DeFi Giant dYdX Embarks on Bold Expansion with Acquisition of Crypto Social Trading Platform Pocket Protector
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DeFi Protocol dYdX Acquires Pocket Protector in Bold DeFi Expansion
Coinspeaker News – Business Deals – Investors – Crypto – Ethereum – Bitcoin – XRP
July 18, 2025 – By Godfrey Benjamin
In a groundbreaking move that will have far-reaching implications for the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, dYdX has made a strategic acquisition of Pocket Protector, a crypto social trading platform. This is the first-ever external acquisition for the DeFi protocol, marking an inflection point in its growth trajectory.
The deal sees a substantial percentage of Pocket Protector’s engineering team joining forces with dYdX, bringing their collective expertise to the table. Additionally, co-founders Eddie Zhang and Kaiser Kinbote will assume leadership roles within the company, further bolstering the combined entity’s capabilities. The acquisition was financed through a combination of cash and dYdX tokens, although the exact value remains undisclosed.
This bold expansion move is seen as a crucial step in expanding the scope of trading on the platform. By integrating social features into its core products, dYdX aims to create a unique experience that fosters stronger connections between users and enhances the overall user interface.
dYdX has recently overcome challenges that threatened its very survival, but it appears that the company is now poised for growth. In October 2024, dYdX significantly reduced its workforce by 35%, impacting both core team members and operations staff. At the time, CEO Antonio Juliano cited a need to streamline operations in order to achieve their ambitious vision.
However, as circumstances have improved, the protocol has launched a Developer Ecosystem Program (DEP) with a $4 million allocation dedicated to supporting grants and incentives for developers contributing to the platform’s infrastructure and tools. This endeavor is expected to conclude in February 2026.
As dYdX looks towards the future, the addition of Pocket Protector’s expertise will undoubtedly enhance its offerings and attract new users.
Source: www.coinspeaker.com
