Component 3/4: Polygon SDG for business adapted to Cardano: bringing finance and success to impact startups

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Eduard Peris Deprez

[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

Raquel Suárez Domínguez

Helena Rong

Jean Gab Audebert-Larochas

Melisa Akumu

Merit Obeta

Joan De Ramón Brunet

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

100000

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

8

[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)

We will apply a proven methodology (working on Polygon) to empower blockchain startups, enhancing their funding acquisition capabilities and impact demonstration.

[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?

Yes

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

The methodology will be share with Cardano

[METADATA] SDG rating

8 - Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all

10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries

16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels

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

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our solution addresses blockchain startups' lack of robust methodologies, which is crucial for securing funding and demonstrating impact from major donors like USAID, UNICEF, Mercy Corps and others. We offer a structured program to Cardano startups, including but not limited to Socious, Landano, DifiFarm, Andamio, Empowa, World Mobile Token and zenGate remaining open to integrating other startups deemed pivotal by Cardano.

Central to our approach is a proven methodology integrating Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) principles from international development. Through this, we provide assessment tools, workshops, and support systems tailored to enhance operational standards and funding readiness. This setup empowers startups to navigate blockchain complexities, refine their pitches, monitor progress, develop impactful indicators, and meet rigorous funding requirements.

Our workshops cover crucial areas like impact measurement, ethical operations, community engagement, and risk management—preparing startups for challenges in the evolving social impact landscape. Our initiative is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which boosts startups’ capacity to showcase measurable impacts.

Supporting this initiative not only advances the objectives of individual startups but also reinforces Cardano's position as a leader in ethical blockchain innovations. By fostering a network of transparent and accountable startups, Cardano enhances its ecosystem, attracting diverse funding and elevating its global reputation and influence in the blockchain space.

Please find more information at this link.

For a detailed overview of how this initiative aligns with our broader strategy for the Cardano ecosystem, please refer to our presentation, 'Unified Vision for Blockchain Empowerment: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Advancing Cardano’s Global Impact.' This document outlines our comprehensive approach to integrating these projects into a unified strategy that maximizes impact across multiple domains. While each proposal is designed to be effective independently and can be voted on separately, they are not binding. However, when implemented together, they create a greater synergistic impact, enhancing their overall effectiveness and contribution to the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Our project empowers Cardano-based startups to attract substantial funding by strengthening their ability to demonstrate impactful outcomes, aligning with the requirements of major global donors such as USAID and UNICEF. This directly contributes to the Cardano ecosystem by:

Enhancing Cardano’s Leadership in Ethical Blockchain Solutions: We showcase Cardano's commitment to social good, solidifying its reputation as a sustainable and impactful technology leader. This promotes the ecosystem as a top choice for developers and investors looking for platforms with a strong ethical foundation.

Strengthening the Ecosystem's Viability: By improving startups' operational and impact demonstration capabilities on Cardano, we increase their success in securing funding and ability to scale sustainable solutions. This attracts a broader user base and more diverse development activities, enhancing the overall robustness of the ecosystem.

Promoting Innovation and Collaboration: Our methodology fosters a collaborative culture among startups, encouraging them to address global challenges creatively. This leads to innovative solutions and facilitates shared learning and growth within the ecosystem.

Extending Beyond Blockchain: We bridge blockchain with traditional funding sources by aligning blockchain initiatives with broader social impact goals. Our project underscores how Cardano startups can meet the stringent impact criteria of non-blockchain funding bodies, thus opening doors to untapped funding avenues.

Community and Resource Sharing: The project outcomes and learning materials, including toolkits and case studies, will be openly shared, enriching the Cardano community’s resources. This facilitates ongoing learning and adaptation of best practices across the ecosystem.

Quantitative and Qualitative Impact Measurement: We will meticulously track and report the funding success of startups and their contribution to the SDGs, providing clear metrics that demonstrate the tangible benefits of our project to the Cardano community.

By integrating our efforts within the Cardano ecosystem and maintaining clear, continuous communication about our achievements, we aim to set a benchmark for how blockchain technology can be leveraged for substantial social impact, enhancing the visibility and appeal of Cardano across global platforms.

[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?

At Impact Plus, not only have we garnered extensive experience working within the blockchain ecosystem, particularly with Polygon, over the past two years, but our team also brings a rich international and humanitarian background. We have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by blockchain startups in achieving social impact. This, combined with our extensive experience working with diverse donors such as USAID, UN agencies, and other institutional funding opportunities, underscores our capability to deliver projects with high trust and accountability. We are well-suited to extend our expertise to the Cardano community and can provide technical support to apply for these funds.

Capability and Experience:

• Proven Track Record: Our successful collaboration with Polygon showcases our ability to support blockchain startups in enhancing their operational, technical, and social impact proficiencies. We have developed and refined a comprehensive methodology that has helped startups navigate the complex landscape of blockchain technology for the social good.
• Expert Team: Our team comprises seasoned professionals with backgrounds in international development, humanitarian aid, blockchain technology, and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) methodologies. This diverse expertise ensures a balanced project delivery approach emphasizing technological innovation and social impact.
• Research and Development: Our leadership in the "Blockchain for International Development and Humanitarian Cases" report supports the conceptual strength of our methodology. Commissioned by the Frontiers Technology Hub and funded by UKAID, this project underscores our commitment to evidence-based practices and our capacity for thorough research and analysis.

Validation and Feasibility:

• Methodology Assessment: To validate the feasibility of our approach for the Cardano ecosystem, we will conduct pilot projects with selected startups. This will allow us to assess the applicability of our tools and methodologies within Cardano's context and refine our approach based on real-world feedback and outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: We plan to engage with the Cardano community at every project phase, from planning to implementation and evaluation. Regular updates, transparent reporting, and active feedback solicitation will be key strategies to ensure community involvement and oversight.
• Continuous Improvement: Leveraging our MEAL expertise, we will implement a robust framework for monitoring, evaluation, and learning. This will validate our project's feasibility and ensure we continuously improve our approaches based on evidence and feedback.

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

Milestone 1: Project Kickoff and Community Engagement. This milestone marks the project's official launch, aiming to introduce the initiative to the Cardano community and establish a platform for ongoing engagement and feedback.

Milestone output(s)

• Execution of an introductory webinar.
• Creation of an online community forum for the project.

Acceptance criteria 

• The webinar is successfully held with at least 8-10 startups attending.
• An online forum is operational, with initial community engagement evidenced by active posts and discussions.

Milestone 2: Pilot Program Launch with Selected Startups. The selection of 3-5 blockchain startups within the Cardano ecosystem for the pilot program and the commencement of the assessment process using the B-Value Add and B-IMPACT tools.

Milestone output(s)

• Selection and agreement with participating startups.
• Initiation of the assessment process.

Acceptance criteria 

• Agreements are in place with all selected startups.
• Initial assessments using the designated tools are completed for each startup.

Milestone 3: Workshop Series and Support Systems Implementation. Execution of targeted workshops and establishing support systems to provide personalized assistance to participating startups, particularly in areas crucial for their development and scaling.

Milestone output(s)

• Completion of workshops on securing funding, effective pitching, and blockchain best practices (or based on other identified needs).
• Provision of technical support for funding applications.

Acceptance criteria 

• At least 5 workshops are conducted, with documented participation from the startups.
• Feedback from startups indicates high satisfaction with the workshops and technical support received.

Milestone 4: Evaluation, Impact Assessment, and Final Reporting. This milestone focuses on the implemented methodology's comprehensive evaluation and impact assessment on the startups and the overall project effectiveness. It also includes compiling and disseminating the final project completion report and a professional video showcasing the initiative's achievements within the Cardano ecosystem.

Milestone Outputs:

• Mid-term and final evaluation reports of startup progress.
• Impact assessment report measuring contributions towards SDGs.
• A comprehensive final project report.
• A professionally produced video highlighting project successes and startups’ achievements.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Evaluation reports must show documented improvement in the startups' operational, technical, and impact capabilities.
• The impact assessment must align with predefined KPIs and demonstrate significant contributions to the SDGs by the startups.
• The final report thoroughly documents project outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations for future initiatives.
• The video must be of professional quality and effectively communicate the project's positive impact on the participating startups and the broader Cardano community, suitable for wide dissemination.

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

Eduard Peris - CEO & Founder

Eduard holds a PhD in War Studies from King’s College London and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University. He is the Managing Director of the Blockchain for Impact Fund and the founder of the GeoAnalytics Center, a tech-for-good organization based in the Sahel. With over 15 years of African experience, Eduard has worked on projects funded by USAID and USIP. Linkedin

Raquel Suárez Domínguez- Senior MEAL Manager

Raquel is an expert in Monitoring and Evaluation, specializing in knowledge transfer and accountability. With twenty years of work experience with international organizations, she has successfully set up MEAL systems in various countries worldwide. She is an expert in Data Science, Programming, Python, Gender and Inclusion. Linkedin

Helena Rong - Thought Leadership Manager

Helena is a PhD candidate at Columbia University and a former fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center. Her research centers on using emerging technologies, particularly AI and blockchain, to design and govern the built environment. Linkedin

Jean Gab Audebert-Larochas - Advocacy & Compliance Manager

Jean is a former political advisor at the European Parliament and a senior advisor in advocacy. Recognized as an expert with in-depth knowledge of French and EU players, including the EU Commission, EU Parliament, EU Council, think tanks, consumer organizations, and trade associations. His expertise extends to navigating intricate legislative processes, particularly in Web3. Linkedin

Melisa Akumu - Country Officer Kenya

Melisa boasts years of experience driving large-scale cloud adoption and digital transformation for leading enterprises. She excels in collaborating with business leaders to articulate how technology can drive business innovation and transformation. She successfully coordinated technology for impactful social initiatives during her tenure at the World Food Programme. Beyond her strategic roles, Melissa is also a proficient coder. Linkedin

Merit Obeta - Country Officer Nigeria

Merit holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and is a seasoned community manager with expertise in overseeing various Blockchain communities. As a Pan African advocate, she strongly champions using Blockchain to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her passion for driving social impact through blockchain technology motivated her active involvement in SDGs community services, dedicating her efforts to providing relief materials to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria. Linkedin

Joan De Ramón Brunet - Head of Growth

Joan has been an experienced professional in the crypto and ReFi sectors since 2018 and 2022. With a focus on Web 3.0 impact projects, he has excelled as a Head of Growth and Project Manager, driving initiatives that leverage blockchain for social and environmental impact. Joan's work embodies the intersection of technology and sustainable development. Linkedin

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

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

The Cardano SDG Synergy Space project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by aligning costs with the tangible benefits and comprehensive support it provides to blockchain startups. Each budget item has been strategically determined based on the prevailing market rates within the international development and blockchain sectors, ensuring competitive but fair compensation for expert inputs and operational costs.

Cost Justification:

1. Team Salaries: These reflect average wages for professionals with similar expertise in blockchain and international development sectors. Salaries for the Program Manager and Program Officer align with the specialized skills required to manage and execute a project of this scope and complexity.
2. Marketing and Visibility: Costs are set to ensure effective reach and engagement within and beyond the Cardano community, including developing a dedicated project webpage and marketing activities to promote the project’s benefits and achievements.
3. MEAL Advisor: The budget for the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning Advisor is crucial for ensuring the project's impact is thoroughly measured and reported, aligning with international standards for such roles.
4. Buffer and Taxes: A prudent 20% buffer and calculated tax obligations ensure financial preparedness against unforeseen expenses, demonstrating fiscal responsibility and planning.

Value Proposition:

• Strategic Investment: Funds are invested in activities that directly enhance blockchain startups' operational and technical capacities, facilitating broader adoption and innovation within the Cardano ecosystem.
• Sustainable Impact: By improving startups' ability to demonstrate and scale their social impacts, the project attracts additional investments and partnerships, amplifying Cardano’s reputation as a leader in ethical and impactful blockchain solutions.
• Educational Benefits: The project provides extensive training and resources, enhancing community knowledge and skills in blockchain applications for social good.