Building a next gen crypto exchange on Solana (w/ Armani, Backpack Exchange)

Solfate Podcast - Interviews with blockchain founders/builders on Solana

A conversation with Armani Ferrante, the co-founder of Backpack Exchange and MadLads.

Full show notes: solfate.com/podcast/41
Watch this episode on YouTube: youtu.be/aSSnPs0vcck

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Notes from the show

Armani discusses the genesis of Backpack Exchange and the challenges of building an exchange. He highlights the importance of compliance and the operational aspects of running an exchange. Armani also shares the vision for Backpack and how it aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the crypto economy.

He emphasizes the transparency and auditability of the exchange, as well as the focus on corporate governance and accountability. As well as the need for a circle of trusted individuals to share the burden of decision-making and responsibility. Finally, Armani highlights the role of regulators in ensuring the integrity of any exchange, crypto or otherwise.

We discuss the importance of exchanges as bridges between the traditional financial system and the new crypto ecosystem. He explains the challenges of operating in the US and the potential partnerships with licensed companies.

Our conversation touches on the capital requirements and fundraising efforts of Backpack. Armani shares the company's approach to source availability and open source. He also reveals the timeline for the launch of Backpack Exchange and expresses his focused mindset during this crucial moment. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to try out the exchange beta and provide feedback.

Takeaways

• Building an exchange involves challenges in compliance and operations, in addition to the technical aspects.
• Personal networks and connections play a crucial role in finding the right people to manage compliance and legal aspects.
• Backpack Exchange aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the crypto economy, providing a transparent and auditable platform. Corporate governance and accountability are essential for building a trustworthy exchange.
• Regulators play a vital role in ensuring the integrity and compliance of the exchange. Operating an exchange comes with a significant burden of responsibility, and it is important to have a circle of trusted individuals to share the load.
• Exchanges serve as bridges between the traditional financial system and the new crypto ecosystem, offering a range of services from self-custody to full custody.
• Operating in the US presents challenges due to the high costs and time required to obtain licenses, but partnerships with licensed companies can provide a solution.
• Capital requirements are a significant hurdle for creating exchanges, and fundraising efforts are necessary to meet these requirements. Backpack's approach to source availability and open source is to make the extension source available and keep the exchange and mobile app closed source.
• The launch of Backpack Exchange is planned for the near future, with the first markets expected to be listed by a specific date.
• Armani maintains a focused mindset, staying present and taking one step at a time during this crucial moment for Backpack.

Find Armani and Backpack online

• Follow Armani on twitter - @armaniferrante
• Visit the Backpack Exchange website - backpack.exchange

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Nick

• twitter: @nickfrosty
• github: github.com/nickfrosty
• website: https://nick.af

James

• twitter: @jamesrp13
• github: github.com/jamesrp13

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