Funding for Swiss Stake AG - Amendment to the Grant Proposal 2026
1. Summary
This proposal is an amendment to the previously submitted Swiss Stake funding request (Funding proposal for Swiss Stake AG - Grant Proposal 2026) in response to feedback received from the Curve DAO and the outcome of the initial vote.
We have reviewed the feedback and concerns raised by the community and are committed to addressing them in a constructive and responsible manner. The objective of this amendment is to improve clarity, accountability, and budgetary discipline, while ensuring continuity of service for the Curve ecosystem.
This amendment introduces:
- a two-phase funding mechanism intended to improve budgetary visibility and accountability to the DAO,
- a commitment to explore potential adjustments to Swiss Stake’s organisational and structural setup with the aim of improving accountability, focus, and efficiency where appropriate,
- a structured cost review process to identify opportunities to reduce or externalise expenses where this is demonstrably beneficial.
Unless explicitly amended below, all terms, commitments, and scope described in the original proposal remain unchanged and continue to apply.
2. Introduction
On December 15, 2025, Swiss Stake AG submitted a funding proposal to the Curve DAO to continue providing core development, infrastructure, and operational support to the Curve ecosystem.
Based on the voting outcome and the feedback expressed during the discussion on the forum and related social channels, it is clear that the proposal does not have sufficient support in its original form. We acknowledge the concerns raised regarding budget structure, accountability, and transparency. In response, we submit this amended proposal, which introduces clearer oversight mechanisms and a sequential funding approach, while aiming to preserve continuity of service and avoid disruption to Curve’s development roadmap.
3. Amendments
3.1. Two-Phase Funding Mechanism
Swiss Stake proposes to restructure the originally requested grant into two funding phases, with the second phase contingent on the successful implementation of the review processes outlined below.
The first funding phase amounts to 8,725,000 CRV, representing half of the originally requested total, and is intended to fund Swiss Stake’s operations for a period of six months.
Swiss Stake will conduct a structured review of its organisational setup, cost structure, and operational processes. The objective of this review is to assess potential inefficiencies and identify concrete cost-saving opportunities, while maintaining delivery on the Curve development roadmap and preserving security and reliability standards.
By the end of March 2026 at the latest, Swiss Stake will publish a report to the DAO outlining the findings of this review. Subsequently, Swiss Stake will assess the findings and implement appropriate measures to improve resource allocation where feasible. Subject to the confirmed outcomes of this review, Swiss Stake will then submit an adjusted funding proposal and a subsequent vote for the remainder of the year.
3.2. Proposed Organisational Structure
In response to feedback from the DAO, Swiss Stake will explore potential adjustments to its operating model with the objective of improving accountability, transparency, and cost efficiency. The intent of this review is to assess whether changes to team structure, responsibilities, and operating boundaries could improve clarity of ownership, focus, and resource allocation.
As part of this process, Swiss Stake will evaluate whether its mandate should be more explicitly focused on protocol support and software development, and whether certain activities that are not central to this mandate could be reduced, externalised, or organised differently. Any such changes would only be implemented where they demonstrably improve efficiency, reduce costs, or strengthen delivery quality.
3.2.1. Team Structure and Accountability
As part of the organisational review, Swiss Stake will assess whether clearer functional team definitions and areas of responsibility would improve accountability and operational efficiency, while preserving the flexibility required in a fast-moving environment.
Where beneficial, functional areas may be overseen by designated Team Leads to improve clarity around ownership, coordination, and resource allocation. Responsibilities may include roadmap ownership, coordination with management and the board, input into staffing and budget planning, and operational and financial reporting.
Indicative functional areas may include Smart Contract, Frontend, Backend, and Business Development. These are illustrative only and will be evaluated as part of the review process.
3.2.2. Budget Visibility and DAO Oversight
As part of the organisational and cost review, Swiss Stake will assess whether assigning budget responsibility at a more granular functional level would improve discipline and transparency. Where beneficial, indicative budgets may be prepared and reviewed internally before being consolidated into an aggregated funding proposal for submission to the DAO. This may result in certain areas being funded directly by the DAO in the future, rather than via Swiss Stake.
3.3. Cost-Saving Measures and Budget Review
Swiss Stake is undertaking a comprehensive review of its cost structure across payroll, infrastructure, audits, and external service providers. The objective is to assess whether resources are allocated efficiently and in line with Swiss Stake’s core mandate, and to identify cost-saving opportunities where appropriate.
Several measures have already been implemented. An immediate hiring freeze is in place, and no new cost elements or merit-based compensation increases are planned during this period. Conference participation and related travel will be kept to a strict minimum throughout 2026.
In addition, Swiss Stake will review the current setup of the business development function to assess whether further streamlining is appropriate, while ensuring the ability to support partners on deployments, parametrisation, and monitoring.
4. Conclusion and Immediate Direction
Swiss Stake appreciates the trust, engagement, and constructive feedback the Curve community has shown throughout this process, and is thankful to all stakeholders for having the protocol’s best interests at heart. We also appreciate the community’s review of the proposal and plan to submit this amendment for an on-chain vote on Sunday.