Synthetix and Derive Scrap $27M Merger Amid Community Pushback

A proposed $27 million merger between decentralized derivatives platforms Synthetix and Derive has been called off, following strong objections from their respective communities.

The deal, originally unveiled in May, aimed to fold Derive’s operations—including its treasury, products, and tech—into the Synthetix ecosystem through a token swap. Synthetix had planned to issue over 29 million new SNX tokens in exchange for Derive assets at a conversion rate of 27 DRV per 1 SNX.

Despite formal governance proposals (SIP-415 and DIP) being introduced, community feedback derailed the merger. Derive supporters raised concerns over valuation fairness, arguing the platform’s recent revenue performance outpaced Synthetix and that the deal undervalued Derive’s worth. Critics also flagged dilution risks tied to the proposed SNX minting.

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Synthetix intended to leverage Derive’s infrastructure to power its upcoming Perps V4 product, which introduces a centralized order book model on Ethereum. With the merger shelved, the project is now expected to explore alternative avenues for development.

Both sides have agreed to walk away from the deal, with Derive affirming its focus on scaling independently. The episode underscores how decentralized governance and vocal communities continue to shape outcomes in the DeFi space.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.