Decentralized Futures // Brazilian BD 2025
This proposal intends to begin in January 2025 and be developed during that year.
# 1. Project
## 1.1 Overview
Since 2021, the active Polkadot community in Brazil has effectively served as ambassadors for Polkadot, organizing a multitude of meetups, conferences, corporate events, and generating diverse content to advocate for Polkadot and its parachains. These extensive efforts have substantially bolstered the visibility and integration of Polkadot’s technology within the region.
In 2023, our team of ambassadors had the privilege of participating in numerous prestigious events, attracting prospective leads keen on incorporating Polkadot’s blockchain technology into their enterprises. This initiative culminated in the presentation of our inaugural business development (BD) proposal to the open governance (open gov) system, which secured successful endorsement. Subsequently, our team embarked on its first compensated endeavors, implementing a performance-based remuneration structure designed to facilitate deal closures. Following the exhaustion of the initial proposal’s resources, our team has since submitted a subsequent proposal, currently undergoing the final stages of approval and anticipated to conclude by June 26, 2024.
The progress achieved thus far has evidenced a significant interest in Polkadot’s blockchain technology in Brazil, evident in both the public and private sectors. Our business development endeavors have yielded a compounding effect, with tangible outcomes and increasingly favorable prospects. It has become apparent that 2024 holds pivotal significance for entering the market and equipping the business development team with the knowledge to introduce Polkadot to organizations and institutions of varying magnitudes.
Our business development team will have the responsibility of acquiring leads and facilitating the onboarding of projects within the Polkadot ecosystem by the end of 2024. As the number of projects increases, there will be a growing demand for continuous support and maintenance of these relationships.
As we anticipate the year 2025, we predict a transformation in the role of our Business Development (BD) team. With Polkadot’s established position supported by multiple case studies, the team’s incentive structure and operational approach will require adaptation. The primary focus will shift from expanding into new markets in Brazil and Latin America to sustaining and nurturing existing commercial partnerships. Consequently, the incentive model will transition from a deal-centric compensation system to a stable, continuous model, aiming to ensure persistent support and development of the pre-existing commercial relationships.
The ongoing transition signifies a crucial stage in our strategic development, aimed at fortifying Polkadot’s enduring influence in Brazil’s burgeoning digital and financial sphere. Through a refined approach to business development, we are committed to preserving and amplifying the progress achieved, positioning Polkadot as a foremost leader in the blockchain industry for the long term.
To see our current development, please access the report: Full Report
Brazil and Crypto
As the fifth largest cryptocurrency market globally, Brazil has positioned itself as a formidable player in the digital and financial technology sector. With a population of approximately 212 million and a median age of 32, the country boasts high rates of mobile and internet usage. Brazil’s robust digital landscape further underscores its potential for international tech and digital financial sectors. The country ranks fifth globally in smartphone usage, with 84 million adults owning smartphones and 139 million of the 149 million internet users accessing the web via mobile devices, making Brazil the second-largest mobile internet access market globally.
Recent research shows that approximately 12% of the Brazilian population, which amounts to nearly 26 million people, have invested in and held various types of cryptocurrencies. In April of this year, the Federal Revenue, the governing body responsible for tax collection in Brazil, anticipated more than 11 million tax contributors associated with crypto revenue, marking a 180% increase since 2023. These statistics demonstrate the increasing adoption and prevalence of cryptocurrencies in Brazil, which warrants further attention from both businesses and academics.
According to the Central Bank President, RWA, BItcoin and crypto currencies are their number one priority for the year of 2024 ( and probably further). In the first quarter of 2024, Brazilian imports (the volume of crypto bought from external Exchanges) of cryptocurrencies amounted to R$4.69 billion, indicating a staggering rise of 118% from the same period in 2023 (Brazilian Central Bank data). Notably, in March 2024, the sector recorded an all-time high in imports with a total of $1.75 billion. By way of comparison, imports in the initial two months of 2023 were $1.39 billion, while during the same period in 2024, the figures surged to $2.93 billion, representing an increase of 110.31%, and showing a good trend for the year of 2024.
Brazil is leading the international scene in the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA). In 2023, over R$600 billion (Brazilian currency) in RWA tokens were issued with the assistance of CVM, the governmental authority responsible for regulating securities, through their SandBox Program. The regulatory framework took the form of Crowdfunding, demonstrating an intention to cater to investors of all sizes and to promote the creation and democratization of various financial instruments for the Brazilian population.
The major financial institutions in Brazil have shown openness to cryptocurrency by launching their own crypto assets, enabling investors to access a variety of cryptocurrencies on their platforms, and offering regulatory capital for loans, credit, and stocks. The growing trend of investors participating in cryptocurrency, along with the involvement of financial institutions and government oversight, represents just a fraction of a broader societal shift. In fact, companies of all sizes and industries are endeavoring to incorporate blockchain technologies in various capacities.
## 1.2 Details: Strategy and Key Activities
Convert identified people/companies or a tokenization or lending Dapp for specific markets that have demonstrated interest in Polkadot into Polkadot builders or partners, to establish the foundation for Polkadot to become Brazil’s leading blockchain ecosystem. Given the strong competition from other platforms in Brazil, we want to win as many opportunities as possible.
Some of the businesses we made contact with during events this year:
The objectives of our BD initiatives are to address and solve these challenges through various strategic actions.
- Educational Initiatives and Partnerships: One of the primary methods we intend to use is through educational initiatives, forming partnerships with laboratories and universities. The positioning of these partnerships is crucial because universities and scientific laboratories are channels for relationships and fiscal benefits from the government and are able to receive grants for research and technological development. In Brazil, large companies seek and invest in universities and centers of science and technology because they can innovate with fiscal benefits or government grants. This is an excellent way to unite the Polkadot Ecosystem to develop PoCs (Proof of Concepts) or MVP (Minimum Viable Products) as the first moves toward the needs of large companies.
Activities:
A. Identifying Partnerships: Map and identify laboratories and universities with the potential for forming strategic partnerships.
B. Coordinating Research Projects: Facilitate the creation of joint research projects that can benefit from government subsidies and tax incentives.
C. Developing PoCs and MVPs: Collaborate with academic institutions to develop proof of concepts and minimum viable products that meet the needs of large companies.
- Constant Account Management and Consultancy: As account managers, we have a substantial pipeline of businesses interested in incorporating blockchain technology. To assist them, we will organize on-site meetings, workshops, and online sessions to help turn their interest into tangible products. We will maintain communication with both potential partners and those who have already partnered with Polkadot. For large enterprises with multiple departments, we view each department as a potential client, recognizing the opportunity for multiple collaborations within the same organization.
Activities:
A. Pipeline Management: Maintain an updated pipeline of companies interested in blockchain and ensure proper follow-up for each opportunity.
B. Conducting Workshops and Training Sessions: Organize workshops and training sessions to convert companies’ interests into tangible products.
C. Internal Segmentation in Large Companies: Identify and explore collaboration opportunities within different departments of large companies.
- Transformation and Cultural Approach in Large Companies: We will adopt a cultural and digital transformation approach for large companies. After securing an initial MOU, we will enter these companies with educational and co-creation workshops, bringing parachains to participate in an educational journey. By the end of this journey, the company’s employees, together with the facilitators from the BD team, will identify use cases that can become PoCs or projects. Our plan is to leverage the existing Polkadot SDK tools on Polkadot and also forward those contacts to work alongside Parachain teams on Polkadot if the business requires something that has already been built.
Activities:
A. Conducting Educational Workshops: Implement educational workshops within companies to promote the adoption of Polkadot technologies.
B. Co-Creation of Use Cases: Facilitate co-creation sessions with employees to identify practical use cases that can be turned into PoCs.
C. Integration with Parachains: Use Polkadot SDK tools and integrate companies with parachain teams when necessary.
Parachains willing to support Brazil-based business development efforts include:
- Supporting Resources and Insights: Alongside ecosystem teams, our curators will provide additional resources and insights, whether it’s recommending a pool of capable developers to assist or actually developing the solution.
Activities:
A. Recommending Developers: Provide a list of qualified consultancy professionals, developers or software houses to assist in specific projects.
B. Developing Solutions: Collaborate with ecosystem teams to develop specific solutions according to partners’ needs.
C. Curator Support: Use resources and insights from curators to navigate OpenGov proposals and connect with Polkadot’s Programs (such as Polkadot Academy).
- Delivering Leads and Resources: In addition to delivering leads to the respective parachains, if it is not possible to meet their needs with the available resources, we will rely on the resources our curators possess, guide through OpenGov proposals, or contact initiatives such as Polkadot Academy and the regional developers’ community.
Activities:
A. Lead Management: Identify and qualify leads before forwarding them to the appropriate parachains.
B. Using Curator Resources: Rely on available curator resources to fill gaps in needs that cannot be immediately met.
C. Collaboration with Regional Communities: Engage the regional developer community for additional support and continuous integration.
### General Activities of the Business Development Group
1. General Markert Awareness and Relationship
- Networking and Events: Participate in conferences, fairs, and industry events to promote the Polkadot ecosystem and identify new business opportunities.
- Maintaining Relationships / Account Manager: Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with key stakeholders, including large enterprises, investment funds, investors, startup acceleration and incubation programs, prominent startups, corporate venture programs, and government-backed technology promotion institutions.
- Market Feedback Collection: Collect and analyze market feedback to adjust development strategies and identify new trends and needs.
- Target Industries and Sectors:Concentrate efforts on industries and sectors that can significantly benefit from blockchain technology and represent a substantial portion of the Brazilian economy. These include, but are not limited to, the banking sector, financial services, insurance, logistics, retail, and agribusiness.
2. Creation of Templates and Support Materials
- Template Development: Create standardized templates for partnership proposals, progress reports, presentations, and other materials that can be used by the Polkadot community.
- Best Practices Guide: Produce detailed guides and manuals that provide best practices for integrating and using Polkadot technologies.
3. Report Development
- Progress Reports: Prepare periodic reports detailing the progress of BD initiatives, including KPIs and success metrics.
- Market Analysis: Conduct market studies to inform strategic decisions and provide insights into the competitiveness of the Polkadot ecosystem.
4. Onboarding of New Actors
- Onboarding Program: Develop and implement onboarding programs for new ecosystem participants, including workshops and training sessions.
- Continuous Support: Offer continuous support to new actors to ensure their integration and success within the Polkadot ecosystem.
5. Team Development
- Training Local Teams: Create and train local teams, such as in Brazil, to meet specific demands from local institutions and companies.
- Talent Development: Identify and develop talents within the market to strengthen the BD team and ensure a quick and efficient response to demands.
1.3. ECOSYSTEM FIT
Where and How Does Your Project Fit into the Ecosystem? Our project’s objective is to serve as a liaison between Polkadot’s technology and the Brazilian market. We aim to increase visibility and adoption through educational programs, partnerships, and strategic business development. Our role is that of facilitators, connecting enterprises with the Polkadot ecosystem to promote innovation and seamless integration.
Who is Your Target Audience? Our intended audience includes parachain developers, dApp developers, and companies that can leverage Polkadot, parachains, or dApp technologies in their products or services. Additionally, we target enterprises seeking to harness the power of blockchain technology. We also aim to engage academic institutions and research centers to advance the creation of PoCs and MVPs, collaborating with government entities and leveraging government grants. These institutions serve as crucial distribution and relationship channels for our initiatives.
Furthermore, we are forming strategic partnerships with consulting firms and software houses, positioning them as “channels” to foster market relationships. These partnerships will enable us to expand our reach and impact, ensuring that our business development efforts are comprehensive and effective. Through these strategic engagements, we will facilitate the broader adoption of Polkadot’s technology, driving innovation and growth across various sectors.
What Need(s) Does Your Project Meet? Our initiative is dedicated to promoting increased awareness, education, and practical integration of Polkadot’s blockchain technology within the Brazilian market. Through the provision of comprehensive resources, assistance, and strategic direction, we aim to facilitate organizations’ comprehension and efficient implementation of blockchain solutions.
Are There Any Other Projects Similar to Yours in the Substrate/Polkadot/Kusama Ecosystem?
Our project stands out among other initiatives promoting Polkadot due to its comprehensive approach to business development in Brazil. We prioritize research and developer educational partnerships, cultural transformation within enterprises, and continuous support and consultancy. These aspects set us apart from other projects, emphasizing our unique positioning in the market.
If So, How is Your Project Different? Our project’s distinguishing feature lies in its comprehensive approach, which integrates education, research, and innovation in collaboration with universities and tech centers. We also focus on corporate digital transformation and provide ongoing support. Our emphasis on partnerships with universities and research centers allows us to leverage fiscal benefits and government grants to drive innovation. Furthermore, our dedication to account management and consultancy ensures lasting engagement and success.
1.4 Future Plans
Our strategic focus is on strengthening our engagement with large corporations and research centers, alongside developing a new generation of business development (BD) professionals and expanding our presence in the national market. We aim to enhance our collaborations with venture capital firms and corporate venture programs to secure additional funding and forge strategic partnerships. Central to our strategy is the recruitment of new teams and the establishment of a comprehensive training program for business development ambassadors, ensuring their proficiency in promoting and implementing Polkadot’s technology.
Concurrently, we will concentrate on nurturing new BD professionals within the Brazilian community and advancing the maturity of our international network, where we have already been providing support to other BD teams worldwide. By bolstering both our local and global networks, we seek to expedite the adoption and advancement of Polkadot’s technology in diverse markets. This comprehensive approach will solidify Polkadot’s position as a leader in the blockchain industry, fostering a robust ecosystem positioned for sustained growth and long-term success.
# 2. Team
## 2.1 Team members, Contacts and Experience
John Rhodel Bartolomé
Bachelor of Technology in Analysis and System Development - 2020
Master in Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management and Planning - 2020
Bachelor in Information Systems - 2023
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Software Engineering - in course
Senior Ambassador Polkadot and Phala, BD experience in FOURSYS and WIPRO BRAZIL, Founder VDS Academy, Games bounty curator, Meetups bounty curator, also helped to produce events in Brazil.
Gabriel Bonugli
gabrielbonugli@polkadotbrasil.com
Bachelor in Foreign Trade - 2014
Technical in Logistics Coordinator - 2014
Bachelor in Business Administration - 2017
Co-Founder VDS Academy
Senior Ambassador Phala / Ambassador: Ava Protocol and Peaq
Business Developer, Community Manager, Content Creator and Marketing Specialist
Gustavo Joppert / Joppert
Lawyer - corporate, business, international, crypto, technology
Innovation Specialist (Lead Corps on digital transformation in the last 8 years).
Venture Builder, Acceleration, and Fund Raising Experience
Polkadot Ambassador Since 2020
Carlos Sawaki / CJ
carlosawaki@polkadotbrasil.com
Bachelor in Advertising and Marketing - 2013
Graphic Design - 2016
Polkadot and Polimec Ambassador, Co-Founder VDS. Has been contributing as a Creativity Director, Web Designer, Video Maker, Writer, Translator, Content Creation, Marketing, SEO, Podcast Production, Narration, Photography and Illustration.
## 2.2 Legal Structure
Benshigeru Dao LTDA, with the headquarter na Avenida Comendador Franco nº 8340, apartament 11 andar TR Bloco Residencias do Parque, Uberaba, Curitiba, PR, CEP 81.560-001, with the Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica do Ministério da Economia sob o nº 42.801.937/0001-06.
3 Milestones/Cost Breakdown.
Attached Documents: