VAULT3 - The web3 data gating service. Use native tokens and wallets as keys to unlock confidential data.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Vito Melchionna

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

info@granadapool.com

Additional applicants

Aaron Schmid, Carolina Isler (a.k.a. LaPetiteADA)

[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.” .

IPFS service provider (decentralized storage).

[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.”

Our solution's architecture and implementation are quite innovative and thus we would like to keep it closed source in the first stages of the project. However, our vision is to make VAULT3 trustless and fully decentralized (development and governance), which means becoming open source in the future.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

RealFi

[METADATA] SDG rating

n/a

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Most web services lack effective solutions for sharing confidential data with large audiences. File-sharing apps only allow you to share data with a static list of email addresses, which poses a significant challenge for content creators and their communities.

However, by leveraging the power of blockchain, we can develop a data-gating solution that addresses these limitations. Through the use of wallets and native assets, content creators will be able to securely and efficiently share exclusive files with their audience. This not only unlocks the potential for RealFi utility for NFTs and fungible tokens but also introduces novel ways to engage with web3 communities.

For example, artists will use VAULT3 to share music or video pre-releases exclusively to NFT holders, rewarding them for their loyalty and support while generating hype on social media platforms. Similarly, organizations can launch campaigns with giveaways that are accessible only to utility token holders, offering them extra value.

With our users in mind, we are actively developing a user-friendly, lightweight multichain data-gating solution. Our impact becomes evident as influencers, content creators, and organizations utilize VAULT3 to amplify their interaction with their communities, thus adding RealFi utility to native tokens effortlessly.

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

VAULT3 brings an innovative solution that not only enhances the capabilities of Cardano's native assets and wallets to unlock new use cases in the space for CNFT and RealFi projects, but it will also create a new way how enterprises and content creators (artists, influencers, etc.) interact with their customers and communities.

VAULT3 will offer. by introducing dynamic access policies to share confidential data with large groups of users. Our goal is to create a tool for mass adoption by providing a web2 user experience that's powered by web3 technology.

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

We defined key success milestones based on the number of users (content creators and receivers), shared data (bandwidth), and supported platforms to measure the success of VAULT3.

Short-term KPIs (Q3 2023):

+ 100 monthly active users

+ [10 TB] shared (bandwidth)

+ Multichain (Cardano and EVM chains)

Mid-term KPIs (2024):

+ 1000 monthly active users

+ [100 TB] shared (bandwidth)

+ Multichain (other main chains)

Long-term KPIs (2025):

+ 10000 monthly active users

+ 1000 TB shared (bandwidth)

+ Cross-platform (multichain + web2)

We are a user-focused solution, so our main goal is to become a positioned brand in the file-sharing market because of our value and utility for the users. Similarly to WeTransfer, we want that our users become our strongest ambassadors and recommend VAULT3 to their loved ones because they enjoy using the app.

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

Since this project is developed by Cardano SPOs, our plan is to build strong partnerships within the Cardano ecosystem. VAULT3 should be a tool that won't only enhance the RealFi utility of Cardano's native assets but also revolutionize the way how content creators interact with their communities.

After delivering the proposed milestones, we plan to share the project’s outputs with well-known Cardano artists and influencers, as well as NFT projects and meme coins to build a strong user base that will profit from the value that our project will bring to the space.

The latest stages of the project include multichain support to increase the reach of VAULT3 to a bigger market by simply integrating new wallets and chains. However, our ultimate goal is to bring web3 data gating to the masses by building web2 integrations with social media platforms like Discord, Twitter, and Instagram to further enhance the use cases of our solution and to bridge the technical gap.

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

Who are we

The VAULT3 team features on-chain confidentiality experts with a strong background in full-stack web development and data science. We also count on the support of LaPetiteADA, a well-known SPO and Cardano influencer, advising us on marketing, community management, and use cases for content creators. 

What we have built in the past

We are seasoned web developers with more than 10 years of joined experience. We have in our web3 portfolio a confidential NFT launchpad called Geniish on the Oasis Network, which was built in less than 6 months. During, the development of Geniish, we also won second place in a 5-day hackathon with a confidential web3 chat called Momentum which uses Oasis' Sapphire ParaTime.

Cardano SPOs and builders

Furthermore, Vito Melchionna and Carolina Isler (LaPetiteADA) are the SPOs of GranADA Pool, and they are also active members of the Climate Neutral Cardano Alliance. In collaboration with the Tetikasa Ala NGO, this alliance of SPOs created the CNC Ala. Which is a permaculture project in Madagascar planting 100k trees to offset Cardano's CO2 emissions, while improving the food security of local communities. This project was funded with donations (25% of each SPO's rewards) via the world's first impact staking ISPO in collaboration with NEWM, Yummi Universe, Cardano Proxies, Earth Natives, Mada's Lemurs, and DripDropz.

Steps and processes

We will implement the SCRUM framework for the agile development of the product. By defining 3-week sprints with set goals, features, and working time, we can easily keep track of the progress and fund distribution to successfully deliver VAULT3 within the expected period. We aim to sync our project management process with Catalyst's committee to provide full transparency on the development and to keep track of the invested funds.

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

VAULT3 brings an innovative solution that not only enhances the capabilities of Cardano's native assets and wallets to unlock new use cases in the space for CNFT and RealFi projects, but it will also create a new way how enterprises and content creators (artists, influencers, etc.) interact with their customers and communities. 

By introducing dynamic access policies to share confidential data with large groups of users. Our goal is to create a tool for mass adoption by providing a web2 user experience that's powered by 

web3 technology.

The impact of our solution on the Cardano ecosystem brings several benefits:

1. Increase adoption: VAULT3 aims to drive increased adoption of Cardano's native assets and wallets by providing a user-friendly and seamless experience for data sharing. With dynamic access policies and secure file sharing, we attract individuals, content creators, and enterprises to join the Cardano ecosystem, contributing to its growth and expansion.
2. Community Engagement: VAULT3 revolutionizes the way content creators and organizations engage with their communities. Through our platform, they can share exclusive content, pre-releases, personal notes, and unedited material, fostering a closer and more personal bond with their audience. This enhanced community engagement leads to increased loyalty, higher levels of interaction, and ultimately, a thriving and active Cardano community.
3. Bring RealFi utility: VAULT3 revolutionizes the concept of RealFi utility within the Cardano ecosystem, offering seamless integration of utility for token holders, particularly in the realm of NFTs. We recognize that NFTs hold immense potential beyond their traditional use as digital collectibles. With VAULT3, NFTs become more than just unique assets; they become keys to exclusive data and experiences.

VAULT3 serves a large market of +9000 existing CNFT projects. Additionally, successful Cardano influencers and protocols can leverage our solution to provide more value to their communities.

As NFTs transition to RealFi utility, the project holds significant promise. More content creators and organizations are realizing the importance of offering real-life value and personalized experiences to their token holders, which will drive the adoption of VAULT3. With this growing recognition and the platform's unique features, the project is expected to experience substantial growth and success.

[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 0: Project kickstart [completed]

• Market research on Cardano ecosystem and web3 (potential partners and competitors).
• Define target audience, vision, and mission, value proposition.
• Define business cases and solution architecture.
• Define go-to-market strategy
• Branding, social media accounts, and coming soon landing.
• White Paper V1.
• Project implementation timeline, key milestones, and budget.
• Submit Catalyst proposal for Fund 10.

>Timeline: 3 weeks

>Acceptance Criteria: Complete project planning, scope, timeline, and budget. Clear Refined value proposition and project goals, team responsibilities. VAULT3 closes a successful pre-seed funding round with Catalyst Fund 10.

>Budget: ₳53’600 / €8’100 (around 160 hours of work)

Milestone 1: Proof of concept

• Create use cases and mockups for the MVP.
• Choose and document technical architecture.
• Implement a proof of concept.
• Establish key partnerships (influencers, dapps, NFT projects, ecosystem wallets).
• Define marketing strategy for first campaigns.

>Timeline: 1 month

>Acceptance Criteria: Clear understanding of how the platform works, confirm market fit and user base. Functional proof of concept.

>Budget: ₳101’200 / €15’200 (around 280 hours of work)

Milestone 1.1: Development started

• Project Infrastructure
• Codebase setup
• CI/CD
• Automatic testing
• Database
• Account creation, login, and management

>Timeline: 1 month

>Acceptance Criteria: Infrastructure setup and available on a private GitHub repo. Account creation, login, and management implemented.

>Budget: ₳142’300 / €21’400 (around 290 hours of work)

Milestone 1.2: Spaces

• Spaces implementation

>Timeline: 1 month

>Acceptance Criteria: Spaces can be created, viewed, modified, and deleted.

>Budget: ₳130’600 / €19’600 (around 260 hours of work)

Milestone 1.3: Files

• Files implementation
• Files are stored encrypted on IPFS

>Timeline: 1 month

>Acceptance Criteria: Files can be created, viewed, modified, and deleted. Files are linked to Spaces. Files are stored encrypted on IPFS.

>Budget: ₳130’600 / €19’600 (around 260 hours of work)

Milestone 1.4: Access policies 

• Access policies framework implementation
• Implement access policies for
• Native token owner
• Wallet whitelist
• Bug fixing and starting beta testing with selected creators.

>Timeline: 1 month

>Acceptance Criteria: Access policies can be created, viewed, modified, and deleted. Access policies are linked to Spaces. The native token owner policy checks if a wallet owns a specific token and only then allows access. The wallet whitelist policy checks if the wallet is on a whitelist. Access to spaces can be given via URL where the visitor first has to prove one of the linked access policies. Beta testing started with selected creators.

>Budget: ₳144’500 / €21’700 (around 280 hours of work)

Milestone 2: MVP community

• Pay-as-you-go implementation. Creators are charged monthly on the amount of storage and bandwidth used. 
• First marketing campaigns for Cardano community (brand awareness and community growth).
• Public stable release of the product.

>Timeline: 1 month

>Acceptance Criteria: Pay-as-you-go business model implemented. Deployment of a stable version of the product. Functional stake pool with ISPO (defined distribution strategy). Launch first marketing campaigns on Twitter for brand awareness and ISPO announcement.

>Budget: ₳173’800 / €26’100 (around 360 hours of work)

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

Milestone 0:

• Landing page (link vault3.io).
• White paper V1.
• Catalyst proposal for Fund 10.
• Project implementation timeline, key milestones, and budget.

Milestone 1:

• Documentation: Use cases, and technical architecture.
• Key partnerships (market fit).
• Deployed working proof of concept on vault3.io
• Upload files that are stored encrypted on IPFS.
• Share files with specific wallets via URL.
• Only wallets specified have access to the content.
• Accessible via Cardano mainnet.

Milestone 1.1:

• Project Infrastructure setup on a private GitHub repository.
• Private preview build for Catalyst committee.
• Preview build contains account features.

Milestone 1.2:

• Private preview build for Catalyst committee
• Preview build contains VAULT3 spaces features.

Milestone 1.3:

• Private preview build for Catalyst committee
• Preview build contains CRUD operations for files in VAULT3 spaces.

Milestone 1.4:

• Private preview build for Catalyst committee
• Preview build contains access policies implementation.
• Beta testing begins with a preview build for selected content creators.

Milestone 2:

• Deployed a stable version of MVP for communities.
• Pay-as-you-go business model implemented in release build.

As mentioned, we will implement SCRUM as a framework for our project management. Moreover, we will use Jira for our SCRUM boards, and we will share access with the Catalyst committee for transparency purposes. Our development sprints will be synced with the proposed milestones to optimize process measurements. The Catalyst committee will always have access to our latest stable builds and staging environments.

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

Milestone 0:

• Development ₳23,467 / €3,520 (about 65 hours of work)
• Marketing ₳26,400 / €3,960 (about 72 hours of work)
• Admin ₳2,933 / €440 (about 8 hours of work)
• Hosting ₳733 / €110

Milestone 1:

• Development ₳67,467 / €10,120 (about 184 hours of work)
• Marketing ₳26,400 / €3,960 (about 72 hours of work)
• Admin ₳2,933 / €440 (about 8 hours of work)
• Hosting ₳4,400 / €660

Milestone 1.1:

• Development ₳108,533 / €16,280 (about 200 hours of work)
• Marketing ₳26,400 / €3,960 (about 72 hours of work)
• Admin ₳2,933 / €440 (about 8 hours of work)
• Hosting ₳4,400 / €660

Milestone 1.2:

• Development ₳96,800 / €14,520 (about 170 hours of work)
• Marketing ₳26,400 / €3,960 (about 72 hours of work)
• Admin ₳2,933 / €440 (about 8 hours of work)
• Hosting ₳4,400 / €660

Milestone 1.3:

• Development ₳96,800 / €14,520 (about 170 hours of work)
• Marketing ₳26,400 / €3,960 (about 72 hours of work)
• Admin ₳2,933 / €440 (about 8 hours of work)
• Hosting ₳4,400 / €660

Milestone 1.4:

• Development ₳99,733 / €14,960 (about 180 hours of work)
• Marketing ₳32,267 / €4,840 (about 88 hours of work)
• Admin ₳2,933 / €440 (about 8 hours of work)
• Hosting ₳9,533 / €1,430

Milestone 2:

• Development ₳123,200 / €18,480 (about 240 hours of work)
• Marketing ₳38,133 / €5,720 (about 96 hours of work)
• Admin ₳2,933 / €440 (about 8 hours of work)
• Hosting ₳9,533 / €1,430

Notice: All ₳ prices are calculated from EUR with a ₳ price of 0.15€ as a worst case. The exact hours and calculations can be seen in our budget sheet below.

VAULT3 Detailed budget

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

We are a highly skilled and seasoned team with more than 10 years of joined experience. Furthermore, we studied software engineering in Swiss technical universities.

Since the entire team is based in Zurich, Switzerland. We estimated our costs based on average senior software developer salaries: €50.- per hour. This rate doesn't include obligatory insurance and pension funds.

We also considered the risk of a 60% fall in ADA prices in the budget.

[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