Promoting Cardano for Impact

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

About

Tavis Digital, a young and innovative Swiss based digital asset management company, has developed institutional investor targeted investment products in the crypto space. Tavis Digital drives a strong sustainability agenda. The company has launched a CO2 compensated green Bitcoin tracker, for example, and investment products are otherwise focusing on energy efficient P-o-S tokens. The most recent investment product was launched in August 2021 and represents a globally first-of-its-kind Blockchain Impact Investment fund, called Sphere (see product 4-pager in attachment and web links above). We strongly believe in the potential of Blockchain technology to drive positive impact on society and the environment. We therefore intend to contribute to the development of this space while generating attractive returns for investors. Sphere is targeted at professional and institutional investors and is seeking investment opportunities in tokens of SDG relevant projects. Sphere is therefore leading the Blockchain Impact Investment space, contributing to development, formalization and credibility of this specific, non-speculative crypto sector.

This proposal

We intend to collaborate with Cardano and other leading Blockchains to develop and promote the “Blockchain for Impact” as well as the “Blockchain Impact Investment” space. We want to increase visibility and credibility of these specific SDG relevant Blockchain sectors and seek cross-chain collaboration to do so. Through our business activities, we want to contribute to the formalization and growth of promising SDG relevant projects, on one hand, and to the development of a relevant, professional Impact Investment segment, interested in providing finance and network stability, on the other.

Switzerland is a global hub for both, leading Blockchain actors as well as Impact Investors. It is an ideal location to promote Blockchain in combination with Impact, also benefiting from positive framework conditions and a large financial sector.

An ideal platform to promote “Blockchain for Impact” is Switzerland’s largest Sustainable Finance and Impact Investment conference called “Building Bridges”, taking place in Geneva from October 3-6, 2022. The first edition of Building Bridges in October 2019 featured 31 events, a world-class Summit and brought together over 1000 diverse stakeholders from Switzerland and around the globe. Building Bridges gathers all relevant stakeholders such as asset owners and asset managers, development banks, banks, international organizations, think tanks, government agencies, academia, etc.

Now, during a “call for events” competition, Building Bridges accepted our event proposal and we will have the unique opportunity to present our views of “Blockchain for Impact” to a broad and relevant audience during a 1.5 hour presentation slot. We were proposed to co-host this event together with Cardano which we happily accepted, since it ideally combines insider views from Cardano’s SDG relevant Blockchain project development work with the Blockchain Impact Investing activity of us as pioneer in digital asset management.

Main goal of our conference event will be to increase awareness and credibility of the Blockchain Impact space and its huge potential. We propose to introduce into this specific Blockchain space, highlight specific sector applications, such as supply chain transparency, carbon markets, energy efficiency, financial inclusion, health, etc. and showcase one or two specific SDG relevant Blockchain projects, ideally from two different Blockchains. We furthermore propose to present Blockchain Impact Investments, i.e. investing in SDG relevant Blockchain tokens, as a new form of Impact Investing. We intend to hold the event as a mix of input presentations and panel discussion and to invite leading stakeholders and experts. The event shall be an introduction into Blockchain for Impact rather than a “sales event”.

This proposal is therefore covering the design, preparation as well as execution of a “Blockchain for Impact” event at Building Bridges 2022.

[IMPACT] Please describe how your proposed solution will address the Challenge that you have submitted it in.

Cardano’s “Cross-Chain Collaboration” challenge promotes cross-chain collaboration, co-innovation and adaptation of successful approaches from other Blockchains. Furthermore, Cardano has a strong interest in promoting its own impact/SDG relevant projects.

Our proposal meets the challenge criteria very well. We offer Cardano a pioneer and co-innovator role while we may jointly add credibility and visibility to the Blockchain Impact space. In the past we have already collaborated with Algorand in the Blockchain Impact space, have invested in their SDG relevant projects, and propose to expand this collaboration towards Cardano. Along with Cardano, and if applicable other leading sustainability Blockchains such as Algorand, we intend to promote and showcase our co-innovation and the nascent but developing Blockchain for Impact space towards traditional Impact and ESG minded investors and stakeholders. We position Blockchain for Impact as a multi-chain topic, where actors co-innovate, whilst promoting Cardano as a leader and attractive hub for SDG relevant Blockchain projects.

We would be willing to share our research, our Blockchain Impact Investment narrative, that includes impact measurement and reporting, as well as our knowhow regarding required financial infrastructure and investment product setup, including investment product structures, custodians, brokers, exchanges etc., all needed to launch a formal Blockchain Impact Investment product targeted at qualified and institutional investors. The event and the proposal also intends to educate the traditional Impact and Development space and increase the Blockchain industry’s outreach, beyond Bitcoin and speculation.

[IMPACT] What are the main risks that could prevent you from delivering the project successfully and please explain how you will mitigate each risk?

Risk of insufficient interest from Building Bridges conference participants:

We have learnt that 50 event slots were offered for proposals and that Building Bridges received 3x of submissions, most being therefore rejected. Although the conference will take several days, it may be that our event will take place in parallel of other presentations, lowering the number of participants for us. Mitigants: in past years, up to 1000 participants were present at this conference. We should therefore be able to count on numerous participants. Furthermore, we are observing an increasing awareness and interest in Blockchain technology and “Blockchain for Impact”, specifically from the Impact Investment and Development Finance institutions. Furthermore, we are experiencing a lot of interest in our first-of-its-kind Blockchain Impact Investment activity and are well connected with the Sustainable Finance and Impact Investment industry, enabling us to reach out and promote the event. In addition, we have recently participated in another pioneer event, as programme co-designer and speaker, called “Blockchain for Impact Summit”. The event was hosted and sponsored by PWC and attracted 200 participants. The nascent Blockchain for Impact theme is clearly gaining momentum.

Unfavorable market conditions in crypto:

The current crypto market conditions are very challenging. Interest in Blockchain or crypto may therefore be limited, leading to low interest in our activities and the event. Blockchain for Impact may also be confused with Bitcoin and related speculation.

Mitigants: We see the Blockchain for Impact space as a long-term opportunity with huge potential. Furthermore, the general interest in Blockchain, Impact Investing and the SDGs will further increase. Blockchain for Impact will benefit from these trends and interest in the Blockchain for Impact space is rather strategic, intellectual and new business motivated, i.e. less opportunistic, short-term and negatively impacted by the current market situation.

[FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed plan, including timeline and key milestones for delivering your proposal.

• August 22:
• Finalize the event agenda (content, formats, speakers) between co-hosts Cardano and Tavis Digital
• Invite external speakers, fix responsibilities for roles and content provision
• Define marketing strategy to promote the event
• Prepare event flyer and “save the date” message
• Send “save the date” message through traditional mail and social media

-> Milestone end August: Final draft agenda. Save the date message sent.

• September 22
• Fine-tune the agenda and its content
• Prepare presentations
• Distribute event teaser
• Organize logistics on-site as well as travel

-> Milestone end September: set programme with final speakers appointed. Event flyer sent.

• October 22
• Execute the Blockchain for Impact event (between 3-6 October)
• Prepare post-event marketing material with 2-3 key messages

-> Milestone end October: Event successfully held. >200 participants reached. Post-event marketing material sent.

Tavis Digital has the HR capacity to execute this proposal. Tavis Digital may provide other proposals for Fund 9 which are linked to the execution of our strategy. Therefore, even in the case all proposals receive funding, we can ensure sufficient capacity and proper delivery.

[FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown.

Tavis Digital operates an asset manager in the formal financial services industry. Tavis is therefore exposed to commercial market prices of the financial sector, with remuneration levels for staff as well as external advisors, service providers and law firms which may seem higher in comparison with a regular start-up environment. Tavis’ staff and direct advisors are however paid below market, when comparing with Swiss peers in the financial sector, to reflect the nascent stage of the company. Applied day rates include social insurance and other employer costs. The following budget numbers need to be seen in this context.

Organization/preparation of the event:

• Programme design and agenda drafting, high-level script writing; coordination with co-host; contacting and guiding potential speakers; event coordination with Building Bridges: 3 days
• Content definition, panel organization and coordination with speakers and moderator (if applicable): 2 days
• Own content production (slides, script for panel): 3 days 
• 8 days in total: USD 10,000 (applying an average day rate of USD 1250.-)

Marketing and communication activities:

• Planning of marketing activities; coordination with co-host and external marketing agency (if applicable): 0.5 days
• Drafting/production of marketing material (event flyer, “save the date” mail, mailing lists, etc.): 2.5 days
• Coordination of content and communications activities with external marketing agency (if applicable): USD 3,000 internal or external cost
• 3 days in total plus USD 3,000: USD 6,750

Logistics:

• Travelling, accomodation cost: USD 1000.-
• Invitation, i.e. logistics cost of high profile speaker: USD 1000.-
• Cost of event, payable to Building Bridges: USD 200.- 
• USD 2,200.- in total

-> Total budget: USD 18,950.-

[FEASIBILITY] Please provide details of the people who will work on the project.

Christian Speckhardt, Partner at Tavis Digital and Cardano proposal project lead

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-speckhardt/ 

Christian supports strategy, business development and investment product projects at Tavis Digital. Christian has a strong background in institutional asset management, banking and finance, ESG and impact investing. He was previously the CIO and deputy CEO of responsAbility Investments - a CHF 3.5bn AuM asset manager focused on impact investments. Today, he is engaged in the development of blockchain-based digital asset management company Tavis Digital and innovative fintech solutions. Christian also contributes to the development of the impact investment industry and SDG/ESG relevant business initiatives. He is supporting relevant businesses, funds and private and public sector actors in board, investment committee and advisory roles. Christian’s current engagements include impact asset management, sustainable agriculture and food systems, fintech, as well as blockchain, token and digital asset management. He is also involved in initiatives in the climate and energy finance space. Christian advises the Swiss government on the design and launch of an impact finance platform and serves as a member of the Swiss National UN FAO Committee. Christian holds a degree in Economics and an MBA from the University of Zurich, Switzerland. He’s a guest lecturer at the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and the University of Lucerne (IFZ).

Bernhard Vögeli, Managing Partner at Tavis Digital

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernhard-v%C3%B6geli-251b173/ 

Bernhard is the co-founder of Tavis Digital and its sister company Tavis Capital AG. As Managing Partner, he oversees the operation, strategy and product development of Tavis Digital. Bernhard has a strong academic background and worked as a physicist in Switzerland, Japan and the USA for many years, including in private equity-financed start-up companies. In 2007, after completing his MBA, Bernhard joined the investment management team of a private equity company in Zurich. There he was responsible for the cash flow planning and portfolio management of mandates and fund of funds products, as well as the analysis and due diligence of funds, secondary transactions and direct co-investments in portfolio companies. Bernhard holds a PhD in Physics from ETH Zurich and an MBA from William E. Simon School, University of Rochester. He is a CAIA Charterholder.

Sandro Bruehlmann, Portfolio Management at Tavis Digital

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandro-br%C3%BChlmann-058653119/ 

Sandro started his career as an intern in the mergers & acquisitions department of an IT-consulting firm. He joined Tavis Capital in 2017 as a part-time employee besides his master’s studies at the University of Zurich in Banking & Finance. Sandro started investing in cryptos a long time ago and ever since then he has gained a lot of experience in the crypto market and digital securities. After the spin-off of Tavis Digital, he joined the newly formed company as a portfolio manager for digital assets. Sandro is responsible for the development and portfolio management of the investment products. Sandro holds a Master of Arts in Banking & Finance with a focus on Corporate Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Banking & Finance from the University of Zurich. He wrote his master’s thesis about investments in tokenized assets and the opportunities and implications for professional investors.

Alexandra Wang, Senior Analyst Tavis Digital

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

Alexandra stepped into the digital asset sector in 2019 when she started an internship at a security token exchange in London. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she gained work experience from a blockchain-focused PR agency and a Chinese fintech company, where she contributed to the marketing and business development activities for the company’s crypto exchange and payment product. Alexandra holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in War Studies & Philosophy from King’s College, London, where she is also completing a Master of Science in China & Globalization. Alexandra is fluent in Mandarin and English.

[FEASIBILITY] If you are funded, will you return to Catalyst in a later round for further funding? Please explain why / why not.

This proposal represents a closed project which does not require follow-on funding.

Building a Blockchain for Impact sector may however open up new projects, proposals and funding opportunities.

[FEASIBILITY] Are you or any member of your team working on any other proposals in this Fund9?

[FEASIBILITY] Are you or your team working on any other proposals from previous Funds?

[AUDITABILITY] Please describe what you will measure to track your project's progress, and how will you measure these?

As per the delivery plan and timeline above, including the identified milestones, measurable progress as follows:

• End of August 22: Milestones and deliverables: Final draft agenda set. Save the date message sent to contacts of Cardano and Tavis Digital.
•  
• End of September 22: Milestones and deliverables: Set programme with final speakers appointed. Event flyer sent.
• 
  
• End of October 22: Milestones and deliverables: Event successfully held. >200 participants reached. Post-event marketing material sent.

Tavis Digital intends to report on project progress and goals. Any potential deviation or delay will be communicated to the community transparently.

[AUDITABILITY] What does success for this project look like?

1. Successful event with visibility, reaching many participants of this globally leading Impact and Sustainable Finance conference
2. Blockchain for Impact and Blockchain Impact Investments positively positioned as themes with huge potential, beyond Bitcoin and speculation
3. Cardano positioned as an innovator and leader in the Blockchain for Impact space, and Tavis Digital when it comes to accessing the sector for investors
4. Real impactful business projects showcased. Awareness for this kind of Blockchain based business solutions created, credibility for, and trust in the sector increased
5. Positive echo from the audience via active Q&A and many new contacts

[AUDITABILITY] Please provide information on whether this proposal is a continuation of a previously funded project in Catalyst or an entirely new one.

Entirely new proposal.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Rating

To address the Blockchain for Impact space with its Impact relevant Blockchain projects, and to identify specific Impact strategies of the underlying Blockchain based business solutions, the 17 UN SDGs can be used as a guiding framework.

Tavis Digital’s Impact Investment offering Sphere is investing in impact/SDG relevant blockchain projects and their tokens agnostically. As per the traditional Impact Investment sector, the SDGs are used for investment eligibility testing, to identify impact and for investor reporting. Blockchain for Impact projects as well as Blockchain Impact Investments are in principle SDG agnostic. Individual activities may target, or match, with any of the 17 SDGs. For reputational risk reasons, it is highly important for the Blockchain Impact space to avoid “green washing”.