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

Arbitrum Research & Development Committee (ARDC)
7

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:

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.