Proposal for Decentralizing ApeChain with Stereum
Section 1: Basic Information
Company Name: Stereum Services FlexCo
Project Name: Decentralize ApeChain with Stereum
Primary Contact Person: David Mühlbacher
Contact Email: david.muehlbacher@stereum.com
Company Website: Stereum
Company X Account: @stereumdev
Company Address: Leitzersbrunnerfeld 24, A-2003 Stockerau, Austria
Country of Incorporation: Austria
Section 2: Company Details
Brief Description of the Company
Stereum Services FlexCo is an open-source software company specializing in Ethereum node setup and management. Originally founded in 2012 as RockLogic, it officially became Stereum Services FlexCo in 2024. The company is committed to decentralization, security, and accessibility within blockchain ecosystems. Stereum is supported by the Ethereum Foundation, Lido, Gnosis, and SSV Network.
We are MBA licensed with 00596-1-03738: Stereum License
Number of Full-Time Team Members: 7 internal team members
Current Funding Status: No funding required beyond grants
Section 3: Project Overview
Project Description
Apechain is for Builders. That’s why we’re setting a new standard—soaring above every other L2. After revolutionizing NFTs, we’re empowering ApechainDAO with the ultimate tool that blends top-tier developer experience with true cypherpunk ethos. It’s time to take Apechain development to the next level.
Apechain will be the first-ever L3 to offer fully automated infrastructure tooling integration. We’re extending our open-source GUI-based node setup and management software with a one-click installer—instantly spinning up fully configured Apechain nodes connected to Arbitrum (optional) and Ethereum (optional).
With just a few clicks, users can effortlessly set up their own Apechain nodes, fine-tune their RPC, WebSocket, and Data-API settings through an intuitive GUI, and build multi-layer, multi-chain dApps that seamlessly integrate NFTs and tokens across Apechain, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Ethereum.
And for every cypherpunk out there? Total autonomy. True decentralization. Censorship resistance. Deploy an entire Web3 stack—Apechain, Arbitrum, Ethereum—in minutes, on your terms.
Objectives
- Simplify ApeChain node setup to make it accessible to developers and node operators.
- Support ApeChain decentralization by reducing technical barriers to running a node.
- Educate users about ApeChain’s functionality and encourage participation in its ecosystem.
Problem
Currently, setting up an ApeChain node requires significant technical expertise and manual configurations, creating a barrier to entry for many users.
Solution
By integrating ApeChain into Stereum, we offer a streamlined process that reduces node setup complexity to a few clicks. Users can run an ApeChain node alongside their Ethereum nodes, making the infrastructure more accessible and decentralized.
Section 4: Alignment with the ApeChain Ecosystem
ApeChain, built on the principles of transparency, security, and decentralization, aligns closely with our philosophy at Stereum. Our expertise in Ethereum node management will enhance the ApeChain ecosystem by:
- Providing a robust, user-friendly solution for node operators.
- Offering educational resources to onboard new users.
- Strengthening the network’s decentralization by making node operation more accessible.
Section 5: Technical Details
Key Technologies and Tools Used
- Ansible
- Docker
- Ethereum
- Electron
- Grafana
- JavaScript
- Jest
- Node.js
- Prometheus
- Shell Scripting
- Vue.js
Development Roadmap and Key Milestones
- Milestone 1: Research and initial prototype of ApeChain integration.
- Milestone 2: Development of a one-click installation preset for ApeChain nodes.
- Milestone 3: Testing and optimization of RPC Access Management System.
- Milestone 4: Release of a fully integrated ApeChain setup in Stereum.
Security Measures
Stereum undergoes regular security audits by external experts, ensuring secure node setup and maintenance. We will maintain the Apechain integration even after the project has ended.
Section 6: Financial Information
Estimated Total Funding Request: $302,944.92 USD
Breakdown of Funding Allocation
- 47% Pure integration of ApeChain
- 5% RPC Hub development
- 6% Automated testing
- 26% Educational content (text & video guides)
- 6% Branding
- 3% Artwork
- 6% Management
Previous Funding Received
Our team has received funding from the Ethereum Foundation, Lido’s LEGO Program, SSV Network DAO, and Gnosis CoreDev Foundation, all of which contributed to the development of Stereum’s current integrations.
Revenue Model and Financial Projections
Stereum remains free for users. However, starting in November 2024, we introduced a decentralized server provider service, offering node hosting solutions to compete with major market players while ensuring decentralization.
Section 7: User Incentives
Current Incentives
- Free, open-source software with an intuitive interface.
- Comprehensive educational resources.
- Dedicated support via Discord and community channels.
How This Will Drive Adoption
- Developers will gain direct access to ApeChain/Arbitrum/Ethereum with minimal setup effort.
- Supporters can run their own nodes without technical expertise, increasing network participation and decentralization.
Section 8: ROI and Benefits to ApeCoin DAO
Financial ROI
While Stereum remains free, the long-term benefit to the ApeCoin DAO lies in enhanced accessibility, greater adoption, and increased decentralization of ApeChain.
Ecosystem Growth
By making ApeChain nodes easy to deploy and manage, we ensure broader participation, leading to a stronger, more resilient ecosystem.
Intangible Benefits
- Promoting decentralization and self-custody.
- Empowering users through education and support.
Section 9: Compliance and Legal
Compliance Measures
Stereum operates under the regulations of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Legal Disputes
None.
KYC/KYB Procedures
Stereum does not require KYC for software usage.