Introducing the OPENFI Framework
There’s been an explosion of new DeFi projects and businesses this year but few ways to evaluate or compare them. I am introducing a new framework that I built using my experience at Tiger Management, Kingdon Capital, and even my own fund, Sureview Capital, that I call OPENFI.
Analysts across Wall Street use several methodologies and frameworks to evaluate companies and industries. The key to any sound framework is distilling the most important metrics and factors that can measure a company’s success. With the rise of DeFi, many view “hype” as the only requirement to having a successful project. On the contrary, lasting businesses built in DeFi likely share many common traits with traditional companies. I created OPENFI with this in mind to better assess a project’s potential impact on DeFi and how it disrupts traditional finance.
Before going any further, I must emphasize that this is not investment advice. OPENFI was created because I found myself asking the same questions every time a new project launched. This enables me - and hopefully others - to keep up with how quickly DeFi evolves.
OPENFI
Opportunity
How large is the Total Addressable Market? Does the project disrupt an existing market, or does it create a new market?
Product
How innovative and differentiated is the product? Is there product-market fit? How easy is it to use the product (i.e. good user interface and experience)?
Experience
Does the team have any previous experience building software and technology? Is the team well-versed in blockchain? What previous experience does the team have to ensure success?
Network Effects
Will more people in the network benefit when others join? Are there high switching costs and stickiness in using the platform?
Fundamentals
Do the underlying unit economics make sense within the current network? How quickly are users growing? How much value has been transacted or locked up?
Incentives
Are there proper cryptoeconomic incentives in place for network stakeholders and users to support blitzscaling?
