dYdX Acquires Pocket Protector to Power Next Phase of Social Trading Growth

dYdX Trading Inc. has completed its first external acquisition with the purchase of Pocket Protector, a Telegram-based social trading platform. The MOVE signals dYdX's strategic pivot toward social-led growth as it seeks to revitalize its market position. The deal, finalized just weeks after initial discussions in March 2025, brings Pocket Protector's leadership team and technology stack under dYdX's umbrella.

Key personnel transitions include Eddie Zhang joining as president and Kaiser Kinbote taking the helm as head of growth. Their four-engineer team will merge with dYdX's Core product development units, accelerating roadmap execution. The acquisition focuses on integrating Pocket Protector's group trading model and Telegram-native tools to enhance dYdX's social trading capabilities.

Market observers note the timing coincides with dYdX's need for product differentiation amid increasing decentralized exchange competition. The integration aims to create network effects through community-driven trading features, a growing trend in crypto adoption.