metadata: {"signature": "0x8c58d9bf868a21309d664bb9344b33068d64e38ab0d223f496ff60feb289fc58769cd00468dd37d3ab6b7da6b8b2e92659e2b15dec977bcb7dfbd8ead42901d01b", "application": {"round": "0x2d4d59757d5a7c3c376fc47b9f4501c347b9654d", "answers": [{"type": "email", "hidden": true, "question": "Email Address", "questionId": 0, "encryptedAnswer": {"ciphertext": "eddMhnaNCbcTJnVGnUY7N8f4d8JQ8E0W+zaMF8Qk/Y9XTEBVL/7dCMPftZ2q/+ud", "encryptedSymmetricKey": "a545dc7f77880b3a467199853c20e8b0b31b28eb15905addad179a035b2053f12dd9937f6f0df2de0a3c95436e9d7d01ea86f6868609b1d61e6e65d7946791ca83afbdc5524dd1fcdc09fbe192295b75fc0949d18f14d426a1bce66d4c1b4daf2c0ea73798551879181c7c565333019b5ea6538df5815ee050dca5af98777446000000000000002095e95653525230f49fa1929dadb04c89f05e910477e73bfbde98ffcd6f98b4ce2a750fa465752e907c05fc0bec405fb0"}}, {"type": "short-answer", "answer": "https://t.me/BektasHakan", "hidden": true, "question": "Telegram Handle", "questionId": 1}, {"type": "short-answer", "answer": "https://github.com/ProjectMerlinDAO", "hidden": true, "question": "Project GitHub Repo", "questionId": 2}, {"type": "short-answer", "answer": "https://t.me/ProjectMerlin", "hidden": true, "question": "Link to your Public Group Chat", "questionId": 3}, {"type": "short-answer", "answer": "Community Grants: https://explorer.gitcoin.co/#/round/137/24", "hidden": true, "question": "Have you participated in a previous Gitcoin Grants Round? If so, please name the rounds or link the builder profile to prior rounds.", "questionId": 4}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "Project Merlin contributes significantly to Ethereum's infrastructure by creating a multi-chain ecosystem that enhances interoperability between Ethereum (EVM) and Solana (SVM) networks. This bridge between networks allows for greater cross-chain collaboration, which benefits the Ethereum network in several ways:\n\nMerlinCap DAO (Crowdfunding): By allowing Ethereum-based projects to raise funds and manage governance across multiple chains, we extend Ethereum\u2019s reach and liquidity pools, enhancing access to capital while maintaining the robustness of Ethereum's security layer.\n\nMerlin's Guild (Freelance Marketplace): This decentralized freelance platform uses Ethereum\u2019s smart contracts to ensure secure, trustless transactions. It enables Ethereum-based projects to hire freelancers without relying on intermediaries, promoting the adoption of Ethereum\u2019s infrastructure in real-world use cases.\n\nAvalon Launchpad (IDO platform): We offer Ethereum projects the ability to launch their tokens while tapping into a larger multi-chain user base. This boosts liquidity and demand for Ethereum-based tokens, driving more transactions and user engagement back to the Ethereum network.", "hidden": true, "question": "How does your project contribute significantly to the Ethereum network's infrastructure? Please provide specific examples and metrics if available.", "questionId": 5}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "Cross-Chain Interoperability:\nOne of our key innovations is enabling seamless interaction between EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) and SVM (Solana Virtual Machine) networks. We\u2019ve built a custom bridge that allows assets and smart contracts to move effortlessly between these ecosystems. This opens up new opportunities for developers and users to leverage the strengths of both networks without needing to manage multiple wallets or interfaces.\n\nEnhanced User Experience:\nWe focus on making cross-chain interactions intuitive for non-technical users. With our simple, unified dashboard, users can manage their assets, participate in IDOs, and access freelance services across both Ethereum and Solana networks without needing to interact with complex back-end processes. For example, freelancers on Merlin\u2019s Guild can receive payments in Ethereum-based tokens while interacting with clients on Solana, all within a single platform.", "hidden": true, "question": "Describe any pioneering development work in your project, particularly in enhancing privacy, interoperability, or user experience.", "questionId": 6}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "In the crypto world, there isn't a single comprehensive ecosystem that can take an idea from inception to a successful project. Additionally, there\u2019s a lack of platforms where freelancers can get paid in crypto, and crowdfunding DAOs that fund not only projects but also their own communities. Project Merlin addresses these gaps. With Merlin\u2019s Guild, freelancers can receive crypto payments, and with MerlinCap DAO, both projects and communities can be securely and decentralizedly funded. We offer an integrated ecosystem that meets all of these needs.", "hidden": true, "question": "What specific problems or challenges in the Ethereum ecosystem does your project address? How does your solution improve upon existing alternatives?", "questionId": 7}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "\nProject Merlin Roadmap and Use of Grant Funds:\n\nQ4 2024: Beta Finalization & Launch Preparation\nGoal: Finalize testing and integrate cross-chain functionality between EVM (Ethereum) and SVM (Solana).\nActivities:\nComplete the final stages of beta testing for all platform components: MerlinCap DAO, Merlin\u2019s Guild, Excalibur, and Avalon Launchpad.\nUser experience (UX) improvements and bug fixes based on community feedback.\nMarketing campaign to build community awareness and prepare for public launch.\nGrant Allocation:\n70% Marketing: Outreach to potential users and developers via social media campaigns, partnerships, and influencer collaborations.\n10% Development: Final testing, improvements, and implementing user feedback.\n20% Operations: Server costs, platform maintenance, and team expansion.\nQ1 2025: Public Launch\nGoal: Launch the full version of Project Merlin with all components live.\nActivities:\nOfficial launch of MerlinCap DAO for decentralized crowdfunding.\nFull deployment of Merlin\u2019s Guild, allowing freelancers to accept crypto payments.\nAvalon Launchpad opens for IDO projects across Ethereum and Solana networks.\nInitial public audits for platform security and governance.\nGrant Allocation:\n70% Marketing: Promotional campaigns, public relations efforts, and incentivizing early adopters.\n10% Development: Security audits and ongoing platform improvements.\n20% Operations: Scaling infrastructure and support.\nQ2 2025: Expansion & Community Growth\nGoal: Scale the platform and expand cross-chain partnerships.\nActivities:\nOnboarding new projects and freelancers.\nExpanding cross-chain interoperability to include additional blockchain networks.\nLaunching community-driven governance through MerlinCap DAO.\nGrowing user base through partnerships and incentive programs.\nGrant Allocation:\n70% Marketing: Ongoing community growth and partnership campaigns.\n10% Development: New feature development, cross-chain support.\n20% Operations: Infrastructure scaling and ongoing platform support.\nThe grant funds will primarily focus on marketing to drive user growth and visibility, with targeted development efforts to ensure a seamless, secure, and scalable launch.", "hidden": true, "question": "Outline your project's roadmap and how the grant funds will be used to achieve your development goals.", "questionId": 8}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "Project Merlin enhances both decentralization and security within the Ethereum network through several key mechanisms:\n\n1. Decentralized Crowdfunding and Governance (MerlinCap DAO)\nContribution to Decentralization: MerlinCap DAO allows projects to raise funds directly from a decentralized community without relying on centralized platforms. All funding decisions, including allocation and project approval, are made through on-chain governance, empowering token holders to control the process. This reduces reliance on centralized intermediaries, promoting decentralization.\n\nContribution to Security: Using Ethereum's secure smart contracts, MerlinCap DAO ensures that funds are handled transparently and trustlessly. Additionally, voting and fund management are secured via zk-SNARKs, providing privacy in decision-making while maintaining the integrity and security of the blockchain.\n\n2. Freelance Marketplace (Merlin\u2019s Guild)\nContribution to Decentralization: The freelance marketplace removes the need for traditional, centralized freelancing platforms by allowing clients and freelancers to connect directly through Ethereum smart contracts. Payments are conducted through crypto, ensuring the entire process is decentralized, with no intermediaries taking fees or controlling transactions.\n\nContribution to Security: Ethereum smart contracts ensure secure, automated payment processing. Once a task is completed, payments are executed automatically based on pre-set conditions, minimizing the risk of fraud or disputes.\n\n3. Interoperable IDO Platform (Avalon Launchpad)\nContribution to Decentralization: Avalon Launchpad democratizes access to Initial DEX Offerings (IDOs) by allowing projects to raise funds from a decentralized Ethereum user base while also supporting cross-chain participation. This contributes to decentralization by providing wider access to early-stage funding, breaking the monopoly of centralized launchpads.\n\nContribution to Security: IDOs are managed through Ethereum\u2019s secure smart contracts, ensuring that token distribution and fund allocation are automated, transparent, and protected from manipulation. Users\u2019 funds are securely held until the IDO\u2019s success conditions are met, providing a layer of trust and security.\n\n4. Cross-Chain Interoperability\nContribution to Decentralization: Project Merlin bridges Ethereum with other blockchains like Solana, fostering a more decentralized ecosystem by enabling assets and contracts to move freely across chains. This expands Ethereum\u2019s ecosystem without relying on centralized exchanges or custodial services for cross-chain transactions.\n\nContribution to Security: The cross-chain bridge is secured through Ethereum\u2019s robust security model. Transactions between chains are facilitated using cryptographic proofs and verified on-chain, ensuring the integrity of assets as they move between Ethereum and other networks.\n\nIn Summary: Project Merlin enhances Ethereum's decentralization by removing centralized intermediaries in fundraising, freelancing, and token launches. At the same time, it strengthens security through the use of Ethereum smart contracts, zk-SNARKs for privacy, and secure cross-chain interactions. This empowers users with more control while ensuring the security and integrity of transactions across the Ethereum network.", "hidden": true, "question": "How does your project contribute to the decentralization and security of the Ethereum network?", "questionId": 9}, {"type": "paragraph", "hidden": true, "question": "For any project deploying smart contracts on blockchain networks, please list all your deployer addresses and their corresponding blockchain networks. Use this format for each entry: [deployer_address], [chain_id]\u2014for example, 0x123abc..., 42161 (This represents a deployer address on the Arbitrum network). Please include a separate line for each unique deployer address and blockchain combination.", "questionId": 10}], "project": {"id": "0xbb50d5db90148d2b5a30de43a1d51b1ee4d67fa35e4621d9df76ce9ead46b462", "title": "Project Merlin", "logoImg": "bafkreiatuvh7b6cm5j5fy5odsrtumuaxsioplhkoed4srfz4bk5qgwo4rm", "metaPtr": {"pointer": "bafkreidu6owufhyk3abltdtr5mremoo2n2sbowigrtzhncma5kkl2su2fi", "protocol": "undefined"}, "website": "https://projectmerlin.io", "bannerImg": "bafkreiakhgppgnggcjli6rewk5beu4jb5rpo6fikixf7vcw34b7cq35gqi", "createdAt": 1725351940430, "userGithub": "HakanBektasMRLN", "credentials": {"github": {"type": ["VerifiableCredential"], "proof": {"jws": "eyJhbGciOiJFZERTQSIsImNyaXQiOlsiYjY0Il0sImI2NCI6ZmFsc2V9..Cj0PX2xjEUHbuz2Y2MW3r7iSLPyDmv_DeT7iJZbPYO7BiLTyvbSNwtT4y42kncYS-lqTpDN20Onhnmh7nrlpCA", "type": "Ed25519Signature2018", "created": "2024-09-03T08:24:40.302Z", "proofPurpose": "assertionMethod", "verificationMethod": "did:key:z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC#z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC"}, "issuer": "did:key:z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC", "@context": ["https://www.w3.org/2018/credentials/v1"], "issuanceDate": "2024-09-03T08:24:40.302Z", "expirationDate": "2024-12-02T08:24:40.302Z", "credentialSubject": {"id": "did:pkh:eip155:1:0x1B443C2d7C242cc296D8A68f16d13e2D9A5bBBaB", "hash": "v0.0.0:tq0oA9Rk8eoOfhTOLnlJXqQo3eVA3tPeEjRV5C5vfd0=", "@context": [{"hash": "https://schema.org/Text", "provider": "https://schema.org/Text"}], "provider": "ClearTextGithubOrg#ProjectMerlinDAO#137083088"}}, "twitter": {"type": ["VerifiableCredential"], "proof": {"jws": "eyJhbGciOiJFZERTQSIsImNyaXQiOlsiYjY0Il0sImI2NCI6ZmFsc2V9..k1mX_PGZfiKU4bRL4iXbu5QfJ9TjrvHdLHepmVZCHmOa2xQSbTdonvjRLrfmM31wWIW0BKE81xWvEWhr-WExAw", "type": "Ed25519Signature2018", "created": "2024-09-03T08:25:15.095Z", "proofPurpose": "assertionMethod", "verificationMethod": "did:key:z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC#z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC"}, "issuer": "did:key:z6MkghvGHLobLEdj1bgRLhS4LPGJAvbMA1tn2zcRyqmYU5LC", "@context": ["https://www.w3.org/2018/credentials/v1"], "issuanceDate": "2024-09-03T08:25:15.095Z", "expirationDate": "2024-12-02T08:25:15.095Z", "credentialSubject": {"id": "did:pkh:eip155:1:0x1B443C2d7C242cc296D8A68f16d13e2D9A5bBBaB", "hash": "v0.0.0:Wwb3bqrZ99RiCuM5iBRcXZPqtjuVpzmmPjFlt3RbbHw=", "@context": [{"hash": "https://schema.org/Text", "provider": "https://schema.org/Text"}], "provider": "ClearTextTwitter#ProjectMerlinio"}}}, "description": "# Project Merlin\nThe future of decentralized all-in-one ecosystem; Crowdfunding, Talent sourcing, Community Building, and Launchpad.\n[www.projectmerlin.io](https://projectmerlin.io/)\n\n**Project Merlin** is an all-inclusive platform that offers everything needed to turn an idea into a fully realized project within the Web3 ecosystem. With four core decentralized services, it simplifies the entire process from ideation to funding, team assembly, and community building: MerlinCap DAO for community-driven crowdfunding; Merlin's Guild as a freelance marketplace; Excaliber for Web3 engagement; and Avalon Launchpad as an IDO launchpad service.\n\n\ud83d\udd25**MerlinCap**\nA community-driven crowdfunding platform that allows decentralized decision-making for project funding and support.\n\n\ud83d\udd25**Merlin's Guild**\nA freelance marketplace where professionals offer their services, and employers can pay using cryptocurrency.\n\n\ud83d\udd25**Excaliber**\nAn on-chain platform that enables users to build blockchain-based identities and earn rewards through completing quests, fostering deeper engagement and interaction.\n\n\ud83d\udd25**Avalon Launchpad**\nA launchpad for initial decentralized offerings (IDO), where blockchain projects can offer their tokens for presale, allowing early investors to participate in new ventures.\n\n\ud83c\udfaf  **Key Features**\n\ud83d\udd36Direct support for projects via cryptocurrency and credit card payments.\n\ud83d\udd36Decentralized funding pools using an advanced DAO system.\n\ud83d\udd36Rewarding users with MRLN tokens for participating in DAO stages.\n\ud83d\udd36Earn MRLN tokens by completing simple quests in Camelot Chronicles, promoting user engagement and interaction on the platform.\n\ud83d\udd36Easily find and hire freelancers through Merlin\u2019s Guild using cryptocurrency payments, streamlining the process of connecting with blockchain professionals.\n\ud83d\udd36Conduct seamless token presales with Avalon Launchpad, offering a straightforward and secure method for early investors to participate in new projects.\n\n\ud83d\udc51  **Our Vision**\nAt Project Merlin, our vision is to create a fully decentralized platform that provides all the essential tools and support needed to transform a Web3 idea into a complete product. We aim to offer a seamless, all-in-one ecosystem where funding, talent sourcing, community building, and token launches come together in a decentralized environment. Everyone who contributes to and supports this process will be rewarded, ensuring mutual growth and success across the ecosystem.\n\n\ud83d\udcc8  **Financial Data and Compliance**\nTo date, our project has spent over $275,000, fully financed by the founders. We meet corporate standards with a team of over 25 employees from five different continents.\n\n\ud83d\udd2e  **Community and Marketing**\nDespite having just begun advertising efforts, we have already amassed over 10,000 Telegram members and more than 4,000 followers on Twitter. Marketing will be enhanced through the development of the \"Merlin's Beard!\" mini-game on Telegram and our collaboration with TON, which is expected to drive rapid growth.\n\nA global promotional campaign with Solana Super Team is anticipated to positively impact our marketing efforts. Additionally, upcoming reward campaigns on Galxe.com is expected to accelerate progress.\n\n\ud83d\udd30  **Sponsors and Partners**\nWe currently have two announced partners and five additional partners awaiting announcement.\n\ud83d\udd37Skale Network\n\ud83d\udd37Sequence.xyz\n\ud83d\udd37Konnect3d\n\ud83d\udd37SH Partners\n\n\ud83c\udf10  **ROAD MAP**\n\ud83d\udd37Seed Rounds: **November**\n\ud83d\udd37Launch: **December**\n\n\ud83e\udea2 **Resources**\n[Pitch Deck](https://t2m.io/ZxKJcsRY) I [Whitepaper](https://t2m.io/LTsdCrmr) I [Website](https://projectmerlin.io/) I [Tokenomics](https://t2m.io/GKrgC6d3) I  [X - Twitter](https://x.com/ProjectMerlinio)  I [Telegram](https://t.me/ProjectMerlin)", "lastUpdated": 0, "projectGithub": "ProjectMerlinDAO", "projectTwitter": "ProjectMerlinio"}, "recipient": "0x1B443C2d7C242cc296D8A68f16d13e2D9A5bBBaB"}}