SPOs are critical to the successful growth of the Cardano project, but they often lack the business skills and processes necessary to reach viability through organic growth alone.
Deliver our proven SPO incubator at scale, via a blockchain enabled, project based learning platform. Equipping SPO’s with tools & frameworks to help them build sustainable stakepool operations.
This is the total amount allocated to SPO Online Business Academy.
@harry.hellyer
@sanada
@carpoolcyrpto
We will use the Andamio platform by Gimbalabs. This collaboration supports the roadmap and growth of all organisations. Gimbalabs is the perfect team to support us with technical development as they have a strong track record in the ecosystem and their goals are aligned with ours.
Many of the services needed are already developed by Andamio and some adjustments and addons will be developed to support specific needs. These specific features will also add value to the other projects using Andamio in the Cardano community. Andamio is an Open Source project and contributions from Fluid7 and our partners will be added to this codebase so other projects can learn from and use these features.
Fluid7, Edify and Andamio are working with the mindset of Open source. In some cases for business, legal or privacy reasons some information will not be openly available.
The coaching, consultancy and mentoring frameworks (the content IP) are owned by Edify. They will be delivered under licence to Edify Colabs. The packaging of the content - any IP around how it is delivered will be open source.
SDG 4 Quality Education
SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals
Why supporting Cardano SPO’s is important
SPO’s are mission critical to the successful growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem. As a single stakepool operator ourselves at Fluid7 we know that to be viable as a long term sustainable operatation, small SPOs need to develop the business, commercial and cultural knowledge necessary to support their stakepool’s growth and maturity.
Background
Business coaching and mentoring for SPO’s
Since F7 we and other stakepool operators have been working with Edify Colabs as participants and contributors to their Catalyst funded SPO incubator programmes.
Leveraging existing Assets to build Value
SPO Business Growth SupportIn Funds 7, 8 and 9 Edify proposed and was successfully funded by Catalyst to build an Integrated set of educational materials and resources for SPOs.- This set of coaching and mentoring modules enable SPO teams to step change up into building viable, scalable business operations.
Edify Colabs SPO programme development to date:
These coaching and mentoring resources have been built, deployed and tested successfully; with around 30 individuals and 15 organisations having completed the programmes so far, with great results and outstanding feedback.
Link to feedback google sheet
However, although these programmes and the learnings shared added great value to the participants, the process is manual: they are at present provided primarily synchronously with live mentors and coaches, with limited time slots, and restricted participant numbers available - with programmes maybe 80% live, 20% automated.
We would like to change that, we would like to dramatically increase the number of SPO’s who can access our programmes, enabling them to get access whenever they want, and work on them at their own pace and level of interaction.
The opportunity - Automating coaching and mentorship for SPO’s
Edify and Fluid7 (and other stakepool operators) have developed a large amount of content through the SPO development programs and our work over the last 2 years on Cardano. The Edify programmes in particular are based upon Exponential Organisation growth (ExO) principles - focussed around how companies can solve ‘wicked challenges’ to harness ‘exponential opportunities’. Whilst Fluid7 have developed practical experience in areas such as pledge bootstrapping and delegation boosting programmes.
With blockchain technology and AI, there is a great opportunity to take our programmes delivery to the next level: by automating the process, while providing personalised high service as appropriate to teams and companies.
Our vision is to build an online SPO Academy that will overtime automate 80% of the coaching and mentorship process and keep 20% for specific areas where SPO’s need help.
With Web 3. there is also the opportunity to build out our solution to create a distributed, generative, SPO Academy and community supported by a dynamic learning environment - one where Alumni of the courses become tutors and course creators for the next generation of learners.
Our Solution for this proposal - An online development programme for SPO’s, based on the Andamio Project Based Learning platform
The main objective of this proposal is to build and deliver an SPO tailored, high value mentorship and coaching programme, aimed at supporting SPO’s on their journey from technology solution builders through to successful sustainable businesses. Where the programme itself, being delivered from the Andamio project based learning enabled platform, can be delivered asynchronusily, but with a rich learning experience and is both easily accessible, interactive, affordable and scalable.
The programme will be comprised of two Catalyst proven strands: the Edify, coaching and mentoring suite - that forms the basis of the Edify Exponential Organisation Growth platform, and the Fluid7 Funding and operations programme.
Edify Coaching and Mentoring programme overview:
SPO online business academy Programme details
There will be 24 unique, SPO Tailored, PBL Modules to create for this proposal covering the following subject areas:
Link to miro board for full programme overview of modules and sessions:
https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVM5pTvn8=/?share_link_id=879693464337
Partnership details
About Fluid7
Fluid7, a proud member of the xSPO and CSPA stakepool alliances within the Cardano ecosystem, has been actively transitioning its small development agency from Web2 to Web3. By operating as a producer for the Cardano network, Fluid7 has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to this transition and has gained valuable insights into the underlying technology and decentralized services.
About Edify Collabs
Edify Collabs is the on-chain expression of The Edify Ecosystem (Edify) - an impact, innovation, investment-focused consultancy, coaching practice and partner Ecosystem. Edify Colabs was formed to work within the Catalyst community - and have been proactive members for over 18 months.
https://linktr.ee/edify_collabs
The Andamio platform (by Gimbalabs)
Edify Collabs is partnering with Andamio to provide the core technology required.
The Andamio Platform:
The Andamio MVP was built and tested around the Plutus PBL - for more info check https://plutuspbl.io/
You can find an introductory overview of the Andamio platform here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12VLfrZVaqLqzRCv_4ME78t4JERxeCLN8/view?usp=sharing
As a result of the work Gimbalabs has done over the past years through the Plutus Project-Based Learning (PBL) program, Gimbalabs Playground, and Gimbalabs Live Coding, the Gimbalabs team created Andamio which provides an LMS platform for any organization to onboard and reward contributors. Contributors can earn skills that enable them to contribute to projects. Our Plutus PBL (https://plutuspbl.io/) is a good example.
Link to example Plutus PBL course, which is the Andamio MVP:
Fig 1. The PBL Framework. A high overview description of a PBL module.
Project based learning courses (PBL):
Edify Collabs will use the Andamio platform to develop the following courses:
Andamio features to be used by SPO Online Business Academy:
This partnership has benefits for the ecosystem:
Relationship between Fluid7, Edify Collabs and Andamio:
This will be a long term partnership where Andamio will provide key elements of the technology and Fluid7 and partners will provide the business and revenue. Through this proposal some funding will go to the Andamio team for their support and development. In the future Andamio will receive a revenue share from any external companies that book onto this or any future course programmes- which will be contracted at a full professional services rate.
Future plans
This programme is the foundation (MVP) of our online digital PBL offering for SPO’s.
We plan to use this platform and programme to expand out delivery of our service offerings, both in terms of depth and breadth of programmes offered and our business model offerings.
Planned future product, market and business developments will include:
Product
Market
Business platform expansion and integration
All of these programmes and initiatives will serve members of the catalyst community and bring potential cardano service users into the community.
Our proposed solution directly addresses the challenge of supporting the SPO ecosystem and community in the Cardano ecosystem. By delivering the SPO Academy and incubator program, we provide comprehensive support and resources to SPOs, enabling them to develop the necessary business skills, commercial knowledge, and cultural understanding to succeed.
Benefits to the Cardano Ecosystem
The benefits of our solution to the Cardano ecosystem are multifold. Firstly, it enhances the overall reliability, security, and performance of the Cardano network by supporting SPOs in building viable and sustainable stake pool operations. Strong and successful SPOs attract more delegators, increase decentralization, and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Fostering Innovation and Collaboration within the SPO Community
Our solution promotes innovation and collaboration within the SPO community. Through the online SPO Academy and its interactive learning environment, SPOs can connect, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. This fosters a sense of community and facilitates conversations among SPOs, leading to the development of new solutions, standards, and initiatives.
Measurable Success Indicators
The key metrics mentioned in the challenge statement, such as the number of SPO projects actively building on Cardano and the number of new Cardano SPO-related proposals in Catalyst, serve as indicators of the success and impact of our solution. These metrics demonstrate the growth and engagement within the SPO ecosystem.
Contributing to the Long-Term Sustainability of Cardano
Our solution contributes to the long-term sustainability of the Cardano ecosystem. By providing SPOs with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate successful stake pools as businesses, we increase their chances of viability and growth. This, in turn, enhances the overall resilience and continuity of the Cardano network.
In summary, empowering SPOs through the SPO Online Business Academy addresses the challenge by supporting effective and impactful SPO projects and initiatives. The benefits include improved network reliability, increased decentralization, community collaboration, innovation, and the long-term sustainability of the Cardano ecosystem.
We plan to measure the following KPIs
Additional programme metrics will be developed with Andamio, but will typically include the following:
Finally as we did with our previous F7 and F8 programmes, participants will be asked to complete a review survey of the programme - which is also used to iterate the programme structure, content and delivery.
As with our previous F7 and F8 projects all KPI’s and reviews are included in our project close out reports and the community will have access to it.
Also as this is an MVP, and we have used online Learning Management Systems before we understand how complex and time consuming this process can be. Therefore we plan to compile a brief set of - train the trainer videos explaining the main elements of the programme development initially as a guide for - for use by online SPO academy team members and partners. We plan to make this open access as well, to support subsequent members of the Catalyst community that may wish to use the Andamio platform.
We also plan to run multiple taster sessions during the programme development and delivery period to both build on the MVP and also build awareness of the programme within the community.
About Fluid7
Fluid7, a proud member of the xSPO and CSPA stakepool alliances within the Cardano ecosystem, has been actively transitioning its small development agency from Web2 to Web3. By operating as a producer for the Cardano network, Fluid7 has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to this transition and has gained valuable insights into the underlying technology and decentralized services.
Throughout their time in the Cardano ecosystem, Fluid7 has actively engaged with various stakeholders, explored numerous options, and collaborated with industry experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the technology build and operations, delegator relations, and finance and funding aspects. As experienced web2 and web3 developers, Fluid7 recognizes the immense potential for growth in this new market while also acknowledging the challenges that come with it. In addition to serving on two Catalyst challenge teams, Fluid7 has leveraged its role as a stakepool operator to cultivate expertise and foster collaboration among fellow small stakepool operators.
About Edify Collabs
Edify Collabs have been a proactive member of the Catalyst community for over 18 months and have several successfully funded proposals in F7, F8 and F9 that are now ongoing or successfully closed out. https://linktr.ee/edify_collabs .
Edify Team activity within the community -Our team has been actively involved within the Catalyst community for over 18 months now, and we have worked on multiple projects and successful community initiatives with several partners - and programme clients including:
WADA, SWARM, Treasury Guild, Sanada, Fluid7, CNC and the Catalyst Coordinator team.
Fund 7 and Fund 8 results - Our completed Fund 7 and Fund 8 programmes - both funded and Pro Bono, have proven to be highly successful. Our three closed-out programmes: Innovation Accelerator and 2x Small SPO incubators received highly positive reviews, with all 17 reviewers stating that they would recommend the programme to other community members.
Effective Collaborators
Also, the existing collaboration between the Fluid7 stakepool team, Edify Colabs and Gimbal Labs and the fact that Andamio is already functional and powering the Plutus PBL course at Gimbalabs, gives high confidence for the success of the project as we will be incrementally evolving with Edify and Andamio, not writing it from scratch.
Milestones
Please note that some of these Milestones run in parallel - for a detailed description please refer to the miroboard for this project:
Milestone 1,
Weeks 0-4
This phase will include:
Milestone 2,
Weeks 0-16
This phase will include:
Milestone 3,
Weeks 5-20
This phase will include:
Milestone 4,
Weeks 5-20
This phase will include:
Milestone 5,
Weeks 21-29
This phase will include:
Milestone 6,
Weeks 25-34
This phase will include:
Milestone 7,
Weeks 34-36
This phase will include:
Future plans - revenue/opportunities
The next phase of the project will include considering and evaluating different potential revenue models for the project, such as:
Milestone 1: Weeks 0-4
Deliverables and Outputs:
Intended Outcomes:
Milestone 2: Weeks 0-16
Deliverables and Outputs:
Intended Outcomes:
Milestone 3: Weeks 5-20
Deliverables and Outputs:
Intended Outcomes:
Milestone 4: Weeks 5-20
Deliverables and Outputs:
Intended Outcomes:
Milestone 5: Weeks 21-29
Deliverables and Outputs:
Intended Outcomes:
Milestone 6: Weeks 25-34
Deliverables and Outputs:
Intended Outcomes:
Milestone 7: Weeks 34-36
Deliverables and Outputs:
Intended Outcomes:
Project Elements and Costings
Milestone 1,
Weeks 0-4
This phase will include:
Total ₳ 11520
Milestone 2,
Weeks 0-16
This phase will include:
Total ₳15360
Milestone 3,
Weeks 5-20
This phase will include:
Total ₳ 84864
Milestone 4,
Weeks 5-20
This phase will include:
Total ₳12288
Milestone 5,
Weeks 21-29
This phase will include:
Total ₳ 11520
Milestone 6,
Weeks 25-34
This phase will include:
Total ₳ 8640
Milestone 7,
Weeks 34-36
This phase will include:
Andamio costings
Programme Development and Deployment Costs
Course Development and Promotion - ₳ 144,672
Loading onto Andamio as a Project-Based Learning Course - ₳ 125,000
Total Investment Requested to deliver working PBL Mentoring Course
₳ 278,682
Link to miro board for full programme overview of modules and sessions:
https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVM5pTvn8=/?share_link_id=879693464337
The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:
In conclusion, the cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by driving long-term impact, improving network health, fostering innovation and collaboration, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and enhancing resilience and continuity. These benefits contribute to the growth and success of Cardano as a decentralized blockchain platform.
Jonathan Adjei, Content Expert Project Lead
Jonathan is an accomplished entrepreneur and the driving force behind FLUID7 Ltd., a UK - based web development agency and the operator of FLUID Stake pool. With a deep-rooted passion for blockchain technology and its potential for transformative change, Jonathan found himself immersed in Project Catalyst early in 2021, igniting his commitment to the Cardano ecosystem. Recognizing the importance of decentralization, on-chain governance, financial autonomy, and self-sovereign identity, he launched FLUID Stake pool during the final stages of the Shelley era.
As he transitions FLUID7 from being a Web2 agency to Web3, Jonathan embraces the principles of decentralization and individual empowerment through the mission-based FLUID stakepool. Jonathan and his team actively contribute to real-world impact by donating a portion of their proceeds to charitable causes, all while driving adoption and promoting the growth of the Cardano blockchain.
Harry Hellyer Course Expert, Content Expert Project lead
Harry specialises in helping enterprises and organsations of all sizes and flavours, deliver scalable growth based around full-value based, impact innovation. He believes that Education should be delivered debt free - as a basic human right. And his focus is to support people to appreciate, attain and realise their full value. He has coached and mentored hundreds of leadership team members from small tech firms to global organisations, including Fellows at Cambridge University, and Imperial College London’s Education dept. For the last 18 months he has been actively involved in the Catalyst community, working with the Edify Colab team to deliver funded proposals around scalable exponential growth, in F7, F8 and F9.
Jude Ugwuegbulam
Jude help’s Coaches & Consultants digitise their customer journey and turn strategic ideas into business assets. Resulting in more leads, more sales and automated support. Helps Professional Practices (HR, Legal and Dental) struggling to implement and manage their data protection/GDPR compliance to gain clarity, control and, accountability.
Dr Julie King, Programme Advisor
Head of the Centre for Academic English, Imperial College London.
Julie is an educationalist and head of Imperial’s world renowned CfAE, and long time Edify client. Experienced at building and providing education modules internationally, delivered both asychronously and synchonously for students and Academics. Julie will overses the process of adapting our course content successfully into the LMS envisonment and Andamio platform
Roberto Mayen-Hess, Andamio project lead
Roberto is a Business and Innovation Manager and brings a diverse skill set to the project encompassing software development, business, program management, and law. Roberto’s experience with early stage startups in Latin America allows him to offer a unique perspective on problem-solving and driving innovation. He’s also involved in leading efforts to bring Cardano to spanish-speaking communities through initiatives like Cardano Sin Tecnicismos and the Spanish translation of the Plutus Project-Based Learning program.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberto-mayen-hess/
M.Ali Modiri, Andamio Smart Contract Developer
is a versatile individual with experience in Mechatronic studies and a background in the Iranian young mathematics association. With a cybersecurity background as a malwares analyst and penetration tester, he excels at addressing digital threats. Ali's programming proficiency spans from low-level languages like Assembly and C to high-level languages like Golang and JavaScript. As a proud student of Gimbalabs, he specializes in Plutus smart contract development for blockchain projects. He contributes to the Cardano community as a member of the Cardano Certification Group and an author of CIP 96, while his ultimate passion lies in helping humanity transcend its current struggles.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-a-modiri/
James Dunseith, Project advisor
James is a Teacher, Coach, Smart Contract Developer and Facilitator with extensive experience in creating engaging learning experiences and facilitating problem-solving. James has successfully implemented project-based learning and mastery-based grading methodologies. Additionally, he has contributed to developing gimbalabs.com, creating resilient and reusable components. James leveraged his expertise in learning design and community engagement for this project.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-dunseith-0135651/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesdunseith
Link to more Andamio team members’ doc: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y5HKPa-45H6pLtu--xljNXcmkUteHxTY/view