Linear is a decentralised delta-one asset protocol designed for creating synthetic assets with unlimited liquidity. It enables the creation and trading of synthetic assets known as "Liquids," which can represent a range of traditional assets such as commodities, forex, and indices. This protocol is cross-chain compatible and non-custodial and uses LINA tokens for governance and as base collateral for asset creation.
Linear operates on the Ethereum network, leveraging a decentralised delta-one asset protocol to create synthetic assets. It employs a collateralisation mechanism where 80% of the collateral must be LINA tokens and the other 20% can comprise other cryptocurrencies. The main components include Linear Buildr for managing collateral pools and Linear Exchange for trading synthetic assets. LINA tokens are used for staking and to generate Linear USD (ℓUSD), which can be further used within the platform for trading and yield generation. Governance is managed through the LinearDAO, allowing LINA holders voting rights on platform proposals.
Linear facilitates the trading of synthetic assets allowing users access to various traditional assets without direct ownership. It is versatile, supporting cross-chain transactions and compatibility, enabling seamless trading across different blockchain networks. Users can participate in governance using their LINA holdings, engage in yield-generating activities through staking, and utilize linear services for creating and managing asset pools. The platform finds use in decentralised finance (DeFi), investment management, and financial services sectors.
Founded in 2020 by Kevin Tai and Drey Ng, Linear Finance started with a vision to decentralise asset trading. Kevin Tai's expertise in mergers and acquisitions and Dre Ng's background in tokenisation paved the way for Linear's establishment. The project was backed by a $1.8 million seed funding round and a public initial coin offering (ICO) which raised $310,000 in September 2020. Key developments include the launch of the Linear Exchange in January 2021 and the enhancement of its cross-chain compatibility, expanding the protocol's functional reach across multiple blockchain networks. The LinearDAO ensures that its governance model is inclusive, enabling community-driven decision-making in protocol developments.