- Referenda/
- Big Spender/
- #1390/
Talisman - Mobile Wallet Proposal
Date: Jan 16 2025
Requested Funds: US$598,100, denominated in USDT on Polkadot Asset Hub
Short description: This proposal seeks funding for a Talisman mobile wallet for both iOS and Android. We aim to place the distinctive Talisman user experience into the hands of our current and future users – to transform their web3 journey with a seamless mobile app experience. The Talisman mobile wallet will be a new product that will work seamlessly with the existing Talisman browser extension wallet and Portal web application. This is a proactive proposal that seeks US$598,100 in USDT for development of the mobile app (from Mar 2025 to Sep 2025).
Links:
🖥️ Summary deck
Context of the Proposal
This proposal plans to seek funding for a Talisman mobile wallet. Our goal is to place the distinctive Talisman user experience into the hands of our current and future users – to transform their web3 journey with a seamless mobile app experience giving people one wallet for all devices.
Extending the Talisman experience
At the time of this proposal, Talisman has developed and maintains two core products: a multi-chain browser extension wallet, and a web application that enables users to “Traverse the Paraverse” with ease.
Both of Talisman’s current products are meant for use on the desktop. A Talisman mobile wallet enables users to also access their wallet on the go, for both iOS and Android users.
Feature Design
We intend for the mobile app to be a handy extension for Talisman users (pun intended). While it will include all the essential features of a mobile wallet, we’re also exploring innovative capabilities that will set Talisman apart from other wallets across all web3 ecosystems. We aim to create something the Polkadot community can proudly recommend to their friends.
Baseline features
👛 Portfolio management (Tokens + NFT)
🔗 Wallet connect
🥩 1-click stake
💎 Cross-chain swap + transfers
👁️ Biometric authentication
💵 Buy / sell crypto
Unique Talisman features
🪬 Talisman Sync of accounts across devices
🚢 Discover & get trending Polkadot tokens with one click
🤖 AI powered trading
☁️ Backup accounts to cloud
🫶 Referral rewards
Why a Talisman mobile wallet matters
Does the Polkadot ecosystem need another mobile wallet? We believe it does. Increased competition drives innovation, which ultimately benefits the entire Polkadot ecosystem. By entering the mobile wallet space now, Talisman can leverage the latest trends and deliver an experience that matches, or even exceeds, those found in other adjacent ecosystems. Besides this, other benefits include:
🪬Improved Talisman experience
New and existing Talisman users will be able to seamlessly access their wallets on the go. Delivering a mobile wallet helps Talisman stay competitive, as users won’t have to manage multiple wallet products.
🪬Broader user base
Many potential users prefer mobile solutions over desktop applications. In many regions, mobile devices are the primary means of internet access. Mobile wallets are typically also easier for onboarding beginners. A mobile wallet will help Talisman capture these new audiences.
🪬Boosting Polkadot adoption
As Talisman captures and retains these new wallet users, its impact benefits the Polkadot ecosystem directly. Features like Talisman 1-click stake locks liquidity in the ecosystem, while swap functionalities drive increased network activity and engagement.
🪬Enhanced user engagement
The Talisman mobile wallet will be able to offer push notifications and real-time alerts, keeping users more engaged with their assets, and improving wallet activity and retention. A mobile wallet also enables more opportunities to incentivize referrals and usage.
🪬Expanding revenue opportunities
Expanding the user base and driving increased wallet activity will directly contribute to revenue-generating activities like staking and swaps. This plays a crucial role in accelerating Talisman’s journey toward profitability.
Community Support for Talisman mobile wallet
After years of user requests for a mobile app, we believe the time has come to turn this vision into reality. Here’s some of the feedback we’ve gotten so far in support of a Talisman mobile app:
“Imagine having the power of a Talisman in your pocket, literally!”- @SunshineGinGirl
“Any plans for launching Mobile wallet in near future” - Ultimate_Winner (Discord)
“Definitely, [Talisman] it's the one i am missing” - @JBRuizAngel
“Yes, and coordinate with the Polkadot App, the goal should be a Point of Sale system for conventional retail through Talisman that would be the perfection of all wallets and would bring Polkadot on the mark.” - - @kuhn__on__kash
“Mobile wallet plz” - Nat (Discord)
“Talisman is one of my main wallets, one of my Talisman cons is 'no mobile support' (can login via mobile browser but imo its not safe as desktop browser) I would probs use it more then desktop as it could - have features like finger print, other security additions! please do!”- @Stickvestor
“Of course you should. When it comes to browser extension wallet the community has options but on mobile not that much” - @cyphadoc
“If you build it i will use it” - @0xDarkSpark
“I only have a question!!!! When mobile app??” - Osiel (Discord)
“Mobile and you will grow massively. Crypto needs mobile because if you ever want to feel like a wallet, it must be pocketable. And it brings competition to the area.” - @tmmcmasters
“I really enjoy using the web app, would love to see it on mobile eventually.” - Lord Wndy (Discord)
Wallet Positioning
It is important to us that the Talisman mobile wallet is not only differentiated from other Polkadot ecosystem wallets, but also with respect to other well-known crypto wallets. We don't intend to make another generic me-too mobile app, but to make an attractive product that extends Talisman functionality and uniqueness to a mobile paradigm and brings new users to crypto and to Polkadot.
To those who say that there are too many mobile apps in Polkadot, we reiterate that increased competition drives innovation, which ultimately benefits the entire Polkadot ecosystem. As features become more differentiated, wallets will become increasingly important as a channel to attract and retain web3 users.
Further to our point, we believe that a diverse range of products is essential to meet the varied needs of different users, and this diversity should be encouraged. No single product can fully satisfy every user within the ecosystem. That said, we have no intention of encroaching on the domains of other wallets in the ecosystem. Instead, our mobile wallet will concentrate on enhancing our user-friendly experience, with a particular focus on portfolio management and (AI-assisted) trading.
Highlighted Features
What follows are concept mockups of features that we are planning to implement. Actual designs will be expanded and refined upon commencement of this project. Because this is a proactive proposal, detailed design and development work has not yet occurred.
🪬Talisman Sync
Synchronize Talisman mobile app with the Talisman extension. This feature enables seamless synchronization between the Talisman mobile and desktop browser extension. This functionality ensures that users have consistent access to their wallet across devices, allowing real-time portfolio management and enhanced flexibility, without the need for time consuming configuration and movement of recovery phrases.
🤖AI-Powered Trading
AI-powered trading bots and agents built into the wallet to deliver automated trading solutions and strategies. This is one of the features that leverages latest trends as an example of what can set Talisman apart from other crypto wallets to enhance functionality and boost user engagement.
🎒Polkadot Tokens Bundle
Get popular tokens with a single click. This feature simplifies the process for new users to discover and swap by offering a curated selection of tokens, making it easy to enter the Polkadot ecosystem quickly and effortlessly.
🔭Discover and Buy Trending Tokens
Users can discover hot and trending tokens in the Polkadot ecosystem, so that they can jump straight into the price action, straight from the comfort of their mobile phone.
🔔Price Alerts
Set price thresholds for their tokens and get notified. With Mobile, increasing the ability to set-up notifications opens a new world of utility for users. Price alerts are key to a trading wallet, enabling timely decision-making and helping users stay informed about market movements on the go.
🫶Refer Friends and Earn Rewards
Mobile brings an opportunity to focus on onboarding and sharing with friends, featuring convenient links and QR codes to make it easy for new users. For the launch of mobile, a referral program will provide even more incentive for current users to invite others to join Talisman.
About Talisman
We believe our mission in the Polkadot ecosystem is to design for the user, advocate for the user, and build for the user. This means staying ahead of the complex multi-chain functionality being built in Polkadot today and distilling it into an intuitive experience. The goal is to empower users to understand the tools at their disposal and complete tasks quickly and efficiently, all while leveraging the full potential of advanced features. Besides this, our goal is to facilitate liquidity to flow into Polkadot to the benefit of all in the ecosystem.
As of Jan 2025, Talisman has achieved the following traction:
- 140,000+ active installs as measured by the Chrome/Firefox app stores
- 19,000+ active users on Talisman extension
- Users in 189 countries
- 7.3+ million DOT in Talisman nomination pools
- The two largest nomination pools in Polkadot DOT staking
We build in an open, community-driven way and we are committed to building for the community, including users, teams, institutions, infrastructure providers, and any other ecosystem stakeholder. For more on Talisman’s mission and approach, please see our latest talks:
Warp Lizard and Natti on Polkadot Spaces, Sep 2024: Talisman's Cross-Chain Swaps https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1zqJVYkqPrnGB
Nipsey at Polkadot Decoded 2024: Conquering Browser Based Substrate Development With Talisman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g10ehroz5es
Polkadot insider interview @ Thailand blockchain week: Unveil What Next For Talisman In 2024 w/ Jonathan Dunne https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhLyOy1lkII
Nipsey at Sub0 Asia 2024: The Application Layer: Conquering Browser Based Substrate Development with Talisman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIJfshY60rk
Talisman is proposing to create a mobile wallet for both iOS and Android devices, aiming to enhance the user experience and make their web3 journey seamless. The wallet will be compatible with the existing Talisman browser extension wallet and Portal web application. The project requires $598,100 in funding and is planned to be developed from March 2025 to September 2025.
Key features of the Talisman mobile wallet include portfolio management, wallet connect, one-click stake, cross-chain swap and transfers, biometric authentication, and buy/sell crypto options. Unique features will also be added, such as account synchronization across devices, AI-powered trading, backup to cloud, and referral rewards.
The mobile wallet is expected to benefit the Polkadot ecosystem by increasing competition, boosting user engagement, and expanding revenue opportunities. Community support for the mobile wallet has been positive, with many users requesting a mobile app.
Talisman's mission is to design for the user, advocate for the user, and build for the user in the Polkadot ecosystem. They have achieved significant traction, with over 140,000 active installs, 19,000 active users, and users in 189 countries. The Talisman mobile wallet aims to continue this growth and bring new users to the Polkadot ecosystem.
Date: Jan 16 2025
Requested Funds: US$598,100, denominated in USDT on Polkadot Asset Hub
Short description: This proposal seeks funding for a Talisman mobile wallet for both iOS and Android. We aim to place the distinctive Talisman user experience into the hands of our current and future users – to transform their web3 journey with a seamless mobile app experience. The Talisman mobile wallet will be a new product that will work seamlessly with the existing Talisman browser extension wallet and Portal web application. This is a proactive proposal that seeks US$598,100 in USDT for development of the mobile app (from Mar 2025 to Sep 2025).
Links:
🖥️ Summary deck
Context of the Proposal
This proposal plans to seek funding for a Talisman mobile wallet. Our goal is to place the distinctive Talisman user experience into the hands of our current and future users – to transform their web3 journey with a seamless mobile app experience giving people one wallet for all devices.
Extending the Talisman experience
At the time of this proposal, Talisman has developed and maintains two core products: a multi-chain browser extension wallet, and a web application that enables users to “Traverse the Paraverse” with ease.
Both of Talisman’s current products are meant for use on the desktop. A Talisman mobile wallet enables users to also access their wallet on the go, for both iOS and Android users.
Feature Design
We intend for the mobile app to be a handy extension for Talisman users (pun intended). While it will include all the essential features of a mobile wallet, we’re also exploring innovative capabilities that will set Talisman apart from other wallets across all web3 ecosystems. We aim to create something the Polkadot community can proudly recommend to their friends.
Baseline features
👛 Portfolio management (Tokens + NFT)
🔗 Wallet connect
🥩 1-click stake
💎 Cross-chain swap + transfers
👁️ Biometric authentication
💵 Buy / sell crypto
Unique Talisman features
🪬 Talisman Sync of accounts across devices
🚢 Discover & get trending Polkadot tokens with one click
🤖 AI powered trading
☁️ Backup accounts to cloud
🫶 Referral rewards
Why a Talisman mobile wallet matters
Does the Polkadot ecosystem need another mobile wallet? We believe it does. Increased competition drives innovation, which ultimately benefits the entire Polkadot ecosystem. By entering the mobile wallet space now, Talisman can leverage the latest trends and deliver an experience that matches, or even exceeds, those found in other adjacent ecosystems. Besides this, other benefits include:
🪬Improved Talisman experience
New and existing Talisman users will be able to seamlessly access their wallets on the go. Delivering a mobile wallet helps Talisman stay competitive, as users won’t have to manage multiple wallet products.
🪬Broader user base
Many potential users prefer mobile solutions over desktop applications. In many regions, mobile devices are the primary means of internet access. Mobile wallets are typically also easier for onboarding beginners. A mobile wallet will help Talisman capture these new audiences.
🪬Boosting Polkadot adoption
As Talisman captures and retains these new wallet users, its impact benefits the Polkadot ecosystem directly. Features like Talisman 1-click stake locks liquidity in the ecosystem, while swap functionalities drive increased network activity and engagement.
🪬Enhanced user engagement
The Talisman mobile wallet will be able to offer push notifications and real-time alerts, keeping users more engaged with their assets, and improving wallet activity and retention. A mobile wallet also enables more opportunities to incentivize referrals and usage.
🪬Expanding revenue opportunities
Expanding the user base and driving increased wallet activity will directly contribute to revenue-generating activities like staking and swaps. This plays a crucial role in accelerating Talisman’s journey toward profitability.
Community Support for Talisman mobile wallet
After years of user requests for a mobile app, we believe the time has come to turn this vision into reality. Here’s some of the feedback we’ve gotten so far in support of a Talisman mobile app:
“Imagine having the power of a Talisman in your pocket, literally!”- @SunshineGinGirl
“Any plans for launching Mobile wallet in near future” - Ultimate_Winner (Discord)
“Definitely, [Talisman] it's the one i am missing” - @JBRuizAngel
“Yes, and coordinate with the Polkadot App, the goal should be a Point of Sale system for conventional retail through Talisman that would be the perfection of all wallets and would bring Polkadot on the mark.” - - @kuhn__on__kash
“Mobile wallet plz” - Nat (Discord)
“Talisman is one of my main wallets, one of my Talisman cons is 'no mobile support' (can login via mobile browser but imo its not safe as desktop browser) I would probs use it more then desktop as it could - have features like finger print, other security additions! please do!”- @Stickvestor
“Of course you should. When it comes to browser extension wallet the community has options but on mobile not that much” - @cyphadoc
“If you build it i will use it” - @0xDarkSpark
“I only have a question!!!! When mobile app??” - Osiel (Discord)
“Mobile and you will grow massively. Crypto needs mobile because if you ever want to feel like a wallet, it must be pocketable. And it brings competition to the area.” - @tmmcmasters
“I really enjoy using the web app, would love to see it on mobile eventually.” - Lord Wndy (Discord)
Wallet Positioning
It is important to us that the Talisman mobile wallet is not only differentiated from other Polkadot ecosystem wallets, but also with respect to other well-known crypto wallets. We don't intend to make another generic me-too mobile app, but to make an attractive product that extends Talisman functionality and uniqueness to a mobile paradigm and brings new users to crypto and to Polkadot.
To those who say that there are too many mobile apps in Polkadot, we reiterate that increased competition drives innovation, which ultimately benefits the entire Polkadot ecosystem. As features become more differentiated, wallets will become increasingly important as a channel to attract and retain web3 users.
Further to our point, we believe that a diverse range of products is essential to meet the varied needs of different users, and this diversity should be encouraged. No single product can fully satisfy every user within the ecosystem. That said, we have no intention of encroaching on the domains of other wallets in the ecosystem. Instead, our mobile wallet will concentrate on enhancing our user-friendly experience, with a particular focus on portfolio management and (AI-assisted) trading.
Highlighted Features
What follows are concept mockups of features that we are planning to implement. Actual designs will be expanded and refined upon commencement of this project. Because this is a proactive proposal, detailed design and development work has not yet occurred.
🪬Talisman Sync
Synchronize Talisman mobile app with the Talisman extension. This feature enables seamless synchronization between the Talisman mobile and desktop browser extension. This functionality ensures that users have consistent access to their wallet across devices, allowing real-time portfolio management and enhanced flexibility, without the need for time consuming configuration and movement of recovery phrases.
🤖AI-Powered Trading
AI-powered trading bots and agents built into the wallet to deliver automated trading solutions and strategies. This is one of the features that leverages latest trends as an example of what can set Talisman apart from other crypto wallets to enhance functionality and boost user engagement.
🎒Polkadot Tokens Bundle
Get popular tokens with a single click. This feature simplifies the process for new users to discover and swap by offering a curated selection of tokens, making it easy to enter the Polkadot ecosystem quickly and effortlessly.
🔭Discover and Buy Trending Tokens
Users can discover hot and trending tokens in the Polkadot ecosystem, so that they can jump straight into the price action, straight from the comfort of their mobile phone.
🔔Price Alerts
Set price thresholds for their tokens and get notified. With Mobile, increasing the ability to set-up notifications opens a new world of utility for users. Price alerts are key to a trading wallet, enabling timely decision-making and helping users stay informed about market movements on the go.
🫶Refer Friends and Earn Rewards
Mobile brings an opportunity to focus on onboarding and sharing with friends, featuring convenient links and QR codes to make it easy for new users. For the launch of mobile, a referral program will provide even more incentive for current users to invite others to join Talisman.
About Talisman
We believe our mission in the Polkadot ecosystem is to design for the user, advocate for the user, and build for the user. This means staying ahead of the complex multi-chain functionality being built in Polkadot today and distilling it into an intuitive experience. The goal is to empower users to understand the tools at their disposal and complete tasks quickly and efficiently, all while leveraging the full potential of advanced features. Besides this, our goal is to facilitate liquidity to flow into Polkadot to the benefit of all in the ecosystem.
As of Jan 2025, Talisman has achieved the following traction:
- 140,000+ active installs as measured by the Chrome/Firefox app stores
- 19,000+ active users on Talisman extension
- Users in 189 countries
- 7.3+ million DOT in Talisman nomination pools
- The two largest nomination pools in Polkadot DOT staking
We build in an open, community-driven way and we are committed to building for the community, including users, teams, institutions, infrastructure providers, and any other ecosystem stakeholder. For more on Talisman’s mission and approach, please see our latest talks:
Warp Lizard and Natti on Polkadot Spaces, Sep 2024: Talisman's Cross-Chain Swaps https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1zqJVYkqPrnGB
Nipsey at Polkadot Decoded 2024: Conquering Browser Based Substrate Development With Talisman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g10ehroz5es
Polkadot insider interview @ Thailand blockchain week: Unveil What Next For Talisman In 2024 w/ Jonathan Dunne https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhLyOy1lkII
Nipsey at Sub0 Asia 2024: The Application Layer: Conquering Browser Based Substrate Development with Talisman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIJfshY60rk
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Threshold
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Lucky Friday have voted AYE. Please consider this a temporary notification after our vote has gone on chain. If you would like additional feedback on our rationale for this vote, please join our OpenGov Public Forum on Telegram here: https://t.me/+559tyPSfmGg0NzUx
Lucky Friday provides feedback once per week (Fridays) if specifically requested in our OpenGov Public Forum, and we respectfully ask that all proponents of referenda interact with us here for the sake of transparency. Please tag our Head of Protocol Partnerships “Phunky” with your referendum number so that he can gather the relevant commentary from our internal deliberations.
Dear @Warp Lizard | Talisman,
Thank you for your proposal. Our vote on this proposal is AYE.
The Big Spender track requires 60% quorum according to our voting policy. This proposal has received nine aye and zero nay votes from ten members. Below is a summary of our members' comments:
The referendum received unanimous support, with members highlighting Talisman’s importance as one of the leading wallets in the Polkadot ecosystem. Supporters praised the initiative for introducing competition, enhancing the mobile wallet space, and building on Talisman’s success with its browser extension. While some raised questions about resource allocation and overlap with the browser extension team, the proposal was widely viewed as a positive step for the ecosystem. Members expressed optimism about the product's potential and its role in fostering user-friendly adoption.
The full discussion can be found in our internal voting.
Kind regards,
Permanence DAO
I have a question :
When will the Talisman wallet and any other wallet on Polkadot be self-sustainable?
Abstain.
High & low proposal. Our members support the OG Talisman wallet for his expertise in delivering good UX. The mobile wallet is the missing part nowdays.
But our members also raised concerns over SAFT funding and long-term Treasury dependency.
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I appreciate the progress made with the desktop app and the ambition to expand to mobile. However, the proposal lacks details about Talisman’s financial health, such as income statements or balance sheets —though perhaps I missed it. Providing this information would help assess the project's sustainability and determine how many more funding rounds might be needed. Supporting a company on the road to profitability is far more compelling than backing one reliant on ongoing treasury funding to avoid financial challenges. Transparency here would build confidence and strengthen community support for this initiative.