[PODCAST] Jose Betancourt: How VDEX Is Redefining Perp Trading: Omnichain, Self-Custody, Sub-Millisecond Speed

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Learning about the perp DEX category was really educational for me and I appreciate speaking with @josebetandcourt about his project @0xVDEX, which is shaping up to be a serious contender to @HyperliquidX.

Specifically in comparison to Hyperliquid, among other differences, here are a few he called out:

— “They’ve gone for the build your own chain approach… we like to horizontally scale.”
— “They’re completely masquerading as a decentralized exchange but can roll back the chain as they did.”
— Jose emphasizes VDEX’s virtual rollup and state channel tech, zero-knowledge, which enables sub-millisecond finality, true self-custody, and no gas—features that Hyperliquid doesn’t offer.

— Jose positions VDEX as more accessible: no KYC, no VPN, and usable in regions Hyperliquid geo-blocks like Japan and the U.S.

You won't want to miss this one.

Summary

In this conversation, Jose Betancourt, founder of VDEX, shares his journey from crypto trader to builder—shaped by firsthand frustration with the complexity of DeFi platforms.

— He explains how VDEX was born out of a desire to fix broken user experiences in crypto, especially around perpetual trading.

— Jose walks through how VDEX blends self-custody, security, and a smoother UX to serve both retail users and crypto natives.

— The conversation dives into the platform’s omnichain architecture, product differentiation, and why user feedback drives their roadmap.

— Jose also opens up about the challenges of growth, community engagement, and what’s coming next for VDEX as it moves toward mainnet.

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Takeaways

— Jose started in crypto as a trader focused on improving user experience.

— User experience remains a major barrier to wider crypto adoption.

— VDEX tackles these issues through its omnichain architecture.

— Self-custody is a foundational principle in VDEX’s design.

— The platform serves both crypto-native users and retail traders.

— VDEX has six unique selling points that distinguish it from the competition.

— Strategic partnerships are central to VDEX’s long-term growth.

— Community engagement is key to building trust and loyalty.

— Positive user feedback shapes ongoing product development.

— VDEX plans to expand to more chains and add higher leverage options.

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Chapters

(00:00) The Journey into Crypto

(03:06) User Experience Challenges in Crypto

(06:06) Introducing VDEX: The Omnichain PerpDex

(08:57) Building VDEX: Addressing Market Needs

(11:53) Target Audience and Market Positioning

(15:12) Strategic Partnerships and Competitors

(18:00) Marketing and Growth Strategies

(20:59) Community Building and User Engagement

(24:02) Feedback and Iteration Process

(27:01) The Future of Bitcoin in DeFi

(29:51) Plans for VDEX’s Expansion and Mainnet Launch

Follow me @shmula on X for upcoming episodes and to get in touch with me.
See other Episodes Here. And thank you to all our crypto and blockchain guests.

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1. The Journey into Crypto (00:00:00)

2. User Experience Challenges in Crypto (00:03:06)

3. Introducing VDEX: The Omnichain Perp Dex (00:06:06)

4. Building VDEX: Addressing Market Needs (00:08:57)

5. Target Audience and Market Positioning (00:11:53)

6. Strategic Partnerships and Competitors (00:15:12)

7. Marketing and Growth Strategies (00:18:00)

8. Community Building and User Engagement (00:20:59)

9. Feedback and Iteration Process (00:24:02)

10. The Future of Bitcoin in DeFi (00:27:01)

11. Plans for VDEX’s Expansion and Mainnet Launch (00:29:51)