Catalyst Evolution: Amplifying Community Collaboration & Empowering Innovation

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Vattan PS

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

vps@internetnative.org

Additional applicants

We have a great team of experienced builders and operators in our non-profit organization to help us manage this project.

• Tevo
• Astra
• Javier
• Ilona

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

Our project builds upon the existing Cardano and Catalyst platforms, making their stability and performance crucial.

We'll also leverage Cardano's smart contract environment for automation. Necessary third-party software tools for UI design, project management, and data analysis will be used, ensuring proper licenses and permissions.

We'll stay in sync with all relevant updates for seamless execution.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Our project will be fully open source. We're committed to transparency and trust, conducting all voting and fund distribution activities on the blockchain for full visibility. We embrace open-source principles to spur collaboration and innovation within the Cardano community.

[METADATA] Category of proposal

Incubation

[METADATA] SDG rating

Our project aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - We aim to stimulate economic growth by funding innovative projects within the Cardano ecosystem, creating opportunities for decent work.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - Our platform will foster innovation and build resilient infrastructure by supporting projects that enhance the Cardano blockchain.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - We believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration, and our platform will facilitate partnerships within the Cardano community to achieve these goals.

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

We propose a solution that leverages our deep understanding of DAOs and community-oriented operations, our experience in building successful companies, our expertise in venture investments, and our track record in managing accelerator/incubator programs and the vibrant Estonian Web3 community. We're not just administrators; we're innovators and community builders.

We see the problem as a need for a Catalyst Operator that can not only manage the administrative and operational aspects of Cardano's Catalyst Fund, but also bring a fresh perspective, innovative ideas, and a strong commitment to community engagement. We believe in the transformative power of DAOs and internet-native organizations, and we're excited to bring this ethos to the Catalyst Operator role.

Our solution will engage the entire Cardano community, fostering a sense of ownership and participation. We'll be transparent and accountable, providing regular updates and reports on our operations. We'll also actively seek feedback and ideas from the community, ensuring that our approach evolves with the needs and aspirations of the Cardano ecosystem.

What makes our solution unique is our blend of experience, expertise, and passion for DAOs and internet-native organizations. We're not just managing a fund; we're nurturing a community and fostering innovation. The beneficiaries of our solution will be the entire Cardano community, as our approach will ensure that the Catalyst Fund is used in a way that maximizes benefit for the community and propels the growth of the Cardano ecosystem.

This is vital for Cardano because it ensures that the Catalyst Fund is managed in a way that reflects Cardano's values, supports the long-term success of the Cardano ecosystem, and harnesses the collective intelligence of the community. We're not just managing a fund; we're building a future together.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Our solution directly addresses the challenge of providing a reliable, efficient, and transparent Catalyst Operator for Cardano's ecosystem. We aim to bring a high level of professionalism, efficiency, and community engagement to the Catalyst Fund operations.

Here's how our solution will benefit the Cardano ecosystem:

• Community Engagement: We believe in the power of the Cardano community. We aim to make the community an integral part of the Catalyst Fund operations, fostering a sense of ownership and active participation. We're not just managing a fund; we're building a community.
• Transparency and Accountability: Our commitment to the principles of DAOs and internet-native organizations ensures a high level of transparency and accountability in the management of the Catalyst Fund. Regular updates and reports on our operations will build trust within the Cardano community and ensure that the fund is managed in a way that aligns with the community's interests.
• Fostering Innovation: We aim to lower technical barriers to entry and provide a supportive environment for developers and innovators. This approach will enable more people to bring their innovative ideas to life on Cardano, fostering innovation and driving the growth of the Cardano ecosystem.
• Strengthening the Ecosystem: Our solution will contribute to the robustness and resilience of the Cardano ecosystem. By providing tools and support that help developers build secure and efficient dApps, we'll ensure the stability and reliability of the ecosystem.

In terms of impact, we believe our solution will bring more people to the Cardano community, foster innovation, and strengthen the ecosystem. We're committed to making a tangible, positive impact on the Cardano ecosystem, and we're excited to work with the community to make this happen.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

Our vision, "Catalyst Empowerment," is about more than just managing the Catalyst Fund. It's about fostering a vibrant, engaged, and empowered Cardano community. We're committed to not only optimizing the fund operations but also boosting community engagement and transparency.

Here's how we'll measure our success:

1. Efficiency of Fund Operations: We'll track the time from proposal submission to fund distribution. Our goal? A streamlined, efficient process that respects the time and energy of our community members.
2. Community Engagement: We'll monitor community participation in proposal submissions and voting. Our aim? To see a thriving, engaged community actively shaping the future of Cardano.
3. Transparency and Accountability: We'll ensure all funded projects provide regular updates and audits, and that this information is easily accessible. Our goal? A community that trusts in the process because they can see it working.
4. Community Feedback: We'll regularly gather feedback from the community. Our aim? To keep our fingers on the pulse of the community's needs and desires, and to continually improve based on this feedback.
5. Success of Funded Projects: We'll track the progress and success of funded projects. Our goal? To see a high success rate that contributes to the growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem.

In essence, we'll gauge our success not just by the operation of the fund itself, but also by its ripple effects on the Cardano community and the broader blockchain ecosystem. We're not just administrators; we're community builders and innovators, and we're committed to seeing Cardano thrive.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

Our commitment to transparency and community engagement extends to sharing the outputs and results of our project. We believe that open communication is key to fostering trust and collaboration within the Cardano community. Here's how we plan to keep everyone informed:

1. Regular Updates: We'll provide regular updates on our progress, including the status of the Catalyst Fund operations, the projects funded, and their impact on the Cardano ecosystem. These updates will be shared through various channels, including the Cardano forums, social media, and our website.
2. Community Meetings: We'll hold regular community meetings where we'll present our progress and discuss the future direction of the Catalyst Fund operations. These meetings will be an opportunity for the community to ask questions, provide feedback, and get involved in the decision-making process.
3. Annual Report: We'll produce an annual report detailing our activities, the projects funded, and their impact on the Cardano ecosystem. This report will be publicly available and will provide a comprehensive overview of our work as the Catalyst Operator.
4. Research and Development: The insights we gain from managing the Catalyst Fund will inform our ongoing research and development activities. We'll use these insights to improve our processes and develop new strategies for promoting innovation and growth within the Cardano ecosystem.
5. Collaboration with Other Organizations: We'll share our findings and experiences with other organizations interested in DAOs and internet-native organizations. This will help spread the knowledge and insights gained from our project, contributing to the broader advancement of DAOs and internet-native organizations.

Our plan is to spread the project's outputs over the entire duration of our role as the Catalyst Operator. This will ensure that the community is kept informed of our progress and the impact of the Catalyst Fund on the Cardano ecosystem. We're not just managing a fund; we're building a community, and we want everyone to be a part of this journey.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Our ability to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability is rooted in our team's extensive experience, our proven track record, and our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

Here's why we believe we're the best fit for this project:

1. Team Experience: Our team brings a wealth of experience in DAO best practices, community building, venture investments, and running accelerator/incubator programs. This gives us a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with managing a fund like the Catalyst Fund.
2. Proven Track Record: We have a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects and operations. Our past successes demonstrate our ability to deliver on our commitments and manage funds effectively.
3. Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to the principles of transparency and accountability. We will provide regular updates on our progress, hold regular community meetings, and produce annual reports detailing our activities and the impact of the Catalyst Fund on the Cardano ecosystem.
4. Robust Financial Management: We have stringent financial management processes in place to ensure that funds are managed effectively and responsibly. This includes rigorous budgeting, regular financial reporting, and external audits.
5. Community Engagement: We believe in the power of community engagement and will involve the Cardano community in the decision-making process. This ensures that the management of the Catalyst Fund aligns with the interests of the community.
6. Legal Research and Resources: Our team has access to extensive legal research and resources to manage collaborations and payouts in a compliant way. This ensures that all operations are conducted within the legal framework, adding another layer of trust and reliability to our project.

In essence, we're not just administrators; we're community builders and innovators. We understand the unique dynamics of the Cardano community and are committed to fostering a transparent, accountable, and inclusive environment. Trust us to manage the Catalyst Fund, and we'll ensure it becomes a powerful tool for innovation and growth in the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

Our primary goals for this project are:

1. Efficient Management of the Catalyst Fund: We aim to streamline the Catalyst Fund's operations, ensuring that the fund is used to support innovative projects that contribute to the growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem. We will validate this by tracking the time taken from proposal submission to fund distribution and aiming for a streamlined and efficient process.
2. Promote Transparency and Accountability: We are committed to fostering a high level of transparency and accountability in the management of the Catalyst Fund. We will provide regular updates on our progress, produce annual reports, and involve the community in the decision-making process. The success of this goal will be measured by community feedback and the accessibility of information regarding fund operations.
3. Engage the Cardano Community: We aim to actively involve the Cardano community in the Catalyst Fund operations. This includes promoting active participation in voting, proposal submissions, and discussions. We will measure the level of community participation in these activities as a key indicator of success.
4. Foster Innovation within the Cardano Ecosystem: We aim to use the Catalyst Fund to foster innovation within the Cardano ecosystem. This includes supporting projects that bring new ideas, technologies, and solutions to the Cardano platform. The success of this goal will be measured by the number of innovative projects funded and their impact on the Cardano ecosystem.
5. Current Legal State Analysis: We will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current legal state of DAOs and fund allocations. This will inform our management of the Catalyst Fund and ensure that we operate within the legal frameworks. The completion and utilization of this analysis will be a key indicator of success.
6. Preliminary Strategy for Future Funds: We will develop a preliminary strategy for managing future funds (Fund 11, 12, 13, etc.). This strategy will be informed by our experience with Fund 10 and will be designed to ensure the continued success and growth of the Catalyst Fund. The development and implementation of this strategy will be a key measure of our success.

Our approach is rooted in our team's extensive experience in managing funds, building communities, and fostering innovation. We have a proven track record of success in these areas, and we are confident that our approach is feasible and will deliver the desired results. We will continuously monitor our progress towards these goals and make necessary adjustments to ensure the success of our project.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Our work will be divided into several key milestones, with the goal of being fully operational by October 2023.

1. Milestone 1 - Team Assembly and Role Definition (0-1 month): Our primary goal is to assemble a competent team and define roles for efficient management of the Catalyst Fund. We will finalize team roles and responsibilities, set up communication and project management tools, and establish internal workflows. The success of this milestone will be validated by the successful formation of a dedicated team with clearly defined roles and the establishment of effective communication and project management systems.
2. Milestone 2 - Technical Infrastructure Evaluation and Development (1-2 months): To promote transparency and accountability, we will start by evaluating the existing tools used by the current operation team. Based on this evaluation, we will define technical requirements and architecture, further develop the web-based tools for proposal submission, and implement secure blockchain transactions for fund distribution. The success of this milestone will be validated by the successful development and deployment of the necessary technical infrastructure and the establishment of a secure and user-friendly platform for proposal submissions and fund distribution.
3. Milestone 3 - Post-Funding Operations for Fund 10 (2-6 months): Our goal is to engage the Cardano community in the Catalyst Fund operations. We will conduct post-funding operations for Fund 10, which includes marketing and promotion of funded projects, onboarding of funded-proposal cohort, and ensuring their smooth integration into the Catalyst ecosystem. The success of this milestone will be validated by the successful onboarding and integration of all approved projects from Fund 10.
4. Milestone 4 - Project Accountability Management and Mid-term Project Impact Evaluation (6-9 months): We aim to foster innovation within the Cardano ecosystem. We will manage project accountability and cohort rewards, prepare funding files based on submissions of monthly reports and proof of achievement, disburse funding to eligible community-approved projects on a monthly basis, and conduct a mid-term impact report. The success of this milestone will be validated by successful management of project accountability and cohort rewards, timely disbursement of funds to eligible projects, and completion of a mid-term impact report.
5. Milestone 5 - Project Accountability Management and Annual Project Impact Report (9-12 months): We aim to prepare for future growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem. We will continue project accountability and cohort management for rewards and funding distribution, prepare funding files based on submissions of monthly reports and proof of achievement, disburse funding to eligible community-approved projects, complete an annual impact report, and develop a preliminary strategy for managing future funds (Fund 11, 12, 13, etc.). The success of this milestone will be validated by successful management of project accountability and cohort rewards, timely disbursement of funds to eligible projects, completion of an annual impact report, and development of a strategic plan for future fund management.

Our project management approach is iterative and agile, with a strong focus on community engagement and continuous improvement. We will use project management tools to track our progress and ensure we are meeting our milestones on time and within budget. We will also maintain open lines of communication with the Cardano community, regularly soliciting feedback and making adjustments as needed to ensure the success of our project.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Our project is designed to be executed in several key stages, each with its own set of deliverables and intended outcomes. These stages are designed to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Catalyst Fund, with a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

Here are the deliverables, outputs, and intended outcomes for each milestone:

Milestone 1: Team Assembly and Role Definition (0-1 month)

Deliverables: A finalized team with clear roles and responsibilities, established communication and project management tools, and internal workflows.

Outcome: A well-structured and efficient team ready to start the initiative and drive it forward. We will measure the success of this milestone by the timely assembly of the team and the establishment of effective communication and project management systems.

Milestone 2: Technical Infrastructure Evaluation and Development (1-2 months)

Deliverables: A comprehensive evaluation of the existing tools, defined technical requirements and architecture, and further developed web-based tools for proposal submission and fund distribution.

Outcome: A robust technical infrastructure capable of handling proposal submissions and fund distribution securely and efficiently. The success of this milestone will be measured by the successful development and deployment of the necessary technical infrastructure.

Milestone 3: Post-Funding Operations for Fund 10 (2-6 months)

Deliverables: Successful marketing and promotion of funded projects, onboarding of funded-proposal cohort, and their smooth integration into the Catalyst ecosystem.

Outcome: An engaged Cardano community and a smooth transition for the funded projects from Fund 10. We will measure the success of this milestone by the number of successfully onboarded and integrated projects and the level of community engagement.

Milestone 4: Project Accountability Management and Mid-term Project Impact Evaluation (6-9 months)

Deliverables: Successful management of project accountability and cohort rewards, timely disbursement of funds to eligible projects, and a mid-term impact report.

Outcome: A transparent and accountable system that fosters innovation within the Cardano ecosystem. The success of this milestone will be measured by the number of projects that receive timely funding and the insights gained from the mid-term impact report.

Milestone 5: Project Accountability Management and Annual Project Impact Report (9-12 months)

Deliverables: Continued project accountability and cohort management for rewards and funding distribution, timely disbursement of funds to eligible projects, an annual impact report, and a strategic plan for future fund management.

Outcome: A fully operational and optimized Catalyst Fund that effectively supports the growth of the Cardano ecosystem and is prepared for future growth. The success of this milestone will be measured by the number of projects that receive timely funding, the insights gained from the annual impact report, and the development of a strategic plan for future fund management.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

The budget is allocated across various milestones and tasks that are crucial for the successful execution of the project. Here's how we break it down:

• Team Assembly and Role Definition (0-1 month): 300,000 ADA

This includes team formation, defining roles and responsibilities, setting up communication and project management tools, and establishing internal workflows.

• Technical Infrastructure Development (1-2 months): 400,000 ADA

This covers the costs associated with defining technical requirements, optimizing existing tools for proposal submission and fund distribution, and ensuring the security of blockchain transactions.

• Pilot Run and Initial Operation (2-3 months): 200,000 ADA

This budget will be used for conducting a pilot run of the proposal submission process, onboarding proposals, and distributing initial funds to approved projects.

• Community Engagement and Feedback Collection (3-6 months): 240,000 ADA

This budget is allocated for running community engagement activities, collecting feedback from community members and funded projects, and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the current processes.

• Process Improvement and Sustainability (6-9 months): 300,000 ADA

This budget will be used for implementing improvements based on feedback and evaluation, developing a sustainable model for Catalyst operations, and continuing to accept proposals and conduct voting rounds.

• Project Accountability Management and Mid-term Project Impact Evaluation (9-10 months): 200,000 ADA

This budget will be used for project accountability and cohort management for rewards and funding distribution, preparation of funding files based on submissions of monthly reports and proof of achievement, disbursement of funding to eligible community-approved projects on a monthly basis, and mid-term impact report report data gathering and discovery, analysis of data, design and production of mid-term reporting format.

• Project Accountability Management and Annual Project Impact Report (10-12 months): 300,000 ADA

This budget will be used for project accountability and cohort management for rewards and funding distribution, preparation of funding files based on submissions of monthly reports and proof of achievement, disbursement of funding to eligible community-approved projects, annual impact report data gathering and discovery, analysis of data, design and production of annual report, and development of a preliminary strategy for managing future funds (Fund 11, 12, 13, etc.)

• Contingency: 200,000 ADA

This budget is allocated for any unforeseen costs or challenges that may arise during the project.

The total budget for our proposal is 2,140,000 ADA. We believe this budget is realistic and provides excellent value for money, given the scope and potential impact of our project. We are committed to managing the funds responsibly and transparently, and to delivering the best possible outcomes for the Cardano ecosystem.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Our project, "Catalyst Evolution," is budgeted at 2,140,000 ADA, which we believe represents excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem. This budget has been carefully calculated based on the scope of the project, the complexity of the tasks involved, and the level of expertise required from our team members. The costs are in line with the average wage for software developers and blockchain experts in our country, ensuring fair compensation for the team.

The value for the Cardano ecosystem is multifold. Firstly, our project will streamline the Catalyst process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. This will encourage more community members to participate, fostering innovation and growth within the ecosystem. 

Secondly, our collaboration with the Internet Native Organization will bring in external expertise and learnings, further enhancing the value of the project. 

Thirdly, the transparency and accountability we aim to bring to the Catalyst process will build trust and confidence in the ecosystem, attracting more users and investors to Cardano. 

Lastly, our project will provide a robust and reliable infrastructure for the Catalyst Fund, ensuring its smooth operation and long-term sustainability. 

In summary, while the costs are substantial, they are justified by the significant benefits and value our project will bring to the Cardano ecosystem. We are committed to delivering a high-quality project that will contribute to the growth and success of the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept