Draper University x Cardano Founder Residency (Silicon Valley)

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Chris Joannou

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

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Co-proposers and additional applicants

Suffiyan Malik - VP, Operations at Draper University.

Asra Nadeem, CEO at Draper University.

[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)

A founder residency program (held in Silicon Valley) to equip developers with business skills and attract investment to Cardano projects.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[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.”

Yaad Labs will deliver our technical workshops and have been included in our proposal. If for any reason they can not deliver part of the program they will be replaced with another suitable partner.

[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

IP related to the program is either owned by Draper University or its facilitators and not ours to outsource.

[METADATA] Horizons

Accelerator

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Video Pitch 1/3: Draper University and Draper Venture Network Introduction

Video Pitch 2/3: Draper University Blockchain Programs (General)

Video Pitch 3/3: Draper University x Cardano Founder Residency (Proposal / Specific)

Draper University proposes a dedicated 5-week founder residency (ie. in-person entreprenuer-focused accelerator program with accommodation at Draper University in Silicon Valley) to attract and develop high-potential startups building on Cardano. This program, delivered in two phases ("Preparation" and "Delivery"), will provide early-stage startups with the resources, education, capital, and network to build and scale on Cardano.

Preparation Phase (Milestone 1):

Program Design: Defining focus areas (aligned with Cardano's strengths, e.g., DeFi, identity solutions, supply chain management), target audience, curriculum, mentorship structure, and overall goals.

Pre-Program Marketing: Utilizing PR, social media promotion, online events, and partnerships with Cardano-focused organizations to raise awareness and drive applications.

Scouting: Actively searching for promising startups through online platforms, referrals from the Cardano community, and attending relevant events. Direct outreach to potential applicants.

Admissions: Reviewing applications, assessing startup fit based on business model, team, traction, and growth potential.

Selection / Investment Committee: Evaluating shortlisted startups based on team dynamics, market opportunity, scalability, and potential impact.

Delivery Phase (Milestone 2):

Curriculum: Structured program with workshops, mentorship, and expert sessions on business fundamentals (lean startup, pitching, fundraising), Cardano-specific topics (Plutus development, tokenomics, governance), and industry best practices.

Mentorship: Access to experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and Cardano technical experts for guidance and support.

Resources: Providing co-working space, access to Draper University's network, and connections with potential investors.

Pitch Day: A culminating event where startups showcase their progress to a curated audience of investors and the Cardano community.

Post-Program Support: Ongoing mentorship, fundraising guidance, and access to the Draper University alumni network.

Unique Attributes:

World-Class Facilitators: Experienced entrepreneurs and investors with deep Cardano knowledge.

Draper Network: Access to a global network of alumni, mentors, and investors.

Venture Capital: Opportunities to connect with VCs and secure funding.

Blockchain Expertise: Draper University's proven track record in blockchain education and acceleration.

The Objectives:

Our programs have been designed to attract entrepreneurs and builders of all stages to the Cardano platform and provide them with an accelerated learning experience and a global network of best-in-class investors and mentors.

Learning from our past blockchain programs (with Tezos and Algorand), we realized that some founders, while technically capable, lacked the business fundamentals necessary to succeed. This included areas like pitching effectively and conducting market validation to de-risk their projects.

We believe that the modules we consistently teach throughout our pre-accelerator programs (e.g., lean startup, 10x thinking, introduction to venture capital) coupled with Cardano-specific learning (tokenomics, Plutus and Marlowe programming basics) are essential to produce better founders and startups, ultimately improving their chances for success. This is also what our VC network and traditional VCs look for before investing. For this reason, we have developed a program that helps grow the Cardano ecosystem by accelerating market-ready startups.

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

This program will significantly impact the Cardano community by:

• Creating additional awareness about the benefits of building on Cardano
• Increasing the number of high-quality projects built on Cardano.
• Attracting investment to the ecosystem.
• Driving mainstream adoption of Cardano.
• Equipping developers with essential business skills.

Success will be measured by:

• Number of startups applying.
• Funding raised by participating startups.
• Active users of the developed applications.
• Growth in the number of Cardano developers/entrepreneurs.
• Overall increase in Cardano's market share and adoption.

[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 note video #2: Introduction to Draper University Blockchain Programs

Draper University has a proven track record of accelerating startups, with over 700 accelerated and $1.05 billion raised in venture capital. Our experience in the blockchain space includes successful programs with Algorand, Tezos, VeChain, Stellar and other ecosystems.

Past Blockchain Program Highlights:

$17.5 million committed on demo day, with 8 startups raised over $1 million each.

for the Algorand Accelerator

$5M Raised for Startups in the Draper x NEO Launchpad

55 New Projects launched on Tezos in the Draper x Tezos Developer Program

40 Projects Incubated in The Draper x VeChain Fellowship

Draper University has also produced Web3 unicorns such as Highstreet and Lemon Cash.

The larger Draper Ecosystem were early-stage backers of Telegram, Coinbase, Ledger, Maker, VeChain, Gemini, and Unstoppable Domains.

Four Key Attributes:

• Experienced Facilitators
• Extensive Network
• Access to Venture Capital
• Blockchain Expertise

In addition - Our Technical Workshop Partner and Community Advocates

Yaad Labs Project Catalyst (Fund 9, 10 & 12) is a Web 3 studio & agency that's been building on & with Cardano since 2022. The company is backed & funded by the Development Bank of Jamaica, Aspire Fund Management Limited & Project Catalyst (Fund 9 & 10). The company and its stewards have written and open sourced novel smart contracts on Cardano and are actively pursuing creative endeavors to bring value to the ecosystem. Yaad Labs' founders, having been part of the Cardano ecosystem since 2020 are well aware of the challenges and the concerns of the community. Knowing that VC interest has been a challenge for builders - they decided to leverage their expertise and network to aid Draper University in delivering a bespoke pre-accelerator that will address key challenges affecting founders.

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

Milestone 1: “Preparation” Pre-Program (Months 1-2)

Immersive Curriculum Development: Design a comprehensive curriculum that blends essential entrepreneurial skills with Cardano-specific knowledge:

• Entrepreneurial Foundations: Modules on idea validation, market research, lean startup methodology, building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), pitching and storytelling, and financial modeling.
• Cardano Ecosystem Integration: Deep dives into Cardano's tokenomics, governance system, and smart contract languages (Aiken), empowering founders to design and implement sustainable tokenized economies and decentralized applications.

Targeted Recruitment: Identify and recruit high-potential entrepreneurs passionate about building within the Cardano ecosystem. Utilize Draper University's scouting team, venture network, Cardano's community channels, and targeted outreach to attract individuals with strong technical backgrounds and a desire to develop their business acumen.

• Launch Marketing Campaign: Execute a comprehensive marketing campaign across relevant channels (Cardano forums, social media, developer communities, online publications) to raise awareness about the pre-accelerator program and attract high-quality applicants.
• Scout and Source Startups: Actively search for promising Cardano startups through online platforms, referrals from the Cardano community, and by attending hackathons and developer events. Conduct outreach to potential applicants, highlighting the program's benefits and the opportunity to contribute to the Cardano ecosystem.
• Application Review and Selection: Establish a clear application process and criteria. Thoroughly review applications, assessing startups based on their team, business model, traction, and potential for growth within the Cardano ecosystem.

Finalize Cohort: Select the top 20 startups to participate in the program. Onboard the selected startups, providing them with program materials and onboarding resources.

Milestone 2: Accelerate and Deliver (Month 3-4)

Deliver Core Program: Conduct intensive workshops, mentoring sessions, and expert lectures covering the curriculum developed in Milestone 1. Facilitate hands-on learning experiences and provide personalized guidance to each startup.

• Cardano-Specific Business Development: Provide specialized training and mentorship on navigating the Cardano ecosystem:
• Advanced DApp Development: Offer hands-on workshops and guidance on building sophisticated decentralized applications (DApps) using Aiken.
• Community Building and Engagement: Educate founders on the importance of community building within the Cardano ecosystem. Provide strategies for engaging with the community, gathering feedback, and fostering adoption.
• Integrating with Cardano Infrastructure: Guide founders on leveraging existing Cardano infrastructure and tools (e.g., wallets, DEXs, oracles) to enhance their projects.

Investor Readiness and Fundraising: Prepare startups for investment:

• Refine Pitch Decks and Business Plans: Help founders refine their pitch decks and business plans to effectively communicate their value proposition to Cardano-focused investors.
• Connect with Investors: Facilitate introductions to angel investors, venture capitalists, and Cardano-focused funds.
• Negotiation and Deal Structuring: Provide guidance on negotiating term sheets and structuring investment deals.

Pitch Day (and Launchpad): Organize a high-profile Pitch Day where startups can showcase their progress to a curated audience of investors, industry leaders, and the Cardano community. Provide ongoing support to help startups launch and scale their ventures within the Cardano ecosystem.

Program Completion, Reporting and Video: Conduct a final review of each startup's progress and provide feedback. Compile a comprehensive report documenting the program's achievements, including key metrics, startup successes, and lessons learned. Share the report and a highlight video with the Cardano community and stakeholders.

Milestone 2 is the Final Milestone but does not require payment until after delivery is complete and our Final Report / Video is submitted.

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

Draper University

Team Board

Timothy Draper Founder at Draper Associates/DFJ/Draper Tim Draper founded Draper Associates, DFJ and the Draper Venture Network, a global network of venture capital funds. Funded Coinbase, Baidu, Tesla, Skype, SpaceX, Twitch, Hotmail, Focus Media, Robinhood, Athenahealth, Box, Cruise Automation, Carta, Planet, PTC and 15 other unicorns from early/first rounds. He is a supporter and global thought leader for entrepreneurs everywhere, and is a leading spokesperson for Bitcoin and decentralization, having won the Bitcoin US Marshall’s auction in 2014, invested in over 50 crypto companies, and led investments in Coinbase, Ledger, Tezos, and Bancor, among others. He is regularly featured on all major networks as a proponent for entrepreneurship, innovative governance, free markets and Bitcoin, and has received various awards and honors including the World Entrepreneurship Forum’s “Entrepreneur of the World,” and is listed as one of the top 100 most powerful people in finance by Worth Magazine, the top 20 most influential people in Crypto by CryptoWeekly, #1 most networked VC by AlwaysOn, #7 on the Forbes Midas List, member of the Global Guru 30 Startup Gurus in the world, and #48 most influential Harvard Alum.

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

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Draper

 

Andy Tang Executive Chair - Draper University Partner at Draper Associates, Managing Partner - Draper Dragon. He has over 20 years of operating, research and development, investment banking and investing experience in the high-tech space. In his career he co-founded DraperDragon Fund in 2006 to focus on cross-border investing. https://www.linkedin.com/in/andytangvc/

Joon Yun Doctor and Hedge Fund President President Palo Alto Investors https://www.linkedin.com/in/joony1/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joon_Yun

Surbhi Sarna Draper University Board Member and Y Combinator Group Partner Founded at Draper University - nVision was acquired by Boston Scientific on Demo Day (2018) for $275M https://www.linkedin.com/in/surbhi-sarna/

Gina Kloes Chief Inspiration Officer & Peak Performance Educator for Entrepreneurs Branson Center for Entrepreneurship mentor and Tony Robbins lead Trainer. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-kloes-04154270/

CORE TEAM

Asra Nadeem CEO & Partner https://www.linkedin.com/in/asranadeem/

Chris Joannou VP - Ecosystem Growth Global ecosystem growth expert. https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjjoannou/

Suffiyan Malik Program Director https://www.linkedin.com/in/suffiyanmalik/

Khadija Ghazi VP Innovation and Development https://www.linkedin.com/in/khadijaghazi/

Arisa Chelsea Ueno Program Manager Ex - Shopify, StockX, Noom and Plug and Play Silicon Valley https://www.linkedin.com/in/arisa-chelsea-ueno/

Aaliyah Barker - Crypto Program Manager Stellar Program Manager, US Aid Program Manager, Ex-Techstars https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaliyah-barker/

Mohammad Mustafa - Program Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammadmhassan/

Subah Zaeem - Alumni Relations Manager https://www.linkedin.com/in/subahshahid/

Viridiana Aguilar Medina - Media Operations https://www.linkedin.com/in/viridiana-aguilar-medina-268a91bb/

Daniela Quintero Head of Admissions https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielaquinteroc/

Ibrahim Zoqi Design https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahim-zoqi-a97b20233/

Tim Cai - Head of Marketing Ex- DoorDash, Startupbootcamp

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-j-cai/

Yaad Labs

(Community Liaison, Founder Recruitment, Technical Course Delivery, Administrative & Operational Support)

Jaymeon Jones - Project Management

Education: MSc in Management Studies with a focus in Marketing - Distinction

BSc in Marketing & Economics

Certifications in Digital Marketing, Social Media & Content Marketing

Experience: Ten years of experience in Marketing, Project Management & Product Development

Accolades: JN Groups Marketer of the Year

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymeon-jones-8a55968b/

Randy Burrell - Technical Lead

Education: BSc in Computer Science

Experience: Over Nine years of experience as an Engineer

Accolades: Held roles as VP of Engineering & Lead Engineer for several International Web 3 companies

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

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

Draper University x Cardano Founder Residency (5 Weeks- Q1 -2025) Silicon Valley, USA.

Milestone 1

“Preparation” Pre-Program

• Program Design
• Program Announcement
• Social Media Campaign
• Scouting / Sourcing Campaign
• Deliver list of 30 high-caliber founders / startups (to be narrowed down to 20)

US$444,300 (ADA 1,240,80) “50% of programs plus startup costs covered”

Milestone 2

“Delivery”

• In-Person Program Delivery (Lectures, Investor / Technical Sessions, Speaker Dinners, Mentoring, etc)
• Pitch Day
• Project Close-Out Report & Video

US$144,300 (ADA 402,990) “50% of programs”

Total budget

ADA 1,240,806 + ADA 402990 = 1,643,796*

$444,300 + $144,300 = US$588,600*

*Price Includes $300,000 (20 x $15k per team) to cover expenses including flights, meals, etc for the startups selected.

Ie. to be clear ~844776 ADA or ~50% of funds requested goes directly to the selected startups and not to Draper University.

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

This program represents excellent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem.

It will deliver:

• 20 Accelerated Cardano Startups: High-potential projects ready for investment and growth.
• Increased Exposure: Attracting new entrepreneurs, developers, and investors to Cardano.
• Community Growth: Expanding the Cardano developer community and supporting innovation.
• Capital Investment: Facilitating investment into the Cardano ecosystem.