Accessible Ecosystem Services for Community Empowerment & Lowering Entry Barriers

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Sheraz Ahmed

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[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)

Provide free, on-demand legal, marketing and ecosystem services to Catalyst projects(funded & no-funded) lowering entry barriers and empowering the community through accessible, no-commitment services

[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

All support provided to projects will be documented and made publicly available. Confidential information will be redacted to ensure privacy. This approach balances transparency and accountability while protecting sensitive data.

[METADATA] Horizons

Incubator

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Statement:

• The primary issue we’re addressing is the high entry barriers and lack of accessible support services for early-stage projects within the Catalyst ecosystem.
• Many projects struggle to get the essential legal, marketing, and ecosystem guidance they need due to the high costs and complex engagement models typically associated with these services. This limits their growth potential, hinders their ability to contribute meaningfully to the Cardano ecosystem, and reduces the overall success rate of funded projects.

Solution:

Storm, our full-stack Web3 consultancy, aims to solve this by offering on-demand, low-commitment support services across three key areas—legal, marketing, and ecosystem development. By providing guidance and handholding at a significantly reduced rate, we lower the entry barriers and empower projects to navigate the complex landscape more effectively.

• imp: Projects avail services in the "freemium" model. The first 2-3 hours of service is set-off as part of the Grant and anything beyond that shall be billed to the project directly.
• We charge $180/ hr, which is 64% lower than our regular base hourly rates for the similar services.

Why Our Approach:

• We believe accessibility is key to fostering innovation and inclusivity in the ecosystem. Our approach revolves around a low-commitment, hourly engagement model.
• Projects can receive targeted support for 2-3 hours at a time, which ensures that even the most resource-constrained initiatives can access quality expertise without long-term financial obligations.

Engagement Model & Services

We will engage Catalyst-funded projects at any stage of their lifecycle, whether they need foundational support for project setup or strategic guidance for growth and scaling. The support services will be divided into three categories:

1. Legal Support 

• Foundation Relocation  
• Contracts & T&Cs  
• Compliance Resolution  
• Incorporation Consultancy  

1. Marketing Support  

• Brand and Social Audits  
• Rebranding Strategies  
• Community Audits  
• Growth Marketing  

1. Ecosystem Support  

• Listing Advisory
• Market Making
• Tokenomics Design  
• Builder Outreach & Business Development  
• PR & Media Strategies  
• Institutional Adoption & Liaison Support  

Demonstrating Impact:

We will track the success and impact of our engagement through:

• Project Documentation: All support provided will be documented and made publicly available (with sensitive data redacted) to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Metrics and KPIs: We will establish KPIs to measure project success, such as increased community engagement, compliance rates, successful listings, and media coverage.

Uniqueness & Importance to Cardano:

What sets us apart is our commitment to accessibility and community empowerment. By offering high-quality consultancy services at a reduced rate, we aim to reduce the financial burden on new projects and provide them with critical support to navigate complex challenges. This initiative will enhance the success rate of Catalyst-funded projects, increase ecosystem participation, and drive sustainable growth for the Cardano community.

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

Proposal aims to fundamentally reshape the builder experience within the Cardano ecosystem by providing accessible, high-quality support services that address key challenges in project execution, compliance, and market positioning. By offering essential legal, marketing, and ecosystem guidance at a subsidized rate, we will empower builders to focus on innovation and development rather than navigating complex operational hurdles.

Key Impact Drivers:

1. Improved Builder Sentiment and Retention: Lowering the entry barriers and providing strategic guidance will increase builder satisfaction and reduce project attrition, resulting in a more vibrant and resilient ecosystem.
2. Enhanced Project Success Rates: Structured support in critical areas such as tokenomics, compliance, and market strategies will lead to higher project success rates, more effective resource utilization, and better outcomes for Catalyst-funded initiatives.
3. Increased Adoption and Institutional Interest: A well-supported and compliant ecosystem attracts institutional players who prioritize structured and regulated environments. Our services will position more projects as viable and trustworthy counterparts, paving the way for increased institutional adoption and investment.
4. Stronger Ecosystem Impact and Network Effects: By empowering individual projects to reach their full potential, we create positive network effects that benefit the entire Cardano ecosystem, enhancing its reputation and drawing in more developers and contributors.

[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?

Capabilities:

• Our management onboarding platform has been refined through multiple Catalyst funds, enabling us to deliver services with efficiency and precision. This platform allows us to track project progress, manage resources, and maintain transparency throughout the engagement. Catalyst Project Id: 1200074
• Our team has deep experience within the Catalyst ecosystem, having successfully onboarded and reviewed 10 proposals in Fund 13, while supporting 9 additional projects in previous funding rounds.
• This extensive involvement has provided us with valuable context and a nuanced understanding of the Cardano ecosystem, enabling us to refine and tailor our services to address the specific needs and challenges faced by Catalyst-funded projects.
• Our track record demonstrates our capability to deliver high-impact support, and our established presence positions us as a trusted partner to help projects thrive in the community.

Validation of Feasibility:

• Proven Track Record: Our past projects have consistently met or exceeded expectations, validating our capacity to deliver within stipulated timelines and budgets. This experience gives us the foundation to scale our services and support even more projects within the ecosystem.
• Resource Availability and Scalability: We have a well-defined resource allocation model that allows us to scale support services based on project needs. This flexibility ensures that we can handle varying levels of demand without compromising on quality or efficiency.
• Community Feedback and Iteration: We incorporate continuous feedback from the community and stakeholders to refine our approach. Regular evaluations and adaptability ensure that our services remain relevant and effective in meeting ecosystem needs.

Our established capabilities, combined with a history of delivering successful Catalyst projects, make us well-equipped to handle this initiative with high levels of trust and accountability, ultimately driving positive outcomes for the Cardano community.

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

Milestone 1 (Months 1-2)

Deliverables

1. Provide on-demand legal, marketing, and ecosystem support services to Catalyst-funded projects for a 2-month period.
2. Track and document the services offered in each category (Legal, Marketing, Ecosystem) with a focus on measurable impact and project outcomes.
3. Share bi-monthly report detailing services delivered, categorized by type and impact achieved.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Minimum of 5 projects supported within the milestone period.
2. Services provided align with the scope defined in the proposal (Legal, Marketing, and Ecosystem support).
3. Successful completion of project onboarding and provision of services as per project requirements.

Evidence

Bi-monthly report including:

1. List of projects served.
2. Type of services provided.
3. Impact assessment for each project (where publicly available).
4. Budget breakdown showing allocated funds against provided services.

Milestone 2 (Months 3-4)

Deliverables

1. Continue providing legal, marketing, and ecosystem support to additional Catalyst-funded projects or ongoing engagements.
2. Track and document all services delivered, emphasizing continuous improvement based on prior feedback.
3. Share bi-monthly report with detailed breakdown of services, categorized by type and impact achieved.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Minimum of 5 projects supported within the milestone period (new or ongoing).
2. Successful delivery of value-added services with documented impact on each project.
3. Service delivery meets or exceeds client expectations as documented in feedback.

Evidence

Bi-monthly report including:

1. List of projects served.
2. Type of services provided.
3. Impact assessment for each project (where publicly available).
4. Budget breakdown showing allocated funds against provided services.

Milestone 3 (Months 5-6)

Deliverables

1. Continue providing support services in all three categories, ensuring consistency and quality in service delivery.
2. Track and document ongoing and new engagements to provide a clear picture of ecosystem impact.
3. Share bi-monthly report that categorizes services delivered and assesses their impact on project success.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Minimum of 5 projects supported within the milestone period (new or ongoing).
2. Comprehensive documentation of project engagements and their outcomes.
3. All services delivered as per agreed terms and documented in client feedback.

Evidence

Bi-monthly report including:

1. List of projects served.
2. Type of services provided.
3. Impact assessment for each project (where publicly available).
4. Budget breakdown showing allocated funds against provided services.

Milestone 4 (Months 7-8 - Final Compilation)

Deliverables

1. Compile and consolidate reports from Milestones 1-3, highlighting the overall impact of services on the ecosystem.
2. Provide a final summary report that includes all project engagements, categorized impact, and lessons learned.
3. Submit a final budget summary for the entire project duration, showcasing the allocation of funds and overall value delivered.

Acceptance Criteria

1. Comprehensive final report summarizing all project engagements from Milestones 1-3 and additional projects in Milestone 4.
2. Documented outcomes and impact for each project, aggregated and categorized.
3. Clear assessment of overall project success and areas for future improvement.

Evidence

Final report including:

1. Consolidated list of all projects served across all milestones.
2. Detailed service breakdown and cumulative impact assessment.
3. Lessons learned and recommendations for future engagements.
4. Final budget breakdown and assessment of fund utilization across the entire project.

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

Sheraz Ahmed - Managing Partner

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherazahmed1/

Sheraz Ahmed has advised hundreds of organisations on the implementation of modern Web3 practices to further their business objectives. As the Managing Partner of STORM Partners, an all-in-one service provider, and as the Co-Executive Director of the Crypto Valley Association, he drives growth, collaboration, and integrity across the global blockchain ecosystem!

Darby (D.J.) Bodden - Director of Operations & Ecosystem Department

https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-j-bodden-00598a5b/ 

D.J. is a 20-year professional with a focus in organizing both large formal and small startup operations. He started as a military officer, and then transitioned to commodity trading before helping start and fund a blockchain traceability startup from the ground up, working with large enterprises to deliver the solution. He has since then used the lessons learned from those experiences to help businesses refine their strategy, operations, and processes.

Natcha Chaiprasit - Project Manager/ Data Analyst 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natchanok-c-308849168/

Natcha is a Sr. Analyst in the Ecosystem department at STORM Partners, with a master's degree from the London School of Economics (LSE). With deep exposure to the blockchain ecosystem, Natcha currently oversees Catalyst grants from Cardano, applying her expertise in project management to support the development and execution of key initiatives. 

Channabasava - Team Lead 

Lead Cardano Grants analysis reports, and been on the founding team of Polygon’s Grants function Prev. Voucher Grants Lead at Polygon, founding member Polygon Village and Polygon DAO. Experienced across building Grants and Ecosystem programs  

General Manager of Decentral House.

Ellissa Koch

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellissakoch/

Ellissa Koch has a Master's in Business Administration,with over 10 years of experience in marketing, sales, and client relations. She has experience working in various sectors including art, fashion, finance, and publishing, and is committed to expanding the reach of women in industry.

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

Total Funding Requested: 96,789 ADA

• Target Projects Supported: The budget scopes for a maximum of 62 projects over the 8 months.
• The budget is allocated to provide direct support services across Legal, Marketing, and Ecosystem categories. While we have defined a base allocation for each category, the distribution of hours is flexible and can be reallocated depending on the demand for specific services.

1. Core Service Areas

The full budget covers direct service hours to maximize impact and accessibility for the Catalyst community.

1. Legal Support Services

• Total Hours Allocated: 62 hours
• Cost per Hour: 3,226 ADA
• Total Cost: 32,336 ADA
• Description: Compliance advisory, foundation relocation, contract drafting, and incorporation consultancy for Catalyst projects.

1. Marketing Support Services

• Total Hours Allocated: 62 hours
• Cost per Hour: 3,226 ADA
• Total Cost: 32,336 ADA
• Description: Brand and social audits, rebranding strategies, community engagement, and growth marketing.

1. Ecosystem Support Services

• Total Hours Allocated: 62 hours
• Cost per Hour: 3,226 ADA
• Total Cost: 32,336 ADA
• Description: Tokenomics development, listing advisory, builder outreach, and institutional adoption strategies.

Budget Summary

• Total Hours Allocated: 186 hours
• Total Cost: 96,789 ADA
• Breakdown:
• Legal Support: 32,336 ADA
• Marketing Support: 32,336 ADA
• Ecosystem Support: 32,336 ADA

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

• 64% Discount on Standard Rates: Our significantly reduced pricing ensures critical services are accessible, supporting more projects without compromising quality. This lower cost directly translates into broader community growth and more successful projects.
• No-Commitment, High-Impact Model: Flexible, hourly-based support enables projects to get the specific help they need when they need it, reducing wasted resources and maximizing effective outcomes. Every ADA spent delivers targeted value and supports immediate project requirements.
• Accelerating Community Growth: By lowering financial barriers, more projects can access top-tier legal, marketing, and ecosystem services. This boosts overall project success, enhances ecosystem participation, and accelerates the Cardano community’s growth trajectory.
• Multiplicative Value: Supporting a single project’s success creates network effects, inspiring new entrants, improving builder sentiment, and attracting institutional interest. The positive outcomes achieved far outweigh the initial costs, making this a highly leveraged investment for ecosystem development.