Decentralized finance continues to push the boundaries of innovation, and at the forefront of this revolution is Summer.fi. In this discussion, we sit down with Chris Bradbury, the driving force behind Summer.fi.
From his unique career trajectory to the core principles underpinning Summer.fi, Chris offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a DeFi trailblazer. We explore the platform’s user-centric approach, which prioritizes autonomy, transparency, and seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies like automation and self-custody solutions.
Chris also delves into Summer.fi’s ambitious plans to incentivize user participation through the innovative $RAYS points system. With a keen eye on the future, he shares his perspectives on the emerging trends and innovations poised to shape the DeFi landscape in the coming years.
Q1. DeFi Planet: Please, walk us through the professional journey that led you to assume the role of CEO at Summer.fi (previously Oasis.app).
Chris: “My journey started with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, which led me into the energy sector for my first professional experience. Later I transitioned into fintech, where I worked with various startups and companies, initially as a software developer and then moving up to product manager roles.
In 2018, I took a leap into Blockchain and DeFi, joining the Maker Foundation (MakerDAO) as a product manager. I soon became the product lead for Oasis.app, focusing on creating practical uses for Dai and Maker Vaults.
By June 2021, I stepped up as the CEO of Oasis.app. We’ve since rebranded to Summer.fi, and now we’re operating as an independent company dedicated to providing the best borrowing and earning solutions in the DeFi space.”
Q2. DeFi Planet: What specific factors or motivations influenced your decision to transition into the decentralized finance space and lead a pioneering company like Summer.fi?
Chris: “I had been working in traditional finance for several years, within the startup and growth space, feeling like it was at the forefront of technology, but discovering the vision of Rune and others at MakerDAO in early 2018 got me instantly excited at the potential of DeFi and made me realize how much more at the forefront I could be. I could instantly see how I and others could use this, but also own it too.
Self custody was really just for holding assets back then, with very little utility, but what Maker was doing promised a lot more – and with the addition of token governance controlling the protocol was fascinating to me. Since joining, I always had a core focus on User Experience within DeFi, how to make it easier and more accessible to others, particularly non-developers, who were probably only about 10% of the audience back in 2018.
Summer.fi was ultimately born out of this vision to make DeFi as simple and as easy to use as possible – and although we’ve still got a long way to go, we like to think we’ve achieved a lot already.”
Q3. DeFi Planet: From your perspective, what are the key advantages that Summer.fi offers over traditional centralized finance institutions in terms of empowering users?
Chris: “When it comes to empowering users, Summer.fi really shines compared to traditional centralized finance institutions. We’re the go-to destination in DeFi for borrowing and earning, offering a range of innovative services like Borrow, Multiply, and Earn.
Unlike traditional centralized solutions, users of Summer.fi are always in total and sole control of their money. No-one else can touch their funds, adjust their positions, or trade their assets without their explicit approval. On top of that, compared to Tradfi, everything is transparent – and this includes every protocol supported by Summer.fi, adding layers of trust that you just cannot get from centralized options.
What sets us apart within the DeFi space is our user-friendly interface and top-notch risk management tools. Plus, our industry-leading decentralized automation tools make managing positions easy. We’ve designed everything to ensure users have a superior experience.”
Q4. DeFi Planet: Borrowing and lending protocols are integral components of DeFi. What distinguishes Summer.fi’s borrowing and lending features from other platforms, and how do these features benefit users?
Chris: “Borrowing and lending are crucial in DeFi, but what really sets Summer.fi apart is that we’re not just another protocol. We provide a user interface built on top of existing protocols. This allows us to focus on creating a 10x user experience beyond what the core protocols offer.
The protocols themselves are great at what they do—borrowing and lending—but we take it a step further. We constantly ask ourselves and our users how we can improve their experience. By adding features that users expect from traditional borrowing and lending apps, but also trading apps, we make the process more intuitive and flexible.
For example, we strive to minimize the number of transactions needed and offer automated features that help users optimize their positions, and reduce the stress of potential losses. Essentially, we make borrowing and lending in DeFi as seamless and user-friendly as possible.”
Q5. DeFi Planet: What was the rationale behind introducing the $RAYS points system, and how do you envision it fostering engagement and adoption?
Chris: “By rewarding users with $RAYS points for their activities on the platform, we’re creating excitement and loyalty leading up to the new Summer Protocol launch in early 2025
The program recognizes both past and present users. On June 18th, 2024, a snapshot was taken to recognize past and present Summer.fi users, as well as those currently using various protocols and services available throughout the wider DeFi ecosystem and those having an active wallet. Overall, the $RAYS system incentivizes our users to stay active and involved, helping us build a strong, engaged community.”
Q6. DeFi Planet: Could you elaborate on the mechanics of $RAYS points accrual from, including the specific platform activities that will enable users to accumulate more points?
Chris: “Points accumulate through various platform activities like opening and maintaining positions, adding automations, migrating positions from other protocols, and completing Multiply/Yield Loop transactions through the Summer.fi UI.
The more active you are, the more points you can earn, although it is ultimately down to how much you manage through Summer.fi. This setup rewards users for engaging with our platform and helps them maximize their DeFi experience.”
Q7. DeFi Planet: Regarding the retroactive $RAYS point awards, what criteria were used to determine users’ activity levels and corresponding point allocations?
Chris: “The retroactive allocation of $RAYS points was determined by specific criteria set to fairly recognize user contributions up to the June 18th snapshot. We decided early on that the retroactive portion of the rewards would not be value based, but activity based – given a fairer distribution to all.
There are 4 levels which you can fall into, starting with the easiest, which is just by having an active wallet on Ethereum Mainnet, or OP, ARB and Base. You’ll need at least 0.2 ETH and have performed at least 5 transactions by the snapshot. For this, you’ll earn 100 $RAYS.
The next is a DeFi user – if you have a position open on any of a long list of Borrowing and Lending protocols, you will be rewarded 200 $RAYS for each protocol you’re active in – whether using Summer or not. Level 3 is a Summer.fi User. If you’ve used Summer.fi since July 2021, you will earn 500 points per protocol you’ve interacted with Summer.fi on. And if you’re still an active user at the snapshot, it’s multiplied 3x. Level 4 is for Summer.fi Power Users – if you’ve used any advanced features like Multiply, Yield Loops, Automation etc, you will earn 2,000 $RAYS per feature you’ve used. And again, if you’re an active user, you will 3x them.For levels 1 and 2 however, your points are not final – you will need to open a position on Summer.fi, for at least 14 days for at least $500 in order to qualify – otherwise after 3 months, your $RAYS will disappear. But there’s also a bonus the sooner you do it, for example, open a position in the first week, and your $RAYS are boosted 5x.”
Conclusion
Chris Bradbury’s forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of the intricacies of decentralized finance have solidified Summer.fi as a force to be reckoned with. His insights shed light on Summer.fi’s relentless pursuit of user empowerment, seamlessly blending innovative features like the $RAYS incentive system with a steadfast commitment to core DeFi values such as self-custody and transparency.
As the company continues to push boundaries, its impact on democratizing access to financial services cannot be overstated. Looking ahead, Summer.fi’s roadmap is brimming with ambitious plans and game-changing innovations. This pioneering platform is undoubtedly one to watch.
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