What is TELLER

Teller: Revolutionising Decentralised Finance

Introduction to Teller

In the rapidly evolving landscape of decentralised finance (DeFi), emerging projects continually seek to innovate and improve existing paradigms. One such project making waves is Teller, a DeFi lending platform that aims to transform the way loans are structured and provided by eliminating conventional collateral requirements. By leveraging the power of blockchain technology, specifically the Ethereum network, Teller presents a unique solution for borrowers and lenders alike, offering a safer and more reliable approach to cryptocurrency lending.

What is Teller?

Teller is a decentralised finance platform that allows users to lend and borrow cryptocurrencies through a process that eschews traditional collateral requirements. Instead of relying on price or asset-backed collateral common in other lending protocols, Teller offers what it calls time-based loans, which can be secured by any ERC-20 token or non-fungible token (NFT) as collateral.

The platform's innovative lending methodology aims to address several risks present in conventional DeFi lending systems, namely liquidation risks associated with falling asset prices. Through its unique approach, Teller fosters financial inclusion by enabling borrowers to secure loans for short-term needs without fear of losing collateral in times of volatility.

Creator of Teller

Teller was co-founded by Ryan Berkun and Christopher Lee in 2020. Drawing upon their considerable expertise in Web3 automation and middleware platforms, the founders designed Teller to bridge the gap between traditional financial systems and DeFi. Their vision enables the aggregation of data from legacy credit scoring systems, paving the way for a more sophisticated lending approach. The founders' extensive backgrounds in finance and technology position them as formidable innovators within the Web3 space.

Investors of Teller

The Teller project has garnered significant interest from various investment firms, leading to substantial funding to fuel its operations and growth. Among its investors are prominent names such as Framework Ventures, Parafi Capital, and Maven11 Capital. To date, Teller has successfully raised a total of $7.85 million, including a recent Series A funding round that raised $6.85 million. This backing not only signals market trust in the project's vision but also provides the necessary resources to enhance its platform and expand its reach within the DeFi ecosystem.

How does Teller work?

At the core of Teller's operation is its unique protocol designed to facilitate loans without the risk of margin calls or liquidations. The platform employs a cloud-based infrastructure to aggregate data from traditional financial providers and credit bureaus, which aids in evaluating borrower creditworthiness. This innovative model caters to DeFi users who might not have access to traditional credit assessments, effectively leveling the playing field in lending.

On the Teller platform, lenders have the ability to create tailored loan terms, driving user engagement and allowing greater flexibility in how loans are structured. This participation as liquidity providers enables lenders to earn interest on their lent funds, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties involved.

One of the standout features of the Teller platform is its governance token, known as TLR. This token not only facilitates decentralised governance over the protocol's credit risk features but also fosters a sense of community and engagement among users. By having a say in critical protocol decisions, TLR holders can help shape the future of Teller and its array of offerings.

Timeline of Teller

To fully appreciate the development of Teller, it is important to review its significant milestones since inception:

• 2020: Teller was founded by Ryan Berkun and Christopher Lee.
• 2020: The project raised $1 million in a seed round led by Framework Ventures.
• 2020: Teller announced its integration with Compound and the launch of its governance token, TLR.
• 2021: The lending platform was officially launched, and time-based loans became available to users.

Each of these events represents a crucial step in Teller's mission to innovate and expand its presence in the DeFi ecosystem.

Key Features of Teller

Teller's design and operational efficiency hinge upon a set of key features that differentiate it from other decentralised lending protocols:

• Time-Based Loans: These loans are structured in such a way that they do not involve margin calls or liquidations, reducing the risk for both borrowers and lenders.
• Collateral Flexibility: Users can utilise any ERC-20 token or NFT as collateral, broadening the scope for borrowers and enticing a wider array of lenders to participate.
• Custom Loan Terms: Lenders possess the autonomy to create personalised loan conditions, enhancing the user experience and attracting engagement.
• Data Aggregation Infrastructure: The platform's utilisation of a cloud-based infrastructure allows for the comprehensive aggregation of data from various financial institutions and credit bureaus, optimising the loan assessment process.
• Community Governance: With TLR serving as the governance token, users have input in the decision-making processes related to credit risk management on the platform.

Conclusion

Teller is positioned as a transformative force within the DeFi lending sector, providing a sophisticated alternative to traditional lending frameworks. With its focus on time-based loans, flexible collateral options, and a community-driven governance model, the platform addresses significant challenges faced by borrowers and lenders alike in the cryptocurrency space.

Backed by a talented team and the support of reputable investors, Teller is well-poised to make a lasting impact on the DeFi ecosystem. As the project continues to evolve, it promises to enhance financial inclusion and drive innovation forward within the lending landscape. By prioritising user needs and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Teller is set to lead the charge in redefining how we think about borrowing and lending in the modern financial era.