbitrumDAO?

The Blockworks Advisory team has a diverse background ranging from portfolio management and high frequency trading to economic modeling and business development. The team is deeply crypto native, with a combined 20+ years in the industry at both a professional and personal capacity, has a strong understanding of the competitive landscape of L1 and L2 ecosystems, and was hand selected to be on the inaugural Blockworks Advisory team during the spin off from Blockworks Research. The Blockworks Advisory team also collaborates with the Blockworks Analytics team, who are well known throughout the space as one of the strongest analytics teams in the crypto space, to surface information that empower protocols.

As research advisors to the DAO, we’ll leverage our position as an active and well-resourced delegate to understand the needs of the DAO. We’ll communicate with major stakeholders (supervisory council, delegates, Foundation, OCL) to prioritize where we should concentrate our resources. We’ll then scope out the work to identify the needs and timeline and coordinate with various people internally to deliver results, such as our inhouse analytics and quant teams to gather, prep, and analyze data (if applicable). After our work is published, we’ll communicate with the major stakeholders to answer any questions and gather feedback.

We also created the most comprehensive Arbitrum data dashboard that provides analytics on important aspects of Arbitrum’s onchain activity and financials. We recently launched an update to the dashboard that provides in-depth coverage for Arbitrum DAO’s financials. Leveraging our platform and crypto-native experience, we do our best to drive insightful, fundamentally sound metrics for protocols and investors. Below are screenshots of the analytics platform for Arbitrum to show the extensive data we collect that would help inform the work we do for ARDC.

Motivation

What motivates you to join ARDC, and what do you aim to achieve as a Working Member? (400 words max)

We recently officially announced the launch of Blockworks Advisory at our Permissionless III conference. We want to apply everything we’ve learned–as a crypto-native events, media, and research company–to advise the most important aspect of the industry: the protocols themselves. We view Arbitrum as a key partner in our mission to install stronger fundamentals and drive legitimate adoption for crypto, more broadly.

Arbitrum is a crucial participant in the Ethereum ecosystem and, more importantly, in executing Ethereum’s rollup centric roadmap. There are a number of really important topics and challenges that Arbitrum will confront throughout ARDCv2. Among others, the areas that we are really keen on are Timeboost and incentives/grants.

Timeboost

MEV is a critical component of blockchains and their censorship-resistance properties, and Timeboost introduces a very unique construction, which has already garnered mixed reviews from researchers, traders, and application developers.

While it should generate more revenue for the DAO, it will present new challenges and potentially vulnerabilities to the ecosystem, to which the DAO must be informed in order to make the appropriate decisions regarding adjustments to Timeboost’s parameters. As the chain generates more MEV and attracts new kinds of participants, we look forward to being a research partner with the DAO, to surface key information and analysis to guide the DAO to make informed decisions on Timeboost’s policy, and to scale onchain activity.

Incentives and Grants

Incentives and grants are critical for bootstrapping users, growing a protocol, and developing the community and technical stack. However, incentive programs and grants can be very wasteful. We have performed extensive operational and statistical analyses for Arbitrum’s incentive programs and look forward to working with the DAO, relevant partners, and applications, to apply the lessons learned, and to drive sustainable activity and growth.

We think that a well-run incentives program and the advent of Timeboost could be a positive boon for Arbitrum, and feel confident that we are in a position to advise on both fronts.

We are also positioned to advise a grants program given both our experience as admins and reviewers of grants programs in other ecosystems and as users (in the trenches) across various VMs.

All in all, we want to leverage our deliverables, platform, and experience to drive impactful proposals, surface forum discussions and topics, and increase governance participation.

Research Initiatives

Describe your experience conducting research-oriented initiatives within the digital asset industry, more specifically (and if applicable), research related to the Arbitrum tech-stack. Explain how your previous experience can translate to an added value contribution to the ARDC & the ArbitrumDAO. (500 words max)

As aforementioned throughout the application, our team of analysts delivers institutional-grade, data-driven research and data analytics spanning a broad range of categories in crypto. We have worked closely with some of the largest protocols and institutions in the space, including the Solana Foundation, Lido, Ethena, and a growing list of partners.

Here are some examples of our Advisory work:

• Arbitrum
  • LTIPP analysis
  • STIP analysis on sequencer revenues
  • Timeboost analysis and revenue projections
  • A complete list of ARDCv1 deliverables can be found here.
• Avax
  • Economic Analysis of ACP-77
  • Fee Sensitivity Analysis of ACP-125
• Ethena
  • Hyperliquid Risk Integration Analysis
• Public Protocol Dashboards
  • Solana Dashboard
  • Optimism Dashboard
  • Polygon Dashboard

Given our experience covering a wide range of protocols and categories in the space, we’re confident in our ability to offer protocol agnostic advice that drive ecosystem growth and revenue for the DAO. Working with Blockworks Advisory, the DAO will also be able to leverage our extensive resources to drive more participation and meaningful discussions in the community.

Project Management & Collaboration

Describe your project management experience (This could include project management in other ecosystems you have operated in, management of initiatives, etc.) (300 words max)

Creating a leading crypto media, events, and research brand requires high-agency talent throughout the company that excel in project management. The entire Blockworks company is perpetually executing on high priority projects in a fast-moving industry that leave little room for error. More specifically, our Advisory team has extensive project management experience in both the crypto and traditional world.

Effortcapital, Head of Advisory, has over seven years of project and program management experience working across cross-functional teams in the energy industry where he spearheaded multiple $100M+ construction programs. He also led the project management function for the Cosmos Hub’s tokenomics grant where three teams, including Blockworks, performed mechanism design and governance research for the community over the span of a quarter.

Additionally, made evident by our contributions in ARDCv1, the rest of the advisory team has demonstrated the ability to collaborate and deliver analyses as needed. All deliverables can be found here.

Scope of Work

Outline the tasks and key deliverables you propose, covering one-third of the 6-month term. Demonstrate your understanding of the most pressing needs within the ArbitrumDAO and how your work will support its strategic goals. (500 words max)

The following is a non-exhaustive list of possible deliverables for the ARDCv2 term based on our understanding of the needs of the DAO and wider ecosystem. This list of deliverables would cover much more than one-third of the 6-month term and would need to be prioritized by the Supervisory Council and other major stakeholders. While this covers more than one-third of the term, we thought it was important for the DAO to get insight into where we think some gaps are today that we believe we are equipped to help with:

1. Timeboost Revenue Allocation Framework

While Timeboost is an innovative solution coming to Arbitrum that will likely be a positive catalyst for DAO revenue, there hasn’t been a community-wide discussion on how the revenue should be allocated and whether it makes sense for the DAO to capture all proceeds or redistribute it to impacted LPs/protocols.

2. Orbit Chain Strategy

Provide the DAO with a path towards aligning the ARB token with the growth of the Orbit tech stack, taking lessons learned from other ecosystems (Cosmos, Polkadot, Optimism, zkSync, etc). Outlining a procurement vs ownership model where we identify what products/services the DAO should own (e.g RaaS, block explorer, data indexing, etc)

3. Unified Incentives Framework (Incentive Program Design Assistance)

Through our initial ARDC STIP work, Blockworks Advisory is uniquely positioned to assist in the development of the next incentive program scheduled to launch in 2025. Blockworks Advisory could work closely with the Incentives Working Group and other major stakeholders to create a Unified Incentives Framework that applies previous best practices and lessons learned to optimize ROI in various objective functions.

4. General Data Services

Similar to the Multisig Support Service proposed by Entropy Advisors and R3gen Finance to reduce operational spend and increase proposal efficiency, Blockworks Advisory could become a shared data service provider that any Arbitrum working group or initiative (including the Foundation) could tap into to fulfill all data needs. We have the most comprehensive Arbitrum data in the industry, including DAO financials, and can leverage this to empower the various stakeholders in the community.

5. Developer-centric Strategy Framework

In last year’s Developer Report from Electric Capital, Arbitrum saw a troubling decline in active developers in the ecosystem. This deliverable would be outlining the developer pipeline specifically in regards to Arbitrum, and provide suggestions for where DAO funding could possibly aid in the development process.

6. Financial Audit of Arbitrum Grants Programs

The Arbitrum Grants program is expansive, and a financial audit would simply be a retroactive analysis of the Arbitrum Grants program to date to determine ROI for the ecosystem.

Please also elaborate as to your capacity to execute, including how you intend to allocate resources for the remaining term, with regard to ad hoc or flexible tasks that the Supervisory Council may put forward. Please also describe how you would plan to satisfy this should the ARDC be extended for an additional 6-month term. (300 words max)

As described throughout aforementioned sections, as research advisors to the DAO, we’ll leverage our position as an active and well-resourced delegate to understand the needs of the DAO. We’ll communicate with stakeholders and relevant parties to prioritize where we should concentrate our attention. We’ll scope out work to identify the needs and timeline and coordinate with other teams internally to deliver results. For instance, we’ll work closely with our inhouse analytics and quant teams to gather, prep, and analyze data (if applicable).

Given our existing business lines, research capabilities, and dedicated team, Blockworks Advisory is well positioned to fulfill the responsibilities of the ARDC for the entire term and beyond, should there be an extension.

The advisory team has demonstrated the ability to collaborate and deliver analysis as needed, on both an ad-hoc basis and an independent basis. We are also innately familiar with the needs of ArbitrumDAO, its key stakeholders, and have a proven track record of providing value to the DAO. All deliverables can be found here.

Conflict of Interest

Please disclose any potential conflicts of interest and how you plan to handle situations where they might arise. (250 words max)

Much like our Media and Research arms, Blockworks Advisory strives for objectivity and being grounded in data-driven decisions. While we believe there are no conflicts of interest today, we think its important to note that we are advisors and/or delegates for a growing list of protocols, including and not limited to: Uniswap, Jito, Lido, Wormhole, CoW Protocol, Polygon, Avalanche, and Ethena. We strive to be transparent with our engagements, and will update the DAO and relevant parties as necessary.

Summary

In summary, please highlight your key qualifications and explain why you are a strong fit for the role. (500 words max)

Over the past two and a half years, Blockworks Research built a reputation for being a leading source of information for deep technical, protocol-specific research. Blockworks Advisory spun out of Blockworks Research and was built to apply the knowledge we’ve gained from delivering institutional-grade, data-driven research and analysis to advising protocols.

We have a deep conviction in this space, and one of our guiding principles is that every year, more liquidity will move onchain, and we want to leverage our distribution and crypto-native expertise to drive this future. In order to do this, we have to go even deeper and work directly with protocols themselves.

We’re excited about the Arbitrum ecosystem as it introduces Timeboost and grows the Orbit ecosystem, and we’re confident our experience from ARDCv1 proves our steadfast partnership with the Arbitrum ecosystem and our ability to address the aforementioned scope of work in ARDCv2. We view Arbitrum as a key partner in our mission to install stronger fundamentals and drive legitimate adoption for crypto, more broadly.

[Messari]

Below is Messari Protocol Services’ ARDC V2 application. A special thank you to @Immutablelawyer and Axis Advisory for leading this initiative. We are excited about the opportunity to further contribute to the growth and success of the Arbitrum community.

Applicant Information

• Name of Applicant & Applicant’s Representative (If applicable):
  • Messari Protocol Services
• Telegram Handle (if applicable): @ jackpurdy @ alex_barry22
• LinkedIn Profile (if applicable): Messari | LinkedIn
• The role being applied for (choose one): Research Working Member
• Hourly Rate (in USDC): $145/hour

Our blended hourly rate of $145 reflects the expertise and resources required to deliver exceptional research and insights for the ArbitrumDAO. This rate incorporates contributions from our specialized team:

• Research Analysts (60%) at $130/hour
• Data Engineers (25%) at $160/hour
• Project Managers (15%) at $100/hour

Additionally, we are pleased to offer Marketing support complimentary, typically billed at $100/hour, as part of our commitment to providing maximum value to the ArbitrumDAO if desired by the community.

This rate is competitive and aligns with industry standards for high-quality research and data-driven insights. It reflects Messari’s dedication to delivering impactful, timely, and resource-efficient contributions to the DAO.

Background & Skills

Please provide a brief overview of your experience in the digital asset industry, particularly within the Ethereum & Arbitrum Ecosystems. Include your involvement in any relevant projects or contributions to the ArbitrumDAO, or other Ecosystems.

Messari: Expertise in Crypto Research and the Arbitrum Ecosystem

Messari is a leader in market intelligence, research, and data analytics for the digital asset industry, with deep expertise in Layer 2 ecosystems like Arbitrum. Research is in our DNA—we were pioneers in crypto research, building a trusted brand since 2019. This foundation has allowed us to attract the best talent in the industry, enabling us to deliver exceptional insights and analysis. Over the years, our team of 130 crypto-natives have supported nearly 100 projects, including base-layer protocols, DeFi, gaming, interoperability, and scaling solutions, providing deep technical research, onchain financial reporting, incentives analysis, and more.

Experience with Arbitrum

Messari has closely analyzed Arbitrum’s rise as a leading Layer 2 solution, publishing insights on its rollup technology, cost efficiency, and ecosystem growth. Our work highlights Arbitrum’s key role in advancing Ethereum scalability and driving adoption.

Key contributions include:

• Deep Dives into Ecosystem Metrics: Research on DeFi, developer activity, and user growth within Arbitrum.
• Governance-Focused Analytics: Tailored insights to support informed decision-making for projects building on Arbitrum.

Our real-time data and in-depth analysis help stakeholders identify trends, make governance decisions, and foster adoption of Arbitrum-powered applications.

Strategic Alignment

Messari’s track record in Ethereum analytics enhances our ability to contextualize Arbitrum’s role in the broader ecosystem. This unique positioning allows us to deliver targeted, high-impact value to ArbitrumDAO and its community.

Relevant Examples of Our Work

Below, we provide specific examples of our work within the Arbitrum and Ethereum ecosystem to showcase our capabilities and the tangible impact we have delivered:
State of SCPs Q2 2024
The Road Ahead for Rollups and EIP4844
2023 Arbitrum Governance Report
The Efficacy of Token Incentive Models
State of Ethereum Q2 2024
State of Polygon Q3 2024
Polygon Ecosystem Analysis
Incentives Analysis: Uniswap v3 on Optimism

Messari regularly publishes expert analysis on the Arbitrum ecosystem and broader blockchain trends through our subscription research brand, demonstrating our deep industry knowledge and trusted reputation. Highlights include reports such as Inside the Arbitrum Ecosystem Boom, Arbitrum Goes Into Arbitration, Arbitrum STIP Allocations, and The Modular Blockchain Landscape, all of which showcase our ability to deliver actionable insights to stakeholders across the ecosystem.

Explain how your skills align with the role you are applying for and describe your methodology for fulfilling your duties. How will these skills help you effectively contribute to the ArbitrumDAO?

Messari’s Skills and Methodology for Supporting ArbitrumDAO

Messari’s expertise in blockchain research, data analytics, and governance aligns seamlessly with the needs of ArbitrumDAO. We deliver actionable insights, foster transparency, and drive community engagement, ensuring the DAO’s continued success.

Skills Aligned with the Role:

• Comprehensive Research Expertise:
  Messari analysts each have deep sector expertise enabling them to produce detailed, accessible reports on blockchain ecosystems. Our deep dives into Ethereum Layer 2s, including Arbitrum, have informed strategic decisions for governance and development.
• Data-Driven Insights:
  Using proprietary tools and a robust data infrastructure maintained by our dedicated data engineering team, we analyze user adoption, transaction activity, and ecosystem metrics. This infrastructure ensures reliable, real-time insights that empower stakeholders to evaluate DeFi protocols and make data-backed governance decisions effectively.
• Governance-Focused Analysis:
  Messari supports DAOs by analyzing proposals and offering actionable recommendations that drive participation and efficiency. Our dedicated Intel team monitors and reports on key events 24/7, ensuring DAOs stay informed about critical developments and can make timely, well-informed decisions.
• Clear Communication & Engagement:
  Messari creates public-facing resources that simplify complex data for diverse audiences, ensuring broader understanding and participation. Aligned with our mission to provide transparency to the crypto community, we empower stakeholders to make better, more informed decisions.

Methodology:

• Stakeholder Needs Assessment:
  We identify priorities across developers, community members, and investors to ensure our work addresses key challenges.
• Ecosystem Mapping:
  Our tools highlight growth opportunities and challenges within the Arbitrum ecosystem, focusing on areas like DeFi and NFTs.
• Holistic Research:
  Combining onchain data with qualitative insights, we deliver reports that guide governance decisions and resource allocation.
• Feedback Integration:
  We collaborate with governance teams to adapt deliverables based on real-time input, ensuring relevance and impact.

Contribution to ArbitrumDAO:

• Empowering Governance: Leveraging the power of the Messari platform and our trusted brand, we provide data-backed tools that enable stakeholders to evaluate proposals, monitor ecosystem health, and allocate resources effectively.
• Community Engagement: Our accessible insights promote informed participation across the DAO, fostering transparency and collaboration.
• Ecosystem Growth: By identifying emerging opportunities, we help the DAO allocate resources strategically, driving growth and innovation.
• Sustainability: We prioritize initiatives with long-term impact by tracking governance outcomes and aligning them with the DAO’s broader goals.

Messari’s track record and methodologies position us as a reliable partner for ArbitrumDAO, delivering insights and tools that drive growth and transparency.

Motivation

What motivates you to join ARDC, and what do you aim to achieve as a Working Member?

Messari’s Motivation and Goals as an ARDC Working Member

Messari is motivated to join ARDC to drive the long-term success of the Arbitrum ecosystem. Our passion lies in fostering transparency, empowering informed decision-making, and enabling ecosystems like Arbitrum to achieve their full potential through actionable insights and community engagement.

Motivation to Join ARDC

• Commitment to Arbitrum’s Vision:
  Arbitrum’s innovative approach to Layer 2 scaling is pivotal for Ethereum and Web3. We aim to support this vision by delivering data-driven insights that address scalability challenges while preserving decentralization and security.
• Shared Values:
  ARDC’s emphasis on community-driven governance aligns with our belief in transparency as a foundation for trust and growth. Messari is dedicated to providing research that benefits the entire ecosystem.
• Enhancing Ecosystem Growth:
  Arbitrum’s vibrant ecosystem inspires us to uncover opportunities and provide tools to support sustainable growth and innovation.

Goals as a Working Member

• Empower Governance:
  Deliver high-quality research and analytics to equip decision-makers with tools for evaluating proposals and allocating resources effectively.
• Drive Community Participation:
  Create accessible content that bridges the gap between technical data and actionable insights, fostering active engagement in ARDC governance.
• Promote Sustainability:
  Identify opportunities and challenges to ensure the ecosystem remains competitive and thrives long-term.
• Enhance Collaboration:
  Develop resources and foster dialogue to strengthen community ownership and collaboration across stakeholders.

Messari shares ARDC’s commitment to transparency and innovation. As a Working Member, we will amplify the DAO’s impact through clear, actionable research and empower the community to shape Arbitrum’s future.

Research Initiatives

Describe your experience conducting research-oriented initiatives within the digital asset industry, more specifically (and if applicable), research related to the Arbitrum tech-stack. Explain how your previous experience can translate to an added value contribution to the ARDC & the ArbitrumDAO.

Messari’s Research Expertise and Contribution to ArbitrumDAO

Messari has a proven track record of conducting research-oriented initiatives across the digital asset industry, with a focus on Ethereum and Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum. Our research combines quantitative analysis and qualitative insights to inform governance, enhance transparency, and drive ecosystem growth.

Relevant Experience:

• Arbitrum Ecosystem Research:
  We’ve analyzed Arbitrum’s rollup technology, scalability, and ecosystem adoption, demonstrating its leadership in reducing costs and improving transaction throughput. These insights help stakeholders make data-driven decisions.
• Layer 2 Scaling Expertise:
  Our comparative research on Ethereum Layer 2 solutions, including Arbitrum, Optimism, ZKsync, Mantle, Manta, Boba, and others, highlights scaling dynamics, user adoption, and competitive positioning. This work informs governance and development strategies.
• Governance & DAO Research:
  Messari has developed governance frameworks and analyzed proposals for multiple DAOs. Our insights have enabled efficient resource allocation and informed decision-making—an approach we aim to extend to ArbitrumDAO.
• Ecosystem Mapping:
  We’ve mapped Arbitrum’s ecosystem, identifying growth opportunities in DeFi, NFTs, and developer activity. These reports provide actionable insights to stakeholders and guide strategic investments.

Value to ARDC & ArbitrumDAO:

Messari’s methodologies align with ARDC’s mission to support informed governance and sustainable growth. Our contributions will:

• Empower Governance: Provide data-backed insights to help ArbitrumDAO allocate resources effectively.
• Foster Community Engagement: Deliver accessible reports that enable broad participation in governance and decision-making.
• Drive Ecosystem Growth: Highlight trends and opportunities to maintain ArbitrumDAO’s competitive edge.

Referenced Examples:

Messari’s experience is evidenced by our published reports and contributions, including the State of ApeCoin Q3 2024, the State of DeFi Q3 2024, Optimism Incentive Analysis, and Ethereum’s Quarterly Report Q2 2024. These demonstrate our ability to analyze complex ecosystems, deliver actionable insights, and create resources that inform governance and strategic decision-making.

Messari’s expertise and track record uniquely position us to add significant value to ARDC and the ArbitrumDAO, ensuring transparency, growth, and impactful governance support.

Project Management

Describe your project management experience (This could include project management in other ecosystems you have operated in, management of initiatives, etc.)

Messari has extensive project management experience across a variety of blockchain ecosystems, including Ethereum, Cosmos, Solana, and Arbitrum, which demonstrates our ability to deliver complex initiatives effectively and on time. Our track record includes managing large-scale research projects, multi-stakeholder governance initiatives, and data-driven ecosystem analysis.

Research & Reporting Initiatives:

Messari has successfully managed the delivery of ecosystem reports and solutions for some of the largest networks in Web3. For example, we coordinated quarterly reports for Ethereum Layer 2 solutions, including Arbitrum, that involved gathering data from multiple sources, synthesizing insights, and producing actionable recommendations within tight deadlines. Each project required alignment across analysts, data scientists, and client stakeholders to ensure consistent quality and timely delivery.

Governance & DAO Collaboration:

We have managed governance-focused projects for DAOs, providing research that informs proposal development and resource allocation. For instance, our work with decentralized networks like Cosmos and Polkadot involved creating governance frameworks and ecosystem overviews to guide decision-making. These projects required regular communication with DAO contributors, iterative feedback loops, and the ability to adapt deliverables based on stakeholder needs.

Ecosystem Mapping:

Messari has led the development of comprehensive ecosystem maps for emerging protocols. For Arbitrum, we created insights on DeFi, NFT activity, and developer adoption, which required coordinating data collection, analysis, and stakeholder interviews. These deliverables not only informed the community but also provided a foundation for strategic decision-making by governance participants.

Key Strengths in Project Management:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: We coordinate between analysts, product teams, and external stakeholders seamlessly.
• Agility: Messari adapts dynamically to evolving requirements, ensuring projects meet stakeholders’ needs.
• Timely Execution: We consistently deliver projects within agreed timelines, maintaining a high standard of quality.

Through our proven project management expertise, Messari ensures impactful, timely, and data-driven results that align with the goals of any ecosystem we engage with.

Scope of Work

Outline the tasks and key deliverables you propose, covering one-third of the 6-month term. Demonstrate your understanding of the most pressing needs within the ArbitrumDAO and how your work will support its strategic goals.

Proposed Tasks and Deliverables for ArbitrumDAO

Messari’s work for the first two months of a six-month term will focus on addressing critical needs of the ArbitrumDAO: informed governance, ecosystem transparency, and community engagement.

Tasks and Deliverables:

1. Comprehensive Ecosystem Analysis

• Objective: Provide a detailed overview of the Arbitrum ecosystem, identifying key projects, adoption metrics, and growth areas.
• Tasks:
  • Aggregate onchain data (transaction volumes, active users).
  • Benchmark against other Layer 2 solutions.
• Deliverable: A report with graphics and strategic recommendations for ecosystem growth.

2. Governance Framework Review

• Objective: Evaluate the current governance model and propose enhancements to improve efficiency and participation.
• Tasks:
  • Analyze existing governance structures and processes.
  • Gather feedback from DAO stakeholders.
  • Research best practices from other DAOs.
• Deliverable: An evaluative report with actionable recommendations to strengthen governance.

3. Treasury Management Assessment

• Objective: Ensure financial sustainability by analyzing treasury allocations, risks, and diversification opportunities.
• Tasks:
  • Review historical treasury spending and revenue sources.
  • Identify potential risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Propose diversification options to enhance financial resilience.
• Deliverable: A comprehensive report on treasury health and strategic recommendations.

4. Community Engagement Initiative

• Objective: Increase participation in DAO governance and ecosystem activities.
• Tasks:
  • Develop educational content explaining governance processes.
  • Host webinars or workshops for community feedback and collaboration.
  • Create channels for ongoing community input.
• Deliverable: Educational materials and interactive sessions to foster engagement.

Strategic Alignment with ArbitrumDAO’s Goals:

Messari’s proposed work addresses the DAO’s most pressing needs:

• Informed Governance: Ecosystem analysis and governance framework reviews equip stakeholders to make strategic decisions.
• Transparency and Sustainability: Treasury assessments ensure financial health and long-term viability.
• Community Empowerment: Engagement initiatives build an active, informed DAO community.

Messari’s deep expertise and structured approach ensure impactful deliverables that align with the ArbitrumDAO’s objectives and set a foundation for long-term success.

Please also elaborate as to your capacity to execute, including how you intend to allocate resources for the remaining term, with regard to ad hoc or flexible tasks that the Supervisory Council may put forward. Please also describe how you would plan to satisfy this should the ARDC be extended for an additional 6-month term.

Messari’s Capacity to Execute and Adapt

Messari’s experienced team and operational framework ensure our ability to deliver planned tasks while addressing ad hoc requests from the Supervisory Council efficiently.

Resource Allocation:

• Dedicated Team: Core analysts and project managers oversee deliverables, ensuring adherence to timelines and quality standards.
• Flexible Capacity: Our Protocol Services analyst team is structured to handle fluctuating workloads, enabling us to scale resources up or down on demand to meet project needs efficiently.
• Proprietary Tools: Messari’s analytics and mapping tools streamline workflows and ensure quick turnarounds for both planned and ad hoc initiatives.

Execution Plan for an Additional Term:

Should the ARDC be extended, Messari will scale resources and focus on long-term goals:

• Enhanced Team Capacity: Allocate additional analysts and researchers to handle increased workload without compromising quality.
• Long-Term Research Agenda: Develop a roadmap for multi-term initiatives aligned with strategic ecosystem growth, governance innovation, and treasury sustainability.
• Adaptive Engagement: Maintain continuous communication with the Supervisory Council to ensure deliverables remain aligned with evolving DAO priorities.

Messari’s flexible operations and scalable resources ensure we meet the ARDC’s needs, whether addressing immediate tasks or supporting extended-term objectives. This adaptability positions us as a reliable partner for ArbitrumDAO.

Additional Details

Additional Information Relevant to ArbitrumDAO

Messari offers unmatched value to ArbitrumDAO through its expertise, tools, and tailored solutions that extend beyond traditional research. Our offerings empower governance, enhance ecosystem transparency, and drive long-term growth.

Complimentary Messari Enterprise Licenses

As part of this engagement, Messari will provide complimentary Messari Enterprise Licenses for the first two months (valued at $10,000 per seat annually). These licenses grant ArbitrumDAO core contributors full access to:

• Comprehensive Data: Real-time market data, onchain analytics, and project metrics for strategic decisions.
• Advanced Tools: Customized screeners for analyzing and visualizing Arbitrum’s ecosystem.
• Fundraising Insights: Up-to-date trends on token sales and competitive positioning.
• In-Depth Research: A library of institutional-grade reports on sector trends and network analyses.

This access equips DAO contributors with the tools necessary to evaluate proposals, monitor ecosystem health, and plan strategically.

Value-Added Services

Messari’s capabilities further align with ArbitrumDAO’s needs:

• Custom Research: Tailored insights on governance, Layer 2 scaling, and ecosystem trends.
• Educational Resources: Materials to foster stakeholder engagement and promote transparency.
• Ecosystem Mapping: Comprehensive analysis of growth opportunities in DeFi, gaming, and NFTs.
• Governance Support: Expertise in DAO frameworks to enhance participation and decision-making.

Alignment with ArbitrumDAO Goals

Messari’s mission is to build a thriving and transparent blockchain ecosystem, perfectly aligning with ArbitrumDAO’s objectives:

• Empowering Governance: Actionable data and insights to guide strategic decisions.
• Community Engagement: Resources that foster participation and informed decision-making.
• Sustainability: Identifying and addressing challenges to ensure long-term viability.

Proven Excellence

Messari’s track record with leading protocols, spanning nearly three years, like Ethereum, Cosmos, and Solana demonstrates our ability to deliver impactful results. Our team of analysts, data scientists, and governance experts ensures timely and high-quality deliverables tailored to DAO needs.

Why Messari?

Messari combines domain expertise, proprietary tools, and a deep understanding of blockchain to deliver comprehensive solutions. By offering complimentary licenses and robust support, we empower ArbitrumDAO to thrive.

Messari is committed to driving informed governance, fostering growth, and solidifying ArbitrumDAO’s position as the leading Layer 2 solution. Let us deliver the tools and insights to realize your vision.

Conflict of Interest

Messari has no conflicts of interest that would affect our ability to support the ArbitrumDAO. Our mission is to onboard one billion crypto users by making the industry safer, more transparent, and more accessible. We are committed to helping pioneers navigate the frontier and supporting the people and projects driving the decentralized economy.

We work with top blockchain projects in a fully compliant and regulated manner, maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and objectivity. Our strict internal policies ensure impartiality in all our research and collaborations.

If a conflict were to arise, we would address it transparently, promptly disclose relevant information, and work collaboratively to resolve it. Messari remains a trusted, mission-aligned partner dedicated to advancing the Arbitrum ecosystem.

Summary

Messari is uniquely positioned to serve as a Research Working Member for the ArbitrumDAO. With an established reputation for delivering high-quality, data-driven research, our expertise aligns directly with the DAO’s needs for informed governance, ecosystem growth, and community engagement.

Key Qualifications:

1. Proven Track Record:
   Messari has a history of supporting leading blockchain ecosystems, including Ethereum, Cosmos, Solana, and Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum. Our published research, such as the State of DeFi Q3 2024 and Ethereum Quarterly Report Q2 2024, demonstrates our ability to produce actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making.
2. Expertise in Layer 2 Ecosystems:
   Our deep dives into Arbitrum’s rollup technology and ecosystem dynamics highlight our technical and analytical strengths. We’ve analyzed transaction efficiencies, ecosystem adoption, and governance challenges, equipping us with the knowledge to address pressing DAO needs effectively.
3. Comprehensive Offerings:
   Beyond research, Messari provides advanced tools, and ecosystem mapping that enhance decision-making and engagement. For this engagement, we will offer complimentary Messari Enterprise Licenses for the first two months, valued at $10,000 per seat, enabling DAO members to access our full suite of data, analytics, and research tools.
4. Specialized Team:
   Our team of analysts, data scientists, and governance experts excels in delivering high-impact research under tight deadlines. This operational flexibility ensures we can address both planned deliverables and ad hoc tasks from the Supervisory Council with the same level of quality.

Why Messari is the Right Fit:

1. Mission Alignment:
   Our mission to onboard one billion crypto users by making the industry safer and more accessible perfectly aligns with ArbitrumDAO’s goals of driving ecosystem growth and empowering its community.
2. Actionable Insights:
   Messari specializes in converting complex data into accessible, actionable insights. This skill is critical for enhancing governance, fostering participation, and ensuring the DAO’s long-term sustainability.
3. Commitment to Transparency:
   Messari has built its reputation on delivering transparent, objective research. We understand the importance of trust in DAO governance and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in all our work.

Strategic Vision:

Messari envisions a thriving, transparent Arbitrum ecosystem, where informed governance drives sustainable growth. By contributing research on governance frameworks, treasury management, and ecosystem trends, we aim to empower ArbitrumDAO with the tools needed to remain a leader in Layer 2 scaling.

Conclusion:

Messari’s unmatched combination of expertise, resources, and commitment to transparency makes us the ideal partner for ARDC. By leveraging our proven methodologies and innovative tools, we will help the ArbitrumDAO achieve its strategic goals and foster a stronger, more engaged community. We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the DAO’s continued success and to support its evolution into a model of decentralized governance excellence.

[Webxviolet]

Applicant Information

Name of Applicant: Violet Benson
Email Address: webxviolet@gmail.com
Telegram Handle: @webxviolet
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-benson-0898ba153
Current Occupation: PHYGITAL Strategist I’m a Phygital Strategist (Physical/off-chain/online) + (Digital/on-chain/Online)

My expertise is mostly in:

• Experiential Marketing
• Digital Marketing (Social Media, Content, Email)
• Brand Development
• Online Community Building
• Content Marketing Management

This is me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/violet-benson-0898ba153

Delegate details: Karla Obakpalor
Country of Residence & Time Zone: Nigeria (GMT+1)
Contact information for any additional references who can attest to your qualifications and character: +234 814 658 1904 (Favour Ekeleme, Arbitrum PH Ambassador) & +234 818 675 3707 (KarlaGod, Community Lead at Borderless)
Preferred Role within the Supervisory Council: Communications

BACKGROUND & SKILLS

My DAO Journey

As a passionate community builder and governance enthusiast, I’ve spent years honing my skills in decentralized ecosystems.

Relevant Experience

1. Community Governance Expert, Gaussgang

   • Built strong communities through active listening and conflict resolution.

2. Governance Committee Member, MprofyDAO

   • Made informed decisions with community values in mind.
   • Grew the community by sponsoring new members.

3. Community Engagement Specialist, Arbitrum

   • Hosted engaging events that sparked meaningful connections.

Leadership Roles

1. Founder, DAO Network

   • Connected African talent with global opportunities.
   • Strategized ecosystem growth.

2. Web3 Project Manager, Wealth&Grace Mental Health Brand

   • Led innovative mental health projects.
   • Delivered results on time and on budget.

Why I’m Ready for the Supervisory Council

My expertise includes:

1. Community governance
2. Decision-making
3. Community growth
4. Leadership
5. Web3 project management

Through my experiences, I’ve learned:

• How to balance community needs with governance
• Effective decision-making strategies
• Building resilient ecosystems
• Fostering innovation
• Driving sustainable growth

I’m excited to bring my passion, expertise, and collaborative spirit to the Arbitrum DAO Supervisory Council.

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Explain how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Supervisory Council. Focus on your ability to oversee strategic priorities, manage resources, and handle communication or operations. (400 words max)

As a community leader, governance expert, and project manager, I’m confident my skills align perfectly with the Arbitrum DAO Supervisory Council’s responsibilities.

Leading Strategic Priorities

My experience founding DAO Network and serving on MprofyDAO’s Governance Committee has taught me:

• How to prioritize objectives that drive real impact
• The ins and outs of decentralized decision-making
• Strategies for sustainable ecosystem growth

Managing Resources Effectively

As Web3 Project Manager at Wealth&Grace Mental Health Brand, I’ve:

• Successfully managed project budgets and timelines
• Led diverse teams to achieve exceptional results
• Streamlined processes for maximum efficiency

Communication and Operations Expertise

Through my roles at Gaussgang and Arbitrum, I’ve developed:

• Communication skills to facilitate constructive discussions
• Event hosting expertise to foster meaningful connections
• Conflict resolution strategies to navigate complex issues

Additional Strengths

• Collaborative mindset to drive consensus
• Adaptability in evolving ecosystems
• Passion for governance and Arbitrum’s success

Ready to Serve

I’m eager to leverage my expertise to:

• Guide strategic decision-making
• Optimize resource allocation
• Facilitate effective communication
• Foster community growth
• Ensure operational efficiency

I’ll bring governance, leadership, and operational expertise to drive success and represent the community’s interests.

Key Highlights:

• Proven governance and leadership expertise
• Strategic thinking and resource management skills
• Effective communication and conflict resolution abilities
• Passion for decentralized ecosystems and governance
• Readiness to contribute to Arbitrum’s growth

Motivation & Strategic Vision

I’m driven to join the Supervisory Council to empower decentralized governance, foster community growth, and ensure Arbitrum’s long-term success. My passion for governance, leadership, and community building aligns perfectly with this role.

During my term, I aim to:

• Enhance community engagement through inclusive decision-making
• Foster strategic partnerships for ecosystem growth
• Optimize resource allocation for maximum impact

I’m particularly interested in the Communications role, leveraging my expertise in:

• Community governance and moderation
• Event hosting and facilitation
• Conflict resolution and consensus-building

This role aligns with my skills:

• Effective communication and community building
• Governance expertise
• Strategic thinking and collaboration

In Communications, I’ll:

• Develop transparent communication strategies
• Establish community feedback mechanisms
• Collaborate with council members to drive growth

My experience in community governance, moderation, and event hosting has prepared me to excel in this role. I’m excited to contribute my expertise, passion, and dedication to Arbitrum’s success.

Key strengths:

• Governance and leadership expertise
• Strategic communication and community building skills
• Passion for decentralized ecosystems and governance
• Readiness to drive Arbitrum’s growth and success

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What strategic priorities would you focus on during your term to ensure the ARDC meets its goals? How do you plan to contribute to aligning the ARDC’s activities with the broader objectives of the ArbitrumDAO? (500 words max)

As an ARDC member, I’ll prioritize three key areas to drive ArbitrumDAO’s success:

1. Community Heartbeat: Listen to and empower the community through open communication and inclusive decision-making.

2. Ecosystem Ignition: To spark growth by attracting developers, users, and partners, and expanding Arbitrum’s ecosystem.

3. Governance Excellence: Establish clear, transparent, and accountable decision-making processes.

To align ARDC activities with ArbitrumDAO’s objectives:

1. Collaborative Mindset: Work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs.

2. Strategic Synergy: Develop plans that merge ARDC goals with ArbitrumDAO’s vision.

3. Transparency Trailblazing: Regularly report ARDC activities and outcomes.

My Contribution:

1. Governance Expertise: Share knowledge to inform ARDC decision-making.

2. Community Building: Host events that foster meaningful connections.

3. Strategic Partnerships: Forge partnerships for ecosystem growth.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

1. Community engagement metrics (participation, feedback)
2. Ecosystem growth metrics (user adoption, developer engagement)
3. Governance effectiveness metrics (transparency, accountability)

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Role-Specific Responsibilities [Only Applicable to Communications]
Describe your approach to maintaining transparent communication channels with key stakeholders, including OffChain Labs, the Arbitrum Foundation, and the DAO. How will you ensure that updates on ARDC activities are accessible and meaningful to the DAO? Provide examples of past communication or stakeholder engagement efforts. (400 words max)

Transparent Communication Approach

As the Communications lead on the ARDC, my approach ensures seamless information flow between key stakeholders: OffChain Labs, Arbitrum Foundation, and the DAO.

Key Strategies:

1. Regular Updates: Bi-weekly reports on ARDC activities, decisions, and outcomes.

2. Multi-Channel Communication: Leveraging Discord, Twitter, and forums for real-time engagement.

3. Clear Messaging: Simple, concise language for accessibility.

4. Feedback Mechanisms: Surveys, community calls, and open forums for stakeholder input.

DAO Accessibility

To ensure updates are meaningful to the DAO:

1. Community Outreach: Proactive engagement with DAO members.

2. Tailored Communication: Adapting messaging for diverse stakeholder groups.

3. Transparency Reports: Quarterly reports highlighting ARDC’s progress.

Past Communication Efforts

• Moderated Gaussgang and MprofyDAO communities, fostering constructive discussions.

• Hosted Arbitrum events, facilitating connections between developers and users.

• Developed communication strategies for decentralized governance projects.

Stakeholder Engagement Examples

• Collaborated with OffChain Labs to streamline communication between developers and the DAO.

• Facilitated workshops for DAO members to provide feedback on governance proposals.

Metrics for Success

• Engagement metrics (participation, feedback)
• Community satisfaction surveys
• Timeliness and clarity of updates

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How would you design and implement a communication strategy to enhance the visibility of ARDC’s work? Describe how you would manage press releases, social media, and community calls to ensure clear and consistent messaging. Anything you would improve on current strategies? (400 words max)

Communication Strategy: Enhancing ARDC Visibility

To elevate ARDC’s visibility, I’ll design and implement a multi-channel communication strategy.

Objectives:

1. Increase awareness of ARDC’s work
2. Foster community engagement
3. Establish ARDC as a thought leader in decentralized governance

Key Components:

1. Press Releases:

   • Quarterly releases highlighting ARDC achievements
   • Distributed through cryptocurrency and blockchain media outlets

2. Social Media:

   • Twitter: Real-time updates, engaging content, and community interaction
   • Discord: Community discussions, announcements, and feedback
   • Medium: In-depth articles on ARDC initiatives

3. Community Calls:

   • Bi-weekly calls for updates, Q&A, and discussion
   • Recorded and published on YouTube and podcast platforms

Consistent Messaging:

1. Clear, concise language
2. Unified visual identity (logos, branding)
3. Messaging framework outlining ARDC’s mission, values, and objectives

Improving Current Strategies:

1. Streamline communication channels for easier access
2. Increase frequency and quality of content
3. Engage with influencers and thought leaders in decentralized governance
4. Develop a community ambassador program for grassroots promotion

Metrics for Success:

1. Engagement metrics (Twitter, Discord, community calls)
2. Website traffic and Medium article views
3. Press release pickup and media coverage

Implementation Roadmap:

1. Month 1: Establish social media presence, press release distribution channels
2. Month 2-3: Launch community calls, Medium publication
3. Month 4-6: Refine messaging framework, introduce community ambassador program

Team Collaboration:

1. Regular meetings with ARDC members to ensure aligned messaging
2. Collaborate with OffChain Labs and Arbitrum Foundation for cohesive communication

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Explain your approach to maintaining transparent task-tracking systems for the ARDC. How will you use tools like public dashboards or Notion to ensure accountability and provide regular progress updates to the DAO? (300 words max)

Transparent Task-Tracking Approach

To maintain transparent task-tracking systems for the ARDC, I’ll utilize public dashboards and collaborative tools like Notion.

Key Components:

1. Public Dashboard: A centralized hub for tracking ARDC tasks, progress, and outcomes.

2. Task Categorization: Clear labels for tasks (e.g., governance, community, partnerships)

3. Progress Updates: Regularly updated task status (e.g., pending, in progress, completed)

4. Assignment Tracking: Clear task assignments to ARDC members

5. Comment Section: Space for feedback, questions, and discussion

Tools:

1. Notion: Collaborative workspace for ARDC task management
2. Trello or Asana: Additional task-tracking options
3. Google Docs or HackMD: Collaborative document editing

Accountability Measures:

1. Regular Progress Reports: Bi-weekly updates to the DAO
2. Task Ownership: Clear responsibility assignment
3. Community Feedback: Encouraging DAO member input

Benefits:

1. Enhanced transparency
2. Improved accountability
3. Increased community engagement
4. Streamlined task management

Implementation Roadmap:

1. Week 1: Set up public dashboard and Notion workspace
2. Week 2-4: Integrate task-tracking tools
3. Ongoing: Regular progress updates and maintenance

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Prioritisation & Time Allocation
You will also need to evaluate and prioritise deliverables while assessing whether the time quoted by working members for specific tasks is reasonable. How will you determine which deliverables should be prioritised based on DAO needs, and how will you assess whether the time allocated for these tasks is appropriate? (400 words max)

To effectively prioritize deliverables and assess time allocation, I’ll employ the following framework:

Prioritization Criteria:

1. DAO Objectives: Align tasks with DAO strategic goals
2. Community Impact: Consider potential impact on DAO members
3. Urgency: Assess task deadlines and time sensitivity
4. Resource Availability: Evaluate available resources (time, expertise)
5. Risk Mitigation: Identify potential risks and prioritize tasks accordingly

Prioritization Process:

1. Task Collection: Gather deliverables from working members
2. Criteria Application: Evaluate tasks against prioritization criteria
3. Ranking: Assign priority scores (High, Medium, Low)
4. Review and Adjustment: Regularly review and adjust priorities with DAO input

Time Allocation Assessment:

1. Task Breakdown: Decompose tasks into smaller, estimable components
2. Expert Input: Consult working members for time estimates
3. Benchmarking: Research industry standards for similar tasks
4. Buffering: Apply buffers for unexpected delays or complexities
5. Review and Adjustment: Regularly review and adjust time allocations

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

1. Task Completion Rate
2. Time Variance (actual vs. estimated)
3. Community Satisfaction
4. DAO Objective Progress

Tools and Templates:

1. Priority Matrix (Excel or Google Sheets)
2. Task Management Tools (Trello, Asana, Jira)
3. Time Tracking Software (Harvest, Toggl)
4. DAO Communication Channels (Discord, Forum)

Collaboration and Feedback:

1. Regular check-ins with working members
2. Community feedback mechanisms
3. Bi-weekly progress updates to the DAO

By employing this framework, I ensure:

1. Alignment with DAO objectives
2. Effective resource allocation
3. Realistic time expectations
4. Continuous improvement

This framework enables data-driven decision-making, ensuring the ARDC prioritizes deliverables effectively and allocates time efficiently, driving progress toward DAO objectives.

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Summary of Qualifications
In summary, highlight your key qualifications and explain why you are a strong fit for the Supervisory Council. Emphasise the skills and experiences that make you well-suited for either the Communications or Operations role, and how you will contribute to the ARDC’s success. (400 words max)

My Story, My Passion

As someone who’s spent years diving deep into decentralized governance, I’m thrilled to throw my hat into the ring for the Arbitrum DAO Supervisory Council (ARDC).

What I Bring to the Table
I bring governance expertise, community building, and strategic communication.

Why I’m the Right Fit
I have strategic thinking, community outreach and engagement, clear messaging, governance expertise, and collaboration and team leadership.

My Promise
I promise to foster transparency and open communication, drive community participation and engagement, ensure effective governance and decision-making, and contribute strategic expertise.

What Drives Me
I believe decentralized governance can reshape our world. I’m committed to Arbitrum’s success.