AIP-255: $Ape x Innovation: Expanding the $Ape Universe

Final AIPs Rejected AIPs
1

Proposal Name: $Ape x Innovation: Expanding the $Ape Universe

Proposal Category: Ecosystem Fund Allocation

PDF Deck: $Ape & Innovation Expanding the $Ape Universe.pdf (4.8 MB)

Original Proposal

AIP-187

Reason for Return

Feb_Vulcan
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According to data (see Twitter snapshot) from Vulcan (@red_vulcan) the prior proposal received 88.74% in favor to pass according to # of DAO wallets participating in the voting; this suggests a high % of support for the initial AIP idea. However, when analyzed by wallet voting power, the proposal received significantly less support (32.96%). As a result, the earlier proposal was not approved.

Resubmission Updates

Key differences:

  1. Smaller scope - scale of proposal: the original proposal sought funding for several hackathon events. This proposal focuses on one. The cost is significantly less, as a result. This proposal seeks $28,400, and the prior proposal sought $71,400.

  2. $Ape-centric hackathon product: $Ape is designed to drive culture forward and as a tool for developers to participate in the ecosystem by incorporating $Ape into services, games, and projects. This proposal intentionally amplifies $Ape by making it core to the participants’ experience and product design. Plus, $Ape mentors from the DAO will be invited to lead sessions.

  3. Art installation and product for ApeDAO members: this proposal produces a limited edition artwork by Ladies of BAYC artist @Stellitart in collaboration with local artists as part of the event. In collaboration with our local partner, ArtCor, we will build off last year’s Creative Industry Festival by inviting the artists to co-create work inspired by the $Ape brand as a symbol for future innovation. The art will be made into a collectible for $Ape holders.

  4. Playbook for ApeDAO hackathons/workshops: we will make available a “playbook” for the hackathon, workshops, and learning experiences so that others in the $Ape community can transfer and apply to any geographic location; this offers replicability and scale opportunities.

The proposal should be approved because it will amplify ApeCoin DAO’s mission to use web3 for innovation and to spread $Ape reach. By onboarding wider global communities into web3, we will fuel innovation, collaboration, and creativity so that ApeDAO can have a broader impact, expanding the $Ape ecosystem.

Abstract:

In September 2022, NFTxExplore, a Ladies of BAYC member, teamed up with a friend and designed a web3 hackathon in Moldova where entrepreneurs created innovative business ideas using blockchain technology. The event received over 500 applications for 100 spots.

During the event, they introduced skills such as how to create a Smart contract, build community, and develop a DAO; NFTxExplore used the ApeCoinDAO as an example and tapped into builders across web3 as mentors to lead virtual sessions. Teams pitched their business ideas, and the top three joined the HUG, a leading web3 incubator that supports early stage web3 businesses.

Check out these two videos about the event: https://www.facebook.com/yepmoldova/videos/1121038925455387 and Se formează prima comunitate Web3 din Moldova - YouTube

This grant builds off of last year’s event, and will place $ApeCoin at the center of the experience. $Ape is designed to drive culture forward and as a tool for developers to participate in the ecosystem by incorporating $Ape into services, games, and projects.

NFTxExplore and her colleague will provide web3 learning experiences to spread the $Ape brand and position $ApeCoin at the forefront of web3 innovation and creativity. We’ll lead a hackathon, invite $Ape mentors from the DAO to lead sessions, and create an onsite art installation as part of the 4-day experience.

The art installation will be in collaboration with another Ladies of BAYC member, artist Stella (@Stellitart), and local artists. As a part of this engagement, we will produce an art product available free to $Ape holders. We will also invite local and international media to cover the event and amplify the $Ape brand across web3.

We seek $28,400 USD.

Author Description: NFTxExplore is the Chief Learning Officer of a non-profit that supports entrepreneurship as a lever for economic mobility. She has a PhD in Education and an MBA in Entrepreneurship, and has been designing learning experiences internationally for over 25-years. She occasionally Co-hosts Ladies of BAYC Twitter spaces, and designed and led Moldova’s first web3-focused hackathon.

Additional Team Members:

@Stellitart, a fellow Ladies of BAYC, is a Digital & oil painting artist, yoga instructor, and Director of vibes @GalaxyFight_NFT

@Michael_Littig is the Director of Creator Programming at HUG.

Motivation:

We want to amplify ApeCoin DAO’s mission to use web3 for innovation and to spread $Ape reach. By onboarding wider global communities into web3, we will fuel innovation, collaboration, and creativity so that the DAO can have a broader impact.

With support from local Moldovan organizations ArtCor and MediaCor, we build on the success of our prior event. We’ll create workshops and learning experiences for entrepreneurs, creatives, and builders to promote co-creation and web3 innovation. Potential workshops include: Foundations of blockchain and decentralization, and how participants can apply them to their business ideas; the role of community in building one’s brand in web3, and how to reach audiences; how to mint and launch a Smart contract as a minimum viable test; and, web3 marketing. In particular, as web3 grows and more people “ape into” the space, the ApeCoin DAO can lead the onboarding charge and help others incorporate $Ape into their projects.

To measure success, we will consider: a) participation: # of applications and # of participants; impact: survey data indicating 90% of participants or > indicate the event supported their web3 learning, helped build business and integrate $Ape, and expanded network; technical artifacts: evidence of participants incorporating $Ape into business ideas, quality of ideas and innovation; reach and visibility: # of articles / podcasts / press about the hackathon and $Ape brand.

We are also excited to produce a limited edition artwork by Ladies of BAYC artist @Stellitart in collaboration with local artists. In collaboration with our local partner, ArtCor, we will build off last year’s Creative Industry Festival by inviting the artists in residence to co-create work inspired by the $Ape brand as a symbol for future innovation. The art will be made into a collectible for $Ape holders.

Rationale:

In September, 2022, NFTxExplore partnered with Michael Littig from HUG (@thehugxyz) and local organizations for a series of Web3-focused events and a hackathon. That initial event promoted a vibrant culture of creativity and innovation, development and application of web3 skills, and activated Moldovan solutions using web3 and blockchain technology.

Now, with proof of concept from the initial experience, we’d like this opportunity to deepen the $Ape Community’s mission to steward web3 growth and development. We will create 4-days of events in collaboration with local partner organizations and ApeCoin DAO members (as mentors), and create an original art piece by @Stellitart for $Ape members upon completion of the event.

We appreciate the support of the ApeCoin DAO to contribute to the continued spread of $Ape and web3 innovation, helping others incorporate $Ape into projects. Specifically, we will be ambassadors of the ApeCoin DAO and promote web3 for social good. This positions ApeCoin DAO on the front lines to impact promising pathways for hundreds of people, with an extended ripple effect.

This event can also be replicated across geographic areas by other $Ape members in other communities.

Specifications:

  1. https://thehug.xyz/

  2. Zoom (for remote workshops, mentoring, and/or panel discussions)

Steps to Implement and Timeline:

July 2023-August 2023: design workshops and coordinate with local organizations; identify mentors from ApeCoin DAO

September 2023: NFTxExplore, Michael, and Stelliart, will return to Moldova to provide workshops and a hackathon for creatives, entrepreneurs, and independent media. @Stelliart will collaborate with local artist(s) to design and produce collaborative artwork. This will be reproduced as a product for DAO members.

In addition, with the support of the ApeCoin DAO and HUG community, we will secure interviews on leading podcasts in the web3 space and Sirius XM.

With an aim towards sustainability, Moldovan creators will be invited to continue mentorship with HUG, a leading web3 technology accelerator, over the course of three months to help Moldovan creators build their $Ape businesses and network with others. Those creators will be featured on HUG’s social and curation platform, and further highlighted on social channels (combined social reach of 300K) to engage the international community beyond Moldova.

October 2023: Artwork will be reproduced for ApeDAO members

August 2023 - December 2023:

  1. Submit to SXSW as a case study focusing on web3 for social good and how $Ape sparks innovation in web3 projects

  2. Interviews with ApeDAO members/mentors on leading podcasts in the web3 space and Sirius XM.

  3. Provide ApeDAO with post-event report, including: # of participants, business ideas fueled by $Ape, and additional impact metrics.

Proposed Budget

|Item & Detailed Costs|

  1. Design & Development
    Weekly meetings with Moldovan organizations
    Design of learning experiences: 4 days of facilitation, PPT decks, workshops
    Planning with local artist(s) / @Stellitart / HUG
    $5000

  2. Travel + Per Diem (3 people)
    Flights + Hotel + Food:
    Flights: $1,400 each = $4200
    Hotel: $1,200 each = $3600
    Food $50/day each = $600
    $8400

  3. Honorariums for Mentors/Experts (Zoom) and locals (Moldova)
    Approximately 5-7 people ($350 – $500)
    $3500

  4. 3-month Mentorship: October 2023- December 2023
    Mentorship for creators (3-4 creators/teams): personal mentorship from the HUG Team for 3-months. This incubator begins with a four-week intensive curriculum that engages other web3 projects from around the world. Mentorship includes training in customer/community discovery, brand development, media planning, go-to-market strategy, and more.
    $10,000 (approximate)

  5. Artwork & Supplies / Distribution: $1500

Total Costs: $28,400

9 Likes
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Great idea, would all workshops be remote or will some be held during the 4-day exhibition?

7 Likes
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Love to see all the hard work you put in. Im all for irl connections and this is a great way to get others involved. And love how you’re setting this up as a “template” that can be used to replicate. Lets gooo ladies !

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Thanks! We’d have workshops in-person and virtually! During the last event, we had a mix of both, too, since some experts / mentors weren’t able to join in person.

3 Likes
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Great idea @NFTxExplore

  1. What specific web3 skills and concepts will be covered in the workshops and learning experiences that NFTxExplore and her colleague will provide?
  2. How will the success of this event be measured and evaluated?
  3. Could you provide more details about the onsite art installation that will be created as part of the experience?
  4. What is the expected timeline for the production and distribution of the limited edition artwork that will be available to $Ape holders?
  5. How will the ApeCoin DAO be promoted as ambassadors for web3 for social good? What specific initiatives or projects will be implemented to achieve this goal?

-Mr. Hype :fire:

3 Likes
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Thanks for the great questions!

  1. What specific web3 skills and concepts will be covered in the workshops and learning experiences?

  • Foundations of blockchain and decentralization and how participants can apply them to their business ideas

  • The role of community in building one’s brand in web3 and how to reach audiences

  • Tools: how to mint and launch their own Smart contract as a minimum viable test

*Web3 marketing: semantic content / immersive marketing

[note: in addition to the above, coming from an entrepreneurship background, participants also learn and engage in the design thinking process and learn how to create and give a strong pitch for their business idea.]

  1. How will the success of this event be measured and evaluated?

We have some metrics in place coming out of the past event, and welcome additional thoughts, too. Here are mine:

  • Participation/Attendance: # of applications and # of participants

  • Impact: survey data that shows 90% of participants or > indicate that the event was useful / supported their web3 learning, helped to build their business idea and integrate $Ape, and expanded their network

  • Technical “artifacts”: evidence of participants successfully incorporating $Ape into their business; quality of business ideas and innovations against criteria

  • Sustainability: a longer-term measure / indicator of success – continued networking beyond the workshops / amount of revenue generated

  • Reach/Visibility: # of articles / podcasts / press about the hackathon and $Ape brand

  1. Could you provide more details about the onsite art installation that will be created as part of the experience?
  • In collaboration with our local partner, ArtCor, our hope is to build off the success of last year’s Creative Industry Festival by inviting the artists in residence alongside USAID to co-create work inspired by the APE brand as a symbol for future innovation. @Stellitart will collaborate / co-construct with local artists.
  1. What is the expected timeline for the production and distribution of the limited edition artwork that will be available to $Ape holders?
  • Given the proposed timing of the event, distribution would take place in October 2023
  1. How will the ApeCoin DAO be promoted as ambassadors for web3 for social good? What specific initiatives or projects will be implemented to achieve this goal?
  • The design and facilitation of this web3 event promotes ApeCoin DAO as ambassadors for social good because it positions members of ApeCoin DAO to create learning experiences that expand others’ web3 skills, networks, and integrate $Ape into innovations.

*By inviting ApeCoin DAO members as mentors and experts, we also demonstrate the DAOs willingness and ability to expand its reach and support the onboarding and innovations of additional creators, which can fuel continued growth.

  • Press/Articles/Podcasts: during last year’s event, I joined several podcasts and was interviewed by local media about the event; these can be strong avenues for promoting ApeCoin DAO as ambassadors for social good. We will tap into media and social media as well as press releases to amplify the ApeCoin DAO.
4 Likes
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Hey @NFTxExplore,

It’s great to see that the NFTxExplore event is focused on providing participants with a strong foundation in blockchain and decentralization, as well as tools for minting and launching smart contracts.

I’m curious about how you plan to measure the success of the event in terms of impact on participants’ learning and business ideas. Will you be conducting any follow-up surveys or interviews with participants to gauge their progress after the event?

It’s also exciting to hear about the onsite art installation and limited edition artwork that will be available to $APE holders. I’m curious about the creative process for these pieces and how they will be integrated into the overall event experience.

Finally, I’m interested in hearing more about the specific initiatives or projects that the ApeCoin DAO will implement to promote web3 for social good. Are there any specific social causes or issues that the DAO is particularly interested in addressing through its work in the web3 space?

-Mr. Hype :fire:

3 Likes
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Thanks for the follow up questions!

  1. We’d love to implement follow up surveys/interviews; for instance, following the past event, several participants launched another series of workshops (which is just the kind of sustainability we’re designing / aiming for). With support from the local partners, we can gather data at various times following the event (e.g.: 3 / 6 months). Additionally, the top 3 business ideas will continue to receive 3-months of mentorship in a web3 accelerator.

  2. Re: the creative process for the installation: we’ll look to local creatives and @Stellitart to collaborate, given what we’re envisioning as the “spark” for the art: co-creating work inspired by the APE brand as a symbol for future innovation.

  3. The social good aspect here is focused on expanding $Ape’s and the ApeDAO’s reach to creatives/entrepreneurs who might not otherwise have exposure to the brand (based on the location); plus, building skills to promote and encourage contribution and innovation to the web3 space.

Onward!
NFTxExplore

1 Like
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Hi @NFTxExplore,

Your topic will be automatically closing in less than 24 hours. Are you content with the feedback received, or do you wish to extend community discussion for a further 7 days?

If we do not hear from you within 48 hours after your topic closes, your topic will be moved straight to the AIP Draft process.

We look forward to hearing from you.

-Amplify

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Thanks, Amplify!

Appreciate you reaching out, and all set with feedback thus far.

Onward,
NFTxExplore

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Hi @NFTxExplore,

It’s great to hear about the follow-up surveys and interviews that will be conducted after the event to gauge the impact of the workshop on the participants’ learning and business ideas. It’s also exciting to know that the top 3 business ideas will receive 3 months of mentorship in a web3 accelerator.

Regarding the creative process for the onsite art installation and limited edition artwork, it’s great to hear that local creatives to create work inspired by the $APE brand as a symbol for future innovation.

Regarding the ApeCoin DAO’s initiatives for promoting web3 for social good, it’s commendable to hear about the focus on expanding the reach of the ApeDAO to creatives and entrepreneurs who may not have exposure to the brand and building skills to encourage contribution and innovation in the web3 space.

-Mr. Hype :fire:

2 Likes
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This is great.

MisterHype asked a lot of good questions that you can consider when making the final AIP draft.

I’d say this will look strongest with these 2 key things clear and visible:

  • how will $ape coin be used in the projects, if any
  • specific KPIs/follow-ups (to MrHype’s question) and by when we expect final results/summaries/etc. Stuff like “10 companies will go through an accelerator and be encouraged to incorporate $APE into their products” or smth like it

Best of luck!!

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Thanks, @Sasha! Appreciate it, and will include this information in the next iteration of the proposal!

Onward,
NFTxExplore

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This topic was automatically closed after 7 days. New replies are no longer allowed.

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Thank you @NFTxExplore for your ideas, and the ApeCoin DAO community for the thoughtful discussions. A moderator will get in touch with the author to draft the AIP in the appropriate template. Once the AIP is drafted and meets all the DAO-approved guidelines, the proposal will be posted on Snapshot for live official voting at: Snapshot

Follow this Topic as further updates will be posted here in the comments. @NFTxExplore please see your messages for the next steps.

-Amplify

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Hey there @amplify.Admin – I’ve revised the proposal and want to check on where I should submit that. Can you let me know? Thanks!

NFTxExplore

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Hello @NFTxExplore,

We have an existing open chat together here on Discourse, if you’d like to send me the updated version in DMs there? :slight_smile:

Thank you for your contributions to the DAO!

-Amplify

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All set. Thanks for your help, and let me know if you have any questions!

Onward,

NFTxExplore

1 Like
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Hi ApeCoin DAO Community,

@NFTxExplore has completed editing their AIP Idea to be their AIP Draft.

Follow this Topic as further updates will be posted here in the comments.

Kind Regards,

-Amplify

2 Likes