Since moving into the Ecosystem Support Program from EF Grants, we’ve expanded our understanding of “support” to encompass more than just grant funding. But what does a broader definition of support truly entail?
In real-world terms, this varies for every project, and it all begins with a conversation. ESP was designed to increase accessibility to EF’s diverse resources for the community, starting with making our process open to anyone seeking support. We invest time in critically analyzing each inquiry, comprehending the project, and exploring ways we could assist. While we cannot fund every initiative, there are often ways we can do something, such as pointing to additional resources like incubators or alternative funding avenues.
This shift in perspective aims to make our process more adaptable and responsive to specific individual needs—which is a positive change! However, the results from this tailored approach can be challenging to measure or categorize the same way as traditional grants; therefore, we thought it would be beneficial to illustrate rather than explain. We gathered a few examples of projects (along with the fantastic individuals behind them!) that navigated through ESP’s inquiry process, received various forms of support, and managed to stretch limited resources significantly.
Archive Node
The concept for Archive Node originated from a tweet. The costs associated with running an archive node—or the monthly expenses for accessing archive data via API—can be prohibitively high for small projects with limited funding. Hunter and Chase, known as DeFi Dude and MysticRyuujin respectively, are veteran Ethereum contributors who recognize the barriers developers face in acquiring affordable access to essential resources; thus, they sought to create a way to provide developers with access to archive node data they require.
The team needed a hosting solution for the initial node, and we provided AWS credits to help them get started. This assistance offers them a solid footing; however, as DeFi Dude mentioned in the announcement blog post, the goal is to transition towards a more sustainable and decentralized model of operating nodes on physical hardware rather than relying on cloud services. Since launching the project in late June, they have set up additional nodes (with support from community member Dan Matthews) from PieDAO and have begun accepting applications for access, thus fostering a community of developers who can utilize the necessary data without facing significant setup costs for their own nodes.
While access is currently free, in the long run, the team envisions this being a community-funded initiative, where developers in need of the service contribute a minor amount compared to the expenses of operating their own archive node. For now, we’re excited to be able to support this valuable resource as its community continues to grow!
To learn more and apply for access, visit https://archivenode.io/, or follow Archive Node on Twitter @archivenode.
SaveDAI
SaveDAI began as a hackathon project, but the developers aspired to something bigger: they have continued to innovate with the long-term vision of facilitating the creation of self-insured versions of decentralized assets, empowering users to shield their savings preserved in decentralized assets. SaveDAI channels DAI through Compound and automatically acquires insurance via Opyn Protocol to generate insured, interest-bearing, dollar-pegged ERC20 tokens that can be transferred, traded, and integrated into other platforms. The SaveDAI team is incorporating this architecture into a user-friendly interface, while the contract has been open sourced to allow anyone to utilize, adapt, integrate, or contribute to the code.
The team’s immediate priority was ensuring their code’s security and stability to minimize risks to user funds. We connected them with a technical expert for a code review, and they employed the thorough feedback gained to refine their launch approach and progress their development with increased confidence. They’re gearing up for a public alpha launch and are eager for input from early users!
To learn more, you can explore the documentation, follow them on Twitter @save_dai, or get involved on Github.
Collegiate B.I.L.U.S
Joe Wesley is a newcomer to Ethereum and technology overall, transitioning from a former NFL player to a motivational speaker—not the typical profile one might expect for an ESP inquirer. Yet, we genuinely enjoy meeting new people, and Joe embodies the kind of builder we aspire to support: imaginative, driven, an enthusiastic learner, and inspired by the potential of distributed technology. He approached us with a plan to create a platform on Ethereum aimed at addressing an issue he directly faced as a college and professional athlete from a low-income background: college athletes derive little benefit from the utilization of their brand, image, and likeness for profit. Joe aims to empower athletes to establish connections with advertisers, enabling them to exert greater control over their brand, data, and finances—allowing them to “earn today and tomorrow off their brand and their fame,” as Joe articulates.
Joe initially struggled mainly with grasping Ethereum, its community, and technology. We provided early feedback on his idea, and two weeks later, he returned with a draft of his whitepaper. Recognizing his dedication, enthusiasm, and unique perspective, we saw the potential for significant contributions to the ecosystem; hence, we sponsored his participation at ETHDenver for an immersive experience in everything Ethereum. At ETHDenver, he fully embraced the Eth life: networking, attending presentations, understanding the landscape, meeting Bufficorn, and winning in the Exploration Track sponsored by CryptoChicks.
Following ETHDenver, Joe has maintained connections with contacts from the event and continued to collaborate with EF members and other experts while he develops a prototype to showcase to potential clients and investors. Up to now, Joe has operated solo, but he is now seeking to expand by hiring a CTO to help bring Collegiate B.I.L.U.S. (Brand, Image, and Likeness US) to testnet and beyond.
Connect with Joe or learn more about Collegiate B.I.L.U.S. on Instagram @collegiatebilus!
Ethereum Push Notification Service
EPNS was initially just a concept when we first encountered Harsh Rajat. He identified a demand for push notification features within Ethereum, catering both to public service announcements for Ethereum users and for dapp developers looking for new ways to engage with customers. We recognized a passionate and innovative builder committed to the advancement of Ethereum.
Harsh primarily needed encouragement and feedback to help refine his concept and plan the next steps. He brought his idea to HackMoney, where Richa Joshi joined the team. Together, they evolved the core concept of EPNS into a multi-layered, constantly developing system through which crucial information can be disseminated to Ethereum users; dapp developers can target users who would be interested; and dapp users have the autonomy to choose their engagement level, even earning rewards for opting into the highest engagement levels with their preferred dapps.
Since HackMoney, Richa and Harsh have dedicated tremendous energy to constructing EPNS into what they regard as “a missing piece of web3.” They’ve launched, offering early access and an alpha dapp; been accepted into Gitcoin’s KERNEL Fellowship; and are now working on expanding their team and formulating a business model to ensure a self-sustaining platform while prioritizing users’ interests.
Visit https://epns.io/ and follow EPNS on Twitter to stay updated on their progress @epnsproject.
We greatly appreciate all the builders we collaborate with for their dedication to discovering the best path forward, even when it’s not the simplest or most evident. Although funding requests are common, they are not always the optimal solution: a grant won’t propel a project to success unless we dive deeper to uncover the true core of the obstacles they face.
It’s important to note that a project not receiving ESP grant funding doesn’t imply that we are unwilling or unable to provide substantial and sometimes critical support. Nevertheless, we are unable to extend assistance to every team that contacts us, despite our desire to do so! Much like grants, those who receive alternative types of support must actively take responsibility for their own success and apply considerable effort.
Each of the teams highlighted in this post is striving toward vastly different objectives, yet they share a common element: they approached us with the willingness and insight to collaborate with us in identifying the best intersection between their needs and our capabilities.
We feel fortunate to have engaged with these remarkable builders, and we take pride in the determination they’ve demonstrated. We eagerly anticipate their future endeavors!