TL;DR
- Merger: Aerodrome and Velodrome combined to launch Aero, targeting seven blockchain networks that process roughly $120 billion in monthly trading volume.
- Platform Features: Aero introduces Predictive Allocation, Metaswaps, and Slipstream V3 to improve liquidity allocation, cross-network trading, and fee management.
- Revenue Model: Aero launches without venture funding or a token sale, with 100% of exchange revenue directed to stakers according to Dromos Labs CEO Alex Cutler.
Aerodrome and Velodrome have announced a merger that will create Aero, a new onchain trading platform focused on expanding across seven blockchain networks that collectively handle around $120 billion in monthly trading volume. The move combines two established decentralized exchange ecosystems into a single operation designed to strengthen market reach, improve infrastructure, and attract greater trading activity. The launch of Aero also introduces a new incentive model aimed at aligning rewards with user participation and market demand.
Aero is here. Get on board. pic.twitter.com/oPAd2G6pK2
— Aero (@aeroxyz) October 22, 2026
Merger Brings Together Two Leading DEX Platforms
The creation of Aero unites two decentralized exchange platforms that have built dominant positions within their respective ecosystems. During the third quarter of 2026, Aerodrome accounted for 58% of DEX trading volume on Base, while Velodrome captured 60% of activity on OP Mainnet. According to figures shared by the team, the two platforms have distributed a combined $578 million to tokenholders.
The newly formed Aero will seek to build on that history by operating across multiple blockchain networks and pursuing a larger share of onchain trading volume. Aerodrome also reported strong growth in several trading categories. The platform claims a leading position in Bitcoin-dollar trading and onchain foreign exchange activity. In tokenized-stock markets across Ethereum and related layer-two networks, its market share reportedly increased from about 2% in early September to 57% by Oct. 10.
Aero Introduces New Incentive and Trading Features
A central feature of Aero is its Predictive Allocation system. Through this mechanism, participants can stake tokens and direct liquidity incentives toward markets they believe will generate the highest trading revenue. Users who correctly identify future trading demand receive proportional rewards, creating a system that connects earnings to market forecasting performance. The approach is intended to encourage more efficient liquidity distribution across the platform.
Beyond incentives, Aero includes additional infrastructure such as Metaswaps for cross-network transactions and Slipstream V3, which introduces dynamic fees and tools designed to capture maximal extractable value. The platform launches without venture capital funding or a token sale. Existing AERO and VELO tokens will migrate into the new Aero ecosystem, while locked governance positions will convert into sAERO.
Revenue Model Puts Rewards in Stakeholders’ Hands
Dromos Labs CEO Alex Cutler stated that Aero will direct 100% of exchange revenue to stakers. According to Cutler, the model reflects a belief that more financial activity will continue moving onchain. The long-term success of Aero will depend on its ability to sustain liquidity, maintain competitive execution, and support consistent trading demand. If those conditions are met, Aero could be positioned to compete for a meaningful share of the estimated $120 billion in monthly trading volume available across its target networks.
