Proponent: 17VdcY2F3WvhSLFHBGZreubzQNQ3NZzLbQsugGzHmzzprSG (PolkaGate)
Date: 25.2.2025
Requested allocation: 53,600 USD

1. Proposal Overview
1.1 Introduction
This proposal seeks retroactive funding for the development and key feature implementations of the PolkaGate MetaMask Snap over the past four months. These updates significantly enhance MetaMask’s usability for Polkadot users by introducing support for staking, fund transfers, and UI improvements.
Product Page: https://snaps.metamask.io/snap/npm/polkagate/snap
Staking Feature Announcement Video: https://x.com/PolkaGate/status/1889391109610283166
2. Context of the Proposal
2.1 About PolkaGate
PolkaGate is a dedicated team of Polkadot enthusiasts focused on enhancing the user experience for interacting with Substrate-based chains like Polkadot and Kusama. Through our MetaMask Snap project, we aim to simplify complex processes such as asset management, staking, and governance participation. By integrating seamlessly with MetaMask, PolkaGate empowers users to manage their digital assets and actively engage with the Polkadot network. PolkaGate is committed to lowering entry barriers, making the Polkadot ecosystem more accessible to both newcomers and experienced users.
2.2 Overview of Product
PolkaGate MetaMask Snap enables Polkadot and Kusama users to manage assets and participate in staking and governance directly through MetaMask. This integration extends the Polkadot ecosystem’s accessibility to millions of MetaMask users. The Snap supports multiple tokens, including testnet assets like Westend and Paseo, and displays balances directly on the home page for easy tracking. Users can transfer tokens within MetaMask without relying on external dApps. By integrating directly with MetaMask, users benefit from a frictionless experience in managing assets and participating in staking and governance.

3. Features
PolkaGate Snap extends beyond basic transaction signing by integrating an interactive JSX-supported UI and advanced staking options. It aims to evolve into a full-featured Polkadot wallet within MetaMask.
3.1. Current Features:
Sign Transactions: Execute transactions on supported Polkadot networks.
Sign with Metadata: Support for signing transactions even when APIs are unavailable.
Fund Transfers: Send tokens (e.g., DOT, KSM) directly within MetaMask.
Staking Support: Configure solo and pooled staking, manage rewards, and unstake efficiently.
Enhanced UI: Interactive interface with JSX elements for improved usability.
Account Export: Securely export accounts as JSON files. Whitelisted dApp Support: Seamless integration with staking platforms, governance dApps, and PolkaGate apps.
(Details are in the full document)
4. Projected Allocation & Budget
4.1 Team Members and Roles
The PolkaGate team consists of the following key members who have contributed to the project’s success:
G. Kami Ekbatanifard, PhD — Founder/CEO & Engineering Team Lead
Morteza Chalaki, BA — CFO
Mehran Pourvahab, PhD — Blockchain researcher & TS Engineer
Martin Azarbad, BA — UI/UX specialist
Amir H. Ekbatani, PhD candidate — Test engineer
4.2 Payment Breakdown

5. Upcoming Features
These upcoming features will enhance the MetaMask Snap by introducing advanced functionalities such as token swapping and improved smart contract support. They align with our vision of continuously improving user experience and providing a comprehensive solution for Polkadot and Kusama users.
Smart Contract Support: Exploring integration with asset hubs.
Bridge Ethereum to Polkadot
Token Swapping: Researching seamless in-app swaps.
User-Requested Features: Prioritizing enhancements based on community feedback.
6. Links and References
In this section, we provide essential links to access our resources and stay connected with the PolkaGate community:
6.1 Official Website and Documentation
Product link: https://snaps.metamask.io/snap/npm/polkagate/snap
Website: polkagate.xyz
Documentation: docs.polkagate.xyz
X: x.com/@polkagate
YouTube: youtube.com/@polkagate
Element: matrix.to/#/#polkagate:matrix.org
GitHub: github.com/polkagate
6.2 Notable Announcements
Staking Feature Announcement Video: Watch on X
Click to view the full document on Google Docs.
We will be voting NAY on retroactive referenda of these characteristics, specifically of high value. To us, it is a better way to outline a plan of action so that tokenholders are able to follow what deliveries were fulfilled and what deliveries were not fulfilled as opposed as this high value retroactive approach which might not be in the interest of the tokenholders.
So we would prefer that well known teams such as these one as well as newcomers take the non-retroactive route so that a better gauge of the interest of the community exists in the described work. This idea will be heavily enforced on our vote starting on cohort 4's term as described on our DV cohort 4 application: https://forum.polkadot.network/t/decentralized-voices-cohort-4-saxemberg/11868
Specifically for referendum 1489, we don't think that Metamask has a future worthy of software and fund support despite some significant user activity. It is our opinion that talented teams like this one are capable of delivering other products more aligned with the current direction of web3. Yet we understand that snap could be a funnel (albeit its impact reduces every day) which is why we voted AYE on the previous referendum so we won't oppose heavily the continued support if the tokenholders decide this is a funnel worth keeping. It is just our opinion that more applications is THE best user and business funnel.
We as a company use Polkagate and we believe it is heavily underrated by the community so we would encourage the team to continue to be engaged with OpenGov as their talent is always welcome in Polkadot.