[BIP-XXX] Request for Additional Marketing Funding to Maximize Balancer v3 Launch Impact

Service Provider Name: Beethoven X - Marketing

Leader(s): Jedi Rasta, Naly

Pledge to abide by [BIP-629] Balancer DAO Service Provider & Grantee Standards: Yes

Introduction

Balancer v3 represents the most significant evolution in our platform’s history, showcasing unparalleled innovation in DeFi. To fully realize the potential of this milestone, we propose securing $60,000 in additional marketing funding. This funding will enable us to amplify the v3 launch through targeted PR efforts, creative marketing campaigns, and strategic amplification, ensuring the reach and impact necessary to position Balancer as a leader in DeFi.

Rationale

The v3 launch introduces transformative features that redefine DeFi innovation. While our current organic reach is effective for ongoing community engagement, it may not suffice for the market-wide impact required for this pivotal moment. By strategically leveraging marketing resources, we can:

  • Secure Coverage: Establish Balancer’s presence in top-tier crypto media outlets, podcasts, and newsletters.
  • Engage Key Stakeholders: Connect directly with industry thought leaders, influencers, developers, and institutional players.
  • Expand Reach: Attract new audiences, including liquidity providers and developers, while strengthening Balancer’s position among DeFi natives.

The Role of PR

A strategic PR campaign amplifies internal marketing efforts by leveraging agency expertise and established media relationships. This approach maximizes cost-effectiveness and streamlines outreach, crafting a cohesive narrative that resonates across multiple channels.

Amplification to Drive Focused Engagement

An amplification campaign educates the market, enhances mindshare, and drives adoption by highlighting v3’s unique features in DeFi-native newsletters and outlets. These efforts expand awareness among liquidity providers and DeFi-native users, fueling the user acquisition funnel.

Creative Marketing for Enhanced Engagement

Interactive and gamified content will enhance community engagement and highlight the innovative features of v3 in a visually compelling and accessible way. By targeting both DeFi-native and new audiences, creative marketing will complement PR and amplification efforts to maximize the launch’s impact.

Funding Breakdown

To maximize the impact of the Balancer v3 launch, we have identified the following strategic outreach and creative marketing needs:

1. Full-Service PR Agency Engagement

  • Scope: Comprehensive media management, including press releases, influencer collaborations, and strategic engagements over three months.
  • Benefits:
    • Broad coverage across top-tier crypto publications and podcasts.
    • Industry expertise to craft tailored messaging and maximize impact.
    • Resource efficiency, allowing internal teams to focus on core priorities.
    • Expands Balancer’s mindshare among both crypto natives and non-native audiences.
  • Estimated Cost: Up to $35,000.

2. Amplification Campaign

  • Scope: Short-term amplification using targeted crypto-focused media outlets (e.g., Chainwire) and grassroots DeFi-native newsletters.
  • Benefits:
    • Rapid dissemination to relevant audiences.
    • Timely announcements for maximum visibility.
    • Expands Balancer v3 mindshare among DeFi natives during launch.
  • Estimated Cost: $15,000.

3. Creative Marketing Campaign

  • Scope: Development of interactive and gamified content to enhance community engagement and showcase v3’s innovative features.
  • Benefits:
    • Engages users through visually compelling and interactive content.
    • Drives awareness by highlighting v3’s unique benefits in a dynamic and accessible way.
    • Complements PR and amplification efforts by targeting DeFi-native and new audiences.
  • Estimated Cost: $10,000.

Summary

Category Allocation Description
PR Agency Partnership Up to $35,000 Comprehensive media management, press releases, influencer outreach, and strategy.
Amplification Campaign Up to $15,000 Short-term amplification via Chainwire and DeFi-native newsletters.
Creative Marketing Campaign Up to $10,000 Development of interactive and engaging content for v3’s launch.
Total Requested Funding $60,000 Ensures impactful marketing and outreach for the v3 launch.
Unused Funds N/A Returned to the DAO by the end of Q1 for transparency and accountability.

Execution Plan

  1. Secure PR Partner: Engage a full-service PR agency to lead media outreach efforts and manage key campaigns.
  2. Execute Amplification Campaign: Deploy amplification strategies using Chainwire and targeted DeFi-native newsletters to enhance v3 launch visibility.
  3. Execute Creative Marketing Campaign: Develop and distribute interactive content to highlight v3’s unique features, engaging both existing and new audiences.
  4. Align Marketing Efforts with v3 Timeline: Synchronize all activities with the v3 launch schedule to ensure maximum impact.
  5. Measure and Report: Post-launch, provide the DAO with a comprehensive report, including outreach results, engagement metrics, and budget utilization.

Funding and Allocation

The requested $60,000 will flow through OpCo, which will manage all payments and spending related to the Balancer v3 launch efforts, ensuring efficient use of funds. This funding will cover PR, amplification, and creative marketing initiatives. OpCo’s oversight will ensure that expenditures align with our broader financial planning and support for the Balancer ecosystem. Any unspent funds will be returned to the DAO by the end of Q1, reflecting our commitment to transparency and financial prudence.

The multisig 0x10A19e7eE7d7F8a52822f6817de8ea18204F2e4f will interact with USDC at 0xA0b86991c6218b36c1d19D4a2e9Eb0cE3606eB48 by writing transfer, passing 0x3B8910F378034FD6E103Df958863e5c684072693 as recipient and the amount 60000 as 60000000000.

  • List item

Conclusion

The launch of Balancer v3 represents an unprecedented opportunity to solidify Balancer’s leadership in DeFi. By securing $60,000 for targeted PR, amplification, and creative marketing, we can amplify this milestone, engage new and existing audiences, and maximize v3’s impact. This funding supports a clear and strategic path to success, ensuring Balancer remains at the forefront of innovation and engagement in DeFi

4 Likes

I can confirm we have the bandwidth and capacity to handle payments from within Balancer OpCo, upon approval and transfer of funds from the DAO multisig.

Putting things in perspective, the DAO has allocated a lot of effort to push v3, so this $60k allocation sounds reasonable considering this has been our main focus for the past 12mo. Our total annualized burn is at ~$3,5mm, so if this is what we need to make an impactful launch, and giving the imminent launch, I’d support adding more coal to this fire - full steam ahead!

3 Likes

I completely agree that securing additional budget for marketing and PR is essential for the successful launch of V3. These initiatives are critical to ensure we generate the necessary visibility and engagement for a strong rollout. The amount requested appears reasonable and well-aligned with our objectives.

While there is already a macro breakdown of the budget, having a more detailed timeline of the launch initiatives would be highly beneficial. It would provide clearer visibility into the key milestones, especially since we are very close to launching.

Overall, I’m fully in favor of allocating these extra funds to ensure the success of the launch.

1 Like