PROPOSAL NAME: Founders Circle Powered by ApeCoin
PROPOSAL CATEGORY: Ecosystem Allocation Fund
ABSTRACT:
This proposal aims to establish a global presence for ApeCoin DAO by strategically setting up 3 offices in diverse locations worldwide. The ApeCoin DAO Founders Circle is an exclusive space and event hub designed to support early-stage blockchain and DeFi startups and promote ApeCoin DAO by educating the local tech communities about our vision and processes. This initiative includes access to online educational resources, 1:1 sessions, networking opportunities, exclusive invitations to IRL events, and access to ApeCoin DAO’s community and investor network. The benefits of funding this initiative include establishing ApeCoinDAO as a hub for early-stage startup founders and entrepreneurs, building a strong network of like-minded individuals, and increasing the visibility and reach of the organization in DAO’s selected markets.
These offices will serve as dynamic showcases for ApeCoin DAO, embodying a proactive approach to engage and educate local communities on pivotal topics such as $APE, the metaverse, and web3.
In addition to the physical and digital activities hub we will offer at ApeCoin DAO Founders Circle, a platform to streamline our operations. This website will allow ApeCoin DAO members (via wallet) to access co-working spaces and participate in events through the use of tags, as well as the founders or guests. With this website, we aim to make it easier for individuals to make the most of our activities and services. The website will also have an education hub where users can access helpful materials, videos, and slides to continue their learning journey at their own pace.
AUTHOR DESCRIPTION:
I am Mr. Hype, an enthusiastic member of the ApeCoin community dedicated to fostering inclusivity and driving community growth. Within the ApeCoin DAO, I actively contribute by streamlining proposals and integrating valuable feedback to ensure optimal success, and the lead author of AIP-259: Language and Market Focus for ApeCoin DAO in 2024-2025, and AIP-291: Approve and Publish ApeCoin DAO Brand Guidelines v1.1 on apecoin.com, lead with Animoca Brands AIP-329 AIP-329: Official ApeCoin DAO Booth at Animoca Brands Event and self-funded ApeCoin DAO Mascot at Elite-Moca Cruise Party. My professional expertise lies in establishing and expanding early-stage media and technology ventures. With a solid background in law, I have accumulated five years of experience providing legal counsel in infrastructure sectors, including green energy, water, communications (5G), and natural gas. Notably, I served as a legal advisor for The Quarry Rehabilitation Fund, overseeing multimillion-dollar valuation executions, shaping long-term policies, and actively collaborating with the public sector to ensure democratic laws and implementation strategies.
About the web3 landscape, I have dedicated the past two years full-time to web3 endeavors. As CEO of an NFT investment DAO, I meticulously analyze market trends and possess in-depth insights into blockchain technology and DeFi from a programming standpoint.
My educational qualifications include an LL.B and B.A. from Reichman University, specializing in Finances and Risk Management. Presently, I take pride in my role as the creator of The Pixelated Apes and the visionary founder of PixeLabs DAO.
In short, The Diamond Handed Zombie
MOTIVATION:
The motivation behind the ApeCoin DAO Founders Circle is to broaden ApeCoin’s influence by establishing offices as essential hubs for in-person networking, fostering collaboration, and innovation. By creating physical co-working spaces and organizing events, we aim to provide a platform to promote ApeCoin DAO, collaborate, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities for growth in local communities.
RATIONALE:
The rationale behind ApeCoin DAO Founders Circle is to create a supportive and collaborative community of blockchain enthusiasts who are committed to driving innovation while Combining virtual aspects with these physical locations allows us to cater to both remote-first companies and startups seeking a place to gather and collaborate physically.
BENEFIT TO APECOIN ECOSYSTEM:
The ApeCoin DAO Founders Circle holds transformative potential that directly aligns with the objectives of DAO vote AIP-259. This initiative strategically reinforces the proposed impact within selected markets by establishing offices and operational hubs in those markets. The initiative contributes to significant realization in selected markets, elevating brand visibility, onboarding Web2 to Web3, and fostering long-term growth for ApeCoin.
Selected Market Penetration
The Founders Circle’s approach of opening worldwide offices and operational hubs aligns perfectly with the intention to create significant impact in the selected markets identified by AIP-259: Language and Market Focus for ApeCoin DAO in 2024-2025. This strategic alignment ensures that the ecosystem’s presence is not only felt but also deeply integrated into these markets, effectively amplifying our reach and influence.
Promoting ApeCoin DAO
The initiative’s inclusion of showcasing the ApeCoin DAO logo on buildings in the selected markets further elevates our brand visibility and reputation. By creating localized touchpoints, it introduces the organization’s values, technologies, and services to a broader audience, positioning ApeCoin DAO as a leading entity within the metaverse.
Onboarding Web2 to Web3
The Founders Circle serves as a bridge for Web2 communities looking to enter the Web3 world. It provides a localized, supportive environment for tech companies and startups to learn about web3, NFTs, and blockchain technology, and our DAO facilitating a smooth transition into the crypto space.
Long-Term Growth and Expansion
The multi-year timeline of the Founders Circle’s operations further enhances the lasting impact outlined in AIP-259. By establishing a continuous presence, we can cultivate enduring relationships with local investors, startups, and communities, contributing to the sustained growth and influence sought by the DAO.
KEY TERMS:
Education Hub
The central component of the ApeCoin DAO Founders Circle’s operations, functioning as both an in-person and online platform for knowledge dissemination and skill enhancement, designed to empower local communities and individuals with knowledge, foster skill development, and catalyze innovation. This hub offers an integrated environment for learning, networking, and collaborative growth.
Selected Markets
Selected markets are specific regions or demographics that are identified and prioritized by ApeCoin DAO for focused efforts and resource allocation. These markets represent target areas where the DAO aims to expand its presence and achieve significant impact. [Source: AIP-259](https://forum.apecoin.com/t/aip-259-language-and-market-focus-for-apecoin-dao-in-2024-2025/).
SPECIFICATIONS:
The ApeCoin DAO Founders Circle’s specifications are meticulously crafted to realize the vision of a thriving hub for blockchain enthusiasts, fostering innovation, collaboration, and education. These specifications encompass both physical and virtual components, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for growth and learning.
ApeCoin Offices and Event Hub
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Event Facilities: The hub will feature versatile event spaces capable of hosting a range of activities, including workshops, seminars, networking events, panel discussions, Otherside experience and more.
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Space Design: The spaces shall be thoughtfully designed to accommodate the diverse needs of startups, entrepreneurs, and community members. It will offer flexible workspaces, collaborative & gaming zones, and areas for networking events and workshops.
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Local Community Engagement: The space will facilitate collaborations with local communities and industry experts, inviting them to host educational sessions, share insights, and promote knowledge exchange.
Online Learning Platform - Education Hub
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Digital Access: Accessible worldwide, serving as a centralized repository for educational content and facilitating participation in events through wallet-based tags.
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Educational Events: The online platform will host virtual educational events, such as webinars and online workshops, led by experts from the blockchain, DeFi, and cryptocurrency domains.
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Global Reach: The virtual component ensures that community members across different geographical locations can participate, fostering a globally inclusive learning environment.
Community Empowerment and Collaboration
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Skill Development: Prioritizing skill development, offering resources for understanding blockchain, NFTs, DeFi, ApeChain and related technologies.
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Networking Opportunities: The hub will provide spaces and events designed to foster meaningful connections among startups, professionals, investors, and enthusiasts, both locally and globally.
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Collaborative Workspaces: Physical and virtual co-working spaces will encourage collaboration, enabling participants to work together on projects, exchange ideas, and develop innovative solutions.
The specifications of the ApeCoin DAO Founders Circle reflect a holistic approach, seamlessly integrating physical and virtual elements to establish an ecosystem where education, collaboration, and innovation converge to shape the future of blockchain technology.
STEPS TO IMPLEMENT:
The ApeCoin DAO Founders Circle’s primary focus is to expand the DAO’s reach by hosting events and supporting startup growth, as well as growing the local community. Here’s a proposed timeline for implementing the Founders Circle and expanding to different selected markets:
Phase 1 (Q2 of 2024)
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Form a core team of who will lead the Founders Circle and oversee its operations;
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Identify a suitable hi-tech building and design co-working space layout;
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Create a communication plan to inform ApeCoin DAO members of the new initiative and the benefits of participating in the Founders Circle;
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Start interview potential early-stage startups on selected market;
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Launch website or combine into WG operation site AIP-317.
Phase 2 (End of 2024)
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Supervise first Founders Circle office design;
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Establish partnerships with blockchain companies and VCs;
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Launch and Host the first Founders Circle event, either online or in-person, to introduce the initiative and discuss its goals and potential benefits;
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Identify potential startups to support and mentor within the DAO community;
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Planning for future Founders Circle events.
Phase 3 (Q1 of 2025)
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Launch the Founders Circle in the first selected market;
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Expand support to local startups and foster community engagement.
Phase 4 (2025)
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Host regular events, workshops, and mentorship sessions in each Founders Circle;
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Begin planning the expansion to the other locations based on feedback from the community and selected markets;
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Continuously scout for new opportunities and collaborations within each selected market.
Phase 5 (2025-2026)
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Supervise second Founders Circle office design;
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Host regular events, workshops, and mentorship sessions in each Founders Circle;
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Launch the Founders Circle in the second selected market.
Phase 6 (2026-2027)
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Supervise third Founders Circle office design;
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Host regular events, workshops, and mentorship sessions in each Founders Circle;
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Launch the Founders Circle in the third selected market.
TIMELINE:
Phase 1 (Q2 of 2024)
Phase 2 (End of 2024)
Phase 3 (Q1 of 2025)
Phase 4 (2025)
Phase 5 (2025-2026)
Phase 6 (2026-2027)
OVERALL COST: 9M $APE for 2024-2027, to be provided in tranches via a mechanism to be determined together with the APE Foundation at a later date.