DeFi Lender Arco Protocol, Launched on Aptos Blockchain, Goes Dark After Botched Fundraise

Network congestions and issues with claiming tokens led to widespread dismay from the Arco community.

AccessTimeIconOct 31, 2022 at 10:47 a.m. UTC
Updated May 9, 2023 at 4:00 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

Arco Protocol, a cross-chain decentralized finance (DeFi) platform on the newly launched Aptos blockchain, has gone offline following a botched fundraise.

Arco, which offer lending and staking services, intended to raise funds on Oct. 29 in an initial DEX offering (IDO), which is a form of decentralized crowdfunding. DeFi is an umbrella term for lending, trading and other financial activities carried out on a blockchain without traditional middlemen.

  • Staking Is 'Definitely a Positive' for the Spot Ether ETF Narrative, Analyst Says
    10:14
    Staking Is 'Definitely a Positive' for the Spot Ether ETF Narrative, Analyst Says
  • Tax Expert Breaks Down the Crypto Tax Basics for Beginners
    06:50
    Tax Expert Breaks Down the Crypto Tax Basics for Beginners
  • German Finance Heavyweights Develop Fully-Insured Crypto Staking Offering
    13:53
    German Finance Heavyweights Develop Fully-Insured Crypto Staking Offering
  • Seen at Consensus 2023: An Alpaca Steals the Spotlight
    01:58
    Seen at Consensus 2023: An Alpaca Steals the Spotlight
  • However, Arco Protocol said that over 300 people deposited to the IDO at the same time, causing network congestion and an unforeseen issue with token claiming. The Aptos blockchain had a less than stellar start earlier this month.

    Arco posted a Twitter poll asking the community whether the funds received should be returned, kept or if the project itself should be handed over to the community.

    At press time the majority of respondents have requested a refund. Arco said that Wormhole and Celer Network had cancelled partnerships with them following the calamitous launch.

    The Arco Protocol website and Discord channel are both offline.

    Arco Protocol did not immediately respond to CoinDesk's request for comment.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.

    Oliver Knight

    Oliver Knight is a CoinDesk reporter based between London and Lisbon. He does not own any crypto.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.



    Read more about