Author: era1301

Simple Summary

The 1inch Network has been an active participant in the crypto community, having organized 25 events and 27 side events last year and 6 events in the last quarter of 2023. These events have resulted in tens of thousands of user acquisitions. This proposal is now seeking funding to participate in 8 more events during Q3 & Q4 2023 as sponsors. All the events are crypto-related conferences or hackathons focused on developing new decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions and expanding the DeFi and Web3 ecosystem. This proposal seeks funding for 1inch Network to participate in 8 events during Q3 & Q4 2023 as sponsors. All the events are crypto related conferences or hackathons focused on developing new decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions and expanding the DeFi and Web3 ecosystem. The list of events to participate in during Q3 & Q4 2023: ETHCC, July 17-20, Paris Eth Global Paris, July 21-23, Paris Permissionless, September 10-13, Austin ETH Global New York, September 22-24, New York Future Blockchain Summit Dubai, October 17-20, Dubai Australian Crypto Convention, November 11-13, Melbourne WebSummit, November 13-16, Lisbon ETH Istanbul, November 17-19, Istanbul

Total Grant Value $ 1 988 682 in USDC. This amount includes: sponsorship packages, side events co-organization, expenses on the 1inch networking events, merchandise and all needed operational expenses as team fees and travel costs.

Abstract

The purpose of this grant is to allocate funds to cover event sponsorships that will enhance the visibility, reputation, and influence of 1inch Network in the global DeFi ecosystem. By sponsoring relevant events, we aim to promote the 1inch brand, increase user adoption, and attract new contributors and community members. Events are a critical component of the blockchain ecosystem. Participation in the events helps to introduce blockchain to newcomers, provide developers with the opportunity to collaborate, learn and develop new solutions that can advance the adoption of blockchain technology. The choice of the events was made through research and analysis to identify events that align with the objectives and values of the 1inch Network such as the event's focus on DeFi, blockchain technology, community engagement, Fintech and overall impact.

Motivation

Mission of 1inch Network is to create the most valuable community in Web3. The DeFi ecosystem is rapidly evolving, and there is a need to keep the brand awareness at the certain level, not only sustain the reputation but also enhance and strengthen.

As a sponsor, 1inch will receive prominent brand exposure at sponsored events, including logo placement on event websites, banners, marketing materials, and social media promotion. Additionally, 1inch representatives will have the opportunity to speak at selected events, participate in panel discussions, and engage with attendees at the branded booth, further establishing 1inch as a leader in the DeFi space.

ETHCC (Ethereum Community Conference) is one of the largest Ethereum-focused conferences in Europe. It brings together developers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts from around the world to discuss the latest advancements, projects, and challenges within the Ethereum ecosystem. The conference features a mix of keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, making it an ideal platform to engage with key players in the Ethereum community. The purposes of sponsoring the event and having a booth there are to communicate with Ethereum community, develop relationships, make connections and new partnerships, promote 1inch products, update the community about the releases and company news and attract new users. ETH Global events: ETH Global Paris, ETH Global New York, ETH Global Istanbul ETH Global hackathons provide an opportunity for developers to collaborate and innovate, and to build new solutions that can address the challenges and opportunities presented by the DeFi ecosystem. ETH Global attracts members of all background from around the world to cultivate new ideas, create with breakthrough products, and sharpen skills and outcomes that compound growth within our community. The series of events consistently attracts top minds in the space, resulting in new venture backed companies, access to the best mentorship, plentiful resources, and exciting careers. ETH Paris starts the next day after ETHCC and its the best time to gather as many developers and crypto market players as possible. ETH Global New York is a flagship Ethereum event held in one of the world's financial capitals. The 1inch has been developed at ETHGlobal Hackathon in New York and by sponsoring this event we aim to support and motivate developers to build innovative projects. The goals to sponsor ETH Global events are to promote 1inch commitment to supporting DeFi solutions, connect with talented developers, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to explore potential collaborations and partnerships, by submitting bounties we encourage developers to learn more about 1inch products, build their projects and benefit 1inch Network.

Permissionless Permissionless is an annual conference held in Austin, Texas, that focuses on the intersection of decentralized technology, blockchain, and DeFi. The event brings together a diverse community of developers, investors, and enthusiasts who are shaping the future of open finance. Permissionless offers presentations, hands-on workshops, networking sessions, providing attendees with valuable insights, connections, and opportunities to contribute to the DeFi ecosystem. The goals to sponsor the event are to strengthen the presence of 1inch in the U.S. DeFi market, to highlight commitment of 1inch Network to open finance and permissionless innovation, to engage with the DeFi community in the US and the whole world, to network with DeFi leaders, developers, and investors.

Future Blockchain Summit Dubai Future Blockchain Summit Dubai is the Middle East's largest blockchain and emerging technology event. It gathers global visionaries, industry experts, government officials, and startups to explore the potential of blockchain technology across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, energy, and government services. The summit offers a mix of conferences, exhibitions, workshops, and networking opportunities, facilitating knowledge exchange, partnership building, and showcasing cutting-edge blockchain solutions. The goals of sponsoring the event are: to expand 1inch Network’s reach in the Middle East and position 1inch as a leading player in the global DeFi landscape, establish partnerships with regional entities and explore new business opportunities to benefit 1inch Network.

Australian Crypto Convention The Australian Crypto Convention is a premier event that brings together the Australian crypto community, including investors, traders, developers, and enthusiasts. The convention offers engaging keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and an exhibition floor featuring leading companies in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. It provides a platform for participants to gain insights into market trends, explore investment opportunities, and network with industry leaders. The goals for 1inch to become sponsor: enter the Australian market and establish 1inch brand among crypto enthusiasts and DeFi users, connect with the Australian crypto community, including investors, entrepreneurs, and developers. Showcase 1inch products, attract new users, provide insights into the DeFi ecosystem.

WebSummit WebSummit is one of the largest technology conferences in the world, attracting thousands of attendees, including startups, investors, thought leaders, and industry professionals from diverse sectors. While not solely focused on blockchain or DeFi, WebSummit provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the potential of decentralized finance to a broader audience. The event features multiple stages, workshops, exhibitions, and networking sessions, making it an ideal platform for creating awareness and forging partnerships.

The goals of sponsorship: gain exposure beyond the blockchain industry and attract mainstream attention to decentralized finance, showcase 1inch technology and value 1inch products to a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts, capitalize on the international reach of WebSummit to expand the user base and raise awareness of DeFi, educate attendees about blockchain and DeFi with the general goal to get more crypto loyal users and expand blockchain community.

Specification

In the Q3 & Q4 2023 we're suggesting to sponsor 8 events: ETHCC, July 17-20, Paris Eth Global Paris, July 21-23, Paris Permissionless, September 10-13, Austin ETH Global New York, September 22-24, New York Future Blockchain Summit Dubai, October 17-20, Dubai Australian Crypto Convention, November 11-13, Melbourne WebSummit, November 13-16, Lisbon ETH Istanbul, November 17-19, Istanbul

The budgets of events participation include: Sponsorship package Booth construction Bounties Networking events Co-organisation of side events Merchandise Operational expenses as team fees and travel costs Photo and video production services

Specification of the expenses:

ETHCC Sponsorship package: Booth for the four (4) days of the Event 15 tickets for the Event (4 days passes) Brand exposure on some prints and digital supports online & onsite Logo on our livestream Logo on swagbag Media presence

Eth Global Paris / ETH Global New York / ETH Global Istanbul Sponsorship package: Access to the Event for up to ten 10 attendees (in-person) and an unlimited number of attendees to the private event Discord community (in-person and virtual). A dedicated Discord channel for the Partner in the private event community. Discord channels are opened to the hackathon community the week of the Event. Ability to connect with attendees who submit to your Event Prize. A dedicated Partner Table at the Event. The ability to connect with relevant projects who wish to hear from the grants program. Ability to host an unlimited number of prizes, including a “Pool Prize” with an Event cumulative value of up to $20,000.00 USD. The value of this prize is not included in the “Partnership Fee” and is separately defined as “Prizes”. Prizes made available on the Event prizes page. A facilitated 30-minute workshop made available to hackers on the ETHGlobal YouTube channel, ETHGlobal website, and on the Event prizes page. An extra large logo placed on the event website with a link of your choice. Thanked during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Event. Ability to add one 1 item to the in-person event swag bags. A one 1 hour hackathon planning session with the ETHGlobal Partnerships team by request per Event. A two 2 minute keynote at the Event opening ceremonies.

Permissionless Sponsorship package: 30x30 raw floor space Main Stage Track Sponsor Includes custom chair covers (all 3 days) Day 1 seat drop (sponsor to provide merchandise) Blockworks to place items on all seats at the Main Stage prior to the opening sessions Dedicated signage (all 3 days) Onsite Video Interview 6 Customer Tickets 16 Team Tickets Social Media Promotion

Future Blockchain Summit Sponsorship package: Keynote speaking opportunity (10 mins) Panel Session Workshop session (1.5hours) Speaking slot (15min) Special Advisor on topics/themes for conference programing Exhibition stand - space only 100 sqm stand Locked in logo (on all marketing & communication) Website – logo on homepage Logo on promotional emails Profile on website Logo on adverts Logo on brochure Interview quote in PR Mention across all our social media channels Press Release mentions Speaker promotion across co-hosted website Invite guest wish list Main stage digital branding Blockstage branding Online delegate guide Logo on relevant signage All Access Pass x 20 Facilitate meetings Dedicated introduction to media Invitation to Speakers Dinner Exhibition Access Pass x 50 Australian Crypto Convention Sponsorship package: Prominent Branding in event campaigns Prominent Speaker Profile/ Session Branding Stand Size 36m2 25 min solo session or 45 min panellist position + data from session attendees (approx. 300 seat capacity) 15x Two Day Convention Passes 4x Two Day Whale Passes Hanging banner in the hallway of the event entrance Exclusive branding on hanging banners/signage around the event WebSummit Sponsorship package: 9m x 9m Space Web Summit Seat covers Crypto Web Summit - seat cover branding at Crypto stage for 2 days of the Event Logo included on the Event website and in the Event apps until one month after the conclusion of the Event Logo on one attendee newsletter Logo on the Registration Banner at the Event Participation in 'Attendee Perks' Participation on the Event 'Jobs' Board' 20% discount code off additional tickets 45 tickets to the Event 4 Executive Tickets 2 Chairperson Tickets. Total Grant Value $ 1 988 682 in USDC. Receiver of the funds: 1inch Event Team via 1inch Labs Receiving address for funds distribution: eth:0xda38862974B83DAF69CB18A9aEA898e3847b3b38 The distribution of funds will start immediately after receiving to cover the sponsorship packages, book the venues for side events and initiate organizational processes. The participation reports to the DAO will include photo and video materials and metrics data as media mentions, raise of 1inch Network user base and number of BD leads (potential partners and collaborations).

Rationale

All the listed events are meant to support the growth and development of the blockchain ecosystem, establish and strengthen 1inch brand in crypto space. We believe that participation in the chosen events is a critical component of achieving this goal. By providing a grant to support the organization and execution of a series of conference sponsorships we are supporting the growth of 1inch Network and development of the whole DeFi ecosystem. By sponsoring all listed events 1inch Network can achieve the following objectives: Enhancing Visibility Event sponsorships provide an excellent opportunity to showcase 1inch products to a highly targeted and influential audience. By participating as a sponsor, 1inch can increase its brand recognition and attract media attention. Building Trust and Credibility. Sponsoring industry events allows 1inch to align itself with established organizations and industry leaders. By actively participating in speaking opportunities as keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, 1inch representatives can establish themselves as knowledgeable experts, further reinforcing trust among potential users and partners. Expanding User Adoption Event sponsorships provide an opportunity to directly engage with potential users, partners and developers in the DeFi space. By showcasing the unique features and advantages of the products 1inch can attract a wider user base and onboard new users into the ecosystem. These events serve as a platform to educate attendees about the benefits of decentralized finance and demonstrate how 1inch solutions can empower them to navigate the DeFi landscape efficiently. Forging Strategic Partnerships Sponsoring industry events enables 1inch to connect and collaborate with other leading projects and DeFi protocols. This presents opportunities for strategic partnerships, integrations, and cross-platform synergies that can drive mutual growth and innovation. Market Expansion Sponsoring events in different geographic locations allows 1inch to penetrate new markets and gain exposure to diverse user bases. Each of these events represents an entry point into regional DeFi communities, enabling 1inch Network to establish a local presence, understand market dynamics, and tailor its offerings to meet specific regional demands. Sponsoring events aligned with the goals and values of 1inch Network presents a strategic opportunity to amplify brand visibility, foster user adoption, forge partnerships, and expand into new markets. By allocating funds towards event sponsorships, 1inch can position itself as a frontrunner in the DeFi industry, driving innovation and providing users with access to optimal decentralized exchange solutions.

Considerations

Event Management The 1inch Events team will manage all the processes related to the orgazitation of the events. The 1inch contributors possess deep expertise in event management, having a high record of successfully executed events around the Globe. The contributors will also be accountable for adhering to the allocated budget, coordinating all the processes, involve other teams for related questions. The Event team will provide reports after each event to keep the track on the execution. Alignment with 1inch Network’s goals and values The chosen events align with the objectives and values of the 1inch Network. These events focus on DeFi and blockchain technology, community engagement, Fintech and overall impact. By sponsoring these events, 1inch Network can enhance its visibility, reputation, and influence in the global DeFi ecosystem. Opportunities for brand exposure As a sponsor, 1inch will receive prominent brand exposure at sponsored events through logo placement on event websites, banners, marketing materials and social media promotion. Additionally, 1inch representatives will have the opportunity to speak at selected events, participate in panel discussions and engage with attendees at the branded booth - further establishing 1inch as a leader in the DeFi space. Distribution of high quality merchandise also impacts brand awareness and gives extra mentions in social media. KPI’s The suggested metrics for event success measurement are: number of attendees of the event itself, track of 1inch Network user base, engagement and number of media mentions, count and description of the leads (potential partners and collaborations), number of side events and speaking activities during the event, Potential for user adoption and strategic partnerships Event sponsorships provide an opportunity to directly engage with potential users, partners and developers in the DeFi space. By showcasing the unique features and advantages of its products, 1inch can attract a wider user base and onboard new users into the ecosystem. These events also serve as a platform to connect and collaborate with other leading projects and DeFi protocols, presenting opportunities for strategic partnerships, integrations, and cross-platform synergies that can drive mutual growth and innovation. Market expansion Expanding geography of the events 1inch gets an opportunity to enter new markets and gain exposure to diverse user bases. Each of these events represents an entry point into regional DeFi communities, enabling 1inch Network to establish a local presence. . Cost-effectiveness The total grant value of $ 1 988 682 in USDC includes sponsorship packages, co-organization of side events, expenses for 1inch networking events, merchandise, and all necessary operational expenses such as team fees and travel costs. This represents a cost-effective investment in enhancing the visibility, reputation, and influence of 1inch Network in the global DeFi ecosystem. Overall, this proposal presents a strategic opportunity for 1inch Network to amplify its brand visibility, foster user adoption, forge partnerships and expand into new markets through event sponsorships. By allocating funds towards this initiative, 1inch positions itself as a frontrunner in the DeFi industry driving innovation providing users with access to optimal decentralized exchange solutions.