[Proposal setup] Proposal title
Please provide your proposal title
Global Community Expansion & Developer Onboarding
[Proposal Summary] Budget Information
Enter the amount of funding you are requesting in ADA
60000
[Proposal Summary] Time
Please specify how many months you expect your project to last
6
[Proposal Summary] Translation Information
Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated
No
Original Language
en
[Proposal Summary] Problem Statement
What is the problem you want to solve?
Web3 developers globally lack accessible communities for learning Cardano, limiting ecosystem growth and developer adoption in key markets like UK and NYC.
[Proposal Summary] Supporting Documentation
Supporting links
[Proposal Summary] Project Dependencies
Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?
No
Describe any dependencies or write 'No dependencies'
Strategic partnership with MasterKey.vc for operational support and ecosystem connections and necessary mentoring. Existing networks in UK and NYC for event coordination.
[Proposal Summary] Project Open Source
Will your project's outputs be fully open source?
Yes
Please provide details on the intellectual property (IP) status of your project outputs, including whether they will be released as open source or retained under another licence.
Yes - All educational content, event recordings, and community resources will be published on YouTube and social media platforms.
[Theme Selection] Theme
Please choose the most relevant theme and tag related to the outcomes of your proposal
Community Outreach
[Campaign Category] Category Questions
Who you’re targeting, how you’ll reach them, and why this matters for Cardano?
Target Audience:
We're targeting Web3 developers in three major tech hubs: Tel Aviv, UK, and NYC. Specifically, we focus on:
Active Web3 developers seeking to expand their blockchain expertise
Traditional developers interested in transitioning to Web3
Technical community leaders and early adopters in competitive markets
How We'll Reach Them:
Physical Presence: 19 monthly meetups across three regions (50+ attendees each) in partnership with local tech communities
Digital Engagement: 7 virtual events, active Telegram channels, and gamified learning through Zealy platform
Content Marketing: 20+ educational pieces (videos, tutorials, articles) distributed via YouTube and social media
Local Ambassadors: Regional coordinators with existing networks in UK and NYC tech scenes
Proven Model: Leveraging our successful Tel Aviv community as a blueprint for expansion
Why This Matters for Cardano:
This directly addresses Cardano's developer adoption challenge in competitive markets. By establishing a permanent presence in three top-tier tech hubs, we create a sustainable pipeline of skilled builders who understand Cardano's capabilities. With 900+ event attendees, 500+ Zealy participants, and 1,000+ new community members, we're building brand awareness where it matters most—among developers who will actually build on the ecosystem. This isn't just marketing; it's creating the foundation for long-term ecosystem growth in strategically important markets.
Provide a list of key activities of your project:
Regional Community Expansion - Establish Web3 Devs Underground chapters in UK and NYC with local ambassadors
Physical Meetup Series - Host 19 in-person events (6 per region over 6 months) with 50+ developers each
Virtual Event Programming - Conduct 7 online workshops and panels for global participation (100+ live attendees each)
Gamified Learning Platform - Deploy Zealy campaigns with structured quests for Cardano development education
Educational Content Production - Create 20+ videos, tutorials, and articles on Plutus, Marlowe, and Cardano fundamentals
Developer Onboarding - Guide 200+ developers through Cardano learning paths, wallet creation, and testnet deployment
Community Platform Management - Maintain active Telegram channels and social media for technical discussions
Cardano Brand Integration - Feature Cardano logo on website, marketing materials, and event openings
Partnership Development - Build relationships with local tech organizations and existing Web3 communities
Documentation & Reporting - Publish monthly progress reports, event recordings, and create replicable expansion playbook
What are your success metrics?
Quantitative Metrics:
Event Delivery: 19 physical events + 7 virtual events across 3 regions
Attendance: 900+ total physical event attendees (50/event average)
Community Growth: 1,000+ new members across Telegram, Discord, and social platforms
Active Engagement: 500+ Zealy participants completing gamified learning quests
Developer Activation: 200+ developers complete Cardano learning paths
On-Chain Activity: 100+ developers create Cardano wallets; 50+ deploy testnet smart contracts
Content Output: 20+ educational pieces published (videos, articles, tutorials)
Social Reach: 5,000+ monthly social media impressions; 7,000+ YouTube views
Qualitative Metrics:
Developer testimonials and success stories from community members
Quality and innovation of projects initiated by community developers
Depth of community engagement (discussion quality, collaboration levels)
Partnership growth with local tech organizations and universities
Media coverage in tech publications and industry recognition
Sustainability indicators (self-organizing meetups, community-led initiatives)
Reporting & Transparency:
Monthly progress reports published on Catalyst platform
All event recordings published on YouTube
Open-source educational content on GitHub and social media
Public documentation of metrics and milestone achievements
Regular updates and open invitations for Cardano community verification
[Your Project and Solution] Solution
Please describe your proposed solution and how it addresses the problem
Our Approach
The Problem
Web3 developers in major tech hubs (UK, NYC) lack accessible, high-quality communities focused on Web3 development only education. The issues in the current Blockchain industry with Cardano is:
- Developer awareness of Cardano's capabilities
- Onboarding of skilled builders to the ecosystem
- Global brand visibility in competitive markets
Our Solution
Leverage Web3 Devs Underground's proven model (established in Tel Aviv) to expand globally:
- Regional Community ambassadors (UK & NYC)
- Monthly physical meetups (50+ attendees each)
- Local ambassadors to coordinate events
- Partnership with existing web3 focused communities
- We are already in contact with the ambassadors and the web3 communities in these regions
- Virtual Engagement
- Monthly online events for global participation
- Telegram channels for technical discussions
- Live-streamed workshops and panels
- Gamified Learning (Zealy Platform)
- Structured quests for Web3 development
- Rewards for completing tutorials and building projects
- Leaderboards to drive engagement
- Educational Content
- Video tutorials on Plutus, Marlowe, Cardano fundamentals
- Articles and guides published on social media
- Developer success stories and case studies
- Cardano Brand Integration
- Logo placement on web3 devs underground website and all social media marketing materials
- Shoutouts at every event opening
- Co-branded marketing materials
Why This Works
- Proven Model: Web3 Devs Underground already has active community in Tel Aviv
- Strategic Markets: UK and NYC are top-tier web3 hubs with massive developer populations
- Existing Networks: Team has connections in both regions for rapid launch
- Scalable: Digital-first approach enables global reach beyond initial markets
- Cost-Effective: Community-driven model with high ROI on brand awareness
User Journey to On-Chain Activity
Awareness → Education → Action
- Discovery: Developers find community through social media, local tech networks, or event platforms
- Engagement: Join Telegram, attend first meetup, sign up for Zealy
- Learning: Complete on-boarding quests on Zealy (Cardano and more), watch tutorials, attend workshops
- First Action: on-board to all community’s platforms
[Your Project and Solution] Impact
Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community
Value to Cardano
What We Deliver
Global Brand Presence
- Cardano visibility in 3 major tech hubs (Tel Aviv, UK, NYC and Argentina)
- 30+ content pieces (videos, articles, tutorials)
- 1000+ event attendees exposed to Cardano
- 5,000+ social media impressions monthly
Community Growth
- 500+ new community members over the course of 6 months
- Active discussion channels
- Physical gathering spaces in key markets
- Replicable model for future expansion
Measuring Success
Quantitative Metrics:
- 18+ events across 3 regions
- 900+ total attendees
- 500+ Zealy participants
- 30+ educational content pieces
- 1,000+ community members
- 100+ developers completing Cardano learning paths
Qualitative Metrics:
- Developer testimonials and success stories
- Quality of projects initiated
- Community engagement levels
- Partnership growth with local tech organizations
- Media coverage in tech publications
Sharing Outputs
- Monthly progress reports on Catalyst platform
- Event recordings published on YouTube
- Educational content on social media and GitHub
- Open invitations for Cardano community to join events
[Your Project and Solution] Capabilities & 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?
Why We Can Deliver
Our Strengths
MasterKey.vc Partnership: Established blockchain VC with Israeli ecosystem connections, event experience, and developer/investor network
**Team expertise: **
- **Shauli Rejwan: **Early-stage VC investor and a serial entrepreneur, an active member of the local and global crypto community. In 2019 Shauli co-founded D&DD and TLVBW international crypto events with Tomer Wiess. In 2022 Shauli Co-founded the Israeli Crypto, Blockchain, and Web3 companies forum where he serves as Executive Director
- Amit Shilo: A Physicist, Analyst and Community Builder. Working in the Web3 space for 6 years. Currently managing the Web3 Devs Underground Community, working full time at Masterkey VC and operating as a board member (and Ex. CEO) of the Blockchain B7 foundation.
- Alon Ben-Lavi: CTO & Co-Founder building cutting-edge DeFi infrastructure. Entrepreneur and technologist with 10+ years of software development experience and a background in the elite IDF Mamram unit. Passionate about decentralized systems and advancing real-time on-chain trading tech.
- **Eden Luttenberg: **BizDev specialist with deep roots across Israel’s tech and fintech scenes, driving ecosystem growth through real execution. Eden co-founded Mamram Alumni Association’s blockchain division to hold activities and help grow Israel’s Web3 ecosystem, and Israel’s only Web3-focused early-stage accelerator, along with the country’s first Women-in-Blockchain conference that onboarded 200+ women builders on to the Web3 ecosystem.
- Alon Kivity: Have been working in marketing for 5+ years, Alon’s accomplishments include founding an e-commerce group and selling it to a venture capital, head of marketing of a leading KYT provider and today - a digital marketing team lead in the sport data industry.
Resources: Location secured • Partnership confirmed • University connections • Media contacts • Early community committed
Trust & Accountability
- Milestone-based funding
- Transparent reporting on Catalyst platform
- Video documentation of progress
- Open-door policy for community verification
Validation
- Cost estimates from Israeli vendors
- 6-month timeline validated vs similar projects
- MasterKey.vc commitment in writing
Resources in Place
- Existing community infrastructure (Telegram, YouTube, social media)
- Zealy platform account ready for deployment
- Network connections in UK, NYC and Argentina.
- Content creation capabilities
- Event organization experience
Trust & Accountability
- Milestone-based funding with clear deliverables
- Transparent reporting on Catalyst platform
- Public documentation of all events and content
- Regular updates to Cardano community
Validation
- Successful several Tel Aviv communities as proof of concept
- Existing audience and engagement metrics
- Confirmed interest from UK, NYC and Argentinian networks
- Budget validated against similar community initiatives
- 6-month timeline proven feasible for community growth
[Milestones] Project Milestones
Milestone Title
Foundation & Launch (₳15,000 | Months 1-2)
Milestone Outputs
- Zealy platform setup with learning quests
- Telegram channels established
- 2 launch physical events (1 UK, 1 NYC) with 50+ attendees each
- Each month we have 1 physical events per region (UK, Israel, and NYC), counting the 2 launch events, there are still 4 events for the 1st two months in total
- 2 online events (1 per month) with 150+ live participant (+1000 viewers on Youtube)
- 4 educational content pieces published
- Regional ambassadors recruited
- Cardano branding integrated on website and materials
Acceptance Criteria
- Zealy platform live - start creating deeper engagement with the community
- 500+ Telegram members
- 100+ total event attendees
- 4 videos/articles published
- 2 ambassadors confirmed
- Cardano logo visible on all materials
Evidence of Completion
- Zealy platform screenshots and analytics
- Telegram member count
- Event photos/videos and attendance records
- Published content links
- Ambassador agreements
- Website screenshots showing Cardano branding
Delivery Month
2
Cost
15000
Progress
30 %
Milestone Title
Community Growth (₳18,000 | Months 3-4)
Milestone Outputs
- 6 physical events (1 event per region per month) with 50+ attendees each
- 2 virtual events with 100+ participants each
- 200+ active Zealy participants
- 6 educational content pieces published
- 400+ new community members
- 50+ developers complete first Cardano quest
Acceptance Criteria
- 300+ total event attendees
- 200+ virtual event participants
- 200+ Zealy users with activity
- 10 videos/articles published
- 400+ Telegram/social media members
- 50+ quest completions verified
Evidence of Completion
- Event attendance records and photos/videos
- Virtual event analytics (Zoom/StreamYard)
- Zealy platform analytics
- Content publication links
- Community growth metrics
- Quest completion data
Delivery Month
4
Cost
18000
Progress
60 %
Milestone Title
Developer Activation (₳15,000 | Months 4-5)
Milestone Outputs
- 6 physical events (2 per region) with 50+ attendees each
- 2 virtual events with 100+ participants each
- 200+ active Zealy participants
- 6 educational content pieces published
- 400+ new community members
- 50+ developers complete first Cardano quest
Acceptance Criteria
- 300+ total event attendees
- 200+ virtual event participants
- 200+ Zealy users with activity
- 10 videos/articles published
- 400+ Telegram/social media members
- 50+ quest completions verified
Evidence of Completion
- Event attendance records and photos/videos
- Virtual event analytics (Zoom/StreamYard)
- Zealy platform analytics
- Content publication links
- Community growth metrics
- Quest completion data
Delivery Month
4
Cost
15000
Progress
60 %
Milestone Title
Sustainability and reporting (₳12,000 | Month 6)
Milestone Outputs
- 6 physical events (2 per region) with 50+ attendees each
- 2 virtual events with 100+ participants each
- 200+ active Zealy participants
- 6 educational content pieces published
- 400+ new community members
- 50+ developers complete first Cardano quest
Acceptance Criteria
- 300+ total event attendees
- 200+ virtual event participants
- 200+ Zealy users with activity
- 10 videos/articles published
- 400+ Telegram/social media members
- 50+ quest completions verified
Evidence of Completion
- Event attendance records and photos/videos
- Virtual event analytics (Zoom/StreamYard)
- Zealy platform analytics
- Content publication links
- Community growth metrics
- Quest completion data
Delivery Month
5
Cost
12000
Progress
100 %
[Final Pitch] Budget & Costs
Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources
Budget summary by category
- Physical events (19 total): ₳27,000
- Virtual Events (7 total): ₳7,000
- Content Creation (20 pieces): ₳9,500
- Marketing & Promotion: ₳6,000
- Zealy Platform & Campaigns: ₳2,500
- Platform Setup & Branding: ₳1,500
- Ambassador Recruitment: ₳1,500
- Playbook & Reporting: ₳2,500
- Sustainability Planning: ₳500
- Operations & Coordination: ₳2,000
Total: ₳60,000
[Final Pitch] Value for Money
How does the cost of the project represent value for the Cardano ecosystem?
Why This Budget Makes Sense
Context:
- UK and NYC are expensive markets (comparable to Tel Aviv - 8th most expensive city globally)
- Our ₳60,000 ($24,000) delivers exceptional ROI for multi-region community building
Efficiency Factors:
- Existing infrastructure (YouTube channel, Telegram, social media presence)
- MasterKey.vc in-kind support (strategic guidance, network access, operational expertise)
- Proven model from Tel Aviv Web3 Devs Underground community
- Experienced team with established networks in target markets
- Digital-first hybrid approach maximizes reach beyond physical attendees
ROI for Cardano
For ₳60,000, Cardano receives:
Event Presence & Brand Visibility
- 19 physical events across 3 major tech hubs (₳1,421 per event)
- Industry benchmark: $3,000-8,000 per community event
- 7 virtual events with global reach (₳1,000 per event)
- Industry benchmark: $2,000-5,000 per virtual event
- 950+ physical attendees (₳63 per attendee)
- Industry benchmark: $50-200 per event attendee
- 700+ live virtual participants + 7,000+ YouTube viewers (₳9 per viewer)
- Industry benchmark: $20-100 per virtual attendee
- Total reach: 8,650+ people (₳7 per person reached)
Advertising Value Equivalent: ~$25,000-40,000 in traditional marketing spend
Developer Training & Activation
- 200+ developers complete Cardano learning quests (₳300 per developer)
- Industry benchmark: $2,000-10,000 per developer bootcamp
- 100+ developers create first Cardano wallet (₳600 per active user)
- Industry benchmark: $500-2,000 per user acquisition
- 50+ developers deploy testnet contracts (₳1,200 per builder)
- Industry benchmark: $3,000-15,000 per trained blockchain developer
Developer Training Value Equivalent: ~$100,000+ in traditional bootcamp costs
Content Library & Educational Resources
- 20 educational pieces (videos, articles, tutorials) (₳475 per piece)
- Industry benchmark: $1,000-5,000 per professional content piece
- Permanent content library accessible to global community
- Reusable materials for future community initiatives
Content Production Value Equivalent: ~$20,000-50,000 in professional content creation
Community Growth
- 1,000+ new community members (₳60 per member)
- Industry benchmark: $100-500 per community member acquisition
- Active bilingual channels (Hebrew & English)
- Sustainable community infrastructure across 3 regions
Community Building Value Equivalent: ~$50,000-100,000 in traditional community acquisition
Strategic Market Presence
- Permanent footprint in 3 top-tier tech hubs (Tel Aviv, UK, NYC)
- First-mover advantage in underserved markets
- Replicable expansion playbook for future global growth
- Partnership pipeline with local tech organizations
Strategic Value: Invaluable for long-term ecosystem positioning
Cost Efficiency Analysis
Per Event Cost Breakdown
Physical events: ₳1,421 per event (includes venue, catering, materials, promotion)
- Comparable to industry standard of $1,500-3,000 per community meetup
- Efficient due to existing networks and venue partnerships
Virtual events: ₳1,000 per event (includes platform, production, promotion)
- Below industry standard of $2,000-5,000 per virtual event
- Leverages existing YouTube channel and production capabilities
Per Developer Cost
**Cost per developer trained: **₳300 (200+ developers)
- Traditional bootcamp: $2,000-10,000 per developer
- Savings: 85-97% vs traditional training
Cost per active developer: ₳600 (100+ with wallets)
- Traditional user acquisition: $500-2,000
- Competitive with industry standards while delivering higher quality
Cost per builder: ₳1,200 (50+ deploying contracts)
- Traditional developer recruitment: $3,000-15,000
- Savings: 60-92% vs traditional recruitment
Per Content Piece
Cost per content piece: ₳475 (20 pieces total)
- Professional video production: $1,000-5,000
- Professional article/tutorial: $500-2,000
Savings: 50-90% vs outsourced content creation
Per Community Member
Cost per member: ₳60 (1,000+ members)
Traditional community acquisition: $100-500
Savings: 40-88% vs traditional marketing
[Self-Assessment] Self-Assessment Checklist
I confirm that the proposal is a non-technical initiative, with ≤20% of the budget for tech support.
Yes
I confirm that the proposal provides verifiable evidence (portfolio, links, reports) of the team's ability to deliver the project.
Yes
I confirm that the proposer and all team members are in good standing with prior Catalyst projects.
Yes
I confirm that the proposal includes clear objectives with both Output Metrics (what proposal did) and Adoption-Focused Metrics (what effect proposal had).
Yes
I confirm that the proposal clearly explains the user journey and provides a credible plan for how the project will equip and motivate users for future on-chain activity.
Yes
I confirm that the initiative clearly demonstrates how it will grow the Cardano ecosystem or onboard users.
Yes
I confirm that the project plan and timeline (≤ 12 months) are realistic and well-defined.
Yes
I confirm that the proposal commits to public outputs and justifies any exceptions.
Yes
I confirm that the budget adheres to all policies: it is for future work, follows the merchandise rule, and excludes establishing local treasuries, incentives/giveaways, re-grants.
Yes
[Required Acknowledgements] Consent & Confirmation
I Agree
Yes