Swamplands: A “Web2.5” App Store that Blends Gaming, Business, DeFi, TradFi, and NFTs

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Basil Zahorodniuk

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

basil.z@codeware.digital

Additional applicants

Andrew Sung

[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?

No

[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.” .

No dependencies.

[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.”

While we expect to open-source certain portions of the project in the future, the decision to keep this closed-source at the beginning, is two-fold:

1. Branding: Part of an effective marketing strategy requires proper branding. Questions such as: “Why is this product different from others? Why does it stand out? Why do I want to be part of this brand/company?” are more relatable and easier to answer when a brand stands out and offers something “different” that others cannot. Ironically, Cardano’s core values of decentralization (and also, open-sourcing products) can work against branding, since many projects move in tandem with very few distinguishing characteristics. Once the Swamplands becomes a recognizable brand and begins bringing people into the ecosystem, we will begin open-sourcing some of the products so that the other projects can help foster the growth of the greater Cardano ecosystem.
2. Dilution: Given the nature of our product (app store/platform), we believe it is more strategic to funnel our target audience to contribute to a single platform first and understand the ecosystem. By open-sourcing the products too soon, other projects will undoubtably create similar platforms, as a way to push their own brand. This ties into the points mentioned above (branding). Products such as the Google Play Store and Apple App Store are recognizable because of branding and retention of market share. Developers choose to upload applications because of the large number of users, and users flock to these apps because of the large number of applications. Dilution can be detrimental to this goal, as there may be too many platforms and a scattered userbase, with none gaining much traction.

When Swamplands gains sufficient traction, some developers will start looking at other places in Cardano and in Web3 to expand their businesses into. At this point, we may open-source our products and applications and help other ecosystems develop.

Lastly, most of the development is already underway, as we were able to secure funds through other means. The funds requested in this proposal are for the purpose of scaling the platform (marketing, advertising, etc) to onboard users, developers, and entrepreneurs. This is further broken down under the “detailed budget breakdown” question, below. 

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

Other

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Onboarding and adoption can be encouraged by utilizing a platform that Cardano users, cross-chain users, and off-chain/IRL users are already familiar with—something that is largely Web2. The Swamplands is off-chain and predominantly Web2, but has elements of Web3 mixed into it (wallet connections, cryptocurrency payment rails, NFT integration, and integration with certain dApps).

It is human nature for people to be risk-adverse and stay within their comfort zones. To bring them into the ecosystem, the Swamplands utilizes technologies that people are familiar with. This is better explained through examples and the functionality:

1. Platform: Swamplands is our gamified dashboard fitted with development tools to upload applications, such as games and stores. On one hand, you have NFT staking, $C4 management, crowd-funding opportunities, and everything that “Web3” has to offer at the moment. On the other hand, it becomes a powerful tool for vendors and developers to expand their brands and businesses into untapped markets through crypto and Web3.
2. Accessibility: Our dashboard has two options to log in: (a) Wallet connection (for wallets that support dApps), or (b) username and password. Users who log into their account using a dApp can also assign a username/password, as an alternative way to log in. For both cases, the dashboard generates an “internal wallet” (aka Dashboard wallet). This internal wallet can be used for all activities within the Swamplands. For example, if a user wants to play a game or purchase something on the Swamplands, they will interact with the applications using their Swamplands wallet (off-chain). If the user chooses to leave the Swamplands or withdraw funds, it will go to their connected dApp wallet (goes on-chain). New vendors and developers can start on the Swamplands immediately, but in order to withdraw funds, they will need to create a Cardano wallet and connect to the Swamplands to do so.
3. Payment rails: We created uex.finance and our stablecoin, $USDC4, to interact with fiat currencies around the world. Uex.finance allows you to swap cryptocurrencies directly into Cardano Fungible Tokens. Fiat on-ramp and off-ramp is currently in the works, and expected to be live later this year, which is directed towards the off-chain audience. While all of the applications on Swamplands will run on $C4, vendors and developers can also utilize $USDC4, which is pegged 1:1 to USDC. Businesses can operate on $USDC4, which provides a sense of familiarity for cross-chain users with USDC, and for off-chain users that transact business in USD.

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

Swamplands is our scaling solution for user acquisition, with an emphasis on B2C interactions. Swamplands is not intended to be a fully-immersive Web3 experience. The foundation is largely Web2 with some Web3 elements mixed into it, and this was done intentionally. Why? Because onboarding is easier when users use familiar software. Instead of pitching the next big shiny object, we are providing services to the equivalent of an app store. Anyone with an existing Web2 brand will be able to upload their APIs into the Swamplands without downloading a wallet, getting ADA, and/or learning the basics of Web3. Account creation on our dashboard can be done by connecting a wallet (dApp), or by creating a username/password instead. In both cases, the dashboard will automatically create an “internal dashboard wallet” for the user, which can be used to interact within the Swamplands. Adding or withdrawing funds can be done with our exchange, which is built into the Swamplands as part of the payment layer. Users who are not familiar with the basics of Web3 will be able to learn this through our system. If they like what they’ve experienced and see other opportunities, they will be able to venture out of Swamplands and explore the plethora of other projects that the ecosystem has to offer. We expect the first developers to come from the Cardano (NFT) ecosystem, since the first scaling solution for Swamplands was to unify the Cardano NFT space through the use of "Living Lands", which already provides exposure to other prominent projects/products in the ecosystem.

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

We will be focusing on several different metrics to determine the health of the Swamplands. In no particular order:

a. Swamplands user activity;

b. Swamplands vendor/developer activity;

c. Cardano Crocs Club (CCC) social media activity (Discord, Twitter, etc);

d. Feedback from vendors, developers, and users;

e. Feedback from CCC holders;

f.  Feedback from other Cardano NFT projects developing on Swamplands;

g. Feedback from other Cardano projects (non-NFT) developing on Swamplands;

h. Engagement from potential builders, clients, partners, backers/sponsors, etc.

i. CCC holder count;

j. $C4 wallet holder count;

k. Total profits/revenue generated (to determine growth and sustainability)

Most of these metrics are indicators of project growth. As these metrics rise, we will have stronger cases for marketing and expansion.

Swamplands benefits Cardano in several ways:

1. The Swamplands allows over 300 different policy IDs for Cardano NFT projects to be staked and earn $C4 daily. All vendors and developers that utilize the Swamplands will already be exposed to this demographic.
2. From a marketing perspective, Swamplands serves as a “proof of concept” that development on Cardano is ongoing. Swamplands is unique, since potential developers/vendors do not need extensive knowledge of Web3 and cryptocurrency coding languages to get started. Anyone familiar with traditional business models and Web2 development can engage with the Swamplands with little to no additional effort.
3. As Swamplands gains traction and scales, we plan to open-source portions of our code and products, to enable other projects on Cardano to follow in our footsteps and allow them to create their own niche ecosystems. As more projects form, new brands will be made that will reach a larger audience collectively.

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

The outputs and results of the Swamplands will be pretty apparent, as metrics like user activity, developer/vendor activity, and notable key players (sponsors, partners, etc) will all be announced publicly. Today, you can find several members of our project on Twitter spaces, and the Discord server. There will be a heavy emphasis on socializing, networking, and building partnerships at future in-person events, both in the Web3 and IRL setting.

We have been transparent with our plans since the inception of our project, and have no plans to change this. We will be happy to answer any questions regarding our journey, the implementation of Swamplands, and technical questions pertaining to the above-referenced metrics when asked.

Swamplands will provide us with several data points, which will use to further the project. For example, the type of development occurring on Swamplands, the type of content/products that users are consuming, and general sentiment around different announcements will give us feedback on the ecosystem. These are similar metrics that we’ve used to navigate the NFT scene as well, and we strive to better each day.

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

We’ve developed, or partnered with others to develop, the following products that utilize $C4, our Cardano Fungible Token:

1. Poker platform utilizing $C4;
2. Uex.finance exchange (not limited to $C4, but first to support Cardano Fungible Tokens);
3. VPN service (currently Android devices only, but desktop and IOS in the works)
4. Cardano NFT Sweeping Tool / Cardano NFT Trading Bot;

Through trial-and-error, we’ve assembled a team of over 20 people, ranging from artists, developers, project managers, founders, and Discord managers/moderators that share the vision of Swamplands and want to create this ecosystem. Together, we have an extensive background in the TradFi world, and DeFi ecosystems on other blockchains, and hope to integrate everything through the Swamplands.

Other products in development, which are expected to be live later this year, include the following:

1. Blockchain File Hosting Service;
2. Lending Application;
3. NFT Image Generator;
4. NFT Minting Tool;
5. IRL Restaurant that utilizes $C4 as a payment method;
6. Streaming Platform;
7. Swamp Tanks (game)
8. Several Casino-themed games;
9. Gangster Croc City (game);
10. Crocs Dropz (game)
11. Croc Pot (digital/in-person game show);

These products are in various phases of development, and expected to launch later this year. (The development of these products will not be influenced by the outcome of this Catalyst proposal.)

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

The Swamplands has several goals, but the main objective is to create an interactive ecosystem that “bridges Web2 to Web3” (like how every project is trying to do). It is a “Web 2.5” app store that puts gaming, business, DeFi, TradFi, and NFTs under one roof. The target audience is developers, gamers, entrepreneurs, and business/brand owners. To describe how this is possible, a summary of what makes up the Swamplands is first necessary:

Swamplands is made up of three (3) parts: Living Lands, Recreational Lands, and Commercial Lands. (Note: all three types of Lands take the form of Cardano NFTs).

The Living Lands tailor towards the NFT community and provide a gamified dashboard experience. The purpose of Living Lands is to “unify the Cardano NFT scene”. This was made possible by allowing other Cardano projects to stake their NFTs for our token, $C4, which brings them into the ecosystem at no cost to them. In the future, Croc NFTs staked on Living Lands may passively bring “gifts” to their users’ wallets, adding to the gamified experience. Living Lands have eight (8) levels, with higher levels provide greater staking rewards (capped at Level 5), and with different value propositions available for Levels 6, 7, and 8.

Recreational Lands are development tools, serving as the “application layer” for Swamplands. Recreational Lands are where the applications reside. Anyone who owns a Recreational Land can upload their applications onto Swamplands through our APIs.

Commercial Lands are development tools, serving as the “payment layer” for Swamplands. By default, all payment will be processed through $C4. But with Commercial Lands, users can link their applications on Recreational Lands to other payment methods. For example, instead of $C4, they can use our stablecoin, $USDC4.

Together, Recreational Lands and Commercial Lands fulfill the second and third purposes goals of Swamplands, which is to enable cross-chain interaction and Web2/off-chain businesses interactions, respectively. At the moment, we have several members from our own community and other Cardano-project communities, building applications on Swamplands. Additionally, we have several entities waiting to build on Swamplands, once the cross-chain interoperability is fully in place.

Two metrics to validate the effectiveness of this project are user activity and transaction volume. As the Swamplands opens up to a larger audience, we will market/advertise it accordingly to the appropriate audience. Over time, the general interest and development on Swamplands will increase, and we will be monitoring these increases to see which strategies are most effective.

[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.

Past Milestones

October 2021 – Project inception and Cardano Crocs Club collection mint

October-December 2021 – Burning Event for the Cardano Crocs Club collection (supply was reduced from 10,000 to 7,700; a total of 4,600 NFTs were burned, and 2,300 new NFTs were minted)

January 2022 – Staking launch for $C4

March 2022 – Radioactive Crocs Club mint

Summer 2022 – Baby Crocs Club breeding game

October 2022 – Poker Platform (Version #1) launch, team expansion, C4 Player Pass mint, upgraded dashboard features and capabilities

October-December 2022 – Swamplands (Living, Recreational, Commercial Lands NFTs) presale

December 2022 – Living Lands staking for $C4 launch (and NFT withdrawals for Living Lands)

January-February 2023 – Acquired IPs for KNFTY World, Happy Tiger Club, and Baby Alien Club (Cardano NFT projects)

March 2023 – $C4 funding opportunities launch

April 2023 – VPN service launch

May 2023 – Uex.finance (USDC4 exchange) launch, Creation of “NET Technology LLC” (the parent company for everything CCC and acquired projects)

June 2023 – APIs for Recreational Lands launch (Recreational Land NFTs not available yet)

July 2023 – Croc Bonds launch (corporate Bonds, backed by NET Technology LLC), USDC4 launch

Future Milestones

Blockchain File Hosting Service, NFT Image Generator, NFT Minting Tool (July-August 2023 expected)

Lending App launch (August-September 2023 expected)

Croc Pot launch (a show similar to Shark Tank; objective is to provide projects (outside of crypto/NFTs) with funding, marketing, and general help during this economic downturn) – September 2023 expected

Marketing, advertising, promoting Swamplands (conferences, in-person crypto events, partnerships/collaborations with existing brands) – September 2023 onwards

Multiple games (Swamp Tanks, Gangster Croc City, Crocs Dropz, several casino-themed games) – July-December 2023

(All applications listed above are in various stages of development already, and will be released appropriately).

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

Blockchain File Hosting Service, NFT Image Generator, NFT Minting Tool

Finalize development and release three services, available for purchase in $C4 or USD/USDC4. The description of deliverable is self-explanatory—they will be alternative products available on the market, created to tailor towards NFT projects and holders.

Lending Application

Creation of a lending application that supports Cardano NFTs, ADA, and other cryptocurrencies. This lending application combines elements of TradFi and DeFi, and is intended for users to leverage their assets to explore the Swamplands and the rest of the Cardano ecosystem. Our expectation is that lending applications like these will become more prevalent as the Cardano DeFi gets larger (as seen on other blockchains), and we are positioning ourselves for this result. The lending application will support other cryptocurrencies as well, bringing exposure to a new audience that would otherwise never interact with Cardano NFTs or Cardano DeFi.

Croc Pot Show

This show will have a similar structure to the popular TV show, "Shark Tank", with the objective of providing projects with funding, marketing, and general help/direction. This is not limited to Cardano projects, nor is it limited to Web3. The target audience is existing projects/products/services that just need a little push during the economic downturn, but otherwise have a good chance of being profitable/sustainable. As part of the agreement, we will integrate these projects with Swamplands, which allows for our ecosystem to grow alongside their release. The objective of Croc Pot is three-fold:

1. Provide a pathway for success for projects that may be struggling largely due to the macro-economic conditions.
2. Expansion of the Swamplands by onboarding businesses that would otherwise never be exposed to cryptocurrency, Web3, blockchain, or the like.
3. Introduce the Cardano ecosystem to the same types of businesses mentioned above in #2.

Games/Gaming

Multiple games are being created by CCC, partners, or community members. These games have their own timelines, with some being closer to completion than others. These games will be found on Swamplands, and expected to release between now and December 2023.

The release of each item/product/service is expected to increase the use-cases of Swamplands, with each one targeting a slightly different audience/userbase.

Marketing/Advertising

The above-referenced products and services serve as the core of the platform, and the objective is to work with other existing brands to push the platform into the market through “traditional means”. We already have several entities willing to work with us (pending proof of concept). We will leverage these brands to attract like-minded builders to the Swamplands, and into the greater Cardano ecosystem.

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

Development Costs – Secured and covered through prior NFT mints/secondary sales, partnerships, collaborations, angel investors, and through self-funding.

Marketing Costs – $60,000 USD (207,000 ADA)

This cost includes the following: 6 conferences/networking events, with 2-5 people attending each, 2-3 booths, several media kits, and other forms of advertisement/marketing (publications/adverts/strategic promotions).

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

Many people are driven by incentives. Right now, there are few “reasons” for developers and users to participate in the Cardano ecosystem. Swamplands is one potential avenue to address this issue. The costs shown in this proposal are limited to marketing, advertising, and attending conferences, and overall, spreading the word about the Swamplands. We've already made many successful interactions at several in-person conferences, in which people were pleasantly surprised that we were developing on Cardano, and wanted to contribute once Swamplands was live. The costs represent reimbursable expenses for average networking events and are considered fair. Even if no long-term relationships are formed during these events, Swamplands as a working proof of concept shows that development is happening on the Cardano ecosystem at rates that some may not be aware of.

[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