PROPOSAL NAME
ApeConnect - Network to Earn
Revolutionizing Networking and Engagement at Real-World Events
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Networking at events is often inefficient, with attendees struggling to remember contacts or engage meaningfully with sponsors. ApeConnect addresses these challenges by enhancing networking through blockchain-enabled tools, gamification, and rewards in Apecoin. Making each event count for the attendees, sponsors and companies, leveraging, at the same time, the use of Apecoin.
TEAM DESCRIPTION:
Team Lead: Oriana Nan - BAYC 7981
- Role: Founder and product strategist for ApeConnect.
- Background: Over 16 years of experience in Digital Marketing and over 5 years working in innovation: blockchain technology, web3, AI.
Co-founded 2 companies: TGI Social (Digital Marketing) and Shake Lab (Web3).
Professor at ISDI in Mexico, teaches about Web3, technology and innovation.
Development Partner: Xcapit
- CEO: José Ignacio Trajtenberg - BAYC 5958
- Expertise: Blockchain software factory specializing in decentralized identity, secure smart contract development, and gamified blockchain applications.
Blockchain Development Lead: Xcapit Team
- Team Leader: Blockchain Specialist Fernando Boiero.
- Expertise: Solidity development, blockchain integration, and smart contract auditing.
PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION:
ApeConnect is a apechain-powered networking and engagement platform tailored for real-world events such as conferences, conventions, and different kinds of events. It enables attendees and sponsors to connect seamlessly, foster meaningful interactions, and gamify event participation, with all rewards distributed in Apecoin. NETWORK TO EARN!
Core Features:
1. User Profiles:
- Attendees create customizable profiles with details such as name, email, company, position, social media links, and photos.
- Privacy settings allow users to control what information they share.
2. Contactless Networking:
- QR codes and NFC-enabled badges make exchanging contact information effortless.
- Attendees can save connections, add notes, and attach photos to remember interactions. (i.e: “co-founder of xyz company, send him a proposal to collaborate”)
3. Gamification & Challenges:
- Leaderboards track attendee interactions, with rewards for top participants.
- Event sponsors can launch challenges tied to booth visits or specific actions. Event organizers would be responsible for providing their own in-app rewards. Custom challenges or accessing advanced analytics may be introduced in the future, with fees ranging from $10 to $50 per feature.
4. Blockchain Integration:
- Built on Apechain, rewards are distributed in Apecoin, promoting its adoption.
- Integrates with POAP (Proof of Attendance Protocol) to record event participation.
BENEFIT TO THE APECOIN ECOSYSTEM:
1. Increased ApeCoin Adoption:
ApeConnect will drive the use of Apecoin as the primary currency for challenges and rewards.
2. Showcasing Apechain:
By leveraging Apechain for smart contracts and transactions, the platform highlights its utility for real-world applications.
3. Expanded User Base:
While starting with Web3 enthusiasts, ApeConnect has the potential to onboard new users, bridging the gap to non-crypto communities.
4. Gamified Engagement:
Transforming networking into a competitive and rewarding experience increases engagement within the ecosystem.
5. Long-Term Network Effects:
By creating lasting connections and incentivizing participation, ApeConnect builds a vibrant, interconnected community.
6. MBA:
Special benefits for MBA, where they won’t be charged to launch challenges on the app.
Benefits for ApeCoin
1. Enhanced Utility and Adoption
ApeConnect integrates ApeCoin into app transactions and community interactions, significantly increasing its daily use. ApeConnect promotes ApeCoin as the primary currency for engaging in challenges and rewarding user interactions.
Specific KPIs:
- User Adoption: Achieve a 20% increase in active ApeCoin users within 12 months through ApeConnect.
- Transaction Volume: Boost ApeCoin transaction volume processed via ApeConnect by 30% within one year.
2. Increased Brand Recognition
Brands and companies wishing to launch challenges on the ApeConnect must utilize ApeCoin, enhancing its visibility and adoption.
Specific KPIs:
- App Downloads: Target 15,000 ApeConnect app downloads within the first year.
- Onboarded Companies: Successfully onboard 350 web3 companies, startups, brands, and communities to ApeConnect functionalities, encouraging them to launch ApeCoin-based challenges in the first year.
3. Revenue Opportunities
ApeConnect facilitates challenges and interactions rewarded with ApeCoin, prompting brands and companies to acquire ApeCoin to fund these initiatives, thus generating new revenue streams.
Specific KPIs:
- Revenue Generation: Drive an additional $1M equivalent in ApeCoin purchases by brands and companies specifically to fund challenge rewards within the first year.
Benefits for ApeChain
1. Increased Network Usage and Activity
ApeConnect enhances blockchain activity by streamlining ApeCoin transactions, ensuring an increase in transactions in particular during major events. To maintain engagement outside event periods, ApeConnect will utilize NFT airdrops from sponsors and incentivized interactions.
Specific KPIs:
-
On-chain Activity: Generate a minimum of 25,000 on-chain transactions per event.
-
On-chain Engagement: Grow total monthly active ApeChain addresses interacting through ApeConnect
2. Enhanced Network Reputation
Through delivering a user-friendly and reliable experience, ApeConnect strengthens ApeChain’s image as a user-centric blockchain platform, attracting strategic collaborations and building community trust.
Specific KPIs:
- Strategic Partnerships: Secure at least 8 significant strategic partnerships annually through ApeConnect.
- Showcasing ApeChain Utility: Leverage ApeChain’s capabilities for smart contracts and transactions, clearly demonstrating its applicability and value in real-world scenarios.
Summary of KPIs
| Metric Category | 12-Month KPI Targets | Benefit To |
|---|---|---|
| Active ApeCoin Users | +20% increase | ApeCoin |
| Transaction Volume | +30% via ApeConnect | ApeCoin & ApeChain |
| ApeConnect App Downloads | 15,000 downloads | ApeCoin & ApeChain |
| Revenue Generation | $1M in ApeCoin | ApeCoin |
| ApeChain Transactions | Minimum 25,000 per event | ApeChain |
| Strategic Partnerships | 8 major partnerships | ApeCoin & ApeChain |
KEY TERMS:
- QR Code/NFC Badge: Tools for contactless networking and engagement at events.
- POAP: Proof of Attendance Protocol for tracking event participation.
- Wallet Integration: Linking user profiles to crypto wallets for seamless reward distribution.
PLATFORMS & TECHNOLOGIES:
- Backend:Docker, PostgreSQL, Django, Python.
- Frontend: Ionic, Capacitor, Angular.
- Blockchain: Research and initial setup with Solidity, OpenZeppelin Smart Contracts, and Hardhat.
User Features:
- Create and customize profiles
- Scan QR codes or tap NFC badges to save contacts
- Participate in challenges and claim rewards
Backend Features:
- Record activity on blockchain
- Manage challenges and rewards
- Create smart contracts for event-specific activities
STEPS TO IMPLEMENT:
Phase 1: Discovery (Month 1)
- Deliverables:
- Requirements document and technical architecture.
- High-fidelity UI/UX prototypes.
- Privacy and security framework aligned with regulations.
- Activities:
- Stakeholder workshops and research on data security.
- Design of modular backend and wallet integration.
Funding Milestone 1: $20,000
Phase 2: Prototype Development (Months 2-3)
- Deliverables:
- Functional prototype with attendee profiles, wallet integration, and basic gamification.
- Blockchain smart contracts deployed on Apechain Testnet.
- QR networking tools for contact sharing.
- Activities:
- Backend and frontend MVP development.
- Initial testing for wallet connectivity, security, and gamification features.
Funding Milestone 2: $40,000
Phase 3: MVP Development (Months 4-6)
- Deliverables:
- Platform with attendee and company.
- Gamification (leaderboards, challenges).
- QR/NFC tools and privacy-compliant data handling.
- Deployment on Apechain Mainnet.
- Activities:
- Expansion of features to include transaction history and reward tracking.
- Comprehensive testing and user feedback integration.
Funding Milestone 3: $60,000
Phase 4: Launch and Implementation (Months 6-12)
- Deliverables:
- Launch of the first challenge within an event with the distribution of up to 5,000 NFC printed cards, with the Apecoin logo.
- Take part in 3-5 key Web3 and blockchain events in the first year.
- Activities:
- Direct Sales to Events and Sponsors
- Offer discounted or free implementation for high-profile events to build case studies
- Attend key Web3 conferences, expos, and conventions.
- Set up meetings with event organizers to demonstrate the value of ApeConnect.
- Approach brands to sponsor challenges using Apecoin.
- Seed initial challenges with rewards in Apecoin to drive adoption and engagement: allocate a fund of Apecoin to be distributed as prizes for early events and challenges.
Funding Milestone 4: $89,990
Operational Budget
1. Infrastructure
- Hosting and cloud services: $18,000 annually.
- Maintenance & Support: $12,000 annually.
2. Legal and Compliance
- Drafting terms and conditions, data privacy policies: $10,000.
FEE & PRIZE POOL STRUCTURE:
| Event Organizer | Sponsor/Brand | MBA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee to Set up a Challenge | $50 | $50 | $0 |
Size of the prize pool
| 1-5,000 | 5,000-10,000 | 10,001-25,000 | 25,001-50,000 | Over 50,001 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage over prize pool | 10% | 8.00% | 5.00% | 3.00% | 2.00% |
For example, a prize pool of 3,000 USD will cost the organizer: $50 + $300 = $350.
We are also considering an Early Adopters Discount for the Setup Fee with this structure. We will remain flexible to adapt to market response. Our main goal in the beginning is to gain traction, and we prefer to encourage larger prize pools in Apecoin rather than prioritize setup fees.
Early Adopter Discount Structure
- First 10 users: 80% reduction.
- Next 20 users: 50% reduction.
- Next 30 users: 25% reduction.
In the future we are thinking also in having Subscription Based Premium Features for organizers who plan to host multiple challenges.
For example:
- Monthly Fee: $100, including 1 challenge setup fee waived and 8% fee on all prize pools.
- Annual Fee: $1,000, including up to 10 challenges setup fees waived and 5% fee on prize pools.
REPORTING AND EXPECTATIONS
Development Phase:
- Updates on milestones, including functionality, blockchain integration, and UI/UX development.
- Beta testing sessions to refine the platform.
Post-Launch KPIs:
- Total number of users and wallet connections.
- Volume of Apecoin transactions.
- Number of events hosted using ApeConnect.
REVENUE MODEL
- Event Organizers:
- Subscription or one-time fees for using the platform to manage challenges, dashboards, and attendee data.
- Sponsors:
- Fees for challenge creation and participation, as well as analytics tools to measure engagement.
- Additional Revenue Streams:
- Commission on Apecoin rewards distributed. For rewards between 0–5,000 USD in Apecoin, a 10% commission applies; for 5,001–10,000 USD in Apecoin, it’s 8%; for 10,001–25,000 USD in Apecoin, 5%; for 25,001–50,000 USD in Apecoin, 3%; and for rewards above 50,001 USD in Apecoin, 2%.
- Additional Stake function for long-term user activity as a future feature
Key Differentiators
- Focused on the Web3 community with seamless Apechain and Apecoin integrations.
- Combines networking with gamification, creating a more engaging event experience.
- Enables tangible rewards (Apecoin) for attendee actions, unlike traditional networking apps like LinkedIn or Swapcard.
OVERALL COST:
Total amount requested from the ApeCoin Ecosystem Fund = $249,990 USD
FUNDING REQUEST IN TRANCHES
| Tranch | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Month 1: Development Phase 1 + Operational Costs | $60,000 |
| Month 2: Development Phase 2 | $40,000 |
| Month 4: Development Phase 3 | $60,000 |
| Month 6: Marketing, Sales & Challenge Fund in ApeCoin | $ 89,990 |
| TOTAL | $249,990 |
The Apecoin DAO is not expected to directly engage in the implementation steps of the AIP.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
| Phase | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Development Phase 1 | $20,000 |
| Development Phase 2 | $40,000 |
| Development Phase 3 | $60,000 |
| Development Subtotal | $120,000 |
| Marketing & Sales | $74,990 |
| Challenge Fund in ApeCoin | $15,000 |
| Operational Costs | $40,000 |
| Total | $249,990 |
From the total requested funds of $249,990 USD:
- $40,000 USD allocated for core team salaries (project management, marketing, sales, strategic oversight, and ongoing operational responsibilities) for one year. It’s important to highlight that this amount is symbolic, as multiple team members are contributing extensive time and expertise for significantly less compensation than the market standard.
- $120,000 USD designated as developer compensation, covering technical development and engineering costs for one year.
- $24,000 USD allocated to the content creator responsible for marketing and community engagement activities for one year.
- $40,000 USD reserved for infrastructure and legal expenses, representing operational costs for one year.
- $15,000 USD set aside as a challenge fund in ApeCoin to incentivize user participation and community engagement.
- $10,990 USD planned for travel expenses related to on-site marketing and promotional activities.
Regarding out-of-pocket expenses, the team has already personally financed all initial research, early-stage prototyping, preliminary marketing, and minor administrative expenses. Additionally, the entire ongoing marketing, promotion, and sales strategy is fully funded and executed out-of-pocket by the team. We anticipate continuing to personally cover these significant marketing and promotional efforts, along with smaller miscellaneous costs that may arise throughout the project.