HandlePay Framework by $handle.

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Kora Labs, LLC

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Additional applicants:

KoraLabs, LLC

KoraLabs, LLC is a USA-based company. All 4 partners of the company are USA-residents and are actively building The Handle Standard. Although we prefer to utilize our avatars, the team is fully doxxed and ownership of KoraLabs, LLC demonstrates this. Article of Incorporation and Operating Agreement for the Limited Liability Company are available upon request.

Website: https://koralabs.io/

Discord: https://discord.gg/sYkFgRQFwG

Twitter (Kora): https://twitter.com/labskora

Twitter (ADA Handle): https://twitter.com/adahandle

Address:

9255 Center Street S 300B

Manassas, VA 20110

The Team:

PapaGoose, CIO

Co-Founder & Senior Engineer at ADA Handle.

25+ years TradFi experience.

GitHub: https://github.com/papag00se

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PapaGooseCrypto

Email: papagoose@koralabs.io

Big Irish Lion, CTO

Co-Founder & Senior Engineer at ADA Handle.

20+ years building systems.

GitHub: https://github.com/bigirishlion

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BigIrishLion

Email: bigirishlion@koralabs.io

Conrad, COO

Co-Founder at ADA Handle and BLADE Pool operator.

20+ years of InfoSec and Infra experience.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/conraddit

Email: conrad@koralabs.io

Mr. Goose, CEO

Co-Founder at ADA Handle.

CEO of KoraLabs; leading the team.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GooseOfCrypto

Email: goose@koralabs.io

Board & Legal Team

Our team also includes a board of directors, with a plethora of skills that range from the most competent developers on the Cardano ecosystem to Decentralized Identity professionals who not only understand the future of on-chain DIDs but have vast experience on building and delivering identity systems. Our legal team is also second-to-none and have been assisting us since our inception, by helping us navigate through the complex waters of building blockchain-based products during these times when laws and procedures have not yet been clearly defined for our rapidly evolving industry.

Please feel free to reach out to any of us and we will promptly respond to any and all questions.

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

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

HandlePay Framework is the solution that will create a Venmo-like application leveraging on existing $handles and HandleChat, to create a global-tier premium UI/UX transacting application for Cardano.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

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

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

We will open source the project but only after it is audited and delivered to the community. Thus, based on recent guidelines from Catalyst that the entire code would need to be made open source from day 1, we cannot presently answer yes to this requirement. As with everything else that we build, once it's audited and delivered, the code will be made open source.

[METADATA] Horizons

Infrastructure

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

HandlePay Framework is an all-in-one easy-to-use Android and iOS mobile application that utilizes Handles for transacting on the Cardano blockchain.

Our goal is to build an application framework that resembles Venmo/CashApp/Splitwise. In other words, an intuitive application with built-in chat to allow users to efficiently communicate about specific transactions.

We at ADA Handle are already building HandleChat that will enable communications utilizing $handles. HandlePay Framework will integrate HandleChat to enable the communications layer for this new application.

This proposal is for the first portion of the HandlePay solution. It focuses on creating the framework for the applications. A future proposal (Fund14) will create the UI/UX for Android and iOS. In other words, this first phase (framework) will create the software base layer and the next proposal (Fund 14) wil be for the development of the User Interface on Android and iOS.

$handles are the leading naming service on Cardano. We have sold nearly 250,000 Handles. An application framework that creates an open-source solution for $handles to transact with ease is, therefore, something that we believe that will greatly benefit the Cardano community.

Key Features:

• Custom Handle Creation: Users can create personalized handles linked to their blockchain addresses. Handles can be customized to reflect usernames, business names, or any preferred identifier.
• Seamless Transactions: The app allows users to send and receive ADA, Cardano-native tokens, and at some point domestic/foreign currency.
• Handle Marketplace: Users can buy, sell, and trade custom handles within the application, creating an additional economic layer. High-value, rare, or brand-relevant $handles can be monetized directly from HandlePay.
• Integration with Cardano dApps: The app will integrate with DEX’s on Cardano, allowing users to buy and sell digital assets from DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces(?), and other blockchain services.
• Enhanced Security: Leveraging the Cardano blockchain’s robust proof-of-stake protocol, transactions via $handles remain secure, decentralized, and immutable.
• Cross-platform Availability: The app will be available on both iOS and Android devices, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Cardano is rapidly growing, with over 1,000 projects being built on the platform. Our app is positioned to target a user base of both current blockchain users and the broader public seeking easier access to decentralized finance. The global blockchain market is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming years. According to a report published in December 2021, the market size was expected to expand from $4.9 billion in 2021 to $67.4 billion by 2026 (GlobeNewswire). At Kora Labs we are acutely aware that this growth is not linear but instead works in cycles, where we observe a large influx of new users every four-or-so years. We recognize the need for a simple, efficient, and easy-to-understand mobile application that will be positioned to capture that influx of new users. HandlePay is that app.

[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?

Our team is composed of highly skilled engineers that joined Cardano specifically to build ADA Handle. Our C-level team is composed of BigIrishLion (https://twitter.com/bigirishlion), Papa Goose (https://twitter.com/papagoosecrypto), Mr. Goose (https://twitter.com/gooseofcrypto) and Conrad (https://twitter.com/conraddit), in addition to a number of contractors and board members. Combined, we have over 100 years of development experience.

ADA Handle was created from an idea. We did not have any experience building on Cardano. But we got the job done. We started building ADA Handle in June 2021 and by December 2021 we launched our Beta sale. Within 12 hours we sold out the 15,000 beta-sale assignments that we had set as our initial goal. Since then we have launched our public sale and have sold nearly 250,000 Handles. Our minting engines operate 24x7, with an uptime of 99.99%.

In the process of launching ADA Handle, our team learned how to program with Plutus V1, V2 and V3, Helios, Aiken. We built our own multi-sig wallet. Our team has launched a public API, that is available free-of-charge for the entire Cardano community, on the three public blockchains: Preview, PreProd and MainNet. The community can attest to this by accessing their corresponding endpoints:

Preview: https://preview.api.handle.me/swagger

PreProd: https://preprod.api.handle.me/swagger

MainNet: https://api.handle.me/swagger

Our API was developed in an open-source distribution, available for the community to download and run a local copy, should they wish to, instead of running our public endpoints. We understand that some projects might have this need, of running the API within their own systems and infrastructure, and for this reason we also made it open source, including examples of deployments, for all 3 blockchains. The public API is available from this GitHub Repository: https://github.com/koralabs/handles-public-api.

In addition to making available to the Cardano community a free and open-source API endpoint, we have also developed clear and concise documentation explaining the resolution process for Handles, utilizing the current and old standards, CIP-68 and CIP-25, in addition to the soon-to-be-delivered subHandle standard. This documentation can be viewed from this link: https://public.koralabs.io/documentation/HandleResolution.pdf.

Our minting portal, for all three blockchains, with an uptime of over 99.99%, can also be verified from these links:

Preview: https://mint.handle.me

PreProd: https://preprod.mint.handle.me

MainNet: https://mint.handle.me

We have also concluded the first phase of our Marketplace, as per the Fund10 Handle Marketplace, which can be verified from these links:

Preview: https://preview.marketplace.handle.me/backgrounds

PreProd: https://preprod.marketplace.handle.me/backgrounds

This was the first Milestone of the Catalyst proposal from Fund 10, and, as per the proposal, only Preview and PreProd would be launched by now, which we delivered on-time and within the stipulated budget. MainNet is also mostly ready as well, and we'll launch it soon.

This document is another evidence of our capabilities to develop and build solutions within Cardano, as it contains all the parameters and settings for the community to utilize our marketplace and background-development tool to create their own backgrounds, matching the requirements to make them compatible with Handles: https://public.koralabs.io/personalization/Handles+Background+Creator+Defaults.pdf.

subHandles are now live on all 3 blockchains (Preview, PreProd, MainNet), with the general public minting virtual and NFT-based Handles from: https://handle.me.

We have, therefore, demonstrated our capabilities in building systems, developing Cardano-based technologies, and perhaps most importantly, the ability to engage with the Cardano community and generate traffic to our protocol and solutions.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Phase 1

During this initial phase our goal is to develop the software blueprint that will determine precisely how HandlePay will work. The purpose of this document is to outline all the requirements for the framework.

Outputs: Software blueprint.

Acceptance criteria: Delivery of the software blueprint.

Evidence of completion: Complete software blueprint that will demonstrate the HandlePay framework accessible from https://docs.handle.me.

Phase 2

We have developed an OAuth that will allow the community to use Handles to authenticate access to dApps and other services. We are presently on an alpha release of this OAuth.

The purpose of the second phase of this proposal is to test the integration of HandlePay with our OAuth, via a Proof of Concept application.

Outputs: OAuth integration.

Acceptance criteria: Proof of Concept of HandlePay integration to existing $handle OAuth.

Evidence of completion: Video showcasing the integration of the Proof of Concept HandlePay and the existing $handle OAuth.

Phase 3

The purpose of the third phase of this development is to create a Proof of Concept for the integration of HandlePay with ADA Handle's API.

The $handle API is accessible from: https://api.handle.me/swagger.

We will develop a Proof of Concept application that will demonstrate the integration between our API and the new HandlePay framework.

Outputs: $handle API integration

Acceptance criteria: HandlePay integration to existing $handle API.

Evidence of completion: Video demonstrating the HandlePay framework integrated to the existing $handle API (https://api.handle.me/swagger).

Phase 4

The fourth phase of this proposal will focus on integrating Handles to the new HandlePay framework via a Proof of Concept application.

The goal of this phase will be to demonstrate that both the new framework (this proposal) and existing Handles (MainNet) can successfully be used together.

Outputs: $handle Integration

Acceptance criteria: HandlePay Framework integrated to existing $handles.

Evidence of completion: Video demonstration of HandlePay integrated to existing $handles on MainNet.

Phase 5

The fifth phase of this proposal will be our marketing efforts to document, demonstrate and communicate with our partners and the Cardano Community.

We will use this phase to schedule 1:1 calls with relevant partners and the community to showcase the HandlePay framework and its capabilities.

Outputs: Marketing efforts and partner communication.

Acceptance criteria: Delivery of marketing efforts and partner communication.

Evidence of completion: Video demonstrating a sample of our marketing efforts and partner communication.

Final Milestone

The purpose of the final milestone of the HandlePay Framework proposal is to launch the framework and make it accessible to the community.

Outputs: Delivery of the entire framework.

Acceptance criteria: Framework operational within a Proof of Concept application.

Evidence of completion: Video demonstrating the Proof of Concept application operating with the framework.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

PapaGoose – Master Platform Engineer (25+ years experience)

With a wide-ranging career that includes a decade of fintech experience, PapaGoose has become a specialist in enabling developers to self-serve over the entire application lifecycle. Providing workflows, standards, and automations, from concept origin, through application and security design, to infrastructure management, including production deployment and maintenance cycles.

Recently exited TradFi, in favor of blockchain and now guides projects in the Cardano community. Currently holding an executive position at Kora Labs - with the intent to build out a standard for NFT-based digital identity.

Conrad – InfoSec and Infrastructure Engineer (20+ years experience)

Information Security and Infrastructure management are Conrad's expertise. For over 15 years he has been supporting companies from the financial sector and for the last 10 years running his own business in New York. Hedge funds and private-equity firms were his main focus before transitioning to Cardano.

Conrad operates BLADE, a top 10 Cardano stake pool, on MainNet and TestNet, with over 60M ADA staked. Conrad was elected as a SundaeSwap Scooper and selected as a Milkomeda C1 validator. Conrad is a Co-Founder at ADA Handle and works full-time in implementing The Handle Standard.

Goose – Co-Founder @ ADA Handle / CEO @ Kora Labs

With a near decade-long stint in commercial lending in Silicon Valley Goose has sourced, structured, and executed a number of high-profile loans to some of the largest tech companies in the world. Managing relationships with financial institutions, credit agencies, and competing financiers in order to provide the most cost-efficient, desirable and prompt loan lifecycles for clients has primed Goose for the fast-paced, community-focused, and technologically cutting-edge product management lifecycle that Web 3 has to offer. 

Big Irish Lion – Co-Founder / CTO @ Kora Labs / Master Platform Engineer (20+ years experience)

Big Irish Lion is a veteran developer, with over 20 years of experience with web and software development. Big Irish Lion is an Atala PRISM pioneer. Lion has hands-on experience building video-game platform and mobile applications. The Irish Lion is a server-less evangelist and is proficient with Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud Platform.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Software blueprint: 25,000 ADA.

Research and development: 175,000 ADA.

Development and coding: 250,000 ADA.

Marketing and communication: 50,000 ADA.

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

$handles are the leading naming service for the Cardano blockchain with nearly 250,000 Handles minted.

We have been building the $handle protocol since 2021, supporting Cardano and the Cardano Community for over 3 years.

$handles are integrated to all major wallets, multiple dApps and 10s of other services.

There are over 60k independent wallets holding at least one Handle.

Based on these metrics, one could argue that ADA Handle is the most successful project on the Cardano blockchain.

HandlePay is the logical next step to further develop the ADA Handle protocol, building easy-to-use mobile applications for Android and iOS.

Thus, the proposed value-for-money metric is to help Cardano further by delivering fast, seamless, modern UI/UX for the mobile users.