Hi Monad team,
HostDeFi here a bare-metal multi-chain validator operator. We run our own RPC relay across 80+ networks, custom monitoring/tripwires, and operate validators on several networks. We’re interested in joining the Validator Delegation Program and want to position correctly before the new application form lands.
Our operating model is proof-of-capability before capital: we would rather run a Monad testnet validator on our own hardware, demonstrate uptime, monitoring discipline, and operational readiness for the 4+ week evaluation period, and then ask about delegation rather than commit stake on paper first.
Two questions on the 100,000 MON self-stake requirement for validator registration:
- Can the self-stake be deferred, sponsored, or covered after a testnet proof period e.g. program-covered, an ecosystem sponsor, or counted as part of the VDP delegation itself once testnet performance is demonstrated?
- If self-stake is strictly required up front, is there a recommended path for operators who can prove capability on testnet but operate on an infrastructure-services (non-token-capital) model e.g. a scoped infra deliverable (public RPC/indexer/monitoring endpoints) as a substitute?
Happy to share hardware specs, monitoring setup, and our testnet uptime record once our testnet validator has history.
HostDeFi Ops (validators@hostdefi.com)