Expand Cardano in LATAM: Onboarding Builders for Ecosystem Growth

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Agustín Franchella

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

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Sensei Node Team

Rocío Rodríguez

Martín Fernández

Diego Macchi

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

4

[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 be hosting one virtual and one in-person event with the presence of key players of LATAM such as Lemon, Ripio, Belo, among others to onboard builders in the Web 3 industry to 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?

Yes

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

In addition to educational content, we actively contribute to the open-source community. Our GitHub repository at https://github.com/sensei-Node/ is a hub for our open-source code, where we develop and share tools, libraries, and projects that benefit the wider ecosystem. These contributions aim to enhance functionality, improve efficiency, and foster innovation within the protocols we engage with.

Furthermore, we believe in hands-on learning and practical experience. To empower individuals in deploying and managing nodes, we conduct workshops that provide step-by-step guidance. These workshops cover topics such as node deployment and automation processes. You can find an example of one of the workshops we did here:

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At SenseiNode, our commitment to education, open-source contributions, and practical workshops underscores our dedication to supporting the growth and development of the blockchain ecosystems we are involved in. We strive to empower individuals with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to actively participate in and contribute to these vibrant communities. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m23cuKqQLU

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

We are dedicated to expanding Cardano's presence in Latin America by offering localized resources and support to attract builders. By cooperating with the most important centralized exchanges in Argentina and LATAM we can expand the Cardano Community and attract new developers and builders.

Our project addresses the challenges of limited regional presence and inadequate support for newcomers by hosting engaging virtual and in-person events to promote knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration among Cardano community members and Web 3 builders. We want to establish alliances with local exchanges and organizations to expand Cardano's reach and streamline onboarding processes. Setting up a secure and reliable SENSEI staking pool, allowing users to participate in network consensus and earn rewards, while promoting Cardano's decentralization and security.

Agustin has been Cardano Ambassador for two years, and Diego has been an active member of the Cardano Community since 2021. We both have a lot of experience and knowledge about Cardano.

Sensei Node has been working with the entire crypto ecosystem in Latam, mainly in Argentina. Ethereum, Plygon, Avalanche, Polkadot, Near, SUI. Our importance in the ecosystem made Vitalik Buterin come to our offices during his visit to Argentina.

Vitalik Buterin in our Buenos Aires 

https://twitter.com/SenseiNode/status/1740114016695967776?s=20

We hosted the first Staking Meetup with Meta Pool and in collaboration with Staking Rewards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9Ed_Z1GA9o

Perception of the Problem: We perceive the problem as a lack of focalized onboarding for Cardano in Latin America, hindering its adoption and growth. This issue not only limits Cardano's global presence but also prevents talented builders from contributing to the ecosystem.

Reasons for Our Approach: Our approach combines educational resources in Spanish and Portuguese, community events and strategic collaboration with the most important CEXes of Argentina and Latin America.

By focusing on both raising awareness and providing technical assistance, we aim to create a comprehensive solution that fosters long-term growth and engagement.

Project Engagement: To expand Cardano's presence in Latam, we will carry out the following actions.

• Create Sensei SPO, and offer all our customers and community members the possibility of stacking ADA with us. This will also help Cardano's decentralization and security. The node will be deployed in Latin America.

• To promote Cardano we will make the following: Monthly Round Up Newsletter, one In Depth Mirror Article, X Post Related to Cardano, X Space, add Cardano in the SenseiDocs.

• Conduct Two webinars. The first one to give an introduction to Cardano and the second one to explain how to set up a node.

• Hold one in-person meet-up in Buenos Aires to exchange views in person and bring more members closer to the community. The event will be held in Buenos Aires area. If will be a relaxed event, to hang out and to have a chat with the community. 

Our project will engage with local builders and developers interested in Cardano's blockchain technology. Potential investors looking to explore opportunities in the Cardano ecosystem. Existing Cardano community members seeking to deepen their knowledge and involvement. Partner organizations such as regional exchanges (e.g., Lemon, Ripio, and Satoshi Tango) and educational institutions. Local blockchain and tech enthusiasts who may be new to Cardano

Demonstrating Impact: To demonstrate and measure the impact of our project, we will employ several strategies:

• Track the number of new users onboarded to Cardano and Sensei SPO, as well as the growth of ADA staked through our pool
• Monitor engagement and participation in our educational resources (e.g., webinars, articles, and documentation) and events (in-person and virtual)
• Assess the effectiveness of our collaborations with local exchanges and organizations, tracking the outcomes of joint initiatives
• Our goal is to generate new Catalyst proposals for Fund 13 together with these companies and groups.

By employing these methods, we will be able to demonstrate the impact of our project on Cardano's growth and adoption in Latin America, ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the project's lifecycle.

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

The proposed project aims to strengthen Cardano's presence in Latin America by addressing misconceptions, fostering collaboration with local crypto communities, and increasing overall awareness of Cardano's capabilities. Through partnerships, educational initiatives, and in-person events, we will work to grow Cardano ecosystem in Argentina and the broader Latin American region.

Positive Impact on the Cardano Community:

• Expanding Developers Ecosystem: A key goal of our project is to engage and integrate a diverse range of skilled developers from Latin America into the Cardano community. By expanding the network of talented individuals contributing to the ecosystem, our initiative will introduce innovative ideas and fresh perspectives that can drive Cardano's growth and evolution.

• Dispelling Misconceptions: Our project will directly address and dispel negative perceptions and misinformation about Cardano, helping to create a more favorable and accurate understanding of Cardano's technology and potential.

• Community Growth: By offering staking opportunities through Sensei SPO, we will attract new community members and incentivize long-term engagement, ultimately strengthening Cardano's decentralization and network security.

• Educational Resources: Our webinars, articles, and in-person events will provide valuable educational resources for developers, community managers, and crypto enthusiasts, enabling them to explore Cardano's features and opportunities more effectively.

• Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with regional exchanges, such as Lemon, Ripio, and Belo, will expand Cardano's reach within Latin America and facilitate greater integration with local ecosystems.

• Decentralization and Security: By setting up Sensei Node, we will contribute to Cardano´s decentralization and security.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure the impact of our project through the following indicators:

• Number of Attendees: We expect to achieve at least 100 attendees, throughout all events (in person and online). Creating a new cohort of developers and builders on Cardano

• Feedback from event attendees, partners, and community members, gauging changes in perceptions and attitudes towards 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?

Sensei Node has a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects and fostering strong partnerships within the Latin American crypto community. Our unique position as a trusted resource and hub for crypto enthusiasts makes us well-suited to execute this project and drive Cardano's growth in the region. 

Sensei Node has 1.2B USD in Assets Under Management, is a top 15 Global Node Operator (According to Staking Rewards and Rated Network) and has more than 8600 validators.

Agustín Franchella has been a Cardano Ambassador for the last two years and is a reputable member of the Cardano Community.

Diego Macchi is a talented economist from the Cardano community, connected with multiple DeFi projects.

Existing Capabilities:

• Deep understanding of Cardano's technology and ecosystem
• Strong connections with Latin American exchanges and developer communities
• Proven track record in organizing and hosting blockchain-related events
• Team members fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English
• Experience in creating educational resources and documentation for technical projects
• Commitment to transparency and open communication

Feasibility Validation: 

• Conduct market research and gather community feedback to refine our strategies
• Regularly review and assess our progress, adjusting our approach as needed

Fund Management: 

• Create a transparent budget detailing how funds will be allocated and spent
• Establish clear financial reporting and tracking processes

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

 Initial Documentation and Promotional Activities

Acceptance Criteria:

• Sensei SPO is set up and operational on the Cardano blockchain. Staking opportunities are made available to community members, with clear instructions and guidelines on how to participate.
• Marketing materials and announcements are distributed across various channels to raise awareness of Sensei SPO and encourage participation.

Conduct two Webinars and one In-Person Event

Acceptance Criteria:

• Two webinars with at least one regional exchange as a speaker, such as Ripio, Lemon, Belo or Satoshi Tango as participant.
• One in-person event, will be held in Buenos Aires area.

All the events will be promoted through various channels, including social media, email newsletters, and partner networks.

Create Educational Resources and Document Project Outcomes

Acceptance Criteria:

• At least two articles or Mirror posts related to Cardano and Sensei Node are published and shared with the community.
• Adding Cardano to senseidocs in Spanish, Potuguese and English
• Achieving these milestones will demonstrate our capability to deliver the project as proposed and contribute to the growth and adoption of Cardano in Latin America. Our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and measurable outcomes will ensure that this project is a valuable investment for the Cardano community.

Final Video Close Our and Report

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

Agustín Franchella - Project Manager

Cardano Ambassador and Project manager. He will oversee the project, coordinate team efforts, and foster strategic relationships with local exchanges and crypto communities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/afranchella/

Martín Fernández - Project Manager

(LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinfernandez666) 

Sensei Node Founder Martín is a skilled builder with a strong understanding of the Latin American crypto landscape. He will be responsible for managing and engaging with the Crypto community, as well as organizing events and creating educational resources.

Diego Macchi- Blockchain Developer 

(LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-macchi-web3-cardano/) 

Diego is an experienced blockchain developer with an Economic Sciences Degree. He has a deep understanding of Cardano and its underlying technology. He will collaborate in setting up and maintaining the Sensei SPO, and provide technical guidance throughout the project.

Rocío Rodriguez Saa - Marketing and Communications Specialist

(LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocio-rodriguez-saa/) 

Rocío is a Business Developer with a passion for blockchain technology. She will develop and implement marketing strategies to promote Sensei SPO and Cardano within the Latin American crypto community.

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

• Project Management: 2 x 2500 USD * 4 Months = $20,000
• Community Manager 4 Months = $4,200
• Interviewer / Content creator = $1,000
• Graphic Designer $1,000
• Marketing & Advertising $5,000
• Speakers $1,000
• Video Editing $2,000
• Venue $2,000
• Merchandising $2,000
• Materials, Rentals, IDs and other costs $2,000
• Other expenses $3,000

Total 44,200 

Price ADA 0.45

Amount in ADA 98,222

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

Our project's cost represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem by investing in strategic initiatives that will drive Cardano's growth in Latin America, foster collaboration within the community, and promote accurate understanding of Cardano's capabilities.

Our budget allocations are based on industry standards, local market conditions, and our team's experience in executing successful projects within the crypto space.