Velodrome

Two major decentralized exchanges, Velodrome and Aerodrome, are merging to create **Aero**, a unified liquidity layer designed to serve the entire Ethereum ecosystem. **Key Points:** - The merger combines the strengths of both platforms into a single DEX - Aero aims to provide a comprehensive liquidity solution across Ethereum - The new platform will feature an updated economic engine - Expansion plans include deployment to Circle's Arc blockchain in 2026 This consolidation represents a significant shift in the DeFi landscape, bringing together two established protocols to create a more robust trading infrastructure. The unified approach seeks to address liquidity fragmentation across different chains and protocols. The merger follows a trend of protocol consolidation in the decentralized exchange space, where combining resources and user bases can lead to deeper liquidity and improved trading experiences.

Velodrome has enabled cross-chain trading of cbAssets across all its deployments on OP Stack chains through Metaswaps beta. **Key Features:** - Trade cbAssets (cbBTC, cbETH, cbMEGA) with single transactions - Seamless swaps across the Superchain - Available on all Velodrome-deployed chains This integration marks the first time Base-native cbAssets can be traded across multiple chains through Velodrome's infrastructure. The feature leverages Metaswaps beta technology to enable cross-chain liquidity without requiring multiple transactions or bridge interactions. Users can now access cbAsset liquidity across the OP Stack ecosystem through Velodrome's unified interface.

**Ethereum continues its scaling journey** while simultaneously expanding its application ecosystem. - The network is making progress on both infrastructure and user-facing applications - **Aero is scheduled to launch in Q2 2026** - This represents continued development in Ethereum's multi-layered approach The dual focus on scaling and app development shows Ethereum's comprehensive growth strategy beyond just transaction throughput improvements.

**Velodrome Slipstream** is offering substantial liquidity provider rewards on Ink chain with three main pools: - **$USDT0 - $WETH**: ~490% APY - **$kBTC - $USDG**: ~435% APY - **$WETH - $kBTC**: ~212% APY Users can deposit directly on [@inkonchain](https://inkonchain.com) to start earning these yields immediately. These rates represent significant opportunities for liquidity providers looking to maximize returns on their crypto assets through automated market making. *Ready to explore high-yield DeFi opportunities? Check Velodrome's liquidity page for all available pools.*

**Velodrome & Aerodrome voters earned $200 million in rewards this year** - a significant milestone for decentralized exchange participants. **MetaDEX03 will upgrade Aero's economic engine** in Q2 2026, promising enhanced functionality for the trading platform. The announcement positions these developments as proof that **crypto can extend beyond gaming and speculation** into substantial economic utility. For detailed information: [Aero FAQ](https://paragraph.com/@aerodrome-foundation/aero-faq)

**Velodrome and Aerodrome communities are merging** under a new unified Reddit community as both protocols prepare for the upcoming Aero transition. **Key Changes:** - Old unofficial subreddit has been retired - New [r/Aero](https://www.reddit.com/r/aero/) community launched - Brings together users from both Velodrome & Aerodrome protocols **What This Means:** The consolidation reflects the protocols' evolution toward Aero next year, creating a single hub for community discussions and updates. **Join the new community** at [r/Aero](https://www.reddit.com/r/aero/) to stay connected with the latest developments.

**Velodrome achieved record-breaking performance** in Epoch 182, with volumes on Unichain reaching all-time highs of $167M. Key metrics from the latest epoch: - **$343M+ total volume** across the Superchain - **$198M in volume** generated beyond OP Mainnet - **$217K distributed** in voting rewards to participants - Maintained **#1 DEX position** across 8 different chains The milestone pushed Velodrome's **year-to-date volume past $2B**, demonstrating sustained growth in the decentralized exchange space. This performance builds on previous efficiency gains, where Velodrome's top Unichain pool generated comparable volume to competitors using just 1% of their total value locked.

**Velodrome is launching on Tea**, the new L2 from Tea Protocol designed as Ethereum's open source layer. **Tea's Mission:** - Enhance open-source software sustainability - Restructure software incentives - Create secure OSS supply chains - Deliver modern onchain app UX **Coming Features:** - Vote on OP Mainnet for Tea pools - Bridge xVELO to Tea LPs - Deposit voter incentives across networks - Claim rewards on Tea - Access Slipstream CL **Launch Details:** - 2M veVELO locked - 1M allocated for incentives - Emissions directed to key pools - Boosted liquidity on Velodrome This expansion continues Velodrome's **Superchain growth strategy**, following their 1M OP grant to deepen TVL across the Optimism ecosystem.

**Superswaps** now allow users to swap tokens across different chains with just one click, streamlining cross-chain trading. Key developments: - **257M+ volume** recorded across the Superchain network - Deep-dive analysis available from Hyperlane - **Soneium Season 2 Badge** launching soon **VELO token locking** now available for earning rewards. Users can lock their tokens to start generating returns immediately. The **Epoch 173 recap** shows continued growth in cross-chain activity, with Superswaps offering significant advantages over traditional bridge solutions. [Learn more about Superswaps](link) and discover how one-click cross-chain swaps are changing DeFi trading.

Velodrome published its **2025 mid-year recap** highlighting major developments across the Superchain ecosystem. Key achievements include: - Launch of **Superswaps** feature - Expansion across multiple Superchain networks - Significant growth in trading volume and liquidity The report covers the protocol's progress in becoming the central trading hub for the Optimism ecosystem and its broader Superchain integration. [Read the full recap](https://medium.com/@VelodromeFi/velodrome-2025-mid-race-check-in-8bc37cb86310)