We're excited to submit this proposal after two weeks of in-depth discussions with the community, where we gathered valuable feedback and insights. We've incorporated these key points into the proposal description to reflect what the community values most.
Our initial concept was presented on AAG on October 24, and we're gearing up for another session on November 14. We’d love for you to join us there to dive deeper into our vision. In the meantime, feel free to drop any thoughts or feedback in the comments below — your insights will help us refine our approach and make the final outcome even stronger!
Tl;dr Requesting $300K USDT to fund a Creative Tech Accelerator for Polkadot
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We are Fuelarts, a Creative Tech startup accelerator that has been active in the market since 2019. We specialize in blockchain ecosystems, whether building them from the ground up or enhancing existing ones. In 2023, we ran a successful batch for Tezos, integrating 10 new dApp startups into their ecosystem.
BitBasel, one of the leading Web3 and Digital Art enablers, is our partner on projects in Miami and across the US. This program will be developed with their extensive support and active involvement.
Our analysis of the Polkadot creative startup ecosystem revealed an over-saturation of marketplaces (trade) and a shortage of startups in crucial areas such as production, management, and analytics. However, we identified intriguing cross-industry intersections (fitness + GameFi, automotive + GameFi, etc.), highlighting the significant potential for blockchain-based gaming applications.
This proposal for Polkadot highlights the following potential opportunities for the blockchain brand:
• Expanding and establishing a strong presence in the US market, both online and physically (Miami)
• Preparing the Polkadot creative startup ecosystem for the next market cycle by attracting utility-based business models
• Positioning Polkadot as the leading blockchain for the creative economy (art, fashion, music, cinema, design, etc.)
• Implementing Polkadot’s Web3 tools within Web2 companies in the creative industries (auctions, fairs, film companies, concert agencies, architectural firms, advertising bureaus, etc.)
The collaboration offer between Fuelarts x BitBasel and Polkadot implies exclusivity — we will not conduct other acceleration programs in 2025 directly or indirectly related to other Blockchain brands.
Click here to view the Pitch Summary
Click here to view the full Pitch Deck
Click here to review the Financial Overview
Core Insights from Discussions with the Polkadot Creative Community
One of the biggest hurdles for Polkadot’s creative dApps ecosystem is building user traction and gaining investor confidence in sustainable growth. Our aim with the Fuelarts x BitBasel accelerator isn’t just to launch more startups or art projects within Polkadot and call it a day. Instead, we’re here to set a new standard where “creative” is synonymous with responsibility and sustainability.
To achieve this, we’re focusing on MVP / MVP+ startups with established user bases — teams that can bring dedicated users who see Polkadot as their platform of choice.
Additionally, we see Web2 audiences as a gateway. Picture this: onboarding Art Basel’s 200K+ client base through a Polkadot-powered payment solution. We've scheduled a December meeting with Art Basel’s blockchain team to explore this, with plans to reach out to Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and eventually expand into sectors like music, film, and fashion.
We recognize that while Polkadot has plenty of art marketplaces (20+ sites and 14 collections), many lack meaningful utility for asset holders, reducing engagement. Rather than adding more marketplaces to the batch, we’ll focus on collaborating with existing ones to enhance asset utility and drive demand.
To further distinguish Polkadot startups, we’ll keep pace with NFT trends, introducing rebranding strategies that empower startups to stand out. The tools developed in this accelerator batch will be applied across the Polkadot ecosystem, ensuring long-term growth and relevance.
Denis, Fuelarts / Jorge, BitBasel
Threshold