In the increasingly competitive blockchain world, the Monad ecosystem emerges as one of the most promising Layer 1 solutions with full EVM compatibility, throughput of up to 10,000 transactions per second, and stably low gas fees. At the heart of this ecosystem, Kuru Exchange (@KuruExchange) stands out as a fully on-chain decentralized exchange (DEX) based on a Central Limit Order Book (CLOB). Launched as a Tier 1 project in Monad, Kuru aims to bridge the gap between centralized exchange (CEX) trading experiences and full decentralization, using a hybrid CLOB + Automated Market Maker (AMM) model. This project not only offers seamless spot trading but also features like a token launchpad and easy-to-access liquidity vaults. As of September 2025, Kuru is still in the testnet phase, but its momentum is evident from substantial funding and an active community. Let's dive deeper into its advantages, disadvantages, funding, founders, and how to use it.
Advantages of Kuru Exchange
Kuru is specifically designed to leverage Monad's strengths, such as parallel execution and single slot finality, making on chain trading feel like a CEX without sacrificing self custody security. Some of its key advantages include:
- High Speed and Efficiency: With low and constant gas fees, market makers can place or cancel limit orders in real-time without worrying about spiking costs. This reduces slippage to minimal levels, especially for long tail tokens or meme coins.
- Hybrid CLOB + AMM Model: Combining precise order book functionality with AMM liquidity, Kuru offers tighter spreads, better price discovery, and seamless integration with flip orders for concentrated liquidity positions. Each market features three types of liquidity: CLOB, AMM, and CLMM, democratizing access to liquidity without needing professional market makers.
- Innovative and User Friendly Features: Includes a smart aggregator (similar to Jupiter) for the best prices, a simple token launchpad (instant ERC-20 minting), and liquidity vaults that allow anyone to earn fees from day one. Lite and Pro modes cater to users from beginners to pro traders, plus integration with the Monad ecosystem like staking and perpetual trading.
- Ecosystem Potential: As a "CEX killer" in DeFi, Kuru could become the liquidity hub for Monad, supporting high trading volumes and expansion into perpetual contracts, aligning with trends in DEXes like Hyperliquid.
Overall, Kuru positions itself as the backbone of DeFi in Monad, with smooth UX and full on chain transparency.
Disadvantages of Kuru Exchange
While promising, Kuru still faces challenges as a young project in a developing ecosystem. Some key disadvantages to note:
- Early Stage and Dependency on Monad Mainnet: Currently in testnet, so real liquidity and trading volume are limited. Success depends on successful audits and a smooth Monad mainnet launch, which could be delayed by technical issues.
- Intense Competition: Within Monad, it competes with other DEXes like Perpl Trade or Ambient Finance. Globally, it must rival giants like Uniswap or Hyperliquid, where user adoption could be slow if Monad hasn't fully dominated yet.
- Technical and Economic Risks: The hybrid model, though innovative, can be complex for beginner users. Additionally, while gas is low, initial liquidity fluctuations could lead to higher slippage than established CEXes. No mainnet TVL data yet, so LP yields may not be competitive compared to other chains.
That said, strong backing from top investors makes these risks more manageable, but users are advised to start on testnet to minimize exposure.
Funding of Kuru Exchange
Kuru has attracted significant attention from major investors thanks to its innovative vision in the Monad ecosystem. Total funding reaches $13.6 million
This funding signals high confidence in Monad's potential as a high-performance L1, with Kuru as its flagship DEX. Funds are allocated to engineering teams, audits, and testnet campaigns like loot boxes for early users.
Founders and Team of Kuru Exchange
Kuru was founded by a team experienced in DeFi and blockchain, with a focus on on chain innovation. Key founders:
- Fravashi (0xfravashi): CEO and Co-founder. A serial entrepreneur in Web3, known for contributions to previous DeFi projects. He leads the vision for a hybrid DEX leveraging Monad's tech stack.
- Trojan (0xtrojan_): Co-founder. A smart contract and backend expert, responsible for EVM optimizations for market makers.
The core team includes:
- cozymaximalist: Head of Growth.
- kryptobaby777: Community Lead.
- abhikumar_98 and krraigs: Web app developers.
- alt_devdatt and Jayakumar2812: Smart contract engineers.
- RajatLavekar and 5H4URY4: Backend and aggregator.
- CleanPegasus: DevOps.
- pritamux: UI/UX Designer.
Over half of the app has been redesigned, showing the team's commitment to rapid iteration. They're "allergic to complacency" and continue to push the boundaries of on chain markets.
How to Use Kuru Exchange
Using Kuru on the Monad testnet is straightforward and free (just need a faucet). Follow these steps to start trading and farming points (potential airdrop):
1. Prepare Wallet and Faucet:
- Visit [faucet.monad.xyz](https://faucet.monad.xyz/) to claim MON testnet tokens. Connect your EVM wallet (like MetaMask) and link social media for more tokens.
2. Connect to Kuru:
- Open [www.kuru.io](https://www.kuru.io/). Click "Create/Connect Wallet," select your wallet, and deposit MON from the faucet.
3. Launch Token (Optional for Creators):
- Go to the "Launch" tab or [kuru.io/launch](https://www.kuru.io/launch). Fill in token details (name, supply, image), then approve and launch. Instant ERC-20 token ready for trading.
4. Swap and Trading:
- In the Swap tab: Select a pair (e.g., MON to another token), enter amount, and execute. Use Pro mode for limit orders or Lite for simple AMM.
- Try perpetual trading if available on testnet.
5. Provide Liquidity via Vaults:
- Go to the "Vault" tab. Select a pair, click "Deposit" to add liquidity and earn fees. Use "Withdraw" to pull out. It's easy, no need for market makers.
6. Create Avatar and Join Campaigns:
- Click the Avatar icon in the top right or [kuru.io/avatar](https://www.kuru.io/avatar). Choose an egg, open the box, customize your monster, connect socials, and save. This gives SBT traits for ecosystem points.
Interact as much as possible to accumulate XP and potential Monad airdrop. Monitor Kuru's Discord for bug updates or new events.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Kuru in Monad
Kuru Exchange isn't just another DEX; it's an innovator harnessing Monad's power to elevate on-chain trading to new heights fast, fair, and inclusive. With solid funding, a talented team, and standout features, Kuru has the potential to dominate liquidity in the Monad ecosystem post-mainnet. However, as a testnet project, patience and early participation are key. If you're a DeFi trader or builder, now's the time to explore Kuru who knows, this could be your entry point to the next Monad explosion. GMonad! ๐