> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hyperliquid-co.gitbook.io/wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hyperliquid-co.gitbook.io/wiki/introduction/hyperliquid-labs.md).

# Hyperliquid Labs

**Hyperliquid Labs** is the key contributor driving the platform's growth. The team is composed of talented individuals from prestigious institutions like **Harvard**, **Caltech**, and **MIT**, with professional experience at **Airtable**, **Citadel**, **Hudson River Trading**, and **Nuro**.

#### **What Makes Them Different?**

* **Self-Funded & Community-Oriented:** No VC funding. All fees and value are returned to the **community** (via HLP and other incentives).
* **Born from Crisis:** In the aftermath of FTX’s collapse, Hyperliquid was envisioned in 2022 to offer a **trustless, on-chain alternative**. They quickly realized the potential to go beyond replacing DEXs—why not transform **all of finance**?
* **Long-Term Commitment:** The team’s goal is to **empower builders and users**, offering rewards and pushing the boundaries of on-chain finance.

#### **Meet the Team & Connect**

* **Jeffrey Yan** \
  🐦 [@chameleon\_jeff](https://twitter.com/chameleon_jeff)
* **Iliensinc** \
  🐦 [@iliensinc](https://twitter.com/iliensinc)
* **Xulian**\
  🐦 [@xulian\_hl](https://x.com/xulian_hl)
* **Valinorae**\
  🐦 [@Valinorae](https://x.com/Hyperintern/status/1943603827749343475)
* **Jay Gee**\
  🐦 [@jaygee\_hl](https://x.com/jaygee_hl) | 🕹️ **\_jay.gee**
* **Ben**\
  🕹️ **ben\_hl**
* **Adam**\
  🕹️ **adam254689**
* **Kangaroo**\
  🕹️ **kangaroo2245**

The team also includes [3 additional members](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQK9TFbGyN0\&t=117s).

#### Team Spotlight

**Jeffrey Yan** - Co-Founder & Vision Leader

* **Academic Excellence**: Started in math, discovered his passion for physics in sophomore year at Harvard
* **International Recognition**: Gold and Silver medalist at International Physics Olympiad, top 5 student selected from thousands to represent the U.S.
* **Harvard Achievement**: Graduated in 2017 (\~22–23 years old) with a Bachelor's and Master's in Mathematics and Computer Science in 4 years
* **Professional Background**: Hudson River Trading experience (explaining Hyperliquid's polished execution)
* **Philosophy**: "By the end, I was almost sick of physics, but I wanted to do as well as I can" - the same relentless drive now powers Hyperliquid
* **Journey**: From competing on the world stage in physics to building one of the most innovative perp DEXs in crypto

**Iliensinc** - Co-Founder

* **Harvard Connection**: Jeff's classmate and co-founder, driving Hyperliquid's technical innovation alongside Jeff

*Source* [*thread1*](https://x.com/kirbyongeo/status/1890587714094878748) *|* [*thread2*](https://x.com/mrdrayen/status/1943600340797988964) *|* [*thread3*](https://x.com/theghost_alb/status/1930694868306649106) *|* [*Lore*](https://x.com/0x42069x/status/1948994756937482459)