PROPOSAL NAME:
Ape.eth Name Service (ANS), using Ape.eth:
EVM-Compatible Identity for the Ape DAO-Ecosystem-Community,
(Interoperable & Cross-chain Identity…Powered by ENS/CCIP & Apechain)
TEAM DESCRIPTION:
Currently, the core team consists of two dedicated members of the BAYC/MAYC community, both with significant expertise in Web3 technologies and decentralized identity systems:
- GaryPalmerJr.eth (BAYC #3636)
Gary Palmer Jr. is a leading advocate for Web3 identity and digital sovereignty, with extensive experience in blockchain technology, ENS, and decentralized protocols. As a recognized voting delegate in the ENS DAO and a community liaison for ENS Labs, Gary has contributed to numerous initiatives advancing the use of ENS in Web3 dApps. He has also hosted digital and IRL discussions with key industry leaders and is known for his thought leadership in Web3 domains and decentralized identity. - Ada.eth (MAYC #6007)
Ada.eth (AKA: UnfoldedLife.eth) brings a background in project management and marketing-technology applications, with a particular focus on ensuring smooth interoperability between people, process, and infrastructure. With deep ties to the MAYC community, Ada.eth specializes in creating and deploying marketing-technology infrastructure that enables secure, scalable solutions. Her technical, people, and creative skills, combined with a passion for the NFT and Web3 space, have made her an essential contributor to this proposal.
Communication:
We primarily use Twitter (X) for real-time communication and updates.
- GaryPalmerJr.eth: @garypalmerjr
- Ada.eth, AKA: UnfoldedLife.eth: @UnfoldedLife
We’re also active on Discord for more detailed project discussions and collaboration with team members and partners; and Signal App for secure communications.
As we are seeking funding for this proposal, we are fully prepared to adhere to the requirements, including signing grant agreements and completing KYC verification.
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION:
Apechain Name Service (ANS), using Ape.eth: EVM-Compatible Identity for the Ape community, (Interoperable, Cross-chain Identity; Powered by ENS/ape.eth & Apechain)
We propose launching the Apechain Name Service (ANS), a Web3 identity solution that leverages the power of the ENS protocol (EIP-137) to create .ape.eth subnames for the Apechain community. This will allow Apes to enjoy the benefits of sovereign, interoperable names that are cross-chain compatible and blockchain-agnostic—perfectly integrated across EVM-compatible chains, including Web2 and Web3 sites-apps.
Why ENS Matters for Apechain:
By using ENS, names like “gary.ape.eth” would be natively interoperable with existing Web2/Web3 services like MetaMask, Uniswap, Coinbase, OpenSea, PayPal, and Venmo—services that have already integrated ENS. Any other naming systems would be like a fork of ENS, meaning they would not benefit from ENS’s vast pre-existing network effect. These alternative systems would require extensive business development efforts to achieve the same integrations, whereas ENS names already work natively in the most widely used Web3 and Web2 services. As the adoption of the ENS protocol continues to grow, the network effect will exponentially increase the value and utility of ANS names, making them even more integral to the broader Web3 community.
Proven Model:
Similar to the .base.eth names on Basechain, which generated over $562,014 (214 ETH) in just ~30 days, this proposal seeks to create a dedicated naming system for Apechain. Base names like “gary.base.eth” are already functional on MetaMask, Uniswap, and even PayPal/Venmo, proving the demand and utility of these cross-chain identities. We aim to replicate this success within the Ape community by leveraging ENS’s existing tech and network effects.
Key Opportunity:
By acquiring the ape.eth ENS name (which is likely to cost in the six-figure range), Apechain would gain the ability to offer .ape.eth subnames. These names would be fully EVM-compatible, making them usable across Apechain, Ethereum, and other EVM chains, just as “gary.base.eth” works across Ethereum and Basechain today.
Why ENS Over Other Naming Systems?
Other naming systems will struggle to achieve the native integration ENS already has with widely adopted platforms. While some Ape-specific naming solutions may emerge, they will not be cross-chain compatible or EVM-compliant without direct integration with ENS. This means names not based on ENS would lack the utility to work seamlessly across MetaMask, Uniswap, Coinbase, OpenSea, PayPal, Venmo, and countless other services.
Next Steps:
This proposal seeks funding from the Ape DAO to acquire the ENS domain ape.eth and to develop a full suite of cross-chain compatible .ape.eth subnames for the Ape community. This initiative would establish Apechain as a leader in decentralized, sovereign identity, enhancing the Ape culture while unlocking interoperable identity for users across multiple chains.
Call to Action:
We need a team and community support to bring this vision to life. Whether you’re passionate about sovereign Web3 identity, ENS, or Apechain, we invite you to join us. Let’s collaborate, build a plan, and make .ape.eth names a reality for Apechain!
BENEFIT TO APECOIN COMMUNITY:
The Apechain Name Service (ANS) will provide significant benefits to the ApeCoin community by creating a native, interoperable identity solution for the Ape community. By leveraging the ENS protocol, we can establish .ape.eth subnames that are fully integrated with existing Web3 infrastructure, across Ethereum L1 and EVM L2s, bringing both short-term utility and long-term growth potential, critical for the ApeCoin community.
1. Increased Utility & Adoption:
With ENS-based .ape.eth names, Ape holders will gain a powerful, interoperable identity that works seamlessly across major Web3 platforms such as MetaMask, Uniswap, OpenSea, Coinbase, PayPal, and Venmo. This increases the visibility and utility of ApeCoin holders, empowering them to transact, interact, and showcase their identity in the broader Web3 space.
2. Strengthened Community Identity:
The .ape.eth naming system will foster a stronger sense of identity and belonging within the Ape community. It will allow users to establish unique digital identities tied directly to Apechain, enhancing their social standing and reinforcing ApeCoin’s cultural significance. Just as .base.eth names have driven engagement on Basechain, .ape.eth names will do the same for the ApeCoin community.
3. Cross-Chain Interoperability:
Unlike other potential naming systems that are limited to a single chain or require custom integrations, the ANS names will be cross-chain compatible and blockchain-agnostic, leveraging the existing ENS network effect. This means users will benefit from an identity that functions across Ethereum, Basechain, and other EVM-compatible chains—driving further adoption of ApeCoin in the larger blockchain space.
4. Revenue Generation for Ape DAO:
By acquiring and distributing ape.eth subnames, the Ape DAO will have an opportunity to generate long-term revenue from registration fees and renewals, similar to how ENS generates income. The funds raised from .ape.eth names can be reinvested into further development, marketing, and community-building efforts, benefiting the entire ApeCoin community.
5. Network Effects:
As ENS adoption continues to grow across Web3 and Web2 platforms, the network effect will drive even more value to ANS names. This increasing utility will make .ape.eth names more desirable, enhancing their role as a core component of the ApeCoin community.
We are requesting funding from the Ape DAO to acquire the ape.eth domain, which is critical to launching .ape.eth subnames and ensuring the ApeCoin community has access to EVM-compatible, sovereign Web3 identities; and for the dev team to develop and launch ANS, which will grow in value and utility as the community expands.
Further, to add detail:
The Apechain Name Service (ANS) project is designed to enhance the ApeCoin community by providing critical infrastructure that empowers users with sovereign, interoperable Web3 identities.
This initiative will drive growth in several key areas, from increasing user engagement and adoption to expanding the community’s technical and financial capabilities. Below are the ways ANS will contribute to the growth of the ApeCoin community:
1. Enhancing Decentralized Identity
The introduction of .ape.eth subnames will allow users within the ApeCoin community to create and manage their own decentralized identities, which can be used across various Web3 platforms.
By leveraging the ENS protocol (EIP-137), .ape.eth names will become a vital tool for identity, empowering users to:
- Secure human-readable names that map to their wallets and digital assets.
- Showcase their ApeCoin identity across platforms such as MetaMask, Uniswap, OpenSea, and Coinbase.
- Foster greater personal branding and identity within the ApeCoin and broader Yuga Labs community.
This will create a stronger sense of belonging and community within the ApeCoin community while attracting new users seeking to establish a decentralized identity in Web3.
2. Expanding Cross-Chain Interoperability
Apechain Name Service will offer full cross-chain interoperability through CCIP (Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol, EIP-3668).
This means that .ape.eth subnames will work not only on Ethereum Layer 1 but also across Layer 2 solutions like Basechain, Polygon, and other EVM-compatible chains.
- This will encourage the growth of ApeCoin by making the community accessible across multiple chains, reducing gas fees and friction for users.
- As new chains are integrated, .ape.eth names will ensure seamless interactions across decentralized applications, making ApeCoin more attractive to users in diverse blockchain environments.
By fostering multi-chain compatibility, ANS will significantly broaden the utility of ApeCoin, enabling it to interact with a wider network of decentralized apps (dApps) and services.
3. Increasing Community Engagement
ANS will serve as a catalyst for user engagement within the ApeCoin community by offering incentives for early adopters, marketplace activity, and name registration.
Through initiatives like:
- Discounts and perks for early adopters.
- Referral programs to drive user growth.
- Exclusive NFT airdrops tied to .ape.eth subname registrations.
These programs will create a strong incentive for users to engage with the platform, boosting overall activity within the ApeCoin community. The marketplace for .ape.eth subnames will also create new opportunities for trading and collaboration within the community.
4. Strengthening Community Identity and Culture
The ApeCoin community is driven by a vibrant community that values identity, creativity, and belonging.
By offering personalized, culturally significant .ape.eth names, ANS will strengthen this sense of community by:
- Allowing users to showcase their affiliation with BAYC, MAYC, and other Yuga Labs projects through unique, branded subnames.
- Offering premium names that align with the cultural vibe of the ApeCoin community, further enhancing personal identity and engagement.
- Providing users with tools to express their creativity and individuality in both Web2 and Web3 platforms, tying their names to their decentralized personas.
This will attract new users while reinforcing the community-driven nature of the ApeCoin community, helping it grow organically.
5. Encouraging Innovation and Community Expansion
By leveraging the ENS protocol, ANS brings ApeCoin into the broader Web3 identity movement, positioning it at the forefront of innovation.
The platform’s infrastructure will:
- Enable developers to build new applications and integrations around .ape.eth names, encouraging the creation of novel dApps and services that tap into the ApeCoin community.
- Foster partnerships with other Web3 platforms, ensuring that ApeCoin remains interoperable and well-integrated across emerging decentralized networks.
- Open new avenues for collaborations with other NFT communities, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, and metaverse projects, all of which can further grow the community.
By contributing to the technical and economic expansion of ApeCoin, ANS will solidify the community’s standing as a leader in decentralized identity and Web3 infrastructure.
6. Increasing Adoption of ApeCoin
As more users register .ape.eth subnames and integrate them into their daily Web3 activities, the utility and demand for ApeCoin will naturally increase.
By creating a high-demand identity solution that requires interaction with the ApeCoin community, ANS will:
- Drive up transaction volumes related to ApeCoin.
- Encourage the use of ApeCoin within the broader Web3 space, as users seek to leverage their .ape.eth names across various dApps and blockchain networks.
- Create a deeper connection between ApeCoin and the Web3 identity space, boosting its reputation and adoption among new users and developers.
In total, tangibly, Apechain Name Service (ANS) will contribute to the growth of the ApeCoin community by expanding its technical capabilities, fostering deeper community engagement, creating new financial opportunities for the DAO, and positioning ApeCoin as a leading player in decentralized identity and multi-chain Web3 infrastructure.
The combination of .ape.eth subnames and cross-chain interoperability will empower users, developers, and the DAO to drive the community’s continued expansion and success.
DEFINITIONS:
- Apechain/Ape.eth Name Service (ANS): A proposed naming system built on the ENS protocol specifically for the Apechain community, providing .ape.eth subnames for ApeCoin holders. These names will be interoperable across various EVM-compatible chains.
- ENS (Ethereum Name Service): A decentralized domain name system built on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing users to register human-readable names like “name.eth” that can be used to receive cryptocurrency, interact with smart contracts, and integrate with Web3 services like MetaMask, Uniswap, OpenSea, Coinbase, and more.
- .ape.eth Subnames: Custom, community-branded subnames (e.g., “yourname.ape.eth”) tied to the ape.eth domain, leveraging the ENS protocol for cross-chain compatibility and decentralized identity management. These names are EVM-compatible and will work across major Web3 applications.
- EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine): The runtime environment for smart contracts on Ethereum. EVM-compatible refers to blockchain networks that can run Ethereum smart contracts, such as Basechain, Polygon, and Apechain.
- CCIP (Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol, EIP-3668): A protocol that enables decentralized services, like ENS names, to work across multiple blockchains, ensuring that names such as .ape.eth are functional on multiple EVM chains.
- Network Effect: The phenomenon where a product or service becomes more valuable as more people use it. In the context of ENS and ANS, the more platforms and users adopt ENS-based names like .ape.eth, the more utility and value these names will have in the broader Web3 community.
- Basechain: A layer-2 Ethereum scaling solution that recently introduced .base.eth names as part of their integration with ENS. Basechain serves as an example of how Apechain can benefit from a similar naming system.
- EIP (Ethereum Improvement Proposal): A standard used to propose changes or enhancements to the Ethereum blockchain. In this context, EIP-137 refers to the standard used by ENS for domain registration, while EIP-3668 refers to the cross-chain interoperability protocol (CCIP).
- RPC (Remote Procedure Call): In the context of crypto, this is a software communication protocol that enables a program to execute a specific procedure on a different blockchain network or node remotely. This allows decentralized applications (dApps) to interact with a blockchain network, request information, or send transactions, without requiring direct access to the underlying blockchain infrastructure.
STEPS TO IMPLEMENT:
1. Acquisition of the “ape.eth” ENS Name
- Start Date: Upon approval of funding
- End Date: Estimated 2-8 weeks post-approval
- Description: The first step is to acquire the ape.eth ENS domain. This is critical to creating .ape.eth subnames under the ENS protocol. The domain will likely cost in the six-figure range based on current market value. (Secondarily, we could like to also secure “apechain.eth”, etc.)
- Associated Costs for “Ape.eth”: Estimated at $250,000 - $1,000,000 (based on current ENS market prices for premium names).
- Personnel: Coordination between the project lead, ENS marketplace experts, and the ApeCoin DAO for securing funds.
- Platforms: ENS domain acquisition platforms like Vision/.io.
- Request to APE Foundation: Funding approval to purchase the ape.eth domain, to leverage for the “Apechain/Ape.eth Name Service” (ANS).
2. Development of Apechain Name Service (ANS)
- Start Date: Immediately following ENS acquisition
- End Date: 3-4 months for MVP launch
- Description: We will develop the ANS system to enable the registration and management of .ape.eth subnames. This will involve building a user-friendly interface, smart contracts, and integration with ENS protocols, based on the successful implementation of Base names.
- Milestones:
- Milestone 1: Smart contract development for .ape.eth subnames (2 months).
- Milestone 2: Integration of CCIP (EIP-3668) for cross-chain interoperability (3 months).
- Milestone 3: Initial launch of the ANS registration platform for Apechain users (4 months).
- Note: Timelines may be stretched for Q4 holidays in November, December, and January.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Successful deployment of .ape.eth subnames on the Apechain testnet.
- Achieving 10,000+ registrations of .ape.eth names within the first 3 months post-launch.
- Associated Costs:
- Development and engineering team: $300,000 (covering smart contract development for smart contracts, user interface, and testing).
- Integration and technical audits: $100,000 (security audits and interoperability testing).
- Marketing & promotion of launch: $100,000 (campaign to raise awareness and onboard users).
- Personnel:
- Development team (smart contract engineers, front-end/back-end developers).
- ENS protocol specialists.
- Project manager and marketing team.
- Platforms: ENS, Apechain testnet/mainnet, GitHub, project management tools.
- Request to APE Foundation: Funding support for development, technical audits, and initial marketing efforts.
3. Launch and Growth Phase
- Start Date: Post-development (Month 4)
- End Date: Ongoing
- Description: Once the ANS platform is live, we will focus on growing the community by promoting .ape.eth names through community engagement, partnerships, and incentives for early adopters.
- Milestones:
- Milestone 1: Initial launch of .ape.eth names on Apechain’s mainnet (Month 4).
- Milestone 2: Reach 50,000+ .ape.eth registrations in the first 6 months.
- Milestone 3: Marketing integration .ape.eth names into key platforms like Uniswap, MetaMask, OpenSea, and PayPal by leveraging ENS’s existing network effect. Note: Interoperability is already available for specific integrations or partnerships that are already integrated with the ENS protocol.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Sustained growth in .ape.eth registrations (targeting 50,000 registrations in 6 months).
- Number of integrations achieved with ENS-compatible platforms.
- Associated Costs:
- Ongoing marketing and community-building efforts: TBD.
- Development of additional features based on community feedback: TBD.
- Personnel:
- Marketing and partnerships team.
- Ongoing development support for additional feature rollouts.
- Platforms: ENS, Apechain, social media, and blockchain integration platforms.
- Request to APE Foundation: Additional funding support for continued promotion and development of new features; and vocal and digital support in the growth, integrations, and rollouts.
4. Long-term Sustainability & DAO Revenue
- Start Date: After 6 months
- Description: Post-launch, the focus will shift to ensuring long-term sustainability of ANS through community governance and a revenue-sharing model that benefits the ApeCoin DAO. We plan to generate revenue from subname registration fees and renewals, similar to ENS’s revenue model. The DAO will be an integral part of governance and fund allocation moving forward.
- Milestones:
- Sustainable revenue stream from subname registrations.
- DAO-led decisions on how funds are reinvested into the community.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Revenue targets from subname fees (estimated at $100,000+ in the first year).
- Increase in ApeCoin usage as .ape.eth names become a valuable part of the community.
- Associated Costs: None (revenue generation phase).
- Personnel: DAO members for governance.
- Platforms: ApeCoin DAO governance platforms.
The timeline for the 3-4 month MVP launch and ongoing growth phase is flexible and will adapt based on community feedback and development progress, as we will be responsive to any unforeseen delays.
REPORTING EXPECTATIONS:
We are committed to maintaining transparency and keeping the ApeCoin community informed at every stage of the project. Below is our proposed reporting schedule for sharing progress updates:
- Initial Progress Report – 1 month after project approval
- Details: This report will include updates on the acquisition of the ape.eth ENS name, initial team formation, and early development milestones for the Apechain Name Service (ANS). We will also outline any initial challenges or adjustments to timelines.
- Quarterly Progress Reports – Every 3 months post-project initiation
- Details: These reports will provide detailed updates on:
- Development milestones achieved (e.g., smart contract development, platform integration, CCIP implementation).
- Ongoing costs and expenditures.
- Key performance indicators (KPIs), via Dune dashboards, including the number of .ape.eth registrations and platform integrations.
- Marketing activities, community engagement, and partnership developments.
- Beta Launch Report – At the time of ANS Beta launch (4th month)
- Details: This report will focus on the launch of the .ape.eth subname registration platform, including:
- Progress on technical development.
- Early user feedback from beta testing.
- Metrics on initial .ape.eth registrations via Dune dashboards.
- Any required post-launch adjustments based on community input.
- Post-Launch Report – 6 months after the official platform launch
- Details: This report will evaluate the success of the full platform launch and include:
- Detailed metrics on .ape.eth registrations (targets: 10,000+ registrations within the first 3 months, 50,000+ within the first 6 months).
- Revenue generated from registration fees via Dune dashboards.
- User engagement data and community response.
- Next steps for feature rollouts, integrations, and continued system development.
- Annual Reporting – 12 months after project initiation
- Details: A comprehensive report summarizing the first year’s progress, including:
- Total number of .ape.eth registrations via Dune dashboards.
- Revenue generated for the ApeCoin DAO.
- Successes, lessons learned, and recommendations for the next phases of the ANS project.
- Proposals for additional features and enhancements based on community feedback.
- The future roadmap beyond the first year will be expanded for the project’s longevity; adding further features and functionalities planned for ANS, which will continue to add new value for ANS after the initial launch phases.
Reporting Channels:
- Reports will be shared via Snapshot, ApeCoin DAO forums, Dune dashboards, and Twitter (X).
- Regular updates and key insights will also be discussed in community spaces, such as Discord and Twitter Spaces.
This reporting schedule ensures consistent communication with the community, allowing for feedback and adjustments throughout the project.
OVERALL COST:
Total amount requested from the ApeCoin DAO Fund = $1,500,000.
- We are requesting: $1,500,000 from the ApeCoin DAO Fund.
- Up to $1,000,000 for the “ape.eth” domain acquisition.
- And then $500,000 for ANS development & marketing.
- Fund Tranches for Release:
- Tranche #1: $1,000,000 for the “ape.eth” domain name acquisition.
- Important Notes:
- A. If we are not successful in acquiring the “ape.eth” domain name, then all unused funds will be returned to the APE DAO.
- B. If we are successful in acquiring the “ape.eth” domain name, then any extra funds will be reserved for ANS development and marketing.
- Milestone for release: Approval of this AIP for ANS.
- Important Notes:
- Tranche #2: $200,000 for the initial development of ANS/ape.eth via ApeChain.
- For initial smart contract development, and initial Front-End/Back-End Development.
- Milestone for release: We acquire & secure the “Ape.eth” ENS domain name.
- Tranche #3: $200,000 to complete Front-End/Back-End Development, Testing and Deployment, and Technical Audits & Security.
- For ANS completion and finalization for live service launch on ApeChain.
- Milestone for release: The initial ANS smart contracts are live on testnet, and is accessible and usable via our front-end interface on Testnet.
- Tranche #4: $100,000 to Execute Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement strategies.
- For marketing campaigns to drive early adoption of .ape.eth names.
- Milestone for release: The initial ANS smart contracts are live on ApeChain, and is accessible and usable, (including the “name manager” for the user to update their *.ape.eth records and profile), using our front-end interface and the ApeChain RPC
- Tranche #1: $1,000,000 for the “ape.eth” domain name acquisition.
This grant will cover the following areas to ensure the successful development, launch, and promotion of the Apechain Name Service (ANS), specifically using the “ape.eth” ENS name:
Budget Breakdown:
- Acquisition of “ape.eth” ENS Domain
- Estimated Cost: $250,000 - $1,000,000
- Purpose: Secure the essential ape.eth ENS domain,
- And enable *.ape.eth subnames via Apechain, (leveraging the ENS-CCIP protocols).
- Development of Apechain Name Service (ANS), with “*.ape.eth”
- Total Development & Engineering Costs: $300,000
- This is the total broken down for development costs:
- Smart Contract Development: $150,000
- Front-End/Back-End Development: $100,000
- Testing and Deployment: $50,000
- This is the total broken down for development costs:
- Purpose: Build the core infrastructure to allow the registration and management of .ape.eth names via the ENS protocol. This includes integration of CCIP (EIP-3668) for cross-chain interoperability.
- Technical Audits & Security
- Cost: $100,000
- Purpose: Conduct security and functionality audits for the smart contracts and platform, ensuring the safety and reliability of the .ape.eth name service.
- Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement
- Cost: $100,000
- Purpose: Execute a marketing campaign to raise awareness and drive early adoption of .ape.eth names, including community outreach, partnerships, and incentives for early adopters.
- Ongoing Support and Feature Rollouts
- Cost: (TBD via Future AIP)
- Purpose: Develop additional features based on community feedback, support new integrations, and handle ongoing platform improvements.
Additional Requests to APE Foundation:
-
Community Discussion Platforms:
- Request for support in setting up a dedicated section on the ApeCoin DAO forums for discussion around the Apechain Name Service (ANS), facilitating community engagement and feedback.
-
Snapshot Promotion:
- Request to feature this proposal on the Snapshot homepage to ensure visibility and encourage voting from the ApeCoin community.
-
Co-Marketing & PR:
- Request for ENS and ApeCoin Foundation to coordinate joint PR efforts, including press releases, blog posts, or featured articles highlighting Apechain Name Service (ANS) as an official ENS-powered solution for ApeCoin identity.
- Request for use of ENS and ApeCoin logos in marketing materials to showcase the collaboration and legitimacy of the ANS project.
-
ENS & ApeCoin Social Media Announcements:
- Request joint social media announcements across ENS and ApeCoin’s official channels (Twitter, Discord, etc.) to promote the ANS launch, features, and benefits to both communities.
- Ask for ENS and ApeCoin Foundation to collaborate on Twitter Spaces or AMA sessions, where community members can learn more about ANS, ask questions, and engage with the project.