Amplifi

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Jeff Cafolla

[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

100000

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

6

[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 build an AI-powered platform that unifies liquidity across blockchains and generates high yields through automated, one-click strategies, providing easy access to DeFi and RWA markets.

[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

Not yet but we do plan on making it open source

[METADATA] Horizons

RWA

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Perception:

Amplifi seeks to solve the wealth erosion caused by inflation and the complexity of decentralized finance (DeFi). Traditional savings models often yield low returns, insufficient to combat rising inflation rates, which means individuals and institutions lose purchasing power over time. Simultaneously, the DeFi ecosystem presents high-yield opportunities but is difficult for the average user to navigate due to its complexity and technical barriers.

Approach:

Our solution is an AI-powered cross-chain liquidity management protocol that unifies liquidity across EVM-based DeFi ecosystems and Real-World Assets (RWA). By using AI-driven algorithms, we generate higher, more stable, and lower-risk yields through fully automated, one-click strategies. This approach is designed to lower the entry barriers to DeFi and provide easy access to a wide array of yield opportunities, empowering users to outpace inflation.

We adopted this approach because of the inefficiencies in manual DeFi strategies and the rising demand for user-friendly, automated tools that can optimize returns without the need for constant user intervention. This aligns with our mission to make decentralized finance more accessible and effective in wealth preservation and growth.

Target Audience:

Amplifi is designed to engage:

• Retail investors looking for stable, inflation-beating returns

• Fintech apps and neobanks seeking to integrate high-yield DeFi products for their users

• Crypto hedge funds and DAO treasuries aiming to maximize returns on-chain

• Institutions and businesses interested in diversifying into DeFi and RWA markets

Our platform’s ease of use (one-click strategies, zero gas fees) lowers the technical barriers for users unfamiliar with DeFi, while offering sophisticated financial strategies for more experienced investors and institutional players.

Impact Demonstration:

We will demonstrate impact by:

• Tracking active user growth: With over 5,000 users on the waitlist and 100 onboarded in closed beta, our goal is to rapidly scale active users.

• Measuring Assets Under Management (AUM): We aim to achieve $1M in TVL pre-launch and show continuous growth in TVL.

• Yield performance: We will track and publish returns generated through our platform, ensuring that they consistently exceed inflation rates and deliver stable, low-risk yields.

Uniqueness of the Solution:

Amplifi is unique because it combines AI with blockchain liquidity management to generate stable returns in both DeFi and RWA markets. Our multi-asset strategies offer users exposure to both traditional financial instruments and decentralized assets, providing higher security and more diversification than traditional DeFi protocols. The use of AI enables real-time optimization, removing human bias and error, and making yield strategies both efficient and user-friendly.

Importance to Cardano:

Amplifi’s solution contributes to Cardano’s ecosystem by:

• Bridging Web2 and Web3: We simplify access to decentralized finance, which aligns with Cardano’s mission of driving widespread adoption.

• Growing DeFi on Cardano: As DeFi and cross-chain liquidity grow, we can attract users, investors, and institutions to the Cardano network, increasing total value locked (TVL) and overall ecosystem activity.

• Enhancing financial inclusion: By making high-yield opportunities accessible to everyone, regardless of financial or technical expertise, we contribute to a more equitable financial system, a key goal for the Cardano community.

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

Value to the Cardano Community:

Amplifi’s solution will bring significant value to the Cardano ecosystem by expanding DeFi adoption and increasing TVL on the network. By making DeFi accessible through AI-powered, automated yield strategies, we reduce the technical complexity that often discourages users from participating in decentralized finance. Our integration of both DeFi and RWA markets also creates new opportunities for traditional financial players to enter the blockchain space, directly benefiting the broader Cardano ecosystem.

Amplifi will contribute to financial inclusivity by providing easy-to-use, gas-free, multi-asset strategies, enabling more users—including retail investors, fintech apps, and institutional players—to benefit from blockchain technology. By offering stable, inflation-beating returns, Amplifi aligns with Cardano’s mission of fostering equitable financial systems.

Measuring Impact:

We will measure the impact of Amplifi on the Cardano community using both quantitative and qualitative metrics:

• Total Value Locked: We aim to grow the TVL on the Cardano blockchain by integrating our cross-chain liquidity solutions and generating stable yields. This will provide a tangible measure of our contribution to the DeFi space on Cardano.

• User Growth and Engagement: We will track the number of active users from the Cardano community participating in our protocol, focusing on onboarding new users to Web3 through our one-click strategies.

• Returns Generated: We will measure and report on the yields Amplifi generates, ensuring that they consistently outpace inflation. This helps demonstrate the value of the platform in preserving and growing wealth for users.

• Partnerships and Integrations: We will track the number of successful integrations with other Cardano-based projects, including DeFi protocols, DEXs, and wallets, further strengthening the ecosystem.

• Security Audits and User Feedback: By conducting regular security audits and gathering qualitative feedback from users, we ensure a secure, transparent, and user-focused platform.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities:

To maximize transparency and engagement, Amplifi will share its outputs and achievements with the Cardano community through several channels:

• Monthly Reports: We will publish monthly reports detailing key metrics such as TVL growth, user engagement, and yields generated. These reports will be shared with the community on social media platforms (e.g., Twitter/X, Discord, Telegram) and community forums.

• Partnership Announcements: We will actively promote new partnerships and integrations with Cardano-based projects to the wider community, highlighting how these collaborations enhance DeFi opportunities.

• Educational Content: We will produce blogs, tutorials, and AMAs (Ask-Me-Anything) sessions to educate the Cardano community on how to leverage Amplifi for maximizing returns and participating in the DeFi ecosystem.

• Open-Source Contributions: Once we launch, we aim to make certain aspects of our technology open-source, contributing to Cardano’s developer community and fostering innovation.

By building a user-friendly DeFi platform on Cardano, Amplifi will enhance financial opportunities for individuals and institutions while driving the long-term growth of Cardano’s DeFi 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?

Existing Capabilities:

Amplifi is well-equipped to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability due to the combined experience and expertise of our team. Our team has deep-rooted knowledge and a proven track record in blockchain, decentralized finance, AI, and crypto project management, which positions us to successfully launch and scale this project. Below are key highlights:

• Founder/CMO Experience: Jeff Cafolla has over 8 years of experience in the crypto space, having worked as head of growth for multiple crypto startups and contributed to scaling operations and user engagement. His background in growth strategy is instrumental in driving user acquisition and platform traction.

• CTO Experience: Jake White brings 14 years of experience as a software developer, with 5 years leading web3 product development. He has successfully led tech development for DeFi, GameFi, and Metaverse projects, ensuring technical robustness and scalability.

• Team Expertise: Our team of 10 includes specialists in community management, backend development, content creation, and UI/UX design, all of whom have contributed to the success of multiple crypto startups. This diverse expertise allows us to cover all aspects of Amplifi’s development, from technology to user experience and engagement.

Feasibility and Validation:

We have taken the following steps to ensure our approach is feasible:

1. Closed Beta Success: We have already demonstrated feasibility through the launch of our closed beta, with 100 onboarded users and over 5,000 on the waitlist. The beta phase has allowed us to gather real user feedback, optimize the platform, and ensure the technical feasibility of our solution before scaling.

2. Partnerships and Integrations: We are in the process of integrating with major blockchain platforms like Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism, and DeFi protocols such as Aave, Compound, and Balancer. These partnerships validate our ability to collaborate and build within the broader DeFi ecosystem, ensuring that our platform is technically sound and scalable.

3. Security and Audits: To ensure the safety of user funds, we have planned multiple third-party security audits for our smart contracts. We also intend to launch high-reward bug bounty programs and participate in ongoing hackathons to further validate the security and feasibility of our solution. This proactive approach to security ensures that our users can trust our platform.

4. Phased Rollout: We are employing a phased rollout strategy, starting with DeFi-native users, and gradually expanding to crypto-native users, hedge funds, and institutional players. This ensures that our approach is scalable and manageable at each stage, with continuous validation from user feedback and performance data.

Trust and Accountability:

To manage funds properly and transparently, we will adhere to the following practices:

• Regular Financial Reporting: We will provide monthly financial reports to track the allocation of funds and the project’s financial health. These reports will include detailed breakdowns of how funds are used for development, marketing, and security, ensuring transparency with the community.

• Escrow and Multisig Wallets: To secure funds, we will use multisignature (multisig) wallets that require approval from multiple key team members for any fund movements. This ensures that no single person has control over project funds, enhancing security and accountability.

• Community Engagement and Feedback: We will actively engage with the community through regular updates and AMAs, where we will discuss progress and address any concerns about fund allocation and project delivery.

In summary, our team’s combined experience, proven track record in delivering crypto projects, and a structured, secure approach to fund management position us to deliver Amplifi with trust and accountability. We will validate feasibility through phased rollouts, extensive security measures, and real user engagement, ensuring that the project meets its goals efficiently.

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

Milestone 1: Closed Beta Expansion & Cardano Integration

Objective: Expand the closed beta, onboard more users, and integrate the Amplifi platform with Cardano.

Description: This milestone focuses on growing the closed beta by converting at least 500 users from the waitlist, refining platform features, and initiating Cardano blockchain integration. This integration ensures compatibility with Cardano’s DeFi protocols and positions Amplifi as part of the Cardano ecosystem.

Planned Activities:

• Onboard 500 additional beta testers (currently 100 monthly active users).

• Integrate Cardano blockchain into the Amplifi protocol, enabling access to Cardano’s DeFi and cross-chain functionality.

• Implement user feedback for platform improvements and ensure readiness for open beta.

Expected Duration: 1 month (starting on November 1st, 2024).

Budget Allocation: 25% of total budget (25,000 ADA).

• Development team: 15,000 ADA (for Cardano integration and platform refinement).

• Beta testing support: 5,000 ADA (community management, support).

• Marketing and waitlist conversion: 5,000 ADA (to achieve 20% conversion).

Milestone 2: Blockchain and Protocol Integrations

Objective: Complete the integration with key blockchains and DeFi/RWA protocols.

Description: In this milestone, Amplifi will integrate with 5 blockchains (e.g., Polygon, Arbitrum) and 10 DeFi and RWA protocols (e.g., Aave, Compound, Centrifuge), ensuring cross-chain liquidity and multi-asset strategy functionalities. This includes ensuring compatibility with Cardano’s DeFi infrastructure.

Planned Activities:

• Complete integrations with the specified blockchains and protocols.

• Perform security checks and audits to ensure seamless integration with Cardano and other chains.

• Develop support materials for users and partners.

Expected Duration: 2 months (starting on December 1st, 2024).

Budget Allocation: 35% of total budget (35,000 ADA).

• Technical development: 25,000 ADA (blockchain and protocol integration).

• Security audits: 5,000 ADA (for security validation).

• Documentation: 5,000 ADA (for user support materials).

Milestone 3: Open Beta Launch & User Growth

Objective: Launch the open beta, onboard 5,000 active users, and grow TVL.

Description: The open beta will invite users from the waitlist and beyond, targeting 5,000 active users and $1M in TVL. The focus will be on scaling the platform and driving user growth, with a 10% month-on-month increase post-launch.

Planned Activities:

• Launch the open beta with full blockchain and protocol integrations, including Cardano.

• Conduct final security audits and ensure scalability.

• Execute marketing strategies to achieve user and TVL targets.

Expected Duration: 3 months (starting on February 1st, 2025).

Budget Allocation: 40% of total budget (40,000 ADA).

• User acquisition/marketing: 15,000 ADA (for campaigns targeting user growth).

• Final security audits: 15,000 ADA.

• Community support and management: 10,000 ADA.

Final Project Milestone: Amplifi Platform Launch, Cardano Integration, and Impact Report

Objective:

The goal of this final milestone is to complete the launch of the Amplifi platform, integrate fully with the Cardano blockchain, onboard 5,000 active users, achieve $1M in Total Value Locked (TVL), and deliver a comprehensive impact report that highlights Amplifi’s contribution to the Cardano ecosystem.

Key Activities:

1. Cardano Blockchain Integration:

• Successfully integrate Amplifi’s AI-powered liquidity management platform with the Cardano blockchain.

• Ensure cross-chain functionality with Cardano DeFi protocols, including the integration of multiple assets and liquidity pools.

2. User Acquisition and Growth:

• Launch the platform’s open beta to onboard 5,000 active users.

• Implement a marketing campaign to drive 10% month-on-month growth in user engagement and TVL.

3. Total Value Locked (TVL) Target:

• Grow TVL to $1.2M through strategic partnerships with DeFi protocols, blockchain integrations, and a user-friendly interface that promotes liquidity management.

4. Security Audits and Platform Stability:

• Conduct and pass multiple security audits to ensure platform reliability and user trust.

• Ensure smooth performance across all integrated blockchains, including Cardano.

5. Project Close-Out Report and Impact Video:

• Prepare and publish a detailed report summarizing the project’s key metrics (user growth, TVL, security audits) and its impact on the Cardano ecosystem.

• Create and distribute an impact video highlighting Amplifi’s contributions, including the benefits of AI-driven liquidity strategies for Cardano’s DeFi users.

• Host community engagement activities (e.g., AMAs) to share the results and gather feedback.

Expected Outcomes:

• Cardano Integration: Full integration with Cardano, offering users seamless access to DeFi and liquidity management on the blockchain.

• User Growth: 5,000 active users onboarded with consistent engagement and 10% MoM growth.

• TVL Achievement: A total of $1.2M in TVL, surpassing the original target.

• Security: Platform stability ensured through multiple passed security audits.

• Impact Reporting: Comprehensive close-out report and impact video shared with the Cardano community, showing Amplifi’s positive effect on the ecosystem.

Duration:

This milestone is expected to be completed by May 2025, including all technical, operational, and reporting activities.

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

1.Jeff Cafolla – Founder & CMO

• Role: Jeff will oversee the overall strategy, marketing, and growth aspects of the Amplifi platform. His role will be to drive user acquisition, manage partnerships, and ensure that the platform reaches its growth targets. He will also be responsible for coordinating the product’s positioning within the Cardano ecosystem.

• LinkedIn: Jeff Cafolla

• Experience: Over 8 years in crypto, formerly Head of Growth for 4 successful crypto startups.

2.Jake White – CTO

• Role: Jake will lead the technical development of Amplifi, including blockchain integrations, AI-powered liquidity management, and the development of cross-chain strategies. He will also manage the security audits and technical scalability of the platform.

• LinkedIn: Jake White

• Experience: 14 years as a software developer and 5 years of experience leading web3 product development.

3.Jonny Quirk – Community Strategist

• Role: Jonny will lead the community engagement efforts, overseeing the user feedback process during the beta phase and ensuring that community needs are met. He will also manage communications and community-building activities, including AMAs and social channels.

• LinkedIn: Jonny Quirk

• Experience: 17 years in community management, previously Head of Community at Zealy.

4.Andre Lemuel – Community Manager

• Role: Andre will be responsible for day-to-day interactions with the Amplifi community, including moderating Telegram, Discord, and social media channels. He will also help onboard new users and provide support during the beta and post-launch phases.

• LinkedIn: Andre Lemuel

• Experience: 3 years as Community Manager for various crypto projects, including moderation lead at Zealy.

5.Cody Boyd – Lead Developer

• Role: Cody will focus on backend development, ensuring that the cross-chain liquidity management protocols are secure and functional. He will also be responsible for integrating multiple DeFi and RWA protocols into the platform.

• LinkedIn: Cody Boyd

• Experience: 4 years in web3 development, with experience leading development for several crypto startups.

6.Saba Makishvili – Backend Developer

• Role: Saba will assist with backend integration, specifically focusing on blockchain interoperability and ensuring that the smart contracts are secure and optimized for performance.

• LinkedIn: Saba Makishvili

• Experience: 3 years in web3 development, a contributor to OpenZeppelin.

7.Valentina Mansi – Social Media Manager

• Role: Valentina will handle social media campaigns and content distribution. She will work closely with the community team to amplify project milestones and user success stories across platforms like Twitter/X, Telegram, and Discord.

• LinkedIn: Valentina Mansi

• Experience: 2 years of experience as a web3 community and growth specialist.

8.Malachi Dofat – Head of Content

• Role: Malachi will manage all content creation, including blog posts, tutorials, and the production of educational materials for the community and platform users. He will also contribute to the creation of the final project close-out report and impact video.

• LinkedIn: Malachi Dofat

• Experience: 6 years of experience in content creation, including roles for Aptos and Arkham.

9.Alex Barbulescu – Designer

• Role: Alex will be responsible for the visual design of the platform, ensuring the user interface is intuitive and visually appealing. He will also design content for marketing campaigns and educational resources.

• LinkedIn: Alex Barbulescu

• Experience: 14 years of design experience, with a focus on UI/UX for crypto startups.

10.Ricardo Quintero – Operations Manager

• Role: Ricardo will manage daily operational tasks, ensuring that timelines and milestones are met. He will also handle partnerships and oversee integrations with DeFi and RWA protocols.

• LinkedIn: Ricardo Quintero

• Experience: 2.5 years as a web3 community and social media manager.

11.Corentin Cadieu – Web3 advisor & Serial Entrepreneur

• LinkedIn: Corentin Cadieu

• Experience: 8 years as a web3 advisor and serial entrepreneur.

Planned Recruitment:

We may recruit additional smart contract developers and security auditors to strengthen the team, especially during critical integration phases with Cardano and DeFi protocols. These roles require expertise in blockchain security and smart contract development, ensuring the platform is secure and scalable.

Engagement and Communication:

The team is fully engaged with the project, having regular meetings to align on deliverables, timelines, and progress. We also maintain open communication with relevant stakeholders and platforms, including engagement on Discord, Telegram, and other crypto-focused channels. Our technical team has direct communication lines with developers from the blockchains and protocols we are integrating with, ensuring smooth collaboration.

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

Milestone 1: Closed Beta Expansion & Cardano Integration

• Budget: 25% of total budget (25,000 ADA)

Key Resources and Costs:

1. Development Team (Cardano Integration, Beta Platform Refinement):

• Cost: 15,000 ADA

• Description: Cardano blockchain integration into Amplifi, along with platform improvements based on user feedback from closed beta testing.

2. Beta Testing Support:

• Cost: 5,000 ADA

• Description: Community management and user support to onboard 500 new beta testers, including handling technical issues and feedback collection.

3. Marketing and Waitlist Conversion:

• Cost: 5,000 ADA

• Description: Targeted marketing efforts to convert 20% of the waitlist (5,141 users) to beta users, including social media campaigns, partnerships, and community promotions.

Milestone 2: Blockchain and Protocol Integrations

• Budget: 35% of total budget (35,000 ADA)

Key Resources and Costs:

1. Technical Development (Blockchain & Protocol Integration):

• Cost: 25,000 ADA

• Description: Integration with 5 major blockchains (e.g., Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism) and 10 DeFi & RWA protocols (e.g., Aave, Compound, Centrifuge, Digicask), ensuring interoperability and secure liquidity management.

2. Security Audits (Initial Protocol Security):

• Cost: 5,000 ADA

• Description: Initial security checks and audits of protocol integrations to ensure safety and compliance with best practices, reducing risk exposure for users.

3. Documentation and Support Materials:

• Cost: 5,000 ADA

• Description: Creation of technical and user documentation to support both users and development partners, including integration guides, tutorials, and platform manuals.

Milestone 3: Open Beta Launch & User Growth

• Budget: 40% of total budget (40,000 ADA)

Key Resources and Costs:

1. User Acquisition & Marketing Campaigns:

• Cost: 15,000 ADA

• Description: Marketing initiatives to onboard 5,000 active users during the open beta, including social media ads, influencer partnerships, and content creation. This also includes partnerships with DeFi projects for cross-promotion.

2. Final Security Audits:

• Cost: 15,000 ADA

• Description: Comprehensive security audits across all integrated blockchains and protocols to ensure the stability of the platform at scale.

3. Support & Community Management:

• Cost: 10,000 ADA

• Description: Active management of the user community during the open beta phase, including technical support, onboarding assistance, and engagement activities to maintain user retention and growth.

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

The 100,000 ADA budget for Amplifi is designed to deliver significant value to the Cardano ecosystem by:

1. Ecosystem Growth: Amplifi aims to onboard 5,000 active users and secure $1.2M in Total Value Locked (TVL), increasing liquidity and expanding the user base for Cardano’s DeFi ecosystem.

2. Cost Efficiency: Development and integration costs are aligned with industry standards. Blockchain developer rates typically range from $100-$150/hour, and smart contract audits can cost between $5,000-$15,000, ensuring high-quality security and functionality.

3. Marketing Impact: The user acquisition budget of 40,000 ADA targets a cost-per-acquisition (CPA) of $10-$30 per user, which is competitive in the crypto space and designed to maximize platform engagement.

4. Sustainability: The project’s long-term impact will foster increased adoption of DeFi on Cardano, improving TVL, transaction volume, and overall ecosystem activity.