Product and Ecosystem Value

We are building Zero as a social app that aims to build a more peer to peer experience amongst users. While Zero is not strictly social-fi we are integrating USDC as a method to power  purchase of super likes and Zero gifts via the Zero tokens and at the same time allow creators to cash out earnings globally via USDC through the Anchor channel. In Our case the Anchors are crypto.com and yellow card which  covers most of the regions we support. So basically we are building a custodial infrastructure powered by stellar for onramp and offramp within the app.

User metrics and reports

We currently are in private Beta we have 50,000 signed  users,  we acquired these users by running a marketing campaign, we initially only acquired 100 users to test and iterate over features and boards and increased it to 1000 users we acquired just over 7k users via ad campaign spending $0.2 per install in regions like Africa while spending around $1.5 per install for regions in the USA, while we keyed into various communities on telegram with thousands(70k+ users about 6 these kinds of communities of users  to register on Zero, Zero can cover a wide range of different types of Use cases for groups so we targeted gaming, football, anime and cartoon groups on telegram etc. Our user acquisition for Beta users was  mostly penetrating  these communities this was what we used to boost signups. 

Deliverable and Budget

We are using crypto.com as Anchor for US an Europe while Yellow Card for Africa these Anchors are important and will allow us enable users cash out their earning to different regions easily.

Super Likes and Gifting System: Token Economy

Overview

Zero utilises a token economy to enhance user engagement and provide creators with tangible rewards. The system revolves around Zero tokens, a virtual currency within the platform, which can be used for various premium interactions such as Super Likes and gifting. This system is designed to promote positive interactions while avoiding regulatory complications associated with real-world assets.

How It Works

1. Purchasing Zero Tokens

   • Users can purchase Zero tokens using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or USDC (Stellar) .
   • Tokens are available for various amounts, providing flexibility for different user preferences and engagement levels.

2. Using Zero Tokens

   • Super Likes: Users can use Zero tokens to Super Like board content, showing high appreciation for posts, pictures, videos, and other shared materials.
   • Gifts: Tokens can also be used to purchase virtual gifts that can be sent to specific users or entire boards, enhancing engagement and recognition.

3. Earning and Cashing Out Tokens

   • Earning: Content creators can earn Zero tokens through Super Likes and received gifts. This rewards active and popular users, encouraging quality content and interaction.
   • Cashing Out: Creators can cash out the value of their earned Super Likes and gifts using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or USDC (Stellar). This provides a tangible reward for their contributions to the platform.

4. Token Limitations

   • Zero tokens do not have any real-world value outside the Zero app, similar to game tokens or TikTok gifts.
   • Once purchased, tokens cannot be retrieved for cash unless they are used for Super Likes or gifted to others, ensuring they remain within the ecosystem and minimising regulatory issues.

By utilising Zero tokens, the platform creates a vibrant and rewarding environment that encourages meaningful interactions while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

Zero would use Stellar to allow users purchase Zero tokens (Which in itself has no value outside the superliking and cashout of Zero gifts/ Super likes powered by Stellar. This would allow us build wide range support for monetization across different countries

Team and  web3 XP

Hammed has over 5 years experience working and building products at Blueloop (YC W21) he led the build and release of core web3 products within the company and also doubled as Head of Finance.

[Deliverable 1]

Deliverable goal: To enable Zero platform to connect to the Stellar network, allowing for account creation, sending and receiving Stellar USDC, and connecting to a Stellar anchor(We will be connecting to crypto.com for users in US and Europe, Yellow Card for users in Africa)

Activities:

• Stellar Network Integration:

  • Set up and configure the connection to the Stellar network.
  • Implement functionalities for creating and managing Stellar accounts within the Zero platform.

• Account Creation:

  • Develop user interfaces and backend systems for seamless Stellar account creation.
  • Ensure secure handling and storage of account keys and credentials.

• Connect to Stellar Anchor Partner for Onramp:

  • Identify and integrate with a Stellar anchor partner to facilitate the onramp process(Crypto.com, Yellow Card).
  • Develop interfaces for users to convert fiat to Stellar USDC through the anchor partner.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and implement necessary KYC/AML procedures( Zero tokens have no real world value outside the platform, they do not appreciate or depreciate and can be used only to super like board content, send gifts and can also be purchased via USDC through connecting to anchor. The KYC that will be done will be for when users want to cashout gifts or super likes via USDC

Completion Measurement:

• reviewer will given an account where they can onramp USDC on the platform.

Estimated date of completion: 24/07/2024

Budget: 13,000

[Deliverable 2]: USDC onramp and offramp

Target: To allow users to purchase Zero tokens and gifts using Stellar USDC, and to enable users who have been gifted to withdraw their earnings via USDC.

Activities:

• Purchasing Zero Tokens and Gifts:

  • Develop functionalities for users to purchase Zero tokens using Stellar USDC.
  • Create user interfaces for the transaction process, ensuring a smooth and secure experience.
  • Implement backend systems to manage token balances and transaction histories.

• Gift Transactions:

  • Enable users to purchase and send Zero gifts using Stellar USDC.
  • Develop interfaces for selecting, purchasing, and sending gifts to other users or boards.

• Withdrawal of Earnings:

  • Implement functionalities for users to convert their Super Likes and gifts to Stellar USDC.
  • Integrate with the Stellar network to facilitate the withdrawal process.
  • Ensure secure and efficient offramp for users to convert USDC to fiat or send it to external wallets.

Completion Measurement:

• Reviewer will purchase Zero tokens and gifts using Stellar USDC, and then test the conversion and withdrawal process of Super Likes and gifts to USDC. A report detailing the transaction functionalities, user experience, and security measures will be provided.

Estimated Date of completion: 12/08/2024

Budget: 15,000

[Deliverable 3]: Legal and compliance

Target: To ensure that all financial transactions within Zero, especially those involving token onramp and offramp, comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including AML policies.

Activities:

• Legal and Regulatory Review:

  • Conduct a thorough review of applicable financial regulations, including AML (Anti-Money Laundering) policies.
  • Develop a compliance framework for token transactions, focusing on onramp and offramp processes.

• Policy Development:

  • Create comprehensive AML policies, KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures, and user agreements to ensure compliance with legal standards.
  • Develop protocols for monitoring and reporting suspicious activities.

Estimated date of completion: 24/08/2024

Budget: 10,000

Total expected road map is 1.5 months and the budget required for this is $38,000 this will cover the cost for salaries and development, DevOps and SRE, Legal and compliance

bdul Oluwaseyi- founder/ Team Lead

Dynamic and results-driven Product Engineer and Head of Finance in a YC backed web3 company with over 5 years of comprehensive experience in developing consumer applications and managing financial operations. Expertise in integrating Web 3 technologies to create innovative, decentralised financial solutions. Proven track record in leading product development, financial strategy, and operational efficiency to drive growth and enhance user experience.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/oluwaseyi-abdul-735ba0169?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

We initially built zero as an experiment for a new social experience just for ourselves more like reimagining what the social experience can be like, it started as a cool fun project but has expanded to over 50,000 users in private Beta with literally zero market spend we started with first building the app and sharing with friends and it exploded into 1000 people and now over 50,000 beta testers over 8 months!  

Muritala David - Backend Engineer

Highly skilled Backend Engineer with  experience in building and maintaining scalable and secure backend systems for consumer applications. Specialised in integrating Web 3 technologies to enhance application functionality and security. Demonstrated expertise in database management, API development, and cloud services. Committed to delivering robust backend solutions that drive performance and user satisfaction.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/muritala-david-ab8019189/

Abdullahi Hussein- Frontend Engineer

Experienced Mobile/Frontend Engineer with years of expertise in developing robust and user-friendly frontend applications and mobile apps. Proven ability in integrating cutting-edge Web 3 systems and APIs, such as Horizon, to enhance application functionality and user experience. Adept at leveraging modern technologies and frameworks to create seamless, high-performance applications for both web and mobile platforms.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdullahi-hussein

Problem statement

In the current  social media, the emphasis on followers, subscribers, and superficial engagement metrics often leads to a lack of meaningful interactions. Users are overwhelmed by an endless stream of content with minimal genuine connection or collaboration. This environment can foster negative social experiences and a sense of isolation despite being "connected" with many. There is a growing need for a platform that prioritises meaningful, collaborative, and positive social interactions, particularly for close friends and family.

Solution: Zero - A  Social Sharing Platform

Core Value Proposition

Zero transforms social media by eliminating traditional metrics like followers and subscribers, focusing instead on meaningful interactions through the creation and management of boards. This board-centric approach fosters genuine engagement and interactivity , providing a  space for users to post, share and interact with friends through private or group boards.

Detailed Features

1. Board Creation-

• Private Boards:These boards are ideal for sharing content with close friends and family, creating a safe space for meaningful exchanges.

for example user A creates a public board called "Summer Vacation,  the user is able to post pictures to his summer vacation board, invite his friends to his board and he is able to have one to one conversation on every post uniquely with every friend or family on that board every user can create multiple private board and have different friends added to the boards based on how they relate, that is you could have a friend that loves baseball and have a board with that friend where all your base board conversation goes, or you could have a board with another friend where you like eating a particular food and just have a board interacting and posting one to one about the food.

• Group Boards: Designed for group activities and discussions, limited to invited members. These boards facilitate collaborative posts , group interests, and discussions among like-minded individuals the group boards work one to many and many to many model where if we have a common group multiple people can make posts and interact over group board. We hope to have a stellar community board hosted on zero soon!!.

2. Direct Message Interface(Board DMs)

Every board post doubles as a direct message interface, promoting personalised and direct interactions among users. This feature encourages deeper connections and private conversations within the context of shared content.

For example: If User A and User B share a private board called Daily Vlogging where they record their daily activities and share within the board. If they have 4 Vlog posts, each of those posts will lead to a unique direct message interface where users could interact about them. This is important because even in normal social media platforms like Whatsapp and telegram etc we share a lot of messages and contents in our friends DMs and often times the best memories gets lost as more , new messages gets sent but with Zero, every content in a board has a unique messaging interface.

3. Co-Play: Users in private and group boards can simultaneously play content, comment on it in real-time, and use universal media controls. This feature enhances collaborative viewing experiences, making content consumption more interactive and communal.

4. cross-platform Integration:

• Embed content from other social media platforms and websites- every day on social media billions of content gets injected and there are billions of users across these platforms. We have built in a way where users can share content from other social media platforms into Zero. Its only natural to see something you like on Insta or twitter and want to share to your friend on zero. Our aim is too boost peer to peer social interactivity

Conclusion

Zero offers a new approach to social media, emphasising meaningful interactions and a more intuitive content sharing. By focusing on boards and eliminating traditional metrics like followers and subscribers, Zero creates a platform where users can engage in genuine, positive, and enriching social experiences. This innovative approach addresses the growing need for more meaningful connections in the digital age.

How we are Integrating Stellar:

Zero tokens and Giftings:

Zero utilises a token economy to enhance user engagement and provide creators with tangible rewards. The system revolves around Zero tokens, a virtual currency within the platform, which can be used for various premium interactions such as Super Likes and gifting. This system is designed to promote positive interactions and revenue making within the platform

Users can purchase Zero tokens using Apple Pay, Google Pay, or USDC (Stellar) while users that have been gifted can cash out gifts in USDC.

Token Limitations

• Zero tokens do not have any real-world value outside the Zero app, similar to game tokens or TikTok gifts.