# Evmos Sponsorship of HackAtom 2022 Seoul and Participation in Korea Blockchain Week

This is a long, detailed proposal with markdown tables which may not render properly - if you would prefer to view it on your browser, [it has been uploaded to IPFS.](https://bafybeigcppwlvbrm6dwfaphflizaebvbpbkdkwqndlhublgdaq6xiry7py.ipfs.dweb.link/Evmos%20Sponsorship%20of%20HackAtom%202022%20Seoul%20and%20Participation%20in%20Korea%20Blockchain%20Week.html)

## **Summary**

This proposal will provide the funding necessary needed for the sponsorship of the upcoming HackAtom 2022 event in Seoul which will be held July 29th to 31th, followed by the participation in ETH Seoul and Korea Blockchain Week which ends on 14th of August. The HackAtom hackathon will also kick off the first of many events planned for [discoverEVMOS](https://evmos.builders), a developer onboarding and network growth initiative.

---

## **Abstract**

HackAtom is the largest and most recognized hackathon in the Cosmos ecosystem, organized by the Interchain Foundation with its history dating [back to 2017](https://blog.cosmos.network/announcing-the-cosmos-hackatom-winners-9fc083098da). A lot has happened since 2017 -- even as the world was momentarily flipped upside down, the Cosmos ecosystem continued to build, and #IBCgang as a whole has achieved countless milestones that the early builders have dreamed of.

Evmos is incredibly special in that it has the best of both worlds - EVM and Cosmos. In fact, Evmos exists today because of [Cosmos Hub Proposal #44](https://forum.cosmos.network/t/proposal-44-accepted-advancing-ethermint-gtm-and-engineering-plan-for-the-ethermint-chain/4554), which used the Community Pool to ultimately fund the development of Evmos without any external investments or VC backing. It is only appropriate that Evmos not only support these events, but also take these opportunities to grow our network.

Everyone is aware of the famous saying, "If you build it, they will come." The truth of the matter is, at the moment, we are lacking builders. HackAtom is the perfect opportunity to attract top notch developers in both the EVM and the Cosmos networks. We will run several PR campaigns as well as leverage our existing partners to bring solidity developers to HackAtom to hack and deploy EVM contracts, essentially acting as a bridge between the Cosmos and Ethereum world.

---

## **The Event**

**Announcing Cosmos’s HackATOM Seoul**


_HackAtom Seoul, Organized by Interchain in collaboration with the talented KryptoSeoul team, will be our first in-person Hackathon since 2019 and the first Cosmos-branded event in the Asian continent since the pandemic began. This HackATOM will not only be the perfect chance for developers to start their journey in our ecosystem with a bang, but it will also be a real moment of sharing and growing for our entire community._

_Cosmonauts, it’s been over a year since the __[Stargate upgrade](https://stargate.cosmos.network/)__, the Cosmos Big-Bang that announced the start of the __[Interchain Era](https://hub.mintscan.io/ibc-network)__, and since then our ecosystem has faced many challenges but, despite our differing views and opinions, we have always been united in a common front when the moment called for it, acknowledging that our diversities are what make our Interchain Ecosystem thriving._

The full announcement [can be read here](https://blog.cosmos.network/announcing-cosmoss-hackatom-seoul-b6858b9beac7).

**Participating IBC Frens:**

* Cosmos Hub
* Interchain
* Cosmostation
* Osmosis
* Crescent
* Juno
* plus more, check announcement page.

**Date**: July 29-31
**Location**: Hanwha Dreamplus, Seoul

---

## Community Funding Request

**The following amounts requested are not final and would love the community input.** The requested amount as it stands is $168K, with the bulk of it going towards hackathon prizes and developer outreach. $50K allocated for marketing and PR will come from the waived sponsorship fee from Interchain Foundation.

| Item | Usage |
|---|---|
| A | ~~$50K USD in Evmos tokens for the platinum sponsorship spot~~ |
| B | **$100K USD in Evmos tokens for hackathon prizes** |
| | - $30K USD for top entry (30K x 1) |
| | - $70K USD for seven runner-ups (10K x 7) |
|---|---|
| C | **$40K USD for marketing and PR expenses (from fee waiver)** |
| | - $5K USD for pre-kick off PR campaign |
| | - $3K USD for merch and booth expenses (booth background will be provided) |
| | - $2K USD for food and drinks for both the team and our volunteers (BeeHive Validator has generously offered to assist without payment, but I strongly believe that we should at least compensate their time with good food) |
| | - $30K USD reserved for potential Evmos side events and other sponsorship opportunities |
|---|---|
| D | **$30K USD for airfare, room, KBW conference tickets, and misc. (10K from remainder of fee waiver)** |
| | - Assuming that four Evmos team members and representatives will be in attendence |
| | - $8K for three airfare to Korea (~$2.5K per seat at the moment, pre-tax) |
| | - $6K for housing accomodation for four for two weeks (assuming everyone stays for KBW) |
| | - $4K for ~8 KBW Event Tickets (needs to be purchased as we won't be sponsoring KBW; 3 tickets incl. for volunteers as a token of gratitude) |
| | - $10K reserved for emergency or miscellaneous funds, including but not limited to unforseen expenses, additional accomodations, budget shortfalls, last minute event changes, etc. |
|---|---|
| Sum | **$168K**, down $27K from the previously proposed budget of $195K. |

\* Interchain Foundation has waived our sponsorship fee completely to give us more firepower in the outreach and events department without having to request for more community funding! A huge thank you to our IBC frens.

\** Less than 0.50% of the community fund as of Jul 9th 10PM UTC+9

## **Funding Request Justification**

### **A. Sponsorship Fees**

**SPONRORSHIP FEE HAS BEEN WAIVED FOR EVMOS**

Platinum Sponsorship Package Includes:

* 1 booth at HackAtom Seoul 2022
* 1 judging seat at HackAtom Seoul 2022
* 1 workshop at HackAtom Seoul 2022
* 10-minute speaker spot at the Welcome Ceremony, Day 1
* Co-host at Official Afterparty at HackAtom Seoul 2022
* Evmos marketing one-pager included in Welcome Packet
* HackAtom badges printed with your Evmos under Platinum Sponsor
* Evmos logo insignia on the marketing video produced during HackAtom Seoul 2022

### **B. Hackathon Prizes**

The prize amount was selected simply based on the amount that Osmosis and Juno are offering ($100K each).

[Current Hackathon Challenges and Prize Pool](https://bafybeienbj44fytisfpq6a5svc5t32qcxgwjvdkqejfys2degjnhhotbkm.ipfs.dweb.link/tracks.png)

The final hackathon tracks will be discussed and determined with the core dev team as well as with consultation from evmos4volunteers. The intent is to agree on the best strategic foot forward in our awkward situation where we lack Interchain accounts, and how we should design the hackathon tracks around what is currently possible.

### **C. Marketing and PR Expenses**

Please remember, these numbers are not final, and although I have initiated talks and begun budgeting research, there is still a lot of missing pieces to be filled in. The numbers that I am providing are currently derived as estimates from my past experiences with sponsoring and hosting events. Past events include Blockshow Vegas 2018, BlockchainNW Seattle 2018, LA Blockchain Week 2018, Global AI Conference in Santa Clara, Consensys 2019, LA Blockchain Week 2019, E3 2019's first blockchain gaming stage, and about a dozen smaller meetups with projects.

**PR Expenses** - Evmos is unique in the Cosmos ecosystem because we are able to tap into a much bigger pool of developers (devs already familiar with solidity). It is my belief that if we are committing $100K into the hackathon, we should do our absolute best to make sure that there is a great turnout with talented developers.

Right off the bat, I would like to explore one or two paid PR placements in Korea's top blockchain publications and developer networks. Depending on who, when, and how, this can range anywhere from $5K to $10K. However, we will aim for the lower-end of the range while leveraging the existing network of IBC frens.

I will be consulting a few blockchain incubation and investment firms that I am acquainted with for additional advice on how to best penetrate the Korean ETH developer market. There may be some last minute promotions, such as small token giveaways or ad placements in developer-heavy social networks.

**Marketing Expenses** - Following the HackAtom event, three events will be held consecutively: buidl.asia, ETH Seoul, and Korea Blockchain Week. This gives us a great opportunity to do further outreach beyond the scope of the hackathon, through smaller meetups, cross-promotions, and related events. Side events, when executed properly, can be much more effective than sponsoring the event itself.

From start to finish, the events will last from July 29th to August 13th. This is a pretty epic blockchain marathon, and the possilities and opportunities for developer onboarding, meetups, workships, and side events are endless.

Potential "side events" - As of now, talks have been initiated, but nothing is final. A few examples would be: 1) Co-hosting an event with the Interchain Foundation; 2) Hosting an official Korea Blockchain Week 2022 Side Event; 3) Hosting our own series of mini-events in the form of workshops, networking, and hopefully catching the attention of some talented solidy developers while the biggest blockchain event to happen in Asia in over 3 years is underway. When a firm decision is made with the team on how to put the funds to best use, we will let the community know ASAP. Hosting such events can typically cost anywhere from $10K to $30K depending on the event, the venue, the number of people in attendence, and timing.

**Booth and Evmos Merch** - Because of the limited time to prepare, booth design and merch will likely have to be rushed. While the booth design is not extremely important and I do not see a need for an extravagent booth, if we are going to be represented at any event, we might as well do it professionally. From past experiences, the most costly part of booths were rentals -- displays, screens, etc. After speaking with Interchain Foundation and the HackAtom organizers, booth design will not require a significant budget.

It's almost a rule of thumb that a project can not go to an event without bringing merch to give out. I think we can have a bit of fun with the community taking design and idea submissions. Around $2K will be allocated for Evmos merch / swag.

### **D. Airfare + Accomodations + Miscellaneous Expenses**

For those that have boothed at crypto events, you'll know that _it is not easy._ I have discussed with BeeHive, a respected Korean validator and community that is active in Evmos as well as other Cosmos chains, and have confirmed their willingness to help boothing as well as provide translation services. While the event will bring the global community to Seoul, it should be expected that a huge portion of the attendees will, of course be Korean.

At the moment airfare to Korea from the States as well as Europe are well over $2K. Assuming that four Evmos representaives will in attendance, the cost for airfare should exceed just over $10K. Prices will likely fluctuate between now and then. Accomodation for housing is showing anywhere from $4K to $6K for the time periods of the events.

Loredana from evmos4volunteers has been requested to attend to assist with technical discussions, which the community seems to be overwhelming in favor for. We are waiting for a final confirmation from loredana.

## Fund Usage, Transparency, and Accountability

1. All expenses incurred will be documented and itemized, from A to D. Whatever transactions that can be done on chain will be done so. For expenses that require fiat, an expense report will be provided after the event.
2. All unused funds will be returned to the community pool.
3. $20K of the marketing and PR budget will be sent to a multi-sig wallet, while $20K will be held in a liquid wallet so that we can immediately get to work on the countless tasks and preparations that need to be made.
4. The hackathon prize pool will also be sent to a multi-sig wallet and distributed post-event.
5. The miscellaneous fund ("Item D") will be released immediately and distributed to the Evmos representatives that will be in attendance, and roughly $6K will be released to LPX to book housing accomodations for the team as soon as possible. If the number of attending Evmos team member drops, then adjustments will be made acccordingly.

I will work with the core team to be as frugal as possible, while consulting with them to take as many opportunities that would benefit Evmos and help with onboarding and exposure. At least four multisig signers should be people on the ground in Seoul.

## Time Constraints

July 29th is fast approaching. I will continue to be in constant contact with the HackAtom organizers, blockchain incubators and communities, and everyone in between. Although I hate to sound like a hypocrite in trying to move this through quickly, time is running out.

All these events will be happening roughly 15 minutes from where I live, so I will do my best to accomodate the core Evmos team with any logistical needs. However, I will most likely be needing external help and planning should begin ASAP, so I would appreciate any and all concerns from the community to be asked in a timely manner so that the proposal can move into the next stages ASAP.

## Other Considerations

The cost to become an official sponsor of Korea Blockchain Week is $50K with no booth, and $100K with booth. We have decided not to sponsor KBW directly, but have confirmed with KBW organizers that whatever side event we decide to host, they will include it in their official list of events, which allows us to tap into their pool of attendees.

We would like to have sponsored ETH Seoul, they are unfortunately at capacity. However, it should be noted that we also have three major hackathons already planned or in planning that are ETH-community focused, which begin as soon as these events in Korea end. In other words, you can expect the next few months to be very crazy and event-packed for the Evmos ecosystem.

With that being said, if at any point or time something doesn't feel right, or we feel that our spending is not justified, we can simply decide to not host anything, count our blessings and new frens made at HackAtom, and just spend the rest of the time spreading Evmos through good ole' fashioned networking.

## Multisig Signatories

3 out of 5 signatories for multisig execution is proposed:
- LPX (myself, who will be coordinating much of logistics here in Seoul)
- Three team members / volunteer in attendance (Adonis, Tricky, and Loredana if she is able to make it)
- One team member not present in Korea.

---

Reference Links:

* [HackAtom Seoul 2022 Event Page](https://www.buidl.asia/hackatom-seoul-2022)
* [Cosmos Signaling Proposal](https://forum.cosmos.network/t/proposal-signaling-proposal-hackatom-seoul-2022/6799?u=catdotfish)
* [Official Cosmos Announcement](https://blog.cosmos.network/announcing-cosmoss-hackatom-seoul-b6858b9beac7)
* [HackAtom Official Site](https://hackatom.org/)
* [ETH Seoul 2022](https://2022.ethseoul.org/)
* [Blockchain Week Korea 2022](https://koreablockchainweek.com/)
* [discoverEVMOS](https://evmos.builders)

A huge thank you to [@catdotfish](https://twitter.com/catdotfish) from Interchain and Erica from KryptoSeoul for the help in organizing this proposal.