We spent two years developing Via Protocol, a cross-chain aggregator that helps users find the best ways to trade and transfer tokens across chains and protocols in the DeFi world. After many nights of hard work and long discussions, we had a finished product, which gained some good traction and, among other achievements, ranked second in the Web3 product of the year in the Golden Kitty Award 2022 by Product Hunt.

Over time, however, we observed a significant decrease in aggregator usage across the DeFi space.

Aggregators like Via or 1inch display the best ways to swap or bridge tokens, and perform such actions on users’ behalf, all from one interface. While saving users’ time, many found that a better way was to check the best swapping routes on aggregators but then complete the actual swaps on DEXs and bridges directly, as this could save gas fees and reduce risks related to aggregators’ proxy contracts. On top of this, the ongoing bear market has progressively reduced the number of DEXs and bridges in use, making aggregators less relevant.

All this got us thinking about which product could best serve users’ interests.

In addition to the product type, we also carefully considered monetization strategies and the protocol’s sustainability. When developing the Via Protocol, we faced a dilemma: offer it for free and generate no income, or introduce additional steps and costs that would make the protocol sustainable but also deter some users.

What if we could have the best of both worlds? What if we could give users a great tool without hidden fees and still find a way to generate revenue?

Our solution to these two challenges was the creation of Ally, an innovative protocol shaped around three main pillars:

1. Enhancing the User Experience: Providing a superior and fee-free token exchange service, setting a new industry standard.

2. Monetization Without Fees: Finding sustainable revenue sources without charging users and sharing this revenue stream with them.

3. Unifying with the Ally Token: Introducing a native token with true utility, sustained by a tangible revenue stream and generating real yields, eventually binding all elements together and propelling the Ally ecosystem forward.

Learn more about Ally here

Ally set itself apart by providing premium trading features without taking any fee. Instead of profiting from users' swaps, the protocol generates revenue through advertising, as elaborated in the previous section. This approach offers users a high-quality trading experience without financial barriers while ensuring the protocol's sustainability and growth.

The Role of the Ally Token in Our Ecosystem

We are excited to introduce the Ally token as the cornerstone of our ecosystem. The Ally token is primarily a global payment solution, a vehicle for distributing value and ownership to Ally users, and thus a real-yield token with tangible utility. Furthermore, the Ally token propels our ecosystem's growth by incentivizing contributors through the DAO.

• Real-Yield Protocol: Ally belongs to the selected group of real-yield protocols, wherein users and token holders can capture a portion of actual revenue - in this case ad revenue - through the native token. Ad views generate revenue in USDC, allowing users to choose between receiving payment directly in USDC or Ally native tokens. By staking Ally tokens, users can earn a share of the 18% pool reserved for staked token holders. Additionally, only those participants who prove their commitment by staking Ally will be granted access to governance. This design imbues the Ally token with real utility while limiting immediate dumping.

• Revenue Distribution: For every ad view, 80% of the generated revenue goes directly to the user who viewed the ad. The remaining 20% is allocated to the Ally DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization), split as follows:

  • DeveloperDAO and MarketingDAO: Approximately 2% is allocated to two sub-DAOs, the DeveloperDAO and the MarketingDAO. The DeveloperDAO utilizes these funds for the continuous enhancement of Ally, particularly with add-ons for the extension. Simultaneously, the MarketingDAO utilizes its share to amplify Ally's presence and reach, encompassing everything from articles to advertisements. Given the unparalleled impact of organic, community-driven growth, a significant portion of this budget is dedicated to our affiliates/referral program, an incentive for users to spread the word, ensuring that Ally's growth benefits all community members. The remaining funds in the MarketingDAO are used to formulate and implement strategies to amplify Ally's visibility and user adoption rates.

  • Rewards for Staked Token Holders: The majority of the DAO allocation, approximately 18% of ad revenue, is distributed to Ally token holders. Importantly, these rewards are exclusively reserved for those who have demonstrated long-term commitment by staking their tokens for one to four years.

The Ally DAO serves a broader purpose than just treasury; it's a vehicle for fostering community engagement and sustaining the growth of the Ally ecosystem. The DeveloperDAO and the MarketingDAO are the two working groups responsible for fulfilling these objectives.

In essence, the outlined business model isn't just about sustaining Ally; it also aims at rewarding users, nurturing community growth, and ensuring continuous development. Ultimately, every stakeholder, whether a casual user or a long-term investor, can find value and opportunities within the Ally ecosystem.

Ally Points: Season 1

The primary aim of Ally Points is to incentivize users for their contributions to the successful launch and promotion of Ally protocol's flywheels.

During this season all users need to mint a Beta Pass to test the product and earn points.

We intend to grant Ally Points in amounts that may initially surpass advertiser payments. This strategic approach is designed to attract and retain early users, generate a favorable impression of our product, and ensure sustained ecosystem activity. In other words, this is a forward-looking investment in our project, a sign of confidence in its long-term viability.

We have outlined four primary categories of activities fostering the growth of the Ally ecosystem during Season 1. Participants can earn Points by engaging in these activities:

1. Early User Signup Bonus To receive a signup bonus of 10,000 points for minting the zkSync Early User NFT, users must download the extension and activate their wallet during Season 1. It's important to note that the signup bonus will be reduced in subsequent seasons.

2. Ambassador Activities These activities are aimed at promoting the protocol. For instance, by sharing your referral link, you can earn 1,000 points and $2 for each user who acquires a zkSync Beta Pass.

3. Advertising Activities The sole activity in this category is ad viewing. One of the primary advantages of this activity is that it can be conducted entirely passively in the background by enabling the extension.

4. Seasonal Activities These activities focus on partnerships and will be announced at a later date. Stay updated by following us on Twitter.

Bonus Points for Early Users of Via.Exchange Early supporters of Via.Exchange can earn extra points based on their contributions to project development until August 28, 2023.

Retro airdrop of Ally Points for Via Yearly Users:

To claim your points:

• Visit myal.ly/beta

• Mint your zkSync Beta Pass

• Download the extension

• Check the number of points you've earned

List retro activities to earn Ally Points through a retro airdrop.

1. Galxe NFT: 1,000 points each.

   • Owned any eligible Galxe NFT before August 28, 2023.

   List of eligible Galxe NFTs:
   https://galxe.com/Via/campaign/GCk77Utb3X https://galxe.com/Via/campaign/GCpTDUw813 https://galxe.com/Via/campaign/GCSKTU4bCi https://galxe.com/Via/campaign/GChyhU4ejn https://galxe.com/Via/campaign/GCLmzU4t7b https://galxe.com/Via/campaign/GCWVSU1pfi

2. Support on Gitcoin or ProductHunt : 2,000 points per support.

   • Made a donation to Gitcoin Grants on the 13th, 14th, Beta (17th) or 18th, or supported us on ProductHunt or Mirror.

   • Claimed your Discord role.

   • Claimed your Galxe OAT - link

3. Via Early User NFT Holder: 2,000 points.

   • Own a Via Early User NFT

   Note: only NFT that hasn't received the bonus. If NFT purchased after Season 1 started, you might not be eligible.

4. Via True Fren: 5,000 points per OAT

   • Have "True Fren" or "Beta" in Via's Discord before August 28, 2023.

   • Claimed Galxe OAT - link

5. Transaction volume through the Via Router from February 2022 to August 28, 2023: 1 points per US$100.

   • Made a swap or bridge on Via Router for more than US$1.

​

​Mint your zkSync Beta Pass now - myal.ly/beta

Follow Ally Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllyHQ 🐦

Dive deep into our documentation: **https://allyhq.gitbook.io/docs/ **📖