As the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry continues its accelerated growth over the next few years, established platforms have started encouraging new development teams. The expertise, network, and funds needed for an entrepreneurial endeavor are not easy to come by. However, as a testament to the accessibility that blockchain technology brings, competitions such as Next Top Blockchain Startup are introducing new forms of support for these budding businesses.
Next Top Blockchain Startup consists of a two-month program throughout Summer 2021 with a submission deadline set for August 8th. It is powered by GDA Capital in collaboration with leading blockchain organizations. As the capital markets arm of the GDA Group, the firm provides vertically-integrated financial technology services to institutional investors and disruptive technology companies.
At the competition, the next wave of talent in blockchain startups will have the opportunity to connect amongst themselves, gain access to capital, and receive important educational resources such as developer workshops and start-up-focused webinars hosted by Blockchain Education Network. The Blockchain Council and the Kerala Blockchain Academy have also encouraged their audiences to join the competition.
Participants will have the chance to win over $125,000 in prizes, a limited listing or IEO opportunity with BitMart, and requirements and token advisory meetings with Future Tech. Winning teams can also receive entrance into a GDA Ventures incubator program, Terraform capital, expedited applications for the Substrate Builders program, and virtual meetings with company executives to help with further development.
Some organizations that have worked with GDA for the competition include industry-defining protocols, investors, academic institutions, and developer communities. A panel from GDA Capital, Alpha Sigma Capital, Advanced Blockchain AG, TDeFi, dlab and SOSV, Ether Capital, and Artist Digital Ventures will judge the competition. At the same time, industry leaders in their respective areas will host developer tracks with specific prizes for teams.
- Terraform Labs leading a DeFi track
- NEAR Protocol leading an NFT track
- Animoca Brands leading a blockchain gaming track
- Decentraland leading a metaverse build track
- AXIA leading a currency track
- Netbox Global leading a browser extension track
- Chainlink leading an oracle track
- Polygon leading a scalability track
- Web3 leading a Polkadot para chain track
- DigitalBits leading a consumer digital asset track
- Tezos leading a token and beyond the track
- Bybit leading a social impact track
A separate pitch day hosted by the TDeFi Crypto Accelerator has also been programmed for 6-10 teams after the competition. Successful pitches could receive up to $100,000 in grants and entrance into the hands-on accelerator program.
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