She256 and Opyn: Two Visions Started by Alexis Gauba

• Alexis Gauba co-founded She256 to increase inclusion and representation in blockchain communities.
• She played a major role in launching Opyn, a DeFi protocol for decentralized options on Ethereum.

Alexis Gauba’s name may not be as famous as the male crypto figures who are all over the media, but his story is no less moving. From college at UC Berkeley, she not only learned about computer theory and electrical engineering, but also built a strong foundation that led her to the world of blockchain which at that time was still relatively foreign to many people.

Not just following a trend, Alexis actually became a pioneer for something bigger than herself—and not everyone dares to choose a path like that.

Alexis Gauba: Growing Access for Women in the Blockchain World

Despite the prevalent male dominance in the crypto industry, Alexis decided to create She256 as a platform to empower more women. This organization is not just a gathering place, but a safe space for those who want to understand blockchain technology without pressure.

On the other hand, she also helped form Mechanism Labs, a research forum that explores technical issues such as distributed consensus and more user-friendly system design. This is not something that students usually do, especially those who have recently graduated.

Big Leap with Opyn

Furthermore, in 2019, she and Zubin Koticha created Opyn, one of the first DeFi protocols to introduce a decentralized options system on Ethereum. In terms of numbers, Opyn has facilitated over 45,000 transactions worth over $11 billion. That’s certainly not a small amount.

When Strategy Requires a Step Back

However, not all chapters went smoothly. In 2023, the US Commodity Futures Trading Authority (CFTC) targeted Opyn for alleged regulatory violations. The main accusation? Offering leveraged digital asset transactions without proper authorization. Although it didn’t go to court, the final settlement involved a fine of $250,000. This is the pivotal point in Alexis’ story.

Rather than sticking to his position, Alexis chose to step down from Opyn. This move was quite surprising, especially considering how deeply involved she was over the years. In his personal statement, she admitted that this decision was taken with a heavy heart.

Many have questioned why she chose to leave the industry she had just helped build. But that’s life—sometimes more like a game of chess than a marathon. It’s not about how long you last, but when to stop moving and develop a new strategy.

Beyond Crypto: A Quiet Yet Clear Departure

Opin’s leadership has now been transferred to Andrew Leone, who previously served as head of research. Meanwhile, Alexis and Zubin are reportedly preparing a new project—but this time, it’s no longer in the crypto industry. There’s still minimal information, but this decision indicates that for Alexis, the journey doesn’t end just because one door closes.

Interestingly, even though she is no longer active at Opyn, Alexis Gauba’s name remains strong in the blockchain community. Many still remember his contributions in raising issues of diversity and accessibility of technology. She not only built the protocol, but also paved the way for many people who may never have felt “expert enough” to enter the blockchain world.

If you think about it, not all success stories are measured by the peak of achievement. Some are actually appreciated for the courage to leave something for the sake of principle. And maybe that’s what Alexis is—not just a technologist, but a human being who knows when to stop and where to go next.