InvestADA: Bridging Investors and Cardano Innovators

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Shay Gammer

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

Individual

[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)

Create a platform linking investors to Cardano startups, increasing funding opportunities and ecosystem expansion.

[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

The platform itself will indeed be made available for use within the Cardano ecosystem. However, certain technical aspects related to its implementation, such as specific algorithms for matchmaking or certain proprietary processes, might not be open source. This approach allows for the utilization and benefit of the platform by the Cardano community while safeguarding specific sensitive components that are crucial for its effective functioning and competitive advantage.

[METADATA] SDG rating

9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

Our proposal aims to bridge the gap between Cardano-based companies and potential investors by establishing a robust deal flow process, facilitating seamless connections for funding opportunities within the Cardano ecosystem. We recognize the need to streamline investor-company interactions, and our approach involves creating a comprehensive database structure that accommodates information from companies seeking investments and investors exploring viable opportunities.

To achieve this, our primary focus will be on developing a structured database and populating it with initial investor information, gathered from diverse sources. Subsequently, we will encourage companies operating within the Cardano ecosystem to register and regularly update their profiles, emphasizing specific details such as funding requirements, developmental stage, and geographic focus. This organized approach will enable these companies to connect with investors whose investment thesis aligns with their needs, increasing the likelihood of successful funding.

The platform's design will cater to investors' preferences by allowing them to efficiently search and discover potential investment opportunities that align with their investment mandates. Through detailed tags and categories, investors will be able to filter their search criteria based on funding stage, geographical region, project type (such as DeFi, NFTs, or sustainability projects), or any other specific parameters, ensuring a targeted and relevant deal flow.

It's crucial to highlight that this initiative will not merely stop at the platform's launch but will be an ongoing endeavor. The maintenance and continuous update of the database will be a priority, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for both companies and investors. Looking ahead, we aspire to extend the platform's services by incorporating mentorship resources to aid companies throughout their investment journey. To sustain this initiative beyond the proposed period, various financial models such as nominal fees from companies or investors or a commission-based system contingent on investment success are under consideration.

Our project's success lies in fostering an environment where Cardano-based companies find appropriate funding avenues, thus contributing to the ecosystem's growth and fostering innovation within the Cardano community.

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

Successful implementation of this project will catalyze a substantial surge in investor interest within Cardano, engaging hundreds of new investors. It will foster meaningful connections between companies and suitable investors, leading to a heightened level of actual investments within the ecosystem. This proactive approach will not only attract more investors but also entice a larger number of companies to join Cardano, creating a more vibrant and thriving ecosystem.

Improved Funding Opportunities: By creating a structured database that facilitates seamless connections between companies and investors, the project will enhance the funding landscape within the Cardano ecosystem. This can lead to increased capital flow, enabling companies to pursue their projects and innovations more effectively.

This approach will help to provide/open funding opportunities in addition to project catalyst and attract the attention of growing numbers of investors to the Cardano ecosystem

Mentorship Resources: The future inclusion of mentorship resources demonstrates a holistic approach to supporting Cardano-based companies beyond just funding. Mentorship can be instrumental in helping companies navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and accelerate their growth, contributing to a more resilient and successful Cardano ecosystem.

[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 comprises two individuals with diverse yet complementary backgrounds.

Shay bring a robust experience in software development and investment management, having successfully managed multifaceted projects and large investment portfolios. Our expertise lies in delivering projects seamlessly while navigating diverse disciplines. Yoram, an entrepreneur and startup mentor, complements our team with his seasoned insights into connecting investors and companies. Our combined track record demonstrates our proficiency in facilitating efficient matchmaking, streamlining interactions between investors and startups for mutually beneficial collaborations.

We've demonstrated our ability to foster connections within the ecosystem by successfully introducing investors like www.seedstars.com and www.floriventures.com, facilitating discussions for potential investments and collaborations with Emurgo Ventures. Additionally, our experience as startup investors enables us to comprehend both the entrepreneur's perspective and the investor's mindset.

Regarding accountability and trust, our past engagements underscore our commitment to ethical practices and responsible fund management. Our approach involves transparent and meticulous fund allocation, ensuring adherence to project goals and the highest standards of financial integrity. We plan to maintain clear documentation, providing periodic reports on fund usage to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the project.

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

Design and Validation Workshops

 

System design and initial sessions with companies and investors

 

March 2024,

 

Milestone output 

·      Design the database structure

·      Have several iteration with 3 companies and 2 venture investors to fine tune the DB and build their profile

·      UX Design

 

Platform development

 

The development phase of the platform

 

April 2024 

 

Milestone output A functioning platform that includes –

·      Landing page

·      Webpage for companies - with login

·      Webpage for investors with login to update their details and see relevant opportunities

·      a backend database of investors, and companies

 

Acceptance Criteria

·      Functioning platform

·      Investor database with at least 50 investors 

Verification:

Accesses will be granted to check the web pages online as well as the database of investors 

Community Campaign

 

Promotion of the platform within the Cardano community through the community channels. Assisting companies in their onboarding to the platform. Gear up the investor outreach program

 

May-June 2024

 

Milestone Output:

• Reach out to Cardano companies - through CF, CF Ambassadors, relevant YouTube channels
• Support channels (Discord, Telegram, etc.)
• Info page for investors - why Cardano
• Database of investors and investors’ events to target

 

Acceptance Criteria:

• Active engagement and established presence on major community channels (Discord, Telegram, etc.) with ongoing conversations, inquiries resolved, and positive user feedback.

• Completion and publication of the investor information page, outlining the unique benefits and opportunities within the Cardano ecosystem.

• Over 20 Cardano companies on the Database

• Expansion of the investor database by at least 50% from the initial database count, coupled with a compiled list of upcoming investor-related events.

 

Verification:

• Access and review the activity and engagement logs in the established community support channels to ensure regular and substantive interactions.

• Verify the published investor information page online for accurate and compelling content that effectively communicates Cardano's advantages to potential investors.

• Validate the updated count and entries in the investor database along with the compiled list of investor events.   

Ongoing promotion and support

 

June - July- September 2024

 

Milestone output

·      Ongoing promotion and support to companies through community channels

·      Ongoing promotion and support to investors

·      As needed maintain and improve web page and database

·      Participate in at least 2 web3 investor events and connect to the platform

·      Maintenance of the platform

 

Acceptance Criteria:

·      Functional and improved web service

·      Active engagement with investors - Over 100 investors in the DB

·      Active engagement with companies - over 40 companies

·      Participate in investors events events (2 minimum)

 

Verification:

·      Proof of promotion

·      List of investors

·      List of companies

·      Usage stat and matching 

·      Functional and improved web service

·      Share a link for event summary including meetings and key relevant findings   

 

Same as milestone 4 - October - December 2024

Milestone output

·      Ongoing promotion and support to companies through community channels

·      Ongoing promotion and support to investors

·      As needed maintain and improve web page and database

·      Participate in at least 2 web3 investor events and connect to the platform

·      Maintenance of the platform

 

Acceptance Criteria:

·      Functional and improved web service

·      Active engagement with investors - Over 150 investors in the DB

·      Active engagement with companies - over 60 companies

·      Participate in investors events events (2 minimum)

 

Verification:

·      Proof of promotion

·      List of investors

·      List of companies

·      Usage stat and matching 

·      Functional and improved web service

·      Share a link for event summary including meetings and key relevant findings   

Reporting and conclusion - December 2024

Milestone output:

Summary of the project and results and going forward plan for 2025

Closing report

 

Acceptance Criteria:

A detailed summary including impact on the community

 

Verification:

Summary available with a link to PDF

Closing report and video available online

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

Shay Gammer - Project Lead/ Investor Relations

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-gammer-8046966/

Seasoned professional with a diverse background in computer science and finance, adept at leveraging blockchain technologies to drive innovation. Demonstrated expertise in overseeing multifaceted projects and fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations.

 

Responsibilities: Steering the project management process, coordinating diverse team efforts, ensuring strategic alignment with project goals, and engaging stakeholders to facilitate project progression.

 

Yoram Ben-Zvi, Marketing and Community, Business Development, Mentorship, and Support

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoram-ben-zvi-446836

A social entrepreneur. In the last five years, Yoram has been focusing on combining impact and business. A mentor with international board, operations, and startup experience. Yoram is an active Connector in Cardano ecosystem, onboarding investors and companies (i.e. seedstars.com, goodwall.io, Digifam.com). Ten years ago Yoram was part of an angel investment network group (https://www.gobeyondinvesting.com

 

Responsibilities include managing marketing activities, fostering community engagement, driving business development efforts, offering mentorship, and providing support to users on the platform.

 

UX Designer - User Experience Design

Responsible for designing and enhancing the user experience, ensuring the platform is intuitive and user-friendly for both companies and investors.

We have multiple UI/UK designers we work with in the past and will choose the best fit to the project.

 

Developer - Platform Development

Tasked with developing the platform, creating the necessary web pages, implementing the database structure, and managing backend functionalities.

We have multiple developers we work with in the past and will choose the best fit to the project. Shay has a development experience and will be able to lead the development process.

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

Milestone 1, March 2024 - system design and initial sessions with companies and investors:

• Project lead: 10 hours x 250 ₳ = 2,500 ₳  
• Tech lead: 5 Hours x 250 ₳ = 1,250 ₳
•  Companies and community lead: 10 hours x 200 ₳ = 2,000 ₳

Total 5,750 ₳ 

Milestone 2 - April 2024 development:

• Project lead: 15 Hours x 250 ₳ = 3,750 ₳  
• Tech lead: 15 Hours x 250 ₳ = 3,750 ₳ 
• Front end developer: 10 hours x 250 ₳ = 2,500 ₳  
• Design & graphics: 10 hours x 250 ₳ = 2,500 ₳
• Companies and community lead: 10 hours x 200 ₳ = 2,000 ₳

Total 14,500 ₳ 

Milestone 3, May-June - promotion to the community:

• Project lead: 10 Hours x 250 ₳ x 2 months = 5,000 ₳  
• Tech lead: 5 Hours x 250 ₳ x 2 months = 2,500 ₳ 
• Community lead: 10 hours x 200 x 2 months = 4,000 ₳ 

Total 11,500 ₳ 

Milestone 4 - July - September - Ongoing promotion and support

• Project lead: 10 Hours x 250 ₳ x 3 months = 7,500 ₳  
• Community lead: 20 hours x 200 ₳ x 3 months = 12,000 ₳ 
• Tech lead: 4 hours x 250 ₳ x 3 months = 3,000 ₳
• Investor Events budget (travel, registration) = 7,000 ₳ 

  

Total 32,500 ₳ 

Milestone 5 - October - December - Ongoing promotion and support

• Project lead: 10 Hours x 250 ₳ x 3 months = 7,500 ₳  
• Community lead: 20 hours x 200 ₳ x 3 months = 12,000 ₳ 
• Tech lead: 4 hours x 250 ₳ x 3 months = 3,000 ₳
• Investor Events budget (travel, registration) = 7,000 ₳ 

  

Total 32,500 ₳ 

Final milestone and admin and reporting 4000 ₳ 

Total budget: 93,750 ₳ 

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

This proposal aims to make it easier for investors to invest in the Cardano ecosystem. We see it as a needed tool to support the growth of the companies and provide external funding.

It will support the ecosystem through:

Ecosystem Growth: The success of Cardano-based companies in securing funding will contribute to the overall growth of the Cardano ecosystem. As companies thrive and bring their projects to fruition, it can attract more talent, innovation, and attention to the Cardano blockchain, further solidifying its position as a vibrant and innovative ecosystem.

Long-term Sustainability: The commitment to ongoing maintenance and updates, as well as the consideration of financial models such as nominal fees or a commission-based system, indicates a dedication to the long-term sustainability of the platform. This bodes well for the Cardano community, as a sustained initiative will continue to support companies and investors in the ecosystem.

The budget is divided over 10 month of work and includes the development & maintenance of the system. Additional budget is dedicated to participate in investor events to promote the platform and companies on the platform.

The budget is less than 1% of the category budget and over we believe more than 10% should be dedicated to this objective. We welcome more projects trying to support external investors to the ecosystem.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund Rules and also that data in the submission form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept