Book.io - Bringing Top Book Publisher to Cardano

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Ben Illian

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Requested funds in ada

2000000

[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)

Partner with a top IP publisher, accessing 60,000 eBooks/audiobooks exclusively on Cardano, expanding global users, boosting transactions, and establishing Cardano as a leader in decentralized media.

[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’re unable to disclose the specific IP, as this would breach the confidentiality terms set by the top publisher involved.

[METADATA] Horizons

E-commerce

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

How do you perceive the problem you are solving?

Everyone uses digital media platforms every day, but no one actually owns the digital media they are consuming. The challenge is that the Cardano blockchain, despite its scalability and efficiency, has not yet been adopted by a major intellectual property holder for digital media. This lack of mainstream digital assets, such as eBooks and audiobooks, limits exposure to the average consumer and stifles the potential for Cardano to become a widely recognized platform for digital ownership. Bringing a major IP holder to the Cardano ecosystem would bridge this gap, introducing millions of assets and catalyzing blockchain adoption for the mainstream audience.

What are your reasons for approaching it in the way that you have?

We’re pursuing a strategic partnership with a globally recognized publisher because it offers immediate credibility and reach. With one move, we can access 60,000 digital assets, providing the platform with instant content and attracting attention from both existing and new blockchain users. This large-scale IP partnership also helps validate Cardano’s viability for high-value digital assets, demonstrating the real-world benefits of blockchain in terms of digital ownership, security, and decentralization.

Who will your project engage?

Our project targets three main groups: (1) existing blockchain and Cardano enthusiasts who seek more use cases and content on the platform, (2) mainstream consumers who may be unfamiliar with blockchain but are interested in owning digital assets, and (3) publishers and media creators who are exploring secure, decentralized ways to distribute and monetize content. This strategy is designed to make the blockchain ecosystem accessible to a broader audience by making ownership of digital media assets as seamless as possible.

How will you demonstrate or prove your impact?

Impact will be measured through user engagement, transaction volumes, and the number of unique users introduced to the Cardano blockchain through digital media purchases. Additionally, we’ll monitor metrics like the number of assets minted, the sales performance of these assets, and user retention over time. By tracking adoption and engagement statistics, we can illustrate both the immediate and ongoing success of our initiative, reinforcing Cardano’s value as a platform for digital media.

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

In what way will the success of your project bring value to the Cardano Community?

This project will benefit the Cardano community by positioning it as a mainstream platform for digital media ownership, which currently lacks the presence of major IP holders. By onboarding a large publisher, Cardano will showcase real-world utility and expand its user base beyond crypto enthusiasts to include general consumers of digital media. This move will also attract other IP holders in adjacent fields, creating a ripple effect of media adoption on Cardano. Additionally, this adoption will likely lead to increased on-chain activity and transaction volumes, enhancing Cardano's overall ecosystem value.

Seamless engagement of fan base audiences from household celebrity authors will drive adoption and new wallet creation.

For developers, the project creates opportunities to build tools and applications centered around digital media on Cardano. For instance, there may be increased demand for digital asset marketplaces, secure wallet integrations, and content engagement features, providing the Cardano developer community with fresh use cases and potential revenue streams. Ultimately, the project aims to cement Cardano’s reputation as a leading blockchain for secure digital ownership, positioning it favorably within the evolving Web3 landscape.

How will you measure this impact?

Impact will be measured by tracking multiple metrics:

• Transaction Volume & Active Users: An increase in transaction volumes and the number of active users specific to digital media purchases.
• On-chain Media Assets: The number of eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital media assets minted and traded on Cardano, serving as a direct indicator of adoption.
• Engagement Metrics: Retention rates, repeat purchases, and user engagement with specific digital assets will help gauge ongoing interest.
• Partnership Expansion: Success will also be measured by additional IP holders and media creators adopting Cardano for digital distribution, indicating broader industry appeal.

How will you share the outputs and opportunities that result from your project?

We will regularly communicate our progress and results through multiple channels, including blog updates on Book.io, weekly newsletters, and presentations at blockchain and publishing industry events. Additionally, collaborating with other Cardano projects will help create complementary services, such as third-party marketplaces and analytics dashboards, that enhance visibility and engagement. These updates will allow both the Cardano community and broader blockchain and media industries to stay informed about adoption milestones, new opportunities, and innovations resulting from the project. 

We aim to set a replicable standard for the successful onboarding of IP holders to Cardano and other Web3 ecosystems.

[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?

Please describe your existing capabilities that demonstrate how and why you believe you’re best suited to deliver this project:

Book.io is uniquely positioned to lead in Web3 publishing, with established expertise in blockchain technology and a dedicated focus on transparency, traceability, and true digital ownership. As an early innovator in the field, Book.io has developed a sophisticated minting protocol that ensures every title we publish is securely minted on the Cardano blockchain. This approach guarantees traceability and security while enabling users to genuinely own digital content, unlike typical licensed digital assets.

Our capabilities in blockchain integration and media publishing are bolstered by a team with proven experience in both the tech and media industries. The team at Book.io includes blockchain experts, software developers, and seasoned publishing professionals, all of whom are committed to bridging traditional digital media with Web3 infrastructure. We've already seen success with initial offerings and established processes to scale this securely, with over $6.5M in total revenue, showcasing our ability to handle large volumes and satisfy market demand.

You can read more about our tech and how it works in our whitepaper.

Please include the steps or processes that demonstrate that you can be trusted to manage funds properly:

As a registered corporation with 20 full-time employees globally, Book.io has established a robust corporate framework that enables trustworthy fund management, particularly in handling Catalyst funds responsibly. Since our inception in July 2022, we have successfully managed a $1.5 million seed investment from three different entities, translating it into over $6.5 million in revenue. This track record not only demonstrates our financial competence but also underscores our commitment to transparency and integrity in financial dealings. Our corporate hierarchy, led by dedicated financial oversight from our COO, ensures accountability at all levels, maintaining a transparent and structured approach to fund management.

Book.io is committed to the responsible stewardship of finances, honoring our fiduciary responsibilities to our employees, investors, advisors, and vibrant community. With a strong focus on community engagement, we maintain transparency in revenue allocation, tokenization strategies, and roadmap planning, reinforcing our commitment to openness and accountability. Our experience in managing funds for development, operational scaling, and ongoing innovation positions us with the infrastructure, expertise, and dedication needed to responsibly manage Catalyst funds.

We will establish a dedicated wallet exclusively for Catalyst funds, ensuring these resources are intentionally allocated and transparently preserved. This approach guarantees focused and accountable fund management, aligning with our commitment to responsible stewardship of the 2,000,000 ADA Catalyst Funding. We will provide all proof of transactions with the Major IP Rights Holder to obtain these digital assets to put on the Cardano blockchain. 

With a proven foundation and an unwavering commitment to transparency, Book.io is prepared to responsibly scale this project, delivering a transformative digital media solution on the Cardano blockchain. We are well-equipped to serve as trusted custodians of Catalyst funds, ensuring their impactful use toward groundbreaking advancements in digital asset ownership.

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

Payment Milestone

Objective: Establish a transparent funding allocation plan.

• Description: Upon securing initial funds, Book.io will release a detailed breakdown of the funding required for licensing and operational expenses.
• Verification: An initial report will be provided to Catalyst, showing a budget breakdown and timeline for fund usage.

Ingestion of Digital Assets

Objective: Streamline the onboarding of 60,000 digital assets (eBooks and audiobooks).

• Description: Implement Book.io’s ingestion platform to efficiently onboard and mint the publisher’s catalog on the Cardano blockchain.
• Verification: Catalyst will receive milestone reports on the number of assets successfully ingested and minted, with a demonstration of the minting process on Cardano.
• Outcome: A clear step forward for Cardano as a blockchain capable of supporting large-scale digital content.

Accountability and Sales Reporting

Objective: Ensure transparent sales reporting and financial accountability.

• Description: Develop a reporting system that tracks and shares sales data for each digital asset, allowing stakeholders to see performance metrics.
• Verification: Quarterly sales and performance reports will be submitted to Catalyst, showcasing transparency in revenue generated and funds allocation.
• Outcome: Clear, traceable records that validate Book.io’s performance and the project's commercial viability.

Transparency for the Growth of the Cardano Ecosystem

Objective: Establish a transparent growth model that demonstrates the impact on the Cardano ecosystem.

• Description: Book.io will launch a public dashboard displaying key metrics, such as user adoption, transaction volume, and community engagement.
• Verification: Catalyst will be provided access to this dashboard to track the ecosystem’s growth and adoption over time.
• Outcome: A visible, data-driven impact on Cardano's ecosystem, encouraging more content creators and publishers to adopt the platform, driving mass adoption.

Milestone 5: Community Education and Engagement

Objective: Empower the Cardano community by educating users, developers, and creators on how to leverage the blockchain for digital media ownership.  

• Description: Create an outreach and education program, including webinars, and documentation. This program will guide the community on creating, owning, and trading digital media assets on Cardano. Additionally, Book.io will organize workshops and events to onboard new users to the blockchain ecosystem.
• Verification: Quarterly updates to Catalyst will showcase completed workshops, resources developed, and community feedback. Metrics will include the number of new users onboarded, developer engagement rates, and partnership success stories with new creators or IP holders joining the platform.
• Outcome: Increased knowledge and engagement within the Cardano ecosystem, attracting a broader community of users, developers, and content creators, and driving sustainable growth in the blockchain's digital media landscape. 

Final Milestone: Project Close-Out Report and Summary Video

Objective: Provide a comprehensive wrap-up and impact summary of the project’s achievements, challenges, and milestones.

• Description: At the project’s conclusion, Book.io will compile a detailed Project Close-Out Report and an engaging summary video, both of which will highlight the progress made, lessons learned, and goals achieved throughout the Cardano Catalyst program. This final report will outline measurable successes, including funds allocation, asset ingestion metrics, sales figures, community engagement outcomes, and the overall impact on the Cardano ecosystem.

• Verification: The Project Close-Out Report will be shared publicly with the Cardano Catalyst community and will include metrics on user adoption, sales growth, and community impact. The summary video will provide a visual, digestible overview of the project’s milestones, successes, and next steps, ensuring accessible and transparent communication for stakeholders and the broader community.

• Outcome: The report and video will help maintain transparency, demonstrate Book.io’s commitment to delivering on its promises, and showcase the tangible impact of the project. This milestone reinforces accountability and serves as a model for future initiatives within the Cardano ecosystem.

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

Proposal Leadership Team

Ben Illian: Lead Proposer and Chief Growth Officer of book.io

Ben Illian is the CGO and Co-Founder of Book.io. With over 13 years of experience in marketing, growth strategy, and digital media, Ben has consistently focused on the intersection of technology and storytelling. His leadership ensures that publishers and authors benefit from perpetual royalties through smart contracts, transforming the eBook and audiobook landscape.

Before Book.io, Ben held growth leadership roles, including as Chief Growth Officer at Safe Conversations and InspireMore, where he enhanced brand reach and engagement. His four years as VP of Marketing & Sales at BookShout honed his expertise in digital content distribution and customer acquisition. Known for his forward-thinking approach, Ben is dedicated to creating dynamic platforms that bridge readers, creators, and digital assets, ushering in the future of books.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benillian/

X: https://x.com/OneBillian

Joshua Stone: Chief Executive Officer of Book.io

Joshua Stone is an accomplished CEO and technology innovator with over 20 years of experience in digital media, blockchain, and online marketplaces. As the current CEO of Stuff.io and Book.io, Joshua is at the forefront of Web3, leading initiatives that redefine digital ownership. 

With over twenty-five years of tech industry experience, he led off his career with helping create Fandango.com for Cinemark. He has led online marketing teams for AT&T and Product for Hotels.com/Expedia. Joshua's career is marked by pioneering roles in startups and digital platforms. Before co-founding Book.io, he served as CEO of Safe Conversations, co-founded BookShout, an innovative, device-agnostic eBook reading platform acquired by private equity. His extensive expertise spans roles from digital product strategy at J.S.S. Inc. to UX leadership at Expedia, bringing together a unique blend of product design, user experience, and marketing acumen. Known for his visionary approach, Joshua is a driving force in the future of digital and blockchain-based content ecosystems.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshualeestone/

X: https://x.com/joshualeestone

Proposal Finance, Reporting, Legal and Contracts Responsibilities 

Brian Clarke: COO of Book.io

Brian Clarke is an accomplished finance and operations executive with over 20 years of experience driving growth and managing financial strategies for technology-focused enterprises. As Chief Operating Officer at Book.io, Brian combines his expertise in financial strategy, operations management, and market expansion to lead a blockchain-based platform transforming digital media ownership. Brian’s strategic oversight supports Book.io’s mission to revolutionize digital reading through decentralized eBook and audiobook marketplaces.

His background includes roles as CFO at Skillable and ForeFlight, where he led financial strategy through high-growth phases, including ForeFlight’s acquisition by Boeing. Brian co-founded eVoter, securing $3 million in funding to develop an innovative, non-partisan voter information platform. His experience spans public company reporting, international tax strategy, and managing high-value acquisitions, making him a valuable asset to initiatives that intersect technology and finance.

Brian’s specialties include venture capital, public market financing, HR and customer service management, credit card processing, and fraud prevention. With a comprehensive understanding of financial and operational infrastructures, he excels at guiding technology companies through pivotal growth stages, ensuring efficient processes and scalable strategies tailored to evolving market needs.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bclarke1976/

Bob Wright: Chief Legal Officer

Bob Wright is a corporate attorney, executive leader, and community activist with over 30 years of experience in legal, corporate, and philanthropic arenas. As the founding member of Wright.law, Bob brings big-firm expertise with an entrepreneurial approach, supporting visionary clients in structuring entities, securing capital, and navigating mergers and acquisitions across for-profit and nonprofit sectors. His legal specialties include entity structuring, capital formation, intellectual property, and international business strategy, making him an invaluable resource for high-impact projects.

In addition to his legal practice, Bob serves as a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he educates future leaders in social entrepreneurship. He also holds key community roles, including Chair of the Community Impact Grant Committee for the United Way Foundation of Metropolitan Dallas and Chairman of OneStar Foundation, where he helped transform the organization from a grant-funded foundation into a social enterprise through innovative geo-mapping technology.

Bob’s extensive board experience, including founding Social Venture Partners Dallas and serving on the Texas Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Council, showcases his dedication to advancing justice, poverty alleviation, and education. His dual focus on financial return and social impact underscores his commitment to initiatives that drive systemic change for underserved communities.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-wright-560219/

Proposal Marketing / Operations Team:

Sheila Dohmann: VP of Marketing of Book.io

Sheila Dohmann is the Vice President of Marketing for Book.io. Before full-time in Web3, Sheila had a diverse International sports marketing career that ranged from corporate social responsibility, large event management, analytics, to graphic design. Learning Blockchain in the sports broadcasting space in 2020, Sheila understands how to connect the human side of learning with technical information inside quality-made digital media. Her deep understanding of digital art and blockchain-powered collectibles enables her to create immersive, culturally resonant experiences within the Web3 ecosystem.

A skilled relationship builder with a refined cross-cultural approach, Sheila navigates global marketplaces with finesse, collaborating with diverse stakeholders—from government agencies and media entities to humanitarian organizations. Her leadership in large-scale events and social responsibility initiatives is underscored by a steadfast commitment to using blockchain to enhance transparency, accessibility, and equity in digital media. As VP of Marketing for blockchain-driven platforms like Stuff.io and Book.io, Sheila drives innovation and inclusivity, building bridges between creators, consumers, and decentralized technology. Her experience in these pioneering roles underscores her dedication to redefining digital engagement and ownership for the next generation.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-dohmann-32b97a4/

X: https://x.com/Touring_Tiki

Jason Manske: VP of Operations of Book.io

Jason Manske is a seasoned operations executive with extensive experience in customer experience, operational excellence, and cross-functional leadership within tech and blockchain-driven industries. Currently, as Vice President of Operations at Book.io, Jason manages publisher relationships, product tracking, and financial workflows for a blockchain-based platform that distributes e-books, music, and video. His strategic focus on process optimization and team collaboration enhances scalability and operational efficiency across multiple digital platforms.

Previously, Jason served as Director of Customer Experience at YellowHeart, a blockchain ticketing and music platform, where he developed user-centric engagement strategies, streamlined onboarding, and aligned customer feedback with product development. His experience also includes leading customer experience initiatives at Safe Conversations, where he established core operating procedures and drove customer success strategies.

Jason's career journey is marked by leadership roles in customer experience and operations at organizations like Vari and Spring Mobile, where he implemented performance metrics and led top-performing teams. Known for his ability to adapt quickly to industry changes and customer needs, Jason leverages his expertise in operational excellence, contact center management, and team development to drive impactful, customer-focused solutions in innovative, high-growth environments.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-manske/

X: https://x.com/jasonmanske

Proposal Development Team

Guillermo Moratorio: VP of Engineering

Guillermo Moratorio is a seasoned engineering leader with over a decade of experience across software development, project management, and operations, currently serving as the Vice President of Engineering at Book.io. With a robust technical background and a passion for decentralized technology, Guillermo drives the development of Book.io's blockchain-based platform for digital media ownership. In this role, he oversees engineering strategy and execution, ensuring the seamless integration of Web3 principles to redefine digital ownership.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmoratorio/

X: https://x.com/WoodlandPools

Alex Vasquez: Senior Director of Quality Assurance at Book.io

Alex Vasquez is an accomplished Quality Assurance (QA) professional with over 15 years of experience in leading quality assurance management across diverse technology landscapes. Currently serving as the Senior Director of Quality Assurance at Book.io, Alex plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless delivery of a multi-chain NFT marketplace for eBooks and audiobooks, leveraging the Cardano blockchain to drive the next generation of digital reading experiences. His work focuses on developing efficient QA systems and processes that uphold product excellence while optimizing costs and timelines.

Throughout his career, Alex has demonstrated expertise in QA lifecycle management, project planning, and cross-functional leadership. He led the development of a 4-star eReading app from concept to deployment and introduced CRM automation tools that reduced operational costs by 50%. With extensive experience in Agile methodologies, black-box testing, and team management, Alex combines technical acumen with a strong commitment to quality, enhancing the user experience in every project he leads. His specialties also include customer service management, cost control, and process improvement, making him a versatile leader who consistently drives successful outcomes in both start-up and established environments.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexvasquez/

X: https://x.com/Nacho_Runner_

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

The full Catalyst funding requested through this proposal will be allocated to fulfill the publisher’s contractual guarantee licensing fee, as outlined in their confidential agreement with Book.io. If awarded, this funding will be disbursed with complete transparency, and all transactions to the publisher will be made accessible for review by Catalyst Fund auditors, ensuring accountability and alignment with Catalyst’s funding standards.

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

To date, Book.io's deployment of 448 unique policy IDs has generated 1,315,325 unique transactions on the Cardano blockchain, of which 103,016 (7.83%) are minting events, with the remainder comprising secondary transactions. Analysis of a 1% sample shows an average fee of 0.37315 ADA per transaction, meaning our assets alone have contributed approximately 490,813 ADA ($161,968 USD) in fees. Distributed across 448 policies, this results in an average of 1,095.5 ADA ($361 USD) per policy. Scaling this to a proposed publisher’s catalog of 60,000 assets would yield approximately 65,730,000 ADA ($21.6 million USD) in transaction fees—reaching $203.1 million USD at ADA’s all-time high. Thus, the 65,730,000 ADA yield from the awarded 2,000,000 ADA Catalyst Fund investment would produce an ROI of 3186.5%. 

These estimates are conservative and exclude the potential influence of high-profile celebrity titles, which would likely increase activity and fees due to broader appeal, larger transaction volumes, and heightened trading. Additionally, the USD values here are approximations, as they do not account for the fluctuating ADA/USD exchange rate over the past 2.5 years.

These calculations illustrate the substantial economic impact of onboarding one of the largest IP rights holders onto the Cardano blockchain. Integrating this publisher’s extensive portfolio of eBooks and audiobooks will bring millions of digital assets to Cardano, enhancing the blockchain’s value proposition. This strategic move is expected to drive widespread user adoption, positioning Cardano as a premier platform for digital media. This can attract additional big publishers along with other giant rights holders for different types of digital media supported by Book.io’s sister company, Stuff.io, which features encrypted, decentralized music and video digital assets. 

It will also attract additional investment and spur further technological development, contributing directly to Cardano’s growth, visibility, and sustainability. This project’s costs are well-justified by the anticipated increases in user engagement, market expansion, and revenue generation, all of which are crucial for the Cardano ecosystem’s long-term resilience and impact.