Interview with ZyFAI at EthCC 8: Optimizing DeFi Yields with AI Agents

In this article, Gauthier Vila, Founder of ZyFAI has been interviewed by Mahsa Doorfard, the sales and Marketing manager of coinIX. ZyFAI is a DeFi Agent built to optimize DeFi yields with real-time data and automated on-chain actions. coinIX COINVEST SCI1 is currently allocated to the ZyFAI token, and we intend to further increase this position.

‘What do you think about EthCC 8?‘

Gauthier: “I would say it’s really amazing. I’ve been to ECC events for the last six years — Paris, Brussels, and now Cannes. It’s amazing because there aren’t a lot of people, but the quality is very good. It’s great to be in Cannes — it’s warm, everybody feels like they’re on vacation, but they’re also working and networking. I love it.”

‘Would you please introduce yourself and tell us how did you end up in the blockchain industry? what is your story?’

Gauthier: “Back in the day, I was studying communication and marketing when I discovered Bitcoin. I ended up spending most of my years studying Bitcoin and marketing, but mostly being in the crypto space and discovering the tech. I was really inspired by Andreas Antonopoulos, who wrote a lot of books about Bitcoin and spoke at many conferences.

I went down the rabbit hole, and when I finished my studies, I became an influencer — teaching crypto classes and being very active in Switzerland’s crypto community. I joined the Crypto Valley Association and other blockchain student associations. Over time, I started doing videos, helping startups grow in the Web2 and Web3 space, building websites and applications. Eventually, I wanted to create my own project.

That’s when the company was born in 2021 with the goal of simplifying DeFi for retail users. We came up with a lot of ideas and different concepts, and about six months ago we built ZyFAI. It’s been going really well.”

‘How would you explain your project to your grandmother?’

Gauthier: “ZyFAI basically manages your capital to provide more efficient yields — it’s like generating interest on your assets.

We do this by creating an account that you own, essentially like creating your own bank account. Then, you authorize an agent to perform specific actions — to find the best interest rates and rebalance your funds when needed.

It’s basically a place where you deposit your money, and our agent knows where to place it to get the best yield. It’s like generating money while you sleep — that’s the simplest way to explain it.”

‘When was the first moment that the idea of ZyFAI was born?

Gauthier: “Before this, we were building counter-distraction tooling for projects on zkSync. At some point, I started thinking about optimizing yields in DeFi, because I felt that was one of the most interesting use cases.

There’s trading, tokens, perpetuals — you name it — but the idea of generating yield felt really promising. There’s interconnectivity between multiple players, and the yield flows from a protocol to another user — basically peer to peer. I thought the value connection there was really strong, so I wanted to build something around that, about a year and a half ago.

Initially, we focused on infra tooling, and that went well. But then I saw the evolution of agents, AI, and account abstraction. That’s when we realized we could improve how we managed our own company treasury — automating yield generation for ourselves.

From that came the idea: “We need to build something for us.” And then we thought, “Wait, this could be a product anyone could use.” That’s how ZyFAI came to be.”

What problem is ZyFAI Solving?

Gauthier: “In DeFi today, there are a lot of vaults. I think of vaults — especially for on-chain capital allocation for yield — as similar to hedge funds.

The way we approach it is more like a “separately managed account” in traditional finance. In TradFi, you can open a bank account and have someone manage your funds to generate yield or manage your investments. That’s essentially what we’re providing on-chain.”

‘Would you mention some of the recent updates, partnerships, and advancements?’

Gauthier: “We reached $1 million in TVL and moved almost $30 million in capital — it’s more like assets under management rather than traditional TVL.

We’ve shifted a lot of these funds to improve yields. That’s an important metric. We’ve also onboarded many small users, with deposits ranging from $100 to $50,000.

It’s very promising — we’re seeing a lot of traction, people asking questions and giving feedback. It’s really exciting. I’ve been building this for the last six months.”

‘Can you name some of your competitors? What makes your project stand out among your competitors?’

Gauthier: “It’s very nascent. Most on-chain capital allocation today is mainly through vaults. But with account abstraction, session keys, curators, and agents, you can create something more efficient.

We’re starting to see some other solutions, especially around agents, but it’s very early.”

‘What is your message to the people who have not invested in the blockchain industry yet?’

Gauthier: “I think it’s our job as an industry to really rethink how we talk about this. People just want their needs fulfilled — that’s all they care about.

We need to provide simple, secure, and trustworthy solutions. That’s what we’re working on, and it’s what the entire industry should focus on.

I think the timing is right — regulation, adoption, and good UX are what will make this technology accessible to everyone.”

Watch the interview on coinIX YouTube Channel:

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About coinIX Capital GmbH

Since 2017, coinIX Capital GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg, has been at the forefront of analyzing blockchain projects and cryptocurrencies, facilitating investments in this dynamic sector. Comprising specialists with extensive experience in asset management, venture capital, and cutting-edge technology analysis, the coinIX team manages a portfolio boasting over 20 investments in blockchain startups alongside crypto assets. Shares of coinIX GmbH & Co. KGaA are listed on the free market of the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange and are also traded on the Berlin and Munich stock exchanges.

About coinIX COINVEST SCI1

Launched in June 2022, coinIX COINVEST SCI1 is an open domestic special AIF under the KAGB. As a sub-portfolio of coinIX COINVEST Investment Stock Corporation with variable capital, its assets are managed by coinIX Capital GmbH, acting as a registered capital management company. Available for subscription by professional or semi-professional investors, the fund has the flexibility to invest up to 100% of its capital in crypto assets, aiming for a diversified portfolio of digital assets actively managed through ongoing selection processes. Additional income streams are generated through staking and other blockchain-native mechanisms. With the ISIN DE000A408Q55, subscriptions to the fund are only available directly through the investment company, with private investor acquisition prohibited.