Proof of Onboarding with Onboard.Ninja

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Adam Dean

[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)

10

[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)

Onboard.Ninja represents the culmination of years of work by our team(s) to identify and simplify the new user onboarding process in a simple, streamlined, SaaS platform accessible to everyone.

[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.”

N/A

[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

Even though this proposal seeks to establish a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform hosted and running at https://onboard.ninja the outputs from this project will also be released publicly as open source under an Apache 2.0 license to ensure that future developers can iterate and improve on the platform and self-host if they so choose.

[METADATA] Horizons

Community Outreach

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our solution will streamline the onboarding process for new users by addressing the inherent vulnerabilities in traditional methods such as paper wallets, which relied on seed phrases and often lacked security. Initially, these wallets facilitated crypto asset distribution but were limited by significant security risks and inefficiencies, making them impractical for scaling.

Recognizing these challenges, we introduced CIP-99 (Proof of Onboarding Standard) in 2023. To support this, we developed basic, open-source command-line tools, enabling projects to implement the standard on their own.

Drawing from our collaborations with numerous Cardano projects and experiences at major blockchain events, we propose developing a comprehensive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform. This platform will consolidate all necessary tools into a single, user-friendly suite that simplifies and secures the onboarding process, leveraging the strengths of CIP-99.

This platform has been undergoing a closed beta test for the past six months and is nearing full automation, making it ready for widespread adoption. Key features of the platform will include:

1. Automated wallet and multi-campaign creation
2. Automated claim code and QR code generation with configurable settings
3. Ability to send either fungible or non-fungible tokens
4. Campaign wallet contents management including additions and withdrawals (CIP-30)
5. Campaign claims reporting
6. Desktop claiming support
7. API integrations
8. Simple, multi-wallet new user onboarding support

As part of this project we also propose to actively market and promote this platform through a variety of tools including comprehensive documentation, brand and platform marketing, and direct outreach to potential consumers both within the existing crypto ecosystem and without.

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

This project should provide numerous positive impacts to the Cardano community including:

• Increased Cardano awareness and adoption within the crypto community and with the general public
• Increased on-chain transaction volume
• Easier tools for more projects to leverage Proof of Onboarding (CIP-99)

[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?

We have an experienced team of developers and professionals at our disposal to help facilitate the marketing, outreach, and development needs of this project.

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

Feature Finalization

During this phase we will focus on the finalization of features and feedback based on our beta testing program to prepare the program for an official launch. We will also begin researching marketing strategies and target audiences during this time.

Platform Testing

During this phase we will conduct comprehensive and adversarial testing to ensure that the platform is robust, secure, and ready for a mainstream audience. Work on documentation and public branding for launch.

Public Launch

Throughout this phase we will make any final modifications as necessary based on the platform testing and provide support as the platform is rolled out for a public launch. Public media outreach will be ramped up during this phase.

Post-Launch Feature Development

During this phase we will continue to develop new features based on feedback from users as well as some of the features not considered critical for launch such as a desktop claiming functionality and expanded API features. Continue to market and promote the platform as a tool to projects.

Post-Launch Platform Support

During this phase we will continue to provide support to public users while building up our documentation, tutorials, and knowledge base (FAQs). Continued outreach and marketing based on feedback.

Project Completion and Lessons Learned

During this milestone (closeout) we will provide a comprehensive and detailed report of lessons learned throughout the project and observed metrics throughout the course of the project.

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

Adam Dean: Project Management

Other positions currently TBD/outsourced pursuant to funding

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

• Project Management: 50,000 ADA
• Marketing Materials:
• Documentation and Tutorials Generation: 50,000 ADA
• Marketing Campaigns & Strategy: 50,000 ADA
• Direct Marketing Spend: 75,000 ADA
• Development
• Lead Developer: 100,000 ADA
• Junior Developer: 75,000 ADA
• QA Tester: 25,000 ADA 
• UI/UX Development: 25,000 ADA

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

The beta testing of the platform has been extremely successful but its use is limited because the system is currently still not feature complete and somewhat hard to navigate due to lack of documentation. This proposal, I believe, represents substantial value for money due to bringing a valuable resource to the hands of many projects in the Cardano community and ecosystem who are willing and eager to use it. The platform does already contain a revenue stream model once it begins to receive large-scale usage which should mean that there is no need for future Catalyst funding rounds after this one to help get it "over the hump" and to the public release point.