AMPD - A crypto-crowdfunding and subscription-based platform to support creators

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Bruno Aveiro

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

knokers.u25@gmail.com

Additional applicants

Jeremie

David

Flavio

Max

Matthew

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

6

[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.” .

Outsourcing auditing of Smart Contract and overall platform security- we believe outsourcing to external experts will offer an additional layer of scrutiny, ensuring the platform's safety and integrity before delivery which directly impacts the trust our users have in our services.

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

No

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

The code for the dApps will be kept private, except for all blockchain-related code, which includes the smart contract implementations.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

dApp

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

We believe in the power of accessibility—not just to technology, but also to opportunities. The internet and specifically the Web3 space hold a lot of potential for creators to express, share, and earn. But the complex tech and unstable income can hinder this potential. That's why we're focusing on making our platform easy to use. We're taking down the barriers so creators can reach their potential, and we're making sure they can earn in a stable and reliable way.

To solve these problems, we're making blockchain easy to understand and use. We're also giving creators multiple and reliable ways to earn. Think of it as taking the best bits of platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter, and enhancing them with blockchain's benefits like security and transparency.

Our platform is perfect for creators who are already in the Web3 space or want to join, and for their supporters. It's a safe and engaging place for supporters to help their favourite creators directly. Plus, it's a space that encourages discovery and interaction between creators and supporters.

We'll measure our success by the number of creators and supporters on our platform, the consistency of creators' income, and the interaction between creators and supporters.

What sets us apart will be our user-friendly approach. And the unique ways for creators to earn, and supporters to contribute, such as crowdfunding and subscription models, making income more stable and contributions more direct and secure.

Our platform is a win for Cardano too, because it expands its ecosystem, drawing in more users. It aligns with Cardano's vision of a secure, scalable, and sustainable blockchain system and showcases its potential as a leading platform for decentralised applications.

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

Our solution directly tackles this challenge by developing an innovative product designed to enhance the Cardano ecosystem and open new avenues of user adoption. We have identified creators—a high-impact demographic—as a significant potential user base.

In the existing creative economy, platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter have been successful. Patreon reported 200,000 active creators and 6 million patrons in 2020, paying over $2 billion to creators since it started. Kickstarter's project-based funding model has raised over $5 billion for over 189,000 projects from 18 million backers.

Our platform combines the best of these models: Patreon's predictable, recurring income, and Kickstarter's crowd-sourced, project-based funding, but with added advantages of blockchain technology. This combination allows creators more avenues to earn, supporters varied ways to contribute, and mitigates risks such as unfulfilled project promises.

Our unique fusion of models will potentially attract a sizable portion of the already thriving creator and supporter community into the Cardano ecosystem. If we convert even a modest 1% of the combined active user base of Patreon and Kickstarter, this could mean about 240,000 new users for Cardano. With the assurance of blockchain's security and transparency, we anticipate these numbers will continue to grow.

This addition to Cardano's user base will increase transaction volume, boosting the network's overall activity and robustness. Our project also aligns with Cardano's philosophy of decentralization and economic inclusivity, thereby enhancing its standing as a blockchain leader.

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

Ampd's innovation brings several benefits to the Cardano ecosystem. In the short term, increased adoption of Ampd by creators from both Web2 and Web3 will showcase the viability of Cardano as a platform for decentralized applications. This will contribute to Cardano's productivity and growth by expanding its user base and attracting more developers and projects to the ecosystem.

Our success will be measured by the number of new accounts set up on our platform providing a quantitative measure of user adoption. Additionally, tracking the number of creators using Ampd and their feedback on the platform's usability and benefits will provide qualitative insights into user satisfaction and the impact on their creative processes.

In the long term, Ampd's success will further enhance Cardano's productivity and growth by strengthening its reputation as a blockchain platform supporting creator-focused applications. This will attract a diverse range of creators and supporters, fostering an inclusive and vibrant ecosystem.

Measuring the number of new wallets linked to Ampd will also indicate the growth of Cardano's user base and the increased adoption of its native cryptocurrency, ADA. Additionally, gathering feedback from users about their experience with Ampd and their opinions on Cardano's ecosystem will provide valuable insights into the platform's impact on productivity and growth.

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

We have a comprehensive plan to share the progress of the project with the community.

Over a reasonable timeline, we will utilize various channels to communicate project updates, impact, and opportunities. This includes regular updates on our website, engaging with the community through social media platforms like Twitter, Medium posts, and the platform itself. We will also host AMA’s (Ask Me Anything) sessions to address questions and gather feedback.

Through our social media presence, we will share milestones, achievements, and success stories of creators on the Ampd platform. We will collaborate with influencers and content creators to showcase the benefits and impact of Ampd. Additionally, we will actively participate in relevant industry events, conferences, and forums to share our insights and experiences.

The results generated from the project will inform our further research and development activities. We will analyze user feedback and market trends to identify areas of improvement and future enhancements. This data will guide us in refining the platform, introducing new features, and expanding our offerings based on the needs and preferences of our community.

Our goal is to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous communication with the community. We are committed to sharing the outputs, impact, and opportunities from the project to keep everyone involved informed and engaged.

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

Our team has worked together for more than 2 years and is a dynamic blend of technical proficiency, strategic acumen, creativity, and strong communication, united by a common vision. Our synergy propels efficient work, equipping us to pioneer in the swiftly changing Web3 landscape. Our shared commitment is to deliver an exceptional, user-centric product.

Max - With over a decade of business development experience and a passion for Web3, Max provides the operational efficiency and strategic direction required for a Web3 platform. His knack for business development, UI/UX design, and product creation helps guide the team to create a seamless, user-friendly interface that appeals to creators.

Bruno - As the Product Manager, Brunos' unique perspective from a non-technical background, coupled with his visionary approach, ensures the product aligns with user needs and meets the goal of demystifying Web3. He provides the guidance and strategic direction for the product, helping to define what features and functionalities are necessary.

Jeremie - Jeremie's extensive software development experience and expertise in blockchain technology are crucial in developing a secure and efficient platform. He ensures that the platform remains up-to-date with the latest blockchain technologies, which are key for a Web3 platform.

David - David's broad experience in front-end and back-end development ensures that the platform operates smoothly across all layers. His entrepreneurial background gives him insight into both the technical and business aspects of the platform, allowing him to ensure that the technical operations support the platform's broader strategic goals.

Flavio - Flavio's expertise in graphic design, illustration, and visual storytelling brings aesthetics and functionality together on the platform. His work will help create a visually appealing and intuitive platform that makes Web3 more approachable for creators.

Matthew - Matthew's experience in social media and the Web3 sphere is invaluable for engaging with users and keeping them informed about the platform. His communication skills will help build a community around the platform and attract more creators to the platform.

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

Our approach's feasibility will be evaluated through a blend of quantitative metrics like user adoption rates and financial outcomes, and qualitative measures such as user satisfaction and community engagement. We'll be consistently monitoring and analyzing data, and using user feedback to help us gauge whether our goals are being achieved and make any necessary adjustments to ensure our project's success.

Our primary goals include:

Boosting User Adoption: We aim to attract a significant number of creators and supporters to our platform. We'll measure our success by monitoring the growth in the number of new accounts, active users, and engagement metrics such as content creation and interactions.

Improving Platform Usability: Our goal is to provide a seamless, intuitive experience for creators and supporters, as demonstrated by user satisfaction. We'll assess this through feedback surveys, user testing, and monitoring platform usage patterns.

Building a Supportive Community: We aim to nurture a vibrant, engaged community of creators and supporters. Community growth, engagement levels, and feedback about members' sense of belonging and support will serve as our metrics for success.

With our team's technical expertise, we're confident in our ability to build a user-friendly platform with robust functionality. Continuous user feedback and testing will be essential for iterating and improving our platform's usability. To ensure the platform's integrity and security, we will also collaborate with external auditors and security experts.

[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.

☑ Milestone 1: Planning and Research (Duration: 1.5 months)

- Market research and analysis

- Set up project management tools and communication channels

- Initial user journey and MVPs laid out

- Establishing the server infrastructure required for testing and launching the initial (MVP).

Success criteria : Clear path and map for a powerful platform that fills a void missing in web3 and web2

Estimated price : 35,000 ADA (COMPLETE)

☐ Milestone 2: Backend and Blockchain (Duration: 3 months)

- CRUD and APIs for user and creators/project accounts

- Wallet integration into web3 accounts

- Smart contract escrow subscription testnet

- Account management with escrow subscription contract

- Smart contract audit

- API audit

Success criteria : Backend and contract pass audit, able to connect multiple wallets to one account and manage as need be the contract

Estimated price : 100,000 ADA

☐ Milestone 3: User Interface and Experience Design (Duration: 2 months)

- Conduct user research and create user personas (creator, subscriber, projects)

- Design intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces

- Develop wireframes and interactive prototypes

- Gather feedback through usability testing and iterate on designs

Success criteria : User-friendly and aesthetically pleasing UI/UX designed and confirmed

Estimated price : 60,000 ADA

☐ Milestone 4: Frontend Development and Integration (Duration: 3 months)

- Implement UI/UX from Milestone 3 and ensure design is solid, iterate on design as need be

- Connect to the backend and contracts

- Execute features for user registration, content creation, and support basic interactions on creators/projects

- Ensure responsive design and cross-browser compatibility

- Perform rigorous testing and debugging throughout

Success criteria : Fully functional and seamless frontend integration with creator and user experience working

Estimated price : 100,000 ADA

☐ Milestone 5: Marketing and Community Building (Duration: Ongoing)

- Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy and branding guidelines

- Create promotional materials, including website content, blog posts, and social media assets

- Launch targeted advertising campaigns to attract creators and supporters

- Engage with the community through AMA sessions, events, and partnerships

Success criteria : Growing user base, increased brand visibility, and positive community engagement

Estimated price : 32,000 ADA

☐ Milestone 6: User Adoption and Growth (Duration: Ongoing)

- Continuously monitor user adoption and engagement metrics

- Analyse user feedback and iterate on the platform to enhance user experience

- Implement strategies to attract more creators and supporters

- Expand cross-chain integration to reach a wider audience

- Connect to cross-chain wallets and add them to user account so they can login with that wallet

- Allow for swaps to integrate with cardano smart contracts, so user is not required to explicitly use ADA

Success criteria : Steady growth in user adoption, increased platform usage, and positive user feedback as well as onboarding users to Cardano and ideally they don't even know it is a web3 product

Estimated price : Ongoing operational expenses

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

Our team is driven by a meticulous and professional approach, with each milestone dedicated to accomplishing specific objectives and delivering tangible results. To keep the community informed, we will provide regular updates through Medium posts and GitHub repository updates.

Here is a summary of the key deliverables and intended outcomes for each milestone:

Milestone 1: Planning and Research

Deliverables: Market research report, project management setup, user journey and MVPs.

Intended outcomes: Clear path for a powerful platform filling a void in web3 space, established project management, and defined user journey and MVPs.

Milestone 2: Backend and Blockchain

Deliverables: CRUD and APIs, wallet integration, escrow subscription testnet, account management, contract and API audit.

Intended outcomes: Audited and secure backend and contracts, multiple wallet integration, successful escrow subscription.

Milestone 3: User Interface and Experience Design

Deliverables: User research, personas, intuitive UI design, wireframes, prototypes, iterative improvements.

Intended outcomes: User-friendly and visually appealing UI/UX, validated design through usability testing.

Milestone 4: Frontend Development and Integration

Deliverables: Implemented UI/UX, backend integration, user registration, content creation, responsive design, testing.

Intended outcomes: Fully functional frontend, seamless integration, core features implemented, cross-device compatibility.

Milestone 5: Marketing and Community Building

Deliverables: Marketing strategy, branding guidelines, promotional materials, targeted advertising, community engagement.

Intended outcomes: Growing user base, increased brand visibility, positive community engagement.

Milestone 6: User Adoption and Growth

Deliverables: User adoption metrics, feedback analysis, iterative improvements, strategies for attracting creators/supporters, cross-chain integration, ADA-free swaps.

Intended outcomes: Steady user adoption, increased platform usage, positive user feedback, onboarding users to Cardano ecosystem.

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

Initial Planning and Research - 35,000 ADA (COMPLETED)

Includes market research, setting up project tools and communication channels, and laying out initial user journey and MVPs.

Backend and Blockchain - 100,000 ADA

Covers development of CRUD and APIs, wallet integration into web3 accounts, smart contract testnet, account management, and contract audits.

User Interface and Experience Design - 60,000 ADA

Consists of user research, UI design, wireframe and prototype development, and usability testing.

Frontend Development and Integration - 100,000 ADA

Includes implementation of UI/UX design, connection to backend and contracts, user registration features, cross-browser compatibility, and rigorous testing.

Marketing and Community Building - 32,000 ADA

Comprises marketing strategy development, content creation, launching advertising campaigns, and community engagement events.

User Adoption and Growth - Ongoing operational expenses - funded by the platform now

Involves monitoring of user metrics, feedback analysis, user growth strategies, cross-chain integration, wallet connections, and integration with Cardano smart contracts for swaps.

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

UI/UX Design (~220h)

• Wireframes
• Branding/ marketing
• Multiple iterations and testing

Frontend (~350h)

• Landing page where projects are promoted
• Login
• Project page
• User page

Backend/Infrastructure (~270h)

• Secure and scalable infrastructure
• Data storage and APIs for multi wallet to userId login solution
• Data storage and APIs related to project and user details
• Cardano node

Blockchain (~300h)

• Smart contract with a novel escrow contract setup for connecting supporters with projects
• dApp connector
• Smart contract audit from trusted 3rd party

Cost on average of 75USD per hour (using USA, Sweden and Switzerland prices) is roughly 305,000 ADA at $0.28 plus extra as contingency fund for any unexpected outflows.

[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