Draper Decentralized Studio

We back hyper-bitcoinization

A 3-month 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 a 3-month 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 Bitcoin investors.

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)

Perks and benefits delivered by

Our Partners

Timeline

Application Opening
Dec 1
Application Due
Jan 25
Applicant Evaluation and Interviews
Jan 26 – Feb 10
Selection Result Announcement
Feb 15
Program Launch
Feb 21
Demo Day
* subject to change
June 16 *
Dec 1
Application Opening
Jan 25
Application Due
Jan 26 – Feb 10
Applicant Evaluation and Interviews
Feb 15
Selection Result Announcement
Feb 21
Program Launch
June 16 *
Demo Day
* subject to change

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 DeFi, NFTs, DAOs on Bitcoin.
Draper Decentralized Studio runs a fully remote 3-month 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 a 3-month 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;
  • 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 our invite-only investment club, expert advice, private events, Demo Days, and more.
Yes, but not the toxic type :) We respect, support and cheer for everyone building useful tools.