Draper Decentralized Studio

We back hyper-bitcoinization

Startup program for teams working on making Bitcoin not only a firm asset class, but also a global payment network, global money network and, eventually, a global social network.

Applications are closed

Why?

At the beginning of an anthropological leap

Bitcoin is more than a Store of Value. Lightning Network enables the establishment of Bitcoin as a firm Medium of Exchange. Over time, Bitcoin will also develop into a universal Unit of Account and become the native currency of the Internet.

The native currency of the Internet will be programmable

The native currency of the Internet has to enable Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and many more inventions to exist and flourish on the most secure and decentralized network.

The best time to start was yesterday, the next best is now

We call for teams who are promoting freedom and driving progress by contributing to the establishment of Bitcoin as a Medium of Exchange, Unit of Account and a Programmable Money.

About the Program

Draper Decentralized Studio offers an 8-week program with a mission to nurture solutions built on and for Bitcoin. An individually tailored program supports teams in three directions:

Product Strategy and Development
Regulatory Compliance
Fundraising and Promotion

The program starts with 3 teams receiving investment offers from Tim Draper.

During the program, the teams get exposure to top industry experts for strategic and tactical advice on strategy, compliance and fundraising.

The program culminates into a Demo Day providing teams with the unique opportunity to receive follow-on investments from Tim Draper and a handful of leading investors. As well, we expect at least 3 teams will join Bitcoin Venture Network, a virtual investor platform consisting of 80+ VC Firms and Family Offices.

What we offer

Product Strategy and Development
  • Idea refinement (if applicable)
  • Marketing Strategy design (and/or refinement)
  • Partnership development and integrations
  • Customer development
  • Advising on technology architecture
Regulatory Compliance
  • Assistance with incorporation
  • Research and advice on compliance essentials and regulatory needs, incl. KYC, AML, Money Transmitter Licensing, etc
Fundraising and Promo
  • Fundraising strategy design, including the identification of milestones and validation points
  • Pitch deck design and/or refinement
  • Pitching practice and feedback sessions
  • Investor introductions
  • Work with the media (when ready)
  • Invitation to Bitcoin Venture Network, a virtual investor platform on DraperX

Perks and benefits delivered by

Our Partners

Past speakers, mentors and judges

Tim DraperFounder at Draper Associates / DFJ / Draper University
Chris HunterVenture Partner at Lightning Ventures
Oleg MikhalskyPartner at Fulgur Ventures
Alyse KilleenFounder and Partner at Stillmark
Richard MaloneBusiness Lead at Obol Technologies
Rodolfo AndragnesPresident of ONG Bitcoin Argentina
Nic CarterPartner at Castle Island Ventures
Hakob StepanyanManager at BDO USA
Lee BratcherPresident of the Texas Blockchain Council

+20 more amazing mentors and industry experts

Timeline

Application Opening
Aug 5
Application Due
Sep 25
Applicant Evaluation and Interviews
Oct 6 – 26
Selection Result Announcement
Oct 28
Program Launch
Nov 1
Aug 5
Application Opening
Sep 25
Application Due
Oct 6 – 26
Applicant Evaluation and Interviews
Oct 28
Selection Result Announcement
Nov 1
Program Launch

FAQ

We are looking for innovative ideas contributing to the establishment of Bitcoin as the native currency of the Internet. We do not give priority to projects in any given industry. However, to name a few, we would like to see teams working on Games on Lightning, Bitcoin climate solutions and all types of Bitcoin tokens (which make sense).
Draper Decentralized Studio runs a fully remote 8-week program to ensure high participation across the globe. Several gatherings in San Mateo, CA and Dubai, UAE are a possibility during and after the program.
  • Participation in an 8-week tailored high-touch program;
  • Assistance in three directions: product strategy & development, regulatory compliance, and fundraising & promo;
  • Access to our network of industry experts and partners;
  • Demo Day exposure and investor connections;
  • Invitation to join Bitcoin Venture Network, an investor platform on DraperX;
  • Investment offer from Tim Draper.
Startups are evaluated based on the idea, team, traction (if applicable), and scalability potential. Final interviews with Tim Draper for the funding decision is a possibility.
Investments are made directly by Tim Draper. Based on the project’s stage and needs, teams will receive individual investment offers. Investment terms and tools will vary for each project.
The mission of Draper Decentralized Studio is to back projects contributing to the establishment of Bitcoin as the native currency of the Internet. If your project serves that mission, please apply.
Tim Draper personally evaluates the shortlisted projects and makes investment offers.
By then, you kickstart your journey with Draper Decentralized Studio as a notable alumnus with access to expert advice, private events, Demo Days, and more. As well, we expect at least 3 teams will join Bitcoin Venture Network gaining access to its investor network and resources.
11 teams with solutions in DeFi and Infrastructure were admitted to the pilot batch. You may refer to the article in Bitcoin Magazine to learn more about Batch 1 startups and the Demo Day.
Yes, but not the toxic type :) We respect, support and cheer for everyone building useful tools.