Cardano Accelerator by CV Labs

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Janis Aguilar

[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)

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)

The 3-month accelerator empowers Cardano startups to achieve product-market fit and become "VC Ready". With access to our VC network projects, gain fundraising support and portfolio management.

[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

No

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

The CV Labs Accelerator is one of the most renowned ongoing startup accelerator programs in the blockchain space. Through years of experience, we built a solution that allows our existing program structure to integrate into the Cardano ecosystem. Through our experience in screening and working with Cardano projects, we identified the main areas where projects need support. Our network is geared towards a broad range of industries and applications and is ready to support Cardano projects to become the next shining stars!

The project will be conducted in three phases:

1. Marketing and Pre-Program (2 Months)

CV Labs will launch a marketing campaign to generate interest from both within and beyond the Cardano Ecosystem. The goal is to attract early-stage projects already building on Cardano, as well as Web2 entrepreneurs looking to enter the ecosystem. To ensure global reach, CV Labs will organize Twitter Spaces, develop a social media marketing strategy, amplify the call for applications through strong network partners, and leverage its existing startup network. The target is to achieve at least 100 sign-ups to secure at least ten high-quality projects.

After the application deadline, CV VC will review the applications and, drawing on its extensive venture capital experience, identify the most suitable and high-potential startups.

Selected participants will be notified two weeks before the program's start and onboarded accordingly.

1. Acceleration Program (3 Months)

The entire program is virtual to ensure global inclusion and is segmented into three blocks:

• Bootcamp 
• Block 1
• Block 2

The Bootcamp marks the official start of the program. Its aim is to understand each founder's current stage and pain points, and to develop a roadmap for how CV Labs can support the teams beyond the upcoming program. Additionally, the CV VC team and a group of experts will work with the projects on their introductory pitches, discuss program deliverables, and assist with initial legal questions. You can see a video showcasing our last boot camp here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGM77-stAUU

Block 1 has a duration of 4 weeks and focuses on tech and product development. Averaging 3 workshops per week, the following topics will be discussed:

• How to Build a Technical Roadmap
• How to deploy on Cardano
• MVP Development
• Cybersecurity 101
• Tokenomics 101
• Master your Token Design
• Cloud Integrations
• UI / UX, how to build Software
• How to launch on Cardano
• Platform Economics
• Pitch Decks 101
• Fundraising 101
• Funding opportunities in the Cardano Ecosystem
• Find the right co-founder
• How to setup your company

After successfully completing the first block, the CV VC team will evaluate the startups' progress. They will determine if the deliverables have been met and decide whether the projects can progress to the next stage.

Block 2 has a duration of 4 Weeks and focuses on the go to market strategy, branding, marketing and PR. Averaging 3 workshops per week, the following content will be provided:

• Go to Market - Pre Launch
• Go to Market - Launch & Post Launch
• How to dominate the stage
• Introduction: Strategic communication
• WTF is Marketing?
• How to hire in Web3?
• Bootstrap your branding
• Gain organic followers and build a community
• How to Sales
• Gain social media reach

In addition to the workshops, participants will benefit from hands-on portfolio management by CV VC’s investment team and access to mentorship from leading experts within and beyond the Cardano Ecosystem and access to services, credits and discounts worth over $400k per startup.

Upon completing the final workshop, projects will be assessed, and those meeting the pre-agreed deliverables will be admitted to Demo Day. 

1. Demo Day and Post-Program (1 Month)

Demo Day will be a virtual event hosted by CV VC, inviting its investor network and a list of prominent investors. The goal is to help participants raise their pre-seed /seed rounds. For a clearer idea of what Demo Day entails, you can view the recording of our last edition from our past cohort here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frfTZ-JqwLs

The conclusion of the program will be marked with the publication of a comprehensive report, which shows the impact of the program and the progress of the participants. 

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

Co-hosting the last two Battle of the Builders at the Cardano Summit 2023 and 2024 provided us with valuable insights into the current startup landscape within the Cardano ecosystem.

We screened over 100 projects building on Cardano and identified why it is difficult for Cardano projekts to break out of the Ecosystem and access external funding. We believe that with our expertise within and outside of the Cardano Ecosystem, we can make an impact and train the next generation of superstars!

We believe the bespoke acceleration program at CV Labs will significantly enhance the startup environment within the Cardano ecosystem. Participating projects will benefit from rapid growth, gaining access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and education, while also becoming part of a robust Cardano alumni network.

By applying our venture capital approach and supporting promising projects with training and mentorship, we aim to create a sustainable and thriving startup 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?

CV VC AG was founded in 2018, and since then, we have been actively supporting the Web3 community as founding fathers of the Crypto Valley ecosystem. Together with its sister company, CV Labs, the two companies form a Web3 powerhouse. 

At CV VC we invest in early stage blockchain startups through two strategies:

• Acceleration Investments: Early-stage projects who receive an investment from CV VC and get trained in CV VCs in-house Accelerator.
• Direct Investment: Investments into later-stage projects (up until pre-A rounds)

Combined with these two strategies, CV VC has invested in 75 projects, split between 55 Acceleration projects and 20 startups through direct investments. CV VC has a global reach, covering five continents and twelve verticals. CV VC’s portfolio can be found here: https://www.cvvc.com/startups/portfolio

CV Labs on the other hand is Crypto Valleys premier Ecosystem builder. Having locations in six countries (Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Germany, Portugal, UAE and South Africa) CV Labs services the Ecosystem through co-working spaces, research reports and events. 

CV Labs and CV VCs' track record and experience demonstrate that nobody is better suited to do this job and provide upcoming startups with the support they need and deserve. 

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

Milestone 1: Marketing and Pre-Program (2 Months)

Develop a detailed roadmap for the accelerator

• Structure a timeline for funnel filling and hard dates for the Bootcamp and Demo Day.
• Create a detailed program with all scheduled workshops
• Define at least 10 Mentors

Launch a marketing campaign to attract program sign-ups

CV VC reviews applications and selects the best teams for the program 

• Showcase a clear and transparent selection process

Milestone 2: Completion of Bootcamp (2 Weeks)

• Host all workshops as per Milestone 1 defined schedule.

Milestone 3: Completion of Block 1 (1 Month)

• Host all workshops as per Milestone 1 defined schedule.
• Match the Startups with their Mentors
• Connect Startups to industry experts for potential integrations
• Provide a midterm report with the participating projects performance

Milestone 4: Completion of Block 2 (1 Month)

• Host all workshops as per Milestone 1 defined schedule.
• Connect Startups to industry experts for potential integrations

Milestone 5: Demo Day (1 Week)

• Prepare the startups for Demo Day
• Make sure their data room is clean
• Make sure each project has a suitable pitch
• Define a realistic fundraising goal
• Make VC introductions
• Organize and operate the virtual Demo Day
• Invite VCs and Investors

Milestone 6: Post Program Evaluation (1 Week)

Develop a Comprehensive report to showcase the impact of the program for the participating projects.

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

Core Team:

Olaf Hannemann - Co-Founder CV VC: Senior Project Oversight

Janis Aguilar - Head of Acceleration Program CV VC: Project Lead

Lukas Etter - Deputy CIO & Partner CV VC: Venture Capital Network

Bastian Wetzel - Head of Acceleration Investments CV VC: Screening & Selection

Gvantsa Chkuaseli - CV VC London (ex Outlier Ventures as Head of Structuring & Fundraising): Portfolio Management

Additional regional network support from CV VC / CV Labs:

Fabiola Luna Huerta & Benedek Orban (Switzerland/DACH)

Hugo Bettencourt (Portugal)

Ulrike Lierow (Germany)

Dave Long CV VC CCO (US)

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

Setup & Launch fee ($150k) consists of:

• Program Development
• Platform Setup
• Marketing & PR
• Screening

Program fix costs ($100k) consists of:

• Licensing fee for the workshops
• Hands-on mentoring & portfolio management

Operating fee ($80k)consists of:

• Dedicated Program Manager

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

We’ve already proven to be the ideal partner for the Cardano Foundation by successfully running the Battle of the Builders twice, and now we’re ready to demonstrate to the community that we’re the right partner to support projects across the ecosystem.

Our goal is to accelerate the next generation of flagship Cardano projects, delivering immediate value to the ecosystem. By empowering successful ventures, we showcase the strength of the Cardano stack, inspiring future founders in their tech partner decisions.

We're offering this program at cost, driven by our commitment to fostering growth and innovation within Cardano.