[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant
DAO Cooperativa Local, represented by Gonzalo Camps.
[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)
Entity (Not Incorporated)
[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)
10
[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language
No
[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)
Our Program will accelerate the best organizations previously incubated by us as DAOs, with the necessary mentorship, partners and resources to reach viral success and become flagships for Cardano.
[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.”
We believe in depending on each other.
That's Cardano. That's Voltaire.
That's cooperation.
That's DAO Cooperativa Local.
At DAO Cooperativa Local, we're building a decentralized DAO ecosystem where every voice matters, where collaboration knows no borders, and technology empowers, not divides. No matter your background, your skills, or your location, you have a place here. Contribute your talents, share your vision, participate, govern, decentralize, and help us shape a future where cooperation and DAOs shapes the world.
Your voice matters. Your support is vital. We're in a crucial phase of development, and your participation can make all the difference.
- Read our proposal: Dive deep into the vision that drives us. Understand our goals, our strategies, and the impact we aim to create.
- Review and give feedback: Your insights are invaluable. Help us refine our approach and ensure our proposal resonates with the community.
- Vote and support: Cast your vote and show your commitment to a decentralized, cooperative future.
- Join the movement: Become an active member of DAO Cooperativa Local and help us build this vision together.
JOIN DAO COOPERATIVA LOCAL
Strategic Partnerships: Fueling Our Collaborative Success
The successful experience of our 2024 DAO Incubator Program, onboarding 8 established organization as DAOs within our Partner's dApps, demonstrate that we thrive on a collaborative approach, viewing partnerships as strategic alliances that amplify our impact and drive mutual growth within the Cardano ecosystem. We have a strong track record of successful collaboration, and these partnerships build upon our existing strengths.
Collaboration with Cardano dApps and Projects
We integrate with Summon Platform and Clarity Protocol, key dApps and projects within the Cardano DAO ecosystem to provide participants with their essential tools and infrastructure for Decentralized Autonomous Organizations.
Why This Collaboration is Essential:
- Empowers Focus on Governance: Leveraging existing platforms simplifies DAO creation, allowing participants to focus on governance design and impact rather than technical setup.
- Enhances Ecosystem Integration: Integrating with established Cardano dApps fosters interoperability and collaboration within the ecosystem.
- Accelerates Development: Utilizing existing platforms allows us to focus on program delivery and participant support, rather than building infrastructure from scratch.
- Validates Solutions and Drives Adoption: Partnering with established Cardano products provides a valuable opportunity to scale our solutions and boost our growth.
- Leverages Technical Expertise: We benefit from the technical expertise of the teams behind these dApps, accelerating our development process.
- Fosters Ecosystem Growth: Participants gain exposure to a wider range of Cardano tools and communities, fostering further ecosystem growth.
Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Success through Proactive Collaboration
While we believe our partnerships are a major strength, we also proactively manage potential risks associated with relying on external platforms:
- Integration Challenges: Our team possesses the technical expertise to handle integration challenges effectively. We also work closely with our partners to ensure seamless integration and provide comprehensive support to participants.
- Dependency on Third-Party Providers: We diversify our partnerships to avoid over-reliance on any single platform. We also stay informed about the development and support of these platforms and have contingency plans in place to address any potential disruptions.
- Platform Limitations: We conduct thorough due diligence on all partner platforms to ensure they meet our program's needs and have a strong development roadmap. We also maintain open communication with our partners to stay informed about any potential limitations or changes.
By fostering a collaborative environment, leveraging our collective strengths, and proactively managing dependencies, we are confident in our ability to deliver a high-quality and impactful DAO Accelerator Program that contributes significantly to the growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem.
[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?
Yes
[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs
Open Source Status of Project Outputs
In true alignment with Cardano's and DAO ethos of transparency and community-driven development, we are deeply committed to making the outputs of our program fully open source. This commitment stems from our belief that open knowledge fosters innovation, collaboration, and accelerates the growth of the Cardano ecosystem. This ensures accessibility, adaptability, and encourages broader community involvement in the project's long-term growth and impact.
Open Source License:
As promoters of Cardano's open-source philosophy, particularly within the Voltaire era of community governance, we will license our works under the Apache License 2.0. This is the same license used for the input-output-hk/cardano-node repository, aligning perfectly with Cardano's commitment to open-source development and promoting interoperability and collaboration within the ecosystem.
The Apache License 2.0 is a permissive license that allows for the free use, modification, and distribution of our materials, while ensuring that the original copyright and license notices are preserved. This promotes accessibility, adaptability, and community involvement in the project's long-term development, allowing other DAOs and organizations to benefit from the project's findings and resources.
Open Source Repository:
To facilitate access and collaboration, all open-source materials will be made available through our DAO Cooperativa Local Github. This platform will serve as a central hub for the program's open-source resources, allowing the community to:
While we are committed to open-sourcing our program, certain materials will remain private to protect the privacy and interests of participants.
The following materials WILL be open source:
- General Acceleration materials: Curriculum documents, presentations, interactive exercises, and supporting resources.
- Impact Reports: Impact report document with cohorts’ KPI data collection and analysis.
- Cohort feedback: Aggregated and anonymized feedback reports from each cohort.
- DAO use-case models: Documentation and templates for designing and implementing DAO use-cases.
- Phygital Festival materials: Presentations, resources, and documentation from the festival.
- Close-Out Report: Comprehensive report summarizing project achievements, challenges, and learnings.
The following materials WILL NOT be open source:
- Meeting recordings: To protect the privacy of participants and the confidentiality of discussions during the program, class recordings will not be made publicly available.
[METADATA] Horizons
Accelerator
[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution
Cooperativa Local: Empowering Organizations with DAOs and Cardano since 2021
A Foundation Built on Experience and Impact
- We believe in actions speaking louder than words. Before we delve into the specifics of our proposed solution, we want to paint a vivid picture of the solid ground upon which this proposal stands. Our journey at Cooperativa Local has been one of continuous learning, innovation, and impactful collaboration within the Cardano ecosystem. We've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of decentralized technologies, and we're passionate about empowering organizations to embrace this new paradigm.
- This section will showcase our deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing DAOs, particularly within the creative and entertainment industries and in developing economies. We'll share our proven track record of success, highlighting key achievements and milestones that demonstrate our ability to deliver impactful results. We'll also introduce you to DAO Cooperativa Local, a testament to our commitment to community-driven governance and a reflection of our belief in the collective power of decentralized organizations.
- By showcasing our experience and expertise upfront, we aim to establish a strong foundation of trust and credibility. We want to demonstrate that we are not just proposing a theoretical solution, but a program built on real-world experience, a deep understanding of the challenges, and a passionate commitment to driving positive change.
Leveraging Cardano's First DAO Incubator: Building on a Proven Foundation
This Fund13 "DAO Accelerator Program 2025" proposal represents the evolution of our successful Fund11 awarded "Cardano's DAO Incubator Program 2024." This pioneering initiative established Cooperativa Local as a leader in DAO education and adoption within the Cardano ecosystem. The 2024 program served as a crucial MVP phase, allowing us to:
- Incubate 8 influential organizations: We've guided these organizations through the process of understanding, creating, and implementing DAOs, providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to embrace decentralized governance. Our first cohort of 4 organizations successfully completed the program, and we're currently guiding a second cohort of 4 organizations, which began in October and is estimated to conclude in December.
- Deliver a comprehensive learning experience: We've conducted 20 classes across 50 sessions, covering a wide range of topics from organizational governance and blockchain fundamentals to tokenomics and DAO management. Each 2-hour class incorporated a blend of content exposition, active student participation, practical activities, and assigned homework to reinforce learning and encourage continuous engagement.
- Refine our curriculum and platform integration: Through these initial cohorts, we gathered valuable feedback and iteratively improved our program, ensuring its effectiveness and relevance to the needs of creative organizations and those operating in developing economies.
- Track key metrics and make data-driven adjustments: We diligently monitored program progress, gathering data on student engagement, platform usage, and DAO implementation to inform our approach and ensure the program's success. This data-driven approach allows us to continuously adapt and improve, ensuring that our program remains relevant and impactful.
- Achieve high levels of satisfaction and adoption: The 2024 program received an average grade of 97% from students, demonstrating high levels of satisfaction and engagement. We also observed significant increases in the adoption and usage of Cardano dApps, such as Eternl wallet, JPG.STORE NFT marketplace, and the Clarity Protocol and Summon Platform DAO suites. This positive feedback and increased adoption validate the effectiveness of our approach and demonstrate the value we bring to the Cardano ecosystem.
This ongoing experience provides valuable insights that we will use to continuously improve our program execution, ensuring that we meet the milestones and deliverables outlined in this proposal. Building on this strong foundation and the valuable experience gained in 2024, we are now poised to scale our impact and further refine our program with this Fund13 proposal, as a fully-fledged "product," scaling our impact and expanding our reach within the Cardano ecosystem.
Demonstrating Success: Our Track Record
We are more than just a team; we are a community-driven movement. DAO Cooperativa Local is the embodiment of our collaborative spirit, a testament to our belief in the power of decentralized governance.
Our founding team has consistently delivered successful Catalyst projects, demonstrating our ability to manage funds responsibly and achieve impactful outcomes. We are experts in technology, passionate about the creative economy, and dedicated to building thriving communities. This unique blend of expertise, combined with our cost-effective approach, ensures that every ADA invested in our program generates maximum value for the Cardano ecosystem. We are committed to executing this project with the highest levels of professionalism, efficiency, and accountability.
Our track record speaks for itself
We have a history of turning vision into reality. Our achievements are not just numbers on a page; they are stories of empowerment, collaboration, and innovation:
- Over 200 collaborations and leads: We have built bridges between artists, creators, technologists, and community leaders, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration and mutual support.
- 30+ organizations onboarded: We have guided organizations on their Web3 journey, empowering them to leverage decentralized technologies to achieve their goals.
- 8 organizations Incubated as DAOs on Cardano this year, by our Fund11 Proposal "Cardano's DAO Incubation Program". These organizations, cooperatives, and unions of workers came to us with varying levels of Web3 knowledge and experience, and we tailored our approach to meet their unique needs. Now, they are prepared to pioneer the use of DAOs on Cardano, and demonstrate the transformative power of decentralized governance: ARDE, Cooperativa La Fuga, 437 Club, Electronic Music Workers Union (IME), Cooperativa Ronda, Mujer Latina Producciones, Union of Women and Dissident Music Workers (TRAMUS) & METRO21.
- 3,000+ attendees engaged: We have sparked curiosity and ignited passion for decentralized technologies, reaching thousands of individuals through our impactful events and programs.
- 200,000+ individuals reached: Our message of empowerment and innovation has spread far and wide, reaching a global audience and inspiring a new generation of Web3 enthusiasts.
- 100+ users empowered: We have equipped individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to embrace Web3 and participate in the decentralized future.
- 200+ NFTs and Artworks exhibited: We have showcased the creative potential of NFTs and blockchain technology, supporting artists and creators in exploring new forms of expression and monetization.
- 110+ wallets created on our Platform: We have opened the doors to the Cardano ecosystem, enabling individuals to actively participate in the decentralized economy.
- 140+ NFTs minted on our Platform: We have fostered a culture of creativity and innovation, supporting the creation and distribution of unique digital assets on the Cardano blockchain.
- 200+ Posts on-chain on our Platform: We have built a vibrant online community, where individuals can connect, share ideas, and contribute to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem.
- 4 Catalyst projects delivered successfully, with a total funding of $71,850: We have consistently delivered impactful projects with remarkable efficiency, demonstrating our commitment to maximizing the value of every ADA entrusted to us.
- We participated in the 2021 Cardano Catalyst Boost Camp, a 4-week online program "designed to help Catalyst-funded entrepreneurs like you. This bootcamp, supported by IOG, provided mentorship and training to develop essential early-stage entrepreneurship skills and competencies"
- 1,000+ Catalyst Votes and 260+ Reviews: Our proposals have resonated with the Cardano community, garnering significant support and positive feedback.
- 4.4+ Overall Score (Top 5%): Our commitment to excellence and community satisfaction has consistently placed our projects among the top performers in Catalyst funding rounds.
- 5+ Technology partners: We have forged strong partnerships with developers, platform providers, and other experts who have helped us build and implement our Web3 solutions.
Unlocking the Potential of DAOs: A Tailored Approach for Diverse Sectors
To fully appreciate the transformative potential of our Program, it's crucial to understand the broader context in which it seeks to create impact. We have identified two key areas where DAOs offer particularly powerful solutions:
A. The Creative and Entertainment Industries, and Cultural Ecosystems:
These sectors, pulsating with the energy of artists, musicians, filmmakers, and cultural creators, are ripe for the transformative power of DAOs. Imagine a world where artistic collaboration transcends borders, where funding flows directly to creators, and where communities have a direct voice in shaping the cultural landscape. This is the vision we strive to realize.
However, these vibrant sectors often face challenges that hinder their growth and limit their potential:
- Complex stakeholder networks: The creative process involves a multitude of actors, from individual artists to large production companies, each with their own needs and interests. Coordinating these diverse stakeholders can be complex and inefficient, leading to delays, conflicts, and missed opportunities.
- Challenges with traditional funding models: Reliance on grants, sponsorships, or centralized platforms can create barriers to entry, stifle innovation, and limit the autonomy of creators. Many talented artists struggle to secure the funding they need to bring their visions to life.
- Opaque decision-making processes: Lack of transparency in funding allocation, project selection, and governance can breed mistrust and hinder collaboration. This can perpetuate existing power imbalances and discourage participation from marginalized communities.
- Inequitable value distribution: Traditional models often favor intermediaries, leaving creators with a smaller share of the revenue generated by their work. This can discourage talent, limit economic sustainability, and stifle the growth of the creative ecosystem.
- Limited access to global markets: Many creators, especially those in developing economies, face challenges in accessing international markets and distribution channels. This limits their growth, exposure, and ability to connect with a global audience.
- Vulnerability to censorship and control: Centralized platforms and institutions can exert control over creative expression, limiting artistic freedom and potentially silencing marginalized voices. This can stifle creativity and hinder the development of diverse and inclusive cultural narratives.
Highlighting the Specific Challenges of Creative Businesses and Cultural Organizations:
In addition to these broader challenges, cultural organizations often face unique hurdles in adopting new technologies and navigating complex funding landscapes. Limited resources, lack of technical expertise, and the need to balance artistic integrity with financial sustainability can create significant barriers to innovation and growth. Our program is specifically designed to address these challenges, providing tailored support and guidance to cultural organizations as they explore the potential of DAOs.
B. Developing Economies and Informal Markets:
In many developing economies, informality is a pervasive reality. Organizations operating in this context face unique challenges that hinder their growth and limit their ability to contribute to economic development:
- Inefficient governance: Lack of clear decision-making processes, accountability mechanisms, and formal structures can lead to confusion, conflict, and hinder organizational growth. Decisions may be made arbitrarily, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of trust among stakeholders.
- Lack of transparency: Limited visibility into financial transactions, decision-making processes, and resource allocation can breed mistrust among stakeholders and discourage participation. This can create a breeding ground for corruption and hinder the development of accountable and sustainable organizations.
- Limited access to funding: Organizations in the informal sector often struggle to secure funding from traditional sources, such as banks or investors, due to a lack of formal registration, credit history, or collateral. This can severely limit their ability to grow, invest in their operations, and create opportunities for their communities.
- High dropout rates: Instability, lack of opportunities, and limited career pathways within the informal sector contribute to a significant loss of talent and hinder the development of a sustainable creative ecosystem. Talented individuals may be forced to abandon their creative pursuits due to a lack of support and opportunities.
- Weakened community bonds: The lack of thriving cultural organizations and accessible creative spaces can negatively impact community cohesion, cultural identity, and social well-being. When communities lack the resources to express their creativity and cultural heritage, it can lead to a sense of disenfranchisement and a loss of identity.
DAOs as a Force for Empowerment and Inclusion
DAOs offer a powerful antidote to these challenges, providing a pathway for organizations in the creative sector and informal markets to thrive. By embracing decentralized governance, transparent decision-making, and community-driven ownership, DAOs can:
- Empower creators and communities: DAOs give creators and communities greater control over their work and resources, enabling them to make key decisions about funding, production, distribution, and governance. This fosters a sense of ownership and agency, encouraging participation and innovation.
- Foster collaboration and innovation: DAOs facilitate seamless collaboration among diverse stakeholders, breaking down traditional silos and fostering a culture of shared learning and innovation. This can lead to the creation of new and exciting projects that benefit the entire community.
- Unlock new models for value creation and distribution: DAOs enable more equitable and transparent distribution of revenue and ownership, rewarding creators fairly and supporting the sustainability of the creative ecosystem. This can attract and retain talent, leading to a more vibrant and dynamic creative sector.
- Expand access to global markets and funding: DAOs can connect creators and organizations with a global audience and facilitate access to alternative funding sources, such as crowdfunding, tokenized assets, and decentralized grants. This opens up new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and economic empowerment.
- Promote creative freedom and economic sustainability: DAOs reduce reliance on centralized platforms and institutions, protecting creative expression from censorship and control. They also promote economic sustainability by enabling communities to manage their resources and generate income collectively.
Bridging the Gap: Empowering Organizations with Knowledge and Support
Our research, spanning over two years and involving collaboration with more than 200 cultural agents and organizations across various creative disciplines, has revealed a critical need for accessible and user-friendly DAO tools and educational programs. This need stems from a combination of factors:
- The prevalence of informality: Many organizations, especially in developing economies, operate outside of traditional structures, lacking access to essential resources, legal frameworks, and efficient management tools.
- Strong willingness to adopt new technologies: Organizations in the creative and entertainment industries are eager to embrace new technologies, particularly Web3 technologies, to achieve sustainable autonomy, overcome the challenges associated with traditional models, and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and value creation.
- Limited understanding of DAOs: There is a knowledge gap regarding the potential benefits and practical applications of DAOs within the creative and entertainment industries. Many creators and organizations are unfamiliar with the concept of decentralized governance and its potential to transform their work.
- Difficulties in implementation: Despite this willingness, many organizations lack the guidance and support needed to effectively implement these solutions. They require a structured program that provides the necessary knowledge, tools, and mentorship to navigate the complexities of DAO creation and management.
This gap between desire and implementation is precisely what our DAO Incubator Program addresses. We bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive and accessible program that empowers organizations to embrace decentralized governance and unlock the full potential of Cardano-based DAOs.
Know Our Partners Since Fund11:
Pioneering Platforms to Create and Manage DAOs on Cardano
Our program is deeply integrated with the Cardano ecosystem, leveraging its strengths in security, scalability, and sustainability. We guide organizations in utilizing Cardano-based tools and dApps, contributing to the growth and adoption of the Cardano blockchain.
Central to this integration, are our 2024 DAO Incubation Program partners: Clarity Protocol and Summon Platform. These partnerships provide seamless DAO creation and management tools, offering participants access to cutting-edge technology and user-friendly platforms for building and managing their DAOs.
A Powerful Combination:
By partnering with both Clarity Protocol and Summon Platform, we offer a comprehensive suite of DAO tools and functionalities to our incubated and accelerated organizations. This allows us to tailor our support to their specific needs and provide them with the most suitable platform for their stage of development and governance requirements.
Clarity Protocol: Empowering Communities with DAO Governance and Bounties
Clarity Protocol offers a streamlined and user-friendly approach to DAO creation and management. It simplifies the process of setting up and running a DAO, providing intuitive tools for governance, treasury management, and community engagement.
Why Clarity Protocol is Suitable for Our Incubated and Accelerated Organizations: Clarity Protocol's ease of use and simplified approach make it an ideal starting point for organizations new to DAOs. Its intuitive interface and streamlined functionalities allow participants to quickly grasp the essentials of DAO creation and management, empowering them to establish their decentralized organizations with confidence. While it may not offer the same level of on-chain governance as Clarity Protocol, it provides a valuable stepping stone for organizations to explore the world of DAOs and gradually transition to more advanced platforms as they grow and mature.
Summon Platform: Streamlining DAO Creation and Management
Summon Platform is a powerful platform that enables DAOs to operate with complete on-chain governance. This means that all governance actions, including proposal creation, voting, and execution, are recorded and enforced through Cardano's blockchain. This ensures transparency, security, and immutability, giving DAO members confidence in the integrity of the decision-making process.
Why Summon Platform is Suitable for Our Incubated Organizations: Summon Platform's focus on on-chain governance aligns perfectly with our goal of empowering organizations and DAOs to embrace truly decentralized decision-making. Its comprehensive feature set provides the necessary tools for managing governance processes, while its user-friendly interface ensures accessibility for organizations with varying levels of technical expertise.
Igniting Viral Growth: The DAO Accelerator Program
This program is meticulously crafted to empower established organizations in harnessing the transformative power of DAOs, with a laser focus on creating viral use cases that capture the public imagination and drive mainstream adoption of Cardano.
We recognize that achieving viral impact requires a strategic approach that goes beyond simply setting up a DAO and onboarding all colleagues. Instead, we focus on identifying and amplifying high-potential projects and initiatives that resonate with the broader public and showcase the transformative power of decentralized governance. We understand that achieving viral impact demands a deep understanding of community dynamics, public engagement, and the strategic use of decentralized technologies.
Our program provides a comprehensive and tailored journey, guiding organizations through a series of carefully designed phases, each building upon the last to cultivate sustainable viral growth. We combine expert guidance, hands-on training, and ongoing support to equip organizations with the knowledge, tools, and strategies they need to navigate the exciting world of DAOs and unlock their full potential. We empower these DAOs to identify their most promising use cases, develop impactful projects, build thriving communities, and achieve sustainable growth.
The Phases of Transformation
This is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it's a dynamic and adaptive process that caters to the unique needs and aspirations of each organization. Here's a glimpse into the transformative phases that await:
- Phase 1: Selecting the DAOs for Acceleration
- We carefully select DAOs both from our existing network and other renowned organizations exploring DAOs, prioritizing those with high potential for viral growth and impact. At the same time, there are might be o that we will consider.
- We leverage our knowledge and relationships from the 2024 DAO Incubation Program to identify organizations with a strong foundation and a clear vision for leveraging DAOs.
- Phase 2: Identifying and Piloting High-Impact Use Cases
- We guide organizations in identifying their most promising use cases for DAOs, focusing on those that resonate with the broader public and showcase the benefits of decentralization.
- We help organizations articulate their DAO's purpose, mission, and values, ensuring alignment with their goals for viral impact.
- We guide them in executing pilots to test the optimal DAO structure and operational mechanisms, with a focus on facilitating viral growth and public engagement.
- Phase 3: Launching into Action with a Viral Focus
- We empower DAOs to translate their vision into action by developing and launching projects with viral potential.
- We provide guidance on project management, community building, and technical implementation, ensuring DAOs can effectively navigate the challenges of real-world implementation and achieve viral growth.
- Phase 4: Measuring and Amplifying Impact
- We guide DAOs in rigorously measuring the impact of their initiatives, analyzing results, and developing strategies to amplify their reach and influence.
- We help them develop compelling case studies that showcase their achievements and inspire others to embrace DAOs.
- Phase 5: Cardano's DAO Phygital Festival: Showcasing Impact and Inspiring Action
- We culminate the program with a grand showcase of the DAOs' achievements, designed to amplify their impact and inspire wider adoption of decentralized governance.
- The festival will feature impactful presentations, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, connecting DAOs with a diverse audience of stakeholders and the broader public.
This initiative is designed to be managed by us, but gradually governed by the very ecosystem Cardano has helped us to build since 2021.
- Phase 6: Joining the Movement: Onboarding to DAO Cooperativa Local
- We invite participating organizations to join DAO Cooperativa Local, our own DAO dedicated to fostering a thriving ecosystem for decentralized organizations on Cardano.
- This provides ongoing support, resources, and collaboration opportunities to further their growth and contribute to the broader Cardano community.
A Journey of Transformation and Viral Growth
This comprehensive program is designed to be a transformative journey for established organizations, empowering them to embrace the power of DAOs, achieve viral growth, and become influential forces within the Cardano ecosystem. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into each phase, providing a detailed roadmap for organizations to follow on their path to decentralized success.
Phase 1: Selecting the DAOs for Acceleration
This initial phase focuses on carefully selecting the DAOs that will participate in the acceleration program. We leverage our existing relationships and knowledge gained from the 2024 DAO Incubation Program to identify organizations with high potential for viral growth and impact.
Building on the Foundation of the 2024 Program
The 8 organizations that participated in our 2024 program represent a diverse range of cultural initiatives, each with unique goals and challenges. They have already gained valuable experience in understanding and utilizing DAO concepts and tools. This foundation makes them ideal candidates for our acceleration program, where we will help them refine their strategies, amplify their impact, and achieve viral growth.
Selection Criteria
While all 8 organizations have demonstrated a commitment to become decentralized governance powerhouses, we recognize that some may have a greater potential for viral growth and impact within the timeframe of this program. At the same time, we will evaluate incubating other influential and renowned organizations exploring DAOs. Therefore, we will use the following criteria to select the DAOs that will participate in the acceleration program:
- Alignment with Program Goals: The DAO's mission and objectives should align with the program's focus on viral growth and mainstream adoption of Cardano.
- Potential for Viral Impact: The DAO's projects and initiatives should have the potential to capture public attention, generate excitement, and inspire wider adoption of decentralized governance.
- Community Engagement and Growth: The DAO should demonstrate a strong commitment to community building and engagement, with a clear strategy for attracting and retaining members.
- Organizational Capacity and Readiness: The DAO should have the organizational capacity and readiness to implement the program's acceleration strategies and achieve viral growth within the given timeframe.
- Commitment to Cardano and Web3: The DAO should demonstrate a strong commitment to the Cardano ecosystem and the broader Web3 movement, contributing to the growth and adoption of decentralized technologies.
- Understanding DAO Dapp Features: The DAOs participating in our 2024 program have already gained hands-on experience with key DAO dapp features, including proposal creation and voting systems, treasury management tools, and community engagement platforms. This existing knowledge will allow them to seamlessly transition into the acceleration program and focus on refining their strategies for viral growth and impact.
Introducing the 2024 DAO Incubator Program Participants
These organizations, with their diverse backgrounds and goals, exemplify the transformative potential of DAOs in the cultural sector. Our Accelerator Program will empower them to further leverage DAOs to enhance their operations, expand their reach, and contribute to a more vibrant and decentralized cultural landscape. They are:
- METRO21: A leading force in Chile's urban arts scene with over 100 public works, exploring DAOs to enhance community engagement and collaborative art projects.
- LA FUGA: An international performing arts cooperative, leveraging DAOs to foster cross-cultural exchange and collaborative creation.
- TRAMUS: A network of over 200 women and dissident music workers fighting for gender equality and inclusion in the music industry.
- ARDE: An archive of Chilean performing arts, utilizing DAOs to preserve cultural heritage and engage audiences in a decentralized manner.
- 437 Club: An urban clothing manufacturer, building a Web3 academy and exploring DAOs to empower creators and foster community ownership.
- IME: A union of electronic music workers, using DAOs to promote talent export and create collaborative networks.
- Ronda: A cooperative of artists, music producers, and independent labels, implementing DAOs to manage a shared treasury and distribute music through a decentralized infrastructure.
- Mujer Latina Producciones: A Chilean music producer and label with a cooperative model, exploring DAOs to promote gender parity and empower women in the cultural sector.
These organizations came to us with varying levels of Web3 knowledge and experience, and we tailored our approach to meet their unique needs. Their diverse use cases demonstrate the versatility of DAOs and their potential to address a wide range of challenges within the creative economy.
By carefully selecting the DAOs that participate in our acceleration program, we ensure that our efforts are focused on those with the greatest potential for viral growth and impact. We believe that these organizations, with their diverse backgrounds and innovative approaches, will become powerful ambassadors for decentralized governance on Cardano.
Phase 2: Identifying and Piloting High-Impact Use Cases
Identify and Articulate the DAO's Purpose, Mission, and Values:
We begin by working closely with organizations to identify their most promising use cases for DAOs. This involves a deep dive into their existing operations, challenges, and aspirations. We facilitate workshops and discussions that encourage participants to ask critical questions:
- What are our organization's core strengths and areas for improvement?
- How can a DAO enhance our operations, governance, or community engagement?
- What specific problems can we solve with a DAO that would resonate with the broader public and showcase the benefits of decentralization?
- What values and principles will guide our DAO's development and impact?
- By clarifying their purpose and articulating their mission, vision, and values, organizations create a shared understanding that guides decision-making and ensures that the DAO's structure and operations are aligned with their goals for viral impact.
DAO Operations and Governance Best Practices, and DAO Operations and Workflow Optimization:
We guide DAOs in implementing best practices for operations and governance that support viral growth and community engagement. This involves:
- Streamlining Communication for Viral Reach: We help DAOs optimize their communication channels and protocols to facilitate rapid information sharing, encourage viral content distribution, and promote community engagement.
- Implementing Efficient Decision-Making Processes: We guide DAOs in implementing efficient decision-making processes that allow them to respond quickly to opportunities for viral growth and adapt their strategies as needed.
- Optimizing Workflows for Scalability: We help DAOs optimize their workflows to ensure they can handle the increased demands of a rapidly growing community and support the scalability of their viral initiatives.
We help organizations understand the nuances of each framework, considering factors like community size, decision-making complexity, and desired level of decentralization. We then guide them in establishing clear and effective decentralized decision-making processes, ensuring all DAO members have a voice in shaping the organization's direction and contributing to its viral success. This might involve:
- Proposal Submission and Review: Establishing clear guidelines for submitting proposals, outlining the review process, and ensuring transparency in decision-making.
- On-chain Voting Mechanisms: Implementing secure and transparent on-chain voting mechanisms that allow for verifiable and auditable results.
- Consensus Building and Dispute Resolution: Facilitating consensus-building processes and establishing clear mechanisms for resolving disputes fairly and efficiently.
Design the DAO's Structure and Operational Mechanisms with a Focus on Viral Growth:
We guide organizations in designing the optimal structure and operational mechanisms for their DAO, with a specific focus on facilitating viral growth and public engagement. This involves:
- Developing a Tokenomics Strategy for Viral Incentives: We guide organizations in designing a token economy that incentivizes viral growth and rewards community contributions. This could involve utilizing tokenized rewards for promoting the DAO, creating engaging content, or attracting new members.
- Defining Membership Structures for Public Engagement: We help organizations define membership structures that encourage public participation and engagement. This could involve creating different tiers of membership with varying levels of access and benefits, or implementing open-source contribution models that allow anyone to contribute to the DAO's success.
- Establishing Operational Mechanisms for Scalability: We guide organizations in developing operational mechanisms that can scale to accommodate a growing community and support viral growth. This could involve utilizing AI, automation tools, implementing efficient communication channels, and establishing clear decision-making processes.
DAO Management and Community-Driven Decision-Making:
We guide DAOs in establishing a culture of shared leadership and collaborative decision-making, with a focus on empowering community members to contribute to the DAO's viral success. This involves:
- Facilitating Open Discussions and Feedback: We guide DAOs in establishing communication channels that facilitate open discussions, feedback, and brainstorming sessions, allowing members to contribute ideas for viral media campaigns and initiatives.
- Implementing Voting Systems that Amplify Impact: We help DAOs implement voting systems that empower the community to make decisions about initiatives that have the potential for viral impact, ensuring that the DAO's resources are allocated strategically.
- Encouraging Viral Content Creation: We help DAOs create an environment where members are encouraged to create and share content that promotes the DAO and its mission, contributing to its viral reach.
Project Development, Pilot Testing, and Technical Infrastructure for Viral Use Cases:
We assist DAOs in developing and launching projects that have the potential for viral growth, providing guidance on project management, resource allocation, and technical implementation. This involves:
- Identifying Viral Use Cases: We help DAOs brainstorm and evaluate potential use cases, focusing on those that address a real-world need, offer a unique value proposition, and have the potential to capture public attention and drive widespread adoption of Cardano.
- Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP): We guide DAOs in developing a minimum viable product (MVP) for their chosen use case, focusing on core functionalities and rapid iteration to test and validate their concept.
- Conducting Pilot Tests and Gathering Feedback: We encourage DAOs to conduct pilot tests of their MVP, gathering feedback from a targeted audience and iterating on their approach to maximize viral potential. This includes analyzing user engagement, identifying areas for improvement, and refining the product based on real-world data.
Feedback and Iteration for Continuous Improvement:
This phase is where the rubber meets the road. It's about rigorously testing the execution of the pilot project, measuring its impact with precision, and refining the approach to maximize its viral potential. We guide DAOs through a structured process:
Defining Measurable Objectives: We help DAOs define clear and measurable objectives for their pilot project, focusing on metrics that directly indicate viral growth and public engagement. This could include:
- Reach: Number of people exposed to the project (website visits, social media impressions, media mentions).
- Engagement: Level of interaction with the project (likes, shares, comments, participation in DAO activities).
- Adoption: Number of new users or members who join the DAO or utilize its services as a result of the pilot project.
- Sentiment: Public perception and sentiment towards the project and the DAO (analyzing social media comments, reviews, and feedback).
- Implementing Tracking Mechanisms: We guide DAOs in implementing robust tracking mechanisms to monitor these key metrics and gather data on user behavior, engagement, and feedback. T
- Website Analytics: Utilizing tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates.
- Social Media Analytics: Monitoring social media platforms to track engagement metrics, identify influencers, and analyze sentiment.
- Community Surveys and Feedback Forms: Collecting feedback directly from the community through surveys, polls, and feedback forms.
- On-Chain Data Analysis: Analyzing on-chain data to track DAO activity, token usage, and governance participation.
- Analyzing Data and Identifying Trends: We help DAOs analyze the collected data to identify trends, understand user preferences, and measure the effectiveness of their viral marketing strategies.
- A/B Testing: Conducting A/B tests to compare different approaches and identify the most effective strategies for driving viral growth.
- Qualitative Analysis: Analyzing qualitative feedback, such as user comments and reviews, to understand user sentiment and identify areas for improvement.
Refining the Approach: Based on the data gathered and analysis conducted, we guide DAOs in refining their approach, making data-driven adjustments to their product, marketing strategy, or community engagement initiatives to maximize viral potential. This could involve:
- Product Enhancements: Improving the user experience, adding new features, or addressing usability issues based on user feedback.
- Marketing Optimization: Adjusting marketing campaigns to target specific audiences, refine messaging, or optimize content for social sharing.
- Community Engagement Strategies: Implementing new community engagement initiatives, such as contests, AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions), or reward programs, to increase participation and foster a sense of belonging.
Phase 3: Launching into Action with a Viral Focus
We guide DAOs in leveraging Cardano's blockchain to implement secure and transparent governance mechanisms that foster public trust and encourage participation. This involves:
- Preparing for Launch: Once the pilot project has been thoroughly tested, measured, and refined, we help DAOs prepare for a successful launch, ensuring they have the resources, infrastructure, and strategies in place to achieve viral growth. This involves:
- Developing a Launch Plan: Creating a detailed launch plan that outlines key milestones, marketing activities, and community engagement strategies.
- Securing Partnerships and Collaborations: Building strategic partnerships and collaborations to amplify the launch and reach a wider audience.
Community Onboarding and Education, and Onboarding New DAO Members:
We help DAOs develop effective onboarding processes that welcome new members, provide them with the necessary knowledge and resources to participate actively in the community, and encourage them to contribute to the DAO's viral growth. This involves:
- Creating Engaging Onboarding Experiences: We guide DAOs in creating engaging and informative onboarding experiences that introduce new members to the DAO's mission, values, and viral growth strategies.
- Providing Educational Resources on Viral Marketing: We help DAOs develop educational resources that teach members about viral marketing strategies, content creation best practices, and community engagement techniques.
Marketing, Promotion, Public Relations, and Media Outreach, and DAO Identity and Branding:
We guide DAOs in developing a strong brand identity and implementing effective marketing and communication strategies to raise awareness, attract new members, and generate viral momentum. This involves:
- Crafting a Viral Narrative: We help DAOs craft a compelling narrative that resonates with their target audience and has the potential to go viral. This could involve highlighting the unique value proposition of the DAO, showcasing its impact on the community, or emphasizing its role in driving Cardano adoption.
- Building a Strong Brand Identity: We help DAOs establish a strong brand identity that is memorable, shareable, and reflects their values and mission. This includes developing a visual identity, creating a consistent brand voice, and establishing clear brand guidelines.
- Leveraging Public Relations and Media Outreach: We guide DAOs in utilizing public relations and media outreach to secure positive media coverage and amplify their message to a wider audience. This could involve issuing press releases, building relationships with journalists, and actively participating in industry events.
Content Creation and Distribution:
We empower DAOs to create and distribute high-quality content that engages their community, attracts new members, and drives viral growth. This involves:
- Developing Engaging Content: We guide DAOs in creating engaging content that resonates with their target audience and encourages sharing and virality. This could involve creating informative articles, entertaining videos, or interactive social media campaigns.
- Establishing Content Distribution Channels: We help DAOs establish effective content distribution channels, including social media platforms, content aggregators, and email newsletters.
- Utilizing Content Marketing Strategies: We guide DAOs in utilizing content marketing strategies to attract and engage their target audience, build brand awareness, and drive traffic to their online platforms.
Fundraising and Investment Strategies, and Grant Writing and Funding Proposals:
We empower DAOs to secure the funding they need to fuel their viral growth, expand their reach, and achieve their ambitious goals. This involves:
- Developing a Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy: We guide DAOs in developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with their viral growth objectives. This could involve exploring a variety of funding options, including crowdfunding campaigns, token sales, grant applications, strategic partnerships, and venture capital investments.
- Crafting Compelling Funding Proposals: We help DAOs craft compelling funding proposals that clearly articulate their vision, impact, and potential for viral growth. This includes developing strong narratives, showcasing their achievements, and demonstrating a clear plan for utilizing funds to achieve their goals.
- Building Relationships with Investors and Grant Providers: We guide DAOs in building relationships with potential investors and grant providers who are aligned with their mission and vision. This could involve attending industry events, participating in pitch competitions, or leveraging their network to connect with key stakeholders.
- Managing Funds Responsibly: We emphasize the importance of responsible financial management, guiding DAOs in establishing transparent and accountable treasury management practices.
Scaling and Growth:
We provide guidance and support to help DAOs scale their operations, expand their communities, and increase their impact, all while maintaining a focus on viral growth and public engagement. This involves:
- Developing Scalable Growth Strategies: We help DAOs develop growth strategies that can adapt to rapid expansion and maintain a strong community focus. This could involve implementing decentralized marketing campaigns, leveraging social media influencers, or creating engaging content that encourages organic sharing and viral spread.
- Adapting to Evolving Needs: We help DAOs adapt to the evolving needs of their community and the broader ecosystem, ensuring that their strategies remain relevant and effective as they grow and gain public attention.
Guidance to Cardano Governance:
We empower DAOs to become active and influential participants in the Cardano ecosystem, amplifying their impact and contributing to the growth of the platform. This involves:
- Understanding Cardano's Governance System & CIP-1694: We provide comprehensive education on Cardano's governance system, including its structure, processes, and opportunities for participation. This empowers DAOs to understand how they can contribute to shaping the future of the ecosystem.
- Participating in Catalyst and Voltaire: We guide DAOs in actively participating in Catalyst funding rounds and the Voltaire era of Cardano governance, enabling them to propose and vote on initiatives that align with their values and objectives.
- Advocating for Decentralization: We encourage DAOs to become advocates for decentralization and the values of the Cardano ecosystem, promoting its adoption and contributing to its long-term success.
Phase 4: Measuring and Amplifying Impact for Success with Viral Momentum
This phase focuses on rigorously measuring the impact of the DAO and its initiatives, analyzing results, and developing strategies to amplify its reach and influence.
- Impact Assessment: We guide DAOs in conducting a comprehensive impact assessment to measure the tangible outcomes of their projects and initiatives. This involves collecting data on key metrics, such as user growth, community engagement, financial performance, and social impact.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: We help DAOs analyze the collected data to identify trends, understand the effectiveness of their strategies, and measure their progress towards their goals. We also guide them in creating clear and concise reports that communicate their impact to stakeholders and the broader community.
- Amplification Strategies: Based on the impact assessment and data analysis, we work with DAOs to develop strategies for amplifying their impact and reaching a wider audience. This could involve leveraging public relations, social media marketing, content creation, and community engagement initiatives.
Phase 5: Showcase: Amplifying Impact and Celebrating Success: Cardano’s DAO Phygital Festival
Finally, our Accelerator Program's finalization goal for 2025 is to conduct a DAO Phygital Festival that these Accelerated DAOs protagonize. This initiative is set and designed to be managed by us for R&D purposes within the scope of this proposal, but also, the fundamental initiative is to gradually explore a decentralized model of Phigital Instances and Media Campaigns governed by the very ecosystem Cardano has helped us to build.
Therefore, this Acceleration Program culminates in a grand showcase of the DAOs' achievements, specifically designed to amplify their impact and inspire wider adoption of decentralized governance. The 2025 DAO Phygital Festival will be a hybrid event, seamlessly blending the physical and virtual worlds to reach a diverse audience of organizations, public and private sector representatives, cultural institutions, businesses, brands, authorities, government officials, Cardano community members, and the general public.
A Celebration of Viral Success and a Catalyst for Wider Adoption:
The festival will be a dynamic platform for showcasing the transformative power of DAOs and their potential to drive viral growth and mainstream adoption of Cardano. It will highlight the achievements of participating DAOs, demonstrating their real-world impact and inspiring others to embrace decentralized governance.
Showcasing Results and Inspiring Action:
The festival will feature a curated selection of DAOs from the acceleration program, showcasing their journeys, results, and impact across diverse sectors. This will provide a compelling demonstration of the potential of DAOs to solve real-world problems and inspire action from a wide range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrating Tangible Outcomes: DAOs will present their key achievements, showcasing how they have leveraged decentralized governance to achieve their goals, whether it's increasing efficiency, fostering community engagement, or driving innovation.
- Sharing Success Stories: DAOs will share their success stories, highlighting the challenges they overcame, the strategies they employed, and the impact they have achieved. These stories will inspire and motivate other organizations to explore the potential of DAOs.
- Engaging with the Public: The festival will provide opportunities for DAOs to engage with the public, demonstrating the practical applications of decentralized governance and showcasing the benefits of Cardano's blockchain technology.
Key Features of the 2025 DAO Festival:
- Targeted Audience Engagement: The festival will be designed to attract and engage a diverse audience, including representatives from public and private sectors, cultural institutions, businesses, brands, government officials, and the Cardano community.
- Impactful Presentations and Demonstrations: DAOs will deliver impactful presentations and demonstrations, showcasing their achievements and highlighting the transformative power of decentralized governance.
- Interactive Workshops and Panels: Experts will lead interactive workshops and panel discussions, providing attendees with deeper insights into DAOs, decentralized governance, and the Cardano ecosystem.
- Networking Opportunities: The festival will provide ample networking opportunities for DAOs to connect with potential partners, investors, and collaborators, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and growth.
- Media Coverage and Public Relations: We will actively promote the festival and the achievements of participating DAOs through media outreach and public relations efforts, amplifying their impact and reaching a wider audience.
Optimized Expenses for Maximum Impact:
The 2025 DAO Festival will be carefully planned and executed to maximize its impact and reach while ensuring cost-effectiveness. A detailed breakdown of expenses will be provided in the budget section of this proposal. This adaptation of Phase 5 places a stronger emphasis on showcasing the results and impact of the DAOs in the acceleration program, targeting a wider audience, and amplifying their reach to inspire broader adoption of decentralized governance.
Phase 6 and Beyond: Joining the Movement: Onboarding to DAO Cooperativa Local
This phase extends beyond the festival, inviting participating organizations to join DAO Cooperativa Local, our own DAO dedicated to fostering a thriving ecosystem for decentralized organizations on Cardano.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Continued Growth:
By joining DAO Cooperativa Local, organizations become part of a vibrant and supportive community dedicated to driving the adoption of decentralized governance and unlocking the full potential of Cardano's blockchain technology. This provides them with ongoing support, resources, and collaboration opportunities to further their growth and impact.
Key Benefits of Joining DAO Cooperativa Local:
- Acceleration Opportunities: We will actively connect organizations with potential partners, collaborators, and investors within the Cardano ecosystem, helping them secure funding, expand their networks, and access valuable resources.
- Enhanced Showcasing: We will continue to promote the achievements and successes of our DAO graduates through various channels, increasing their visibility and attracting new members and supporters.
- Continued Cooperation: We foster a collaborative environment where organizations can continue to learn from each other, share best practices, and contribute to the collective knowledge base of the DAO ecosystem.
- Open Governance and Shared Value: DAO Cooperativa Local operates on the principles of open governance, ensuring that all members have a voice in shaping the direction of the DAO and its initiatives.
Conclusion: Igniting a Viral Movement of Decentralized Governance
This comprehensive DAO acceleration program, culminating in the 2025 DAO Phygital Festival and integration with DAO Cooperativa Local, is designed to ignite a viral movement of decentralized governance within established organizations. By empowering these organizations to embrace DAOs and create impactful use cases, we aim to drive mainstream adoption of Cardano and showcase the transformative power of Web3 technologies.
By investing in this program, the Cardano community will not only empower cultural organizations to thrive in a decentralized world but also contribute to the growth and diversification of the Cardano ecosystem. This program is a testament to our commitment to building a more inclusive, collaborative, and impactful future for DAOs on Cardano.
[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
Empowering a Thriving DAO Ecosystem on Cardano
This project will have a profound and far-reaching impact on the Cardano community by empowering creative organizations to embrace decentralized governance, driving adoption of Cardano-based DAOs, and fostering a thriving ecosystem of collaborative innovation within the creative and entertainment industries. By accelerating the growth and influence of DAOs, particularly those emerging from the creative and entertainment industries and developing economies, we will:
- Increase Cardano adoption: As DAOs gain traction and demonstrate real-world success, they will attract more users and organizations to the Cardano blockchain, driving adoption and expanding the ecosystem. This includes driving adoption of Cardano-based tools and dApps, showcasing the versatility and real-world applicability of Cardano's blockchain technology to a wider audience.
- Drive innovation: By supporting DAOs in developing and implementing innovative solutions, we will foster a culture of experimentation and creativity within the Cardano community. This collaborative environment will stimulate innovation, knowledge sharing, and the development of new DAO tools and governance models, further enriching the Cardano ecosystem.
- Promote decentralization: The success of these DAOs will serve as a powerful example of the benefits of decentralized governance, inspiring more projects and communities to embrace this model.
- Enhance Cardano's reputation: By showcasing the real-world impact of DAOs built on Cardano, we will enhance the platform's reputation as a leading blockchain for innovation and social impact.
Creating Viral Use Cases with Mainstream Appeal
Our program goes beyond theoretical knowledge by guiding organizations to develop and implement DAO solutions that address their specific needs and challenges. These real-world use cases will serve as powerful testimonials for Cardano, demonstrating its ability to empower creative organizations and foster innovation. These success stories will have a viral effect, attracting more organizations and users to the Cardano ecosystem. This will:
- Generate positive media coverage: Successful, impactful DAOs will attract media attention, showcasing Cardano's capabilities to a wider audience and generating positive PR for the ecosystem.
- Attract new users and investors: The viral nature of these projects will pique the interest of those outside the crypto space, drawing new users and investors to Cardano.
- Demonstrate the real-world value of blockchain: By showcasing how DAOs can solve real-world problems in engaging and accessible ways, we will demonstrate the tangible value of blockchain technology to a mainstream audience.
DAO Phygital Festivals and Media Campaigns: Amplifying Cardano's Impact
Mark your calendars for November 2025, when our DAO Phygital Festivals will come to life, blending the best of physical and digital experiences to engage 200 individuals through a multi-layered approach. The festival will welcome 160 in-person attendees, while 15 participants will delve into immersive phygital workshops, and 25 will join remotely via live stream. But the engagement doesn't stop there. All festival content will be published online, creating a lasting resource for the Cardano community and ensuring continued learning and connection. Furthermore, a targeted digital media campaign will amplify the festival's impact, aiming to reach at least 100,000 people with engaging content and initiatives before, during, and after the event.
Building a More Inclusive and Equitable Ecosystem
Our focus on the creative and entertainment industries, as well as developing economies and informal markets, will contribute to a more inclusive and equitable Cardano ecosystem. This will:
- Empower underserved communities: We will provide opportunities for creators and organizations in developing economies to participate in the decentralized future, fostering economic empowerment and social inclusion.
- Promote cultural diversity: By supporting DAOs in the creative sector, we will promote cultural diversity and artistic expression within the Cardano community.
- Strengthen community bonds: The success of these DAOs will strengthen community bonds and foster a sense of shared ownership within the Cardano ecosystem.
Empowering a Decentralized Future for Creative Organizations on Cardano
This project will have a profound and far-reaching impact on the Cardano community by empowering creative organizations to embrace decentralized governance, driving adoption of Cardano-based DAOs, and fostering a thriving ecosystem of collaborative innovation within the creative and entertainment industries.
Bringing Value to the Cardano Community
Our DAO Accelerator Program will bring immense value to the Cardano community by:
- Addressing the Needs of the Creative Economy: The creative and entertainment industries are ripe for disruption by decentralized technologies. Our program directly addresses the challenges faced by these sectors, such as complex stakeholder networks, opaque decision-making, and inequitable value distribution, by providing a pathway for organizations to adopt DAOs and unlock the benefits of decentralized governance. This targeted approach fills a crucial gap in the Cardano ecosystem and positions Cardano as a leader in empowering creative organizations.
- Driving Cardano Adoption in a Key Sector: By focusing on the creative and entertainment industries, we are strategically targeting a sector with high growth potential and significant influence. Successfully onboarding these organizations onto Cardano will not only drive adoption of Cardano-based tools and dApps but also showcase the versatility and real-world applicability of Cardano's blockchain technology to a wider audience.
- Creating Viral Use Cases: Our program goes beyond theoretical knowledge by guiding organizations to develop and implement DAO solutions that address their specific needs and challenges. These real-world use cases will serve as powerful testimonials for Cardano, demonstrating its ability to empower creative organizations and foster innovation. These success stories will have a viral effect, attracting more organizations and users to the Cardano ecosystem.
- Fostering a Thriving DAO Ecosystem: By providing ongoing support, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities through DAO Cooperativa Local, we are nurturing a self-sustaining ecosystem where organizations can thrive and contribute to the collective growth of the Cardano community. This collaborative environment will stimulate innovation, knowledge sharing, and the development of new DAO tools and governance models, further enriching the Cardano ecosystem.
- Promoting Cardano's Values: Our program aligns perfectly with Cardano's core values of decentralization, community empowerment, and sustainability. By empowering creative organizations to embrace these values, we are contributing to the growth of a more equitable, transparent, and inclusive decentralized future on Cardano.
Measuring Impact with Tangible Metrics
We will employ a comprehensive approach to measure the impact of our project, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative metrics:
Quantitative Metrics:
- Number of DAOs accelerated
- Growth in DAO membership and participation
- Increase in on-chain activity (transactions, voting, proposals)
- Website traffic and social media engagement
- Media coverage and public awareness
- Funds raised by DAOs
- Impact on the creative economy (e.g., revenue generated, jobs created)
- Growth in DAO numbers: Monitoring the number of new DAOs launched on Cardano through our program.
- Increased transaction volume: Measuring the increase in on-chain transactions generated by participating DAOs.
- Active DAO members: Tracking the number of active participants within each accelerated DAO.
- Governance activity: Monitoring the number of governance proposals, votes, and executed actions within each DAO.
- Growth in DAO Cooperativa Local membership: Tracking the number of organizations joining our DAO and actively participating in its governance and activities.
Qualitative Metrics:
- Community feedback and testimonials
- Case studies showcasing DAO success stories
- Level of community engagement and participation in DAO governance
- Perception of Cardano and DAOs within the creative sector and developing economies
- Participant Satisfaction: Surveys and feedback forms: Gathering feedback from participating organizations at various stages of the program to assess their satisfaction with the curriculum, mentorship, and overall experience.
- Testimonials and interviews: Collecting testimonials and conducting interviews with participants to capture their perspectives on the impact of the program on their organizations and their understanding of DAOs.
- Case Studies and Success Stories: Documenting DAO implementations: Creating detailed case studies that showcase the successful implementation of DAOs by participating organizations, highlighting the challenges they overcame, the solutions they developed, and the positive outcomes they achieved.
- Community Recognition: Active participation in the Cardano ecosystem: Engaging in community events, forums, and discussions to share our expertise, contribute to the collective knowledge base, and demonstrate the value of our program to the wider Cardano community.
Sharing Outputs and Opportunities
Transparency and community engagement are at the heart of our approach. We will actively share our project outputs and opportunities with the Cardano community through:
- Detailed Proof of Achievement reports at Milestones Modules: We will provide regular reports and updates on the program's progress, including key metrics, success stories, and lessons learned.
- Community forums and social media: We will actively engage in community forums and social media platforms to share updates, promote the achievements of participating DAOs, and foster discussion.
- Open-source resources and documentation: We will make our curriculum, training materials, and other resources available as open-source materials, allowing others to benefit from our experience and contribute to the growth of the DAO ecosystem.
- Conferences and events: We will participate in Cardano conferences and events to showcase the impact of our program and share our insights with the community.
- Collaboration with other projects: We will actively collaborate with other projects and initiatives within the Cardano ecosystem to maximize our impact and contribute to the overall growth of the community.
- Comprehensive Documentation:Detailed progress reports: Publishing regular reports on our website and social media platforms, outlining our achievements, challenges, and financial updates.
- DAO implementation guides: Creating and sharing comprehensive guides that document the technical aspects, governance structures, and key functionalities of the DAOs implemented by participating organizations.
- Community Engagement:Active social media presence: Regularly sharing updates, insights, and success stories on our social media platforms to engage with the Cardano community and foster a sense of shared purpose.
- Community events and workshops: Hosting events and workshops to showcase our program, share our findings, and facilitate collaboration among DAO enthusiasts and Cardano community members.
- Presentations and publications: Presenting our work at conferences and publishing articles in relevant publications to reach a wider audience and promote the benefits of DAOs on Cardano.
Expanding Our Reach: A Multilingual and International Approach
- Our vision extends beyond borders and languages. We believe that the transformative power of DAOs should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or native tongue. We are committed to making our project, DAO, and proposal multilingual and international, breaking down language barriers and fostering inclusivity.
- We have already developed the cultural sensitivity and practical experience needed to onboard diverse communities, based on our successful track record in Latin America. We understand the nuances of different cultures, the importance of respecting local contexts, and the power of building bridges between communities. This positions us to effectively support and empower organizations from a wide range of backgrounds and regions, contributing to the global growth and adoption of DAOs.
- Imagine a world where DAOs are not just a tool for the tech-savvy or the privileged, but a force for empowerment and inclusion across the globe. This is the future we are building, one language, one community, one DAO at a time.
Empowering a Decentralized Future for All
- By combining our proven track record, deep understanding of our target sectors, and strategic focus on Cardano's strengths, we are confident that our DAO Accelerator Program will serve as a catalyst for widespread DAO adoption. We are not just building a program; we are cultivating a movement. A movement that empowers creators, strengthens communities, and unlocks the full potential of the decentralized future.
- We believe that this initiative will not only empower creative organizations and communities in developing economies but also contribute to the growth and development of a more vibrant, equitable, and decentralized future for all. A future where everyone has the opportunity to participate in the new economy, to shape their own destiny, and to contribute to a world where collaboration, innovation, and shared prosperity reign supreme.
DAO Cooperativa Local
Encouraging all program graduates and interested community members to join DAO Cooperativa Local, our own DAO dedicated to supporting and accelerating the growth of decentralized organizations on Cardano.
Fostering collaboration: Providing a platform for ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and access to valuable resources within DAO Cooperativa Local. This will include facilitating connections with potential partners and investors, organizing workshops and training sessions on advanced DAO topics, and actively contributing to the development of new DAO tools and governance models on Cardano.
[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?
By combining our proven track record showcased at the beginning of the [SOLUTION] answer, with our deep understanding of DAOs, and commitment to transparency and community engagement, we are confident in our ability to deliver a successful and impactful DAO Incubator Accelerator that contributes significantly to the growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem.
Cooperativa Local is ideally positioned to deliver this ambitious DAO Accelerator Program with high levels of trust and accountability. We have a proven track record of success in the Cardano ecosystem, a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing DAOs, and a passionate commitment to empowering creative organizations.
Our Expertise and Experience:
- Deep Understanding of DAOs: We possess a comprehensive understanding of DAO concepts, governance models, and technical implementation. This expertise comes from our extensive experience designing, launching, and managing DAOs, including our successful Fund11-funded DAO Incubator Program, which has already onboarded 8 organizations to the Cardano ecosystem.
- Experience in Delivering Educational Programs: We have a proven track record of designing and delivering effective educational programs for blockchain and Web3 technologies. Our previous program involved 30 class sessions, covering a wide range of topics from organizational governance to tokenomics and on-chain tools. We refined our curriculum based on participant feedback and achieved a high satisfaction rate (average grade of 97%).
- Effective Program Delivery: We have extensive experience designing and executing educational programs with measurable outcomes. Our pilot program allowed us to refine the curriculum and test platform integration before scaling up. We tracked key metrics, made adjustments as needed, and gathered feedback from students and partners to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
- Successful Completion of Previous Catalyst Projects: We have successfully completed four Catalyst-funded projects (F6 & F8) with a total funding of $71,850. These projects involved developing, testing, and adopting a multi-chain social network, demonstrating our ability to manage funds effectively and deliver tangible results.
- Deep Understanding of the Creative and Entertainment Industries: Our team has developed a deep understanding of the cultural and entertainment industries in emerging countries, enabling us to tailor the program to the specific needs and challenges of DAOs in this sector. We have engaged with a vast network of artists, creators, and cultural organizations across Chile and Latin America, understanding their needs and challenges firsthand.
- Recognition and Support from Established Institutions: Our team has been recognized and supported by Start-Up Chile, a world's top-10 public technology accelerator. This demonstrates our credibility and potential to deliver high-impact projects.
Building on the Success of 2024:
This proposal builds upon the successful foundation established by our 2024 DAO Incubator Program, which was funded through Catalyst Fund11. We have enhanced the program in several key ways, including:
- Shifting focus from "case studies" to "use cases": We are now guiding organizations to not only understand and implement DAOs but also utilize them to achieve tangible results and contribute to the Cardano ecosystem.
- Increasing capacity and reach: We are expanding our capacity to support 12 organizations and 30 workers in 2025, a 50% increase from our 2024 program.
- Updating our comprehensive curriculum: We have meticulously updated our curriculum to reflect the latest advancements in DAO technology and governance models, covering everything from DAO fundamentals to legal considerations.
These enhancements transform our program into a more robust and impactful product, further solidifying Cardano's position as a leading platform for decentralized governance.
Demonstrating Trust and Accountability
We are committed to maintaining the highest levels of trust and accountability throughout this project. We will demonstrate this commitment through:
- Transparent Fund Management: We will meticulously track and document all project expenditures, ensuring that funds are used responsibly and effectively. We will provide regular financial reports to the community, detailing how the funds are being utilized and demonstrating the value generated for the Cardano ecosystem.
- Open Communication: We will maintain open communication channels with the community, providing regular updates on our progress, challenges, and key learnings. We will actively engage with stakeholders through various channels, including social media, forums, and dedicated communication platforms.
- Community Engagement: We will actively involve the Cardano community throughout the project lifecycle. We will seek feedback on our plans, share our progress, and solicit input on key decisions. This participatory approach ensures that our project remains aligned with the needs and priorities of the Cardano ecosystem.
- Independent Audits: We will engage independent auditors to review our financial records and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. This provides an additional layer of accountability and transparency, giving the community confidence in our financial management practices.
Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:
Transparency and community engagement are at the heart of our approach. We will actively share our project outputs and opportunities with the Cardano community through:
- Comprehensive Documentation: Publishing regular reports on our website and social media platforms, outlining our achievements, challenges, and financial updates.
- Open-source materials: Making most of our program materials, including curriculum content, presentations, and interactive exercises, available as open-source resources on GitHub.
- DAO implementation guides: Creating and sharing comprehensive guides that document the technical aspects, governance structures, and key functionalities of the DAOs implemented by participating organizations.
- Community Engagement:Active social media presence: Regularly sharing updates, insights, and success stories on our social media platforms to engage with the Cardano community and foster a sense of shared purpose.
- Community events and workshops: Hosting events and workshops to showcase our program, share our findings, and facilitate collaboration among DAO enthusiasts and Cardano community members.
- Presentations and publications: Presenting our work at conferences and publishing articles in relevant publications to reach a wider audience and promote the benefits of DAOs on Cardano.
- DAO Cooperativa Local: Encouraging all program graduates and interested community members to join DAO Cooperativa Local, our own DAO dedicated to supporting and accelerating the growth of decentralized organizations on Cardano.
- Fostering collaboration: Providing a platform for ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and access to valuable resources within DAO Cooperativa Local. This will include facilitating connections with potential partners and investors, organizing workshops and training sessions on advanced DAO topics, and actively contributing to the development of new DAO tools and governance models on Cardano.
Validating Feasibility and Showcasing Past Successes
To further validate the feasibility of our project, we will:
- Develop a Detailed Implementation Plan: We will create a comprehensive implementation plan with clear timelines, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies. This plan will guide our execution and ensure that we stay on track to achieve our objectives.
- Simplified-tracking of detailed break-down into 3-month stages: This proposal has been presented with highly detailed breakdown, where we have broken-down the project into smaller phases of three month-each, prioritizing understandable and clear inputs-to-outputs at the each phase. These includes measurements such as the project's objectives, budget, piloting, development and feedback from our users.
- Extend Partnerships: We will extend our strategic partnerships with Clarity Protocol and Summon Platform, leading platforms in the Cardano DAO ecosystem. These partnerships will enhance our capabilities and provide valuable support for participating organizations.
- Engage with the Cardano community: We will actively engage with the Cardano community throughout the development process to gather feedback and ensure the program meets the needs of the ecosystem. This iterative approach allows us to adapt and improve our program based on community input.
- Feedback reports: Sharing feedback reports from participants and partners to demonstrate the program's effectiveness and impact.
- Commitment to sharing outputs and results: We are committed to sharing the outputs and results of the project with the Cardano community through various channels, including content that we will publish as video that presents our Milestones projects activities, outputs, and expected outcomes each month. This content will be fed by our data management plan which outlines how and what data generated by the project is collected, stored, analyzed, and shared. Also, Key transparency of financial disclosure statements and evidence of matching funding will be included.
- Building trust, accountability and engaging with Cardano Catalyst: By following these best practices, our project's outputs will be shared in a transparent and efficient manner while ensuring that Cardano, Catalyst and our Clients are informed and engaged throughout the process and how the updated will be used in future research and development activities, including any potential collaborations with other Cardano researchers, media or organizations.
Leveraging Cardano's Strengths:
Our program is deeply integrated with the Cardano ecosystem, leveraging its strengths in security, scalability, and sustainability. We guide organizations in utilizing Cardano-based tools and dApps, contributing to the growth and adoption of the Cardano blockchain. By harnessing Cardano's robust infrastructure and its growing ecosystem of dApps, participating organizations can unlock new levels of efficiency, collaboration, and growth, contributing to the development of a thriving and sustainable creative economy on Cardano.
[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?
(*) Milestones are presented in the following format:
- A: Milestone output
- B: Acceptance criteria
- C: Evidence of milestone completion
Milestone 1: Launch our 2025 DAO Acceleration Program
Months: 1, 2
- 1.1. Produce 1st Cohort Acceleration Material
Acceleration material for the 1st cohort is finalized.
- Links to the finalized educational materials.
- 1.2. Secure Agreements with 1st Cohosrt of Selected Organizations
- Agreements secured with at least 2 organizations for the first cohort of the DAO Acceleration Program.
- Copy of the signed deal.
- 1.3. Announce 1st Cohort
- The 1st cohort is officially announced through 2 channels.
- Links to announcements of the 1st cohort on 2 channels.
(*) Milestones are presented in the following format:
- A: Milestone output
- B: Acceptance criteria
- C: Evidence of milestone completion
Milestone 2: Accelerate the 1st Cohort of DAOs
Months: 3, 4,5
- 2.1. Onboard 1st Cohort to our DAO Acceleration Program
- 2 Organizations of the 1st cohort are onboarded into our DAO Acceleration Program.
- Links to session recordings, attendance report and videos demonstrating the onboarding of organizations into our DAO Acceleration Program.
- 2.2. Define 1st Cohort DAO Pilot Project
- Detailed documentation of 1st cohort pilot DAO projects, including objectives, target audience, viral growth strategies, KPIs, and a clear roadmap.
- Links to documentation, including a project charter, timeline, and resource allocation plan
- 2.3. Test 1st Cohort DAO Pilot Projects
- Successful launch of 1st cohort pilot DAO projects with evidence of user engagement and initial data collection.
- Links to the live pilot projects and screenshots/videos demonstrating user activity.
- 2.4. Refine 1st Cohort DAO Projects
- Documented improvements and adjustments made to 1st cohort pilot DAO projects based on data analysis, user feedback, and expert recommendations.
- Links to updated documentation, including a project charter, timeline, and resource allocation plan.
- 2.5. Campaign 1st Cohort DAO DAO Projects
- Execution of targeted marketing and community engagement media campaigns with measurable results, including increased social media reach, and community growth.
- Link to marketing campaign materials, social media analytics reports, and community growth statistics.
- 2.6. Launch 1st Cohort DAO Projects
- Public launch of refined pilot projects with a focus on viral growth, incorporating improvements and adjustments from the previous phase.
- Links to the live pilot projects and screenshots/videos demonstrating increased user activity.
- 2.7. Publish 1st Cohort Acceleration Materials
- Acceleration Materials used for the 1st cohort are published.
- Link to the materials folder.
- 2.8. Publish 1st Cohort Impact Report
- Impact report document with 2nd cohorts’ KPI data collection and analysis, is published on 2 channels
- Link to the Impact report.
(*) Milestones are presented in the following format:
- A: Milestone output
- B: Acceptance criteria
- C: Evidence of milestone completion
Milestone 3: Accelerate the 2nd Cohort DAO Projects
Months 6, 7, 8
- 3.1. Secure Agreements with 2nd Cohort of Selected Organizations
- Agreements secured with at least 2 organizations for the second cohort of the DAO Acceleration Program.
- Copy of the signed deal.
- 3.2. Announce 2nd Cohort
- The 2nd cohort is officially announced through 2 channels.
- Links to announcements of the 1st cohort on 2 channels.
- 3.3. Onboard 2nd Cohort to our DAO Acceleration Program
- 2 Organizations of the 2nd cohort are onboarded into our DAO Acceleration Program.
- Links to session recordings, attendance report and videos demonstrating the onboarding of organizations into our DAO Acceleration Program.
- 3.4. Define 2nd Cohort DAO Pilot Projects
- Detailed documentation of 2nd cohort pilot DAO project, including objectives, target audience, viral growth strategies, KPIs, and a clear roadmap.
- Links to documentation, including a project charter, timeline, and resource allocation plan.
- 3.5. Test 2nd Cohort DAO Pilot Projects
- Successful launch of 1st cohort pilot DAO projects with evidence of user engagement and initial data collection.
- Links to the live pilot projects and screenshots/videos demonstrating user activity.
- 3.6. Refine 2nd Cohort DAO Projects
- Documented improvements and adjustments made to 2nd cohort pilot DAO projects based on data analysis, user feedback, and expert recommendations.
- Links to updated documentation, including a project charter, timeline, and resource allocation plan.
- 3.7. Campaign 2nd Cohort DAO DAO Projects
- Execution of targeted marketing and community engagement media campaigns with measurable results, including increased social media reach, and community growth.
- Link to marketing campaign materials, social media analytics reports, and community growth statistics.
- 3.8. Launch 2nd Cohort DAO Projects
- Public launch of refined pilot projects with a focus on viral growth, incorporating improvements and adjustments from the previous phase.
- Links to the live pilot projects and screenshots/videos demonstrating increased user activity.
- 3.9. Publish 2nd Cohort Acceleration Materials
- Acceleration Materials used for the 2nd cohort are published.
- Link to the materials folder.
- 3.10. Publish 2nd Cohort Impact Report
- Impact report document with 2nd cohorts’ KPI data collection and analysis, is published on 2 channels
- Link to the aggregated Impact report.
(*) Milestones are presented in the following format:
- A: Milestone output
- B: Acceptance criteria
- C: Evidence of milestone completion
Final Milestone: Phygitally Showcase the 2025 DAO Acceleration Program Results
Month 9, 10.
- 4.1. Announce DAO Phygital Festival
- The DAO Phygital Festival of our Accelerator is officially announced through 2 channels.
- Links to announcements of the DAO Phygital Festival on 2 channels.
- 4.2. Announce Festival:
- The festival is officially announced through at least 2 channels (e.g., project website, social media, press release).
- Links to the announcements on different channels.
- 4.3. Execute MediaCampaign:
- The digital media campaign is executed according to the plan.
- Links to the published contents and/or digital initiatives.
- 4.4. Execute Festival:
- The phygital festival is executed, with 90% of planned activities taking place as scheduled.
- Event completion report summarizing attendance, feedback, and key outcomes.
- 4.5. Execute Festival Live Stream and Interaction:
- Stable and reliable streaming with clear audio and video, and participation from online attendees.
- Link to recordings and/or screenshots of the live stream.
- 4.6. Execute Festival Speakers Presentations
- Confirmed speakers deliver their presentations as scheduled, or by suitable replacement speakers.
- Links to the recordings of the presentations.
- 4.7. Execute Festival Workshops Modules
- All confirmed workshops are conducted as scheduled, or by suitable replacement workshops.
- Links to workshop recordings.
- 4.8. Execute Festival Artists Performances
- All confirmed performers deliver their performances as scheduled, or by suitable performances.
- Links to recordings of the performances.
- 4.9. Collect Festival Feedback
- A: At least 10 responses collected and analyzed from festival attendees (either physical and/or virtual) through surveys and feedback forms.
- Links to the survey results.
- 4.10. Showcase Program Results at our DAO Phygital Festival
- The Phygital Festival of our DAO Ecosystem is produced and executed.
- Link to photos, videos, and reports from the Phygital Festival.
- 4.11. Submit our Close-Out Report and Video
- The Close-Out Report and Video are submitted according to Project Catalyst guidelines.
- Link to the submitted Close-Out Report and Video.
[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?
This project is spearheaded by the passionate and experienced team at Cooperativa Local, a pioneering force in integrating Web3 technology across diverse sectors. Our journey began within the Latin American cultural sector, and we have progressively explored applications within both public and private spheres. We remain committed to expanding our reach even further. We have a combined 15+ years of experience in diverse fields such as project management, community building, and entrepreneurship. This diverse background, coupled with our cross-sector experience, gives us a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing organizations as they navigate the Web3 landscape.
Co-Founding Team - A Synergy of Expertise
Gonzalo Camps (COO & Lead Technical Instructor): LinkedIn
Expertise: A highly skilled technologist and project manager with a deep understanding of blockchain technology and DAO governance. Experienced in program coordination and operations. 7+ years of experience in the field. He has led the technical development for our previous 5 Catalyst-funded projects, demonstrating his ability to manage complex projects and deliver impactful solutions during Fund6, Fund8, and Fund11. In 2021, he was certified by Cardano's EMURGO Academy as a Cardano Blockchain foundations expert.
Responsibilities:
- Oversees the daily operations of the DAO Accelerator Program, including participant onboarding, curriculum delivery, and program logistics.
- Manages the program budget effectively and ensures a smooth and engaging experience for participants.
- Coordinates with the team to ensure timely execution of tasks and achievement of milestones.
- Monitors program performance and implements strategies for continuous improvement.
- Leads the technical development and integration of the DAO Accelerator Program with chosen DAO suite platforms.
- Oversees the development of any custom tools or features required for the program.
- Manages relationships with technology partners and stays abreast of the latest advancements in the Cardano ecosystem.
- Teaching: Leads classes and workshops on Web3 ecosystems, blockchain technology, DAO governance, and technical implementation, with a focus on scaling and viral growth strategies.
Tomás Gutiérrez (CCO & Lead Community Instructor): LinkedIn
Expertise: A skilled community builder and communicator. He has been instrumental in promoting our initiatives within the Cardano ecosystem and beyond. 7+ years of experience, including community engagement for 5 Catalyst-funded projects (F6, F8, F11, and this proposal).
Responsibilities:
- Spearheads the program's marketing and outreach strategy to attract a diverse range of participants.
- Forges partnerships with relevant organizations to maximize the program's reach and impact.
- Oversees communication channels, ensuring effective engagement and public relations.
- Teaching: Leads classes and workshops on organizational and decentralized governance topics.
Marti González (CXO & Lead Curriculum Instructor): LinkedIn
Expertise: An experienced project manager and leader with a proven track record of delivering successful product initiatives across multiple sectors. He has been instrumental in coordinating our previous projects and ensuring smooth operations. He also possesses a strong understanding of adult learning principles and online education best practices.
Responsibilities:
- Leads the design and development of the program's curriculum, ensuring it is engaging, effective, and aligned with the latest trends in DAO education and Cardano development.
- Creates learning materials, including online courses, tutorials, and interactive exercises.
- Designs the overall learning experience for participants, encompassing engaging and interactive learning activities, fostering peer-to-peer learning, and incorporating feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement.
- Teaching: Leads classes and workshops on governance, community building, communication, and growth strategies, with a focus on scaling and achieving viral impact.
Event Coordination and Community Engagement
Each co-founder team member will contribute their expertise to the planning and execution of the program's events, leveraging our collective experience from organizing 13+ events, exhibitions, and over 60 class sessions and workshops. This includes the 2025 DAO Phygital Festival, a key event for showcasing the program's achievements and fostering community engagement.
Expanding the Capacity of our team with Key Additions
Designer & Viral Content Creator:
Expertise: Skilled in visual communication and content creation, with experience in developing engaging and informative materials for online platforms.
Responsibilities:
- Develops high-quality educational materials and resources for participating DAOs.
- Creates engaging and informative content, including written materials, presentations, videos, and interactive exercises.
- Adapts content to different learning styles and levels of expertise.
- Ensures content is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with the program's curriculum.
DAO Operations & Governance Specialist:
Expertise: Deep understanding of DAO governance models, operational best practices, and on-chain tools. Experience in designing and implementing DAO frameworks, voting systems, and treasury management.
Responsibilities:
- Provides additional expert guidance to participating DAOs on governance design and decision-making processes.
- Advises on operational efficiency, including task management, communication, and conflict resolution.
- Helps DAOs implement effective treasury management strategies and utilize on-chain tools for transparency and accountability.
DAO Marketing Advisor:
Expertise: Experienced in developing and executing marketing strategies for DAOs, with a deep understanding of community building, social media marketing, content creation, and growth hacking within the Web3 space.
Responsibilities:
- Advises on the development and implementation of marketing strategies for participating DAOs.
- Provides guidance on community building, social media marketing, content creation, and public relations.
- Helps DAOs identify and reach their target audience within the Cardano ecosystem and beyond.
- Assists in developing viral marketing campaigns and measuring their effectiveness.
- Stays abreast of the latest trends and best practices in DAO marketing and Web3 community building.
Workshops and Guest Experts:
We will further enrich the learning experience by conducting specialized workshops led by experts in Web3, blockchain technology, and decentralized governance. These workshops will provide deeper insights into specific topics and address the unique challenges and opportunities within the Latin American context.
We will invite 4 Guest Experts to co-create and deliver workshops on specific modules, providing participants with diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge.
Recruitment Plan:
To ensure we attract the best talent and build a strong team for the 2025 DAO Accelerator Program, we will implement a comprehensive recruitment plan as soon as funding is secured. This plan will include:
- Clearly Defined Roles and Responsibilities: We will create detailed job descriptions for each role, outlining the required skills, experience, and responsibilities. This will ensure that potential candidates have a clear understanding of the expectations and can assess their suitability for the position. This includes clearly defining the roles and responsibilities related to accelerating DAO growth, such as:
- Expertise in viral marketing and growth hacking: For roles focused on driving DAO adoption and public engagement.
- Experience with DAO governance and operations at scale: For roles supporting DAOs in expanding their communities and impact.
- Strong understanding of the Cardano ecosystem and its tools: For roles assisting DAOs in leveraging Cardano-based solutions for growth.
- Targeted Outreach: We will actively promote the open positions through various channels, including:
- Cardano community forums and social media groups: Reaching out to the Cardano community to identify potential candidates with relevant experience and a passion for decentralized governance.
- Web3 job boards and platforms: Utilizing specialized job boards and platforms to target professionals with expertise in blockchain technology, DAO management, and online education.
- Networking and referrals: Leveraging our existing network of contacts and encouraging referrals from trusted colleagues and partners.
- Direct outreach to potential candidates: Identifying and contacting individuals with specific skills and experience that align with our needs.
- Transparent Selection Process: We will implement a transparent and objective selection process that evaluates candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and alignment with our project's values. This process will include:
- Initial screening of applications: Reviewing resumes and cover letters to identify candidates who meet the minimum requirements.
- Interviews: Conducting interviews to assess candidates' skills, experience, and suitability for the role. This includes assessing their understanding of DAO acceleration strategies, viral growth principles, and the specific needs of DAOs in the creative and entertainment industries.
- Reference checks: Contacting references to gather additional information about candidates' qualifications and work ethic.
Leveraging the Power of DAO Cooperativa Local
While our co-founding team provides strong leadership, we believe in the power of collaboration and community. Since 2021, our work through Fund6, Fund8, and Fund11 has allowed us to connect with a diverse network of talented individuals and organizations across different sectors. This includes:
- 200+ artists and creators who have contributed their unique perspectives and skills to our programs and events.
- 30+ organizations from the cultural sector, public sector, and private sector who have partnered with us to explore the potential of Web3 technologies.
- Technology partners including developers, platform providers, and other experts who have helped us build and implement our Web3 solutions.
- 100+ engaged community members who provide invaluable feedback and support for our initiatives.
With Fund13 support, we aim to formalize these connections by establishing DAO Cooperativa Local. This DAO will serve as a platform for ongoing participation, governance, and shared ownership of our initiatives.
DAO Cooperativa Local will enable us to:
- Harness the collective intelligence and expertise of our extended network to support the specific needs of DAOs in the acceleration program. This includes providing mentorship, guidance on scaling strategies, and access to a network of potential partners and collaborators.
- Ensure our programs and services remain aligned with the needs and aspirations of our stakeholders, particularly those focused on achieving viral growth and mainstream adoption.
- Create a sustainable and scalable model for driving Web3 adoption across multiple sectors, with a particular emphasis on the creative and entertainment industries.
All team members, including the co-founding team and new recruits, will actively participate in DAO Cooperativa Local, contributing to its governance, participating in discussions, and sharing their expertise. This collaborative environment will not only benefit the participating organizations but also provide a valuable network of support for our project and its success.
DAO Cooperativa Local will act as an advisory board and support network for our project, providing valuable insights, feedback, and resources to ensure its continued success and alignment with the needs of the Cardano community.
By combining our core team's experience with the specialized skills of new recruits and the support of DAO Cooperativa Local, we are confident in our ability to deliver a high-quality and impactful DAO Accelerator Program that contributes significantly to the growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem.
[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Co-Founder Board Salaries (9 months): $28.080
- Chief Operating Officer (10 weekly hours at a $20/h rate): $1.040 for 9 months = $9.360
- Chief Commercial Officer (10 weekly hours at a $20/h rate): $1.040 for 9 months = $9.360
- Chief Experience Officer (10 weekly hours at a $20/h rate): $1.040 for 9 months = $9.360
Mentorship Program Team (7 months): $10.572
- 3 Co-Founders as Mentors (6 weekly hours at a $20/h rate): $1.562 for 6 months = $9.372
- 4 Guest Experts (1 workshop each at a $200 fee): $600 for 2 Cohorts of Organizations = $1.600
Upcoming Team (6 months): $6.720
- DAO Governance & Tokenomics Advisor: 2 monthly advisories at a $150 fee each, for 6 months = $1.800
- DAO Marketing Advisor: 2 monthly advisories at a $150 fee each, for 6 months = $1.800
- Designer & Content Creator (10 weekly hours at a $20/h rate) = $1.040 for 3 months = $3.120
Our 2025 DAO Phygital Festival: Showcasing Accelerated Organizations, their DAOs and Cardano $4.600
Essential Expenses:
- Venue: This includes rental fees, security deposits, and any additional charges for equipment or services = $1.500
- Equipment rental: Audio-visual equipment, lighting and sound systems = $500
- Staffing: Hiring 5 temporary workers at $20/h fee per 5 hours = $500
- Speaker fees: Inviting 4 renowned speakers $100 per presentation = $400
- Performers: Contributing to 5 artists from the community workers at $100/performance = $500
- Content Development: Capturing and sharingthe event for memories and promotional purposes = $250
- Food and Beverage: Catering costs, including food, drinks, and service fees = $750
- Banners, Gifts and Swag: Name tags, programs, directional signs, and banners. Promotional items, giveaways, and gifts for attendees = $200
Operational Costs (12 months): $2.900
- DAO Phygital Festival’s Promotion: includes online advertising, community events, and content promotion) = $300 x 3 months = $900
- Platform & Software Subscriptions: for essential tools such as project management software, website hosting, and communication platforms = $200 x 10 months = $2.000
Total Costs (USD): $52.872
Total Costs (ADA): 148.750 ADA at an ADA/$ of $0.355 based on October's 200-day simple moving average SMA(200).
[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?
This DAO Accelerator Program represents an exceptional value proposition for the Cardano ecosystem, extending far beyond a simple cost-benefit analysis.
The requested funding of 148.750 ADA is not merely an expenditure; it's a strategic investment in the future of decentralized governance on Cardano, with a laser focus on empowering established DAOs to achieve viral growth and mainstream adoption. This, in turn, will drive broader Cardano adoption and strengthen the entire ecosystem.
We have meticulously planned this project to ensure that every ADA is utilized responsibly and efficiently, maximizing the return on investment for the Cardano community and contributing to the long-term growth and vibrancy of the ecosystem. We believe in transparency and accountability, and we are committed to demonstrating how this project delivers exceptional value for the Cardano community.
Justification of Costs in Detail:
Co-founder Salaries: The hourly rates for our co-founders ($20/hour) are competitive within the Chilean technology and education sectors for professionals with their level of experience and expertise. We have conducted thorough research and benchmarked these rates against industry standards and local market data to ensure fair compensation and attract top talent. This investment in our core team ensures that the program is led by experienced professionals dedicated to its success.
Future Teammates and Advisors: Each role within our team is carefully considered and justified based on its contribution to the project's success. The DAO & Tokenomics Advisor, for example, will play a crucial role in guiding participating organizations through the complexities of DAO design and tokenomics, ensuring that their DAOs are structured effectively and aligned with best practices.
Similarly, the Designer & Content Creator will be essential for developing high-quality educational materials, promotional content, and engaging visuals for the DAO Festival. Their hourly rate ($20/hour) is competitive for skilled designers and content creators in the Chilean market. The DAO Marketing Advisor will provide expert guidance on developing and implementing effective marketing strategies for DAOs, ensuring that participating organizations can reach a wider audience and achieve viral growth. Their monthly advisory fee ($150) is a cost-effective way to access specialized expertise. Finally, the guest experts will bring valuable insights and real-world experience to the program through workshops and presentations, enriching the learning experience for participants.
Operational Costs: We have carefully selected cost-effective tools and platforms to support our operations and maximize efficiency. This includes project management software for tracking progress and coordinating tasks, secure communication platforms for seamless collaboration with participants and partners, and affordable solutions for website hosting and content promotion. We prioritize open-source solutions and utilize free or low-cost alternatives whenever possible, ensuring that resources are allocated strategically and that the majority of the funding is directed towards activities that directly benefit participating organizations and the Cardano ecosystem.
A High-Impact DAO Festival, Strategically Designed for Maximum Value: The 2025 DAO Phygital Festival is not just an event; it's a strategic initiative designed to amplify the impact of our program and generate significant value for the Cardano community. This hybrid physical and virtual event will showcase the achievements of our accelerated DAOs, promote the Cardano DAO ecosystem, and foster a sense of community among DAO enthusiasts and Cardano supporters.
The festival's expenses are justified by its potential to generate significant value for the Cardano ecosystem and amplify the impact of our program. The venue rental cost is based on competitive market rates for similar events in Latin America, and we have explored various options to secure the most suitable and cost-effective venue. Equipment rental costs are minimized by utilizing existing resources and partnering with local providers whenever possible. Staffing costs are based on competitive hourly rates for temporary event staff, ensuring that we have the necessary support to deliver a high-quality event.
Speaker fees are aligned with industry standards for experts in the DAO and decentralized governance space, and we have carefully selected speakers who will provide valuable insights and inspiration to attendees. The media campaign budget is strategically allocated to reach a wide audience through online advertising, social media promotion, and targeted outreach to relevant media outlets. This investment in promoting the festival will maximize its reach and impact, showcasing the achievements of our program participants and the broader Cardano DAO ecosystem.
Essential Operational Costs, Optimized for Efficiency:
We believe in minimizing unnecessary expenses and maximizing the impact of every ADA. Our operational costs are focused on essential tools and platforms that enable us to effectively manage the program, deliver a high-quality curriculum, and engage with the Cardano community. This includes project management software for efficient task management and progress tracking, secure communication platforms for seamless collaboration with participants and partners, and affordable solutions for website hosting and content promotion.
We prioritize open-source solutions and utilize free or low-cost alternatives whenever possible, ensuring that resources are allocated strategically and that the majority of the funding is directed towards activities that directly benefit participating organizations and the Cardano ecosystem.
Building a Self-Sustaining and Open-Source Ecosystem for Long-Term Impact:
A core aspect of our value proposition is the creation of DAO Cooperativa Local, a decentralized autonomous organization built on the principles of open source and community-driven development. This commitment to open source extends to the resources and materials produced by our DAO Accelerator Program, ensuring that the impact of our program extends far beyond its initial duration and benefits the wider Cardano community.
By making our educational materials, DAO use-case models, and other valuable resources fully open source under the Apache License 2.0, we are empowering the Cardano community to actively participate in the program's growth and evolution. This fosters a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement, ensuring that the program remains relevant, adaptable, and valuable to the Cardano ecosystem for years to come.
This approach maximizes the value of the initial investment by creating a self-sustaining and open-source model for DAO development and growth on Cardano. It fosters a thriving ecosystem where organizations can continue to learn, collaborate, and innovate, contributing to the overall health and vibrancy of the Cardano community.
Open Source as a Multiplier of Value:
Our commitment to open source significantly enhances the value for money proposition of this project. By making our program outputs freely accessible and adaptable, we are enabling the wider Cardano community to benefit from our work and build upon our successes. This fosters a multiplier effect, where the initial investment in our program generates ripple effects of innovation and collaboration throughout the ecosystem.
The open-source nature of our program also promotes transparency and accountability, ensuring that our work is subject to community scrutiny and feedback. This fosters trust and strengthens our commitment to delivering a high-quality program that meets the needs of the Cardano community.
By making our educational materials, DAO use-case models, and other valuable resources fully open source under the Apache License 2.0, we are empowering the Cardano community to actively participate in the program's growth and evolution. This fosters a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement, ensuring that the program remains relevant, adaptable, and valuable to the Cardano ecosystem for years to come. This approach maximizes the value of the initial investment by creating a self-sustaining and open-source model for DAO development and growth on Cardano. It fosters a thriving ecosystem where organizations can continue to learn, collaborate, and innovate, contributing to the overall health and vibrancy of the Cardano community.
Driving Cardano Adoption and Strengthening the Ecosystem:
This project is not just about accelerating DAOs; it's about driving the adoption of Cardano and showcasing the real-world applications of its blockchain technology. By successfully accelerating creative organizations and guiding them in implementing high-impact DAO use cases, we will generate viral success stories that demonstrate the power and versatility of Cardano.
This increased adoption will attract new users to the Cardano ecosystem, boost on-chain activity, and strengthen the overall value of the Cardano community. We are committed to contributing to the growth and development of Cardano, ensuring that it remains a leading platform for innovation and decentralized governance.