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FAQs

This section answers the burning questions you have about the program. Download the INFO PACK here or reach out to us on #tz-apac on the Tezos Blockchain Discord if you have any further questions.

1.

 

How does Fortify Labs by TZ APAC differentiate itself from other programs?

Fortify Labs is a startup studio by TZ APAC, a Web3 ecosystem builder and the leading Asia-based entity supporting the Tezos ecosystem. Founders go through a bespoke program that is tailored to the individual needs of each startup to ensure that the correct support is provided to achieve commercial success together. 

Fortify Labs provides hands-on support in areas that you specifically need. Our marketing team, for instance, can provide you with access to product testers and early adopters who can give valuable feedback which can help you refine your product. You can also benefit from connections to potential partners and decision makers with the network of our adoption team. In a nutshell, TZ APAC’s various teams will focus on helping startups rapidly develop a great MVP and bring it to market successfully. 

Startups who join the program can also tap on our expertise in building and scaling different web3 startups. Our panel of industry leaders, proven in both Web2 and Web3 businesses, will work with you on building foundationally solid businesses, pitching to investors and clients, and Go-To-Market strategies.

Fortify Labs is also run by a team who deeply understands Asia, especially the nuances and opportunities that founders must take note of in this region. We’ve already completed three startup cohorts that have empowered more than 30 startups, many of whom have shipped game-changing products, partnered with industry leaders and secured funding with leading investors (see examples in the previous section). We have the nous, connections and resources to help you grow and succeed in Asia.

2.

 

Why should I build on Tezos and/or Etherlink?

By design, Tezos embraces long-term upgradability, open participation, collaboration, and smart contract safety. The Tezos blockchain is trusted by financial institutions such as Societe Generale, as it provides a high level of security, allowing it to host even the most mission-critical financial applications thanks to its thoughtful and meticulous foundational design. With functional programming at its core, Tezos promotes overall code correctness, type-safety, and formal verification of smart contracts.

Tezos is also designed to evolve through community-led on-chain governance. Developers control the future of the blockchain by proposing and voting on changes to any aspect of the protocol, including the consensus mechanism. This enables seamless upgrades and prevents the need for hard forks.

Apart from the L1, you can also build on Etherlink, a fully decentralized, EVM-compatible L2 solution on Tezos. Designed to empower developers and businesses, it opens up a world of secure and scalable applications. Etherlink runs all Solidity/Vyper smart contracts just like any other EVM chain. All your developer tooling (including Hardhat, Foundry, and Viem) should work out-of-the-box with Etherlink. This interoperability allows developers to build on Tezos using the most widely-used coding languages and enables different virtual machines like EVM or Michelson to work together. Etherlink also partners LayerZero which enables bridging between different networks. With all this, builders can benefit from the access to a large database that the interoperability enables, while benefiting from the security and scalability of the L1.

Building on Tezos or Etherlink gives you access to a global ecosystem that empowers founders and builders. Spread across Asia, the TZ APAC team provides full-suite support for founders who join programs such as Fortify Labs by TZ APAC.

3.

 

Does Fortify Labs by TZ APAC provide grants/investments? 

Yes, projects accepted are eligible for a TZ APAC small grant of up to USD $10,000. The grant will be disbursed in stages, upon completion of relevant milestones.

The aim is that by the end of the program, all startups progress significantly and gain enough traction to secure further funding. We will also push for further ecosystem funding initiatives such as the Tezos Foundation Ecosystem Funding Programs for participants who demonstrate growth and/or success upon completion of the program.

4.

 

What stage does my startup need to be at to apply for Fortify Labs by TZ APAC?

Fortify Labs by TZ APAC is designed for teams that are beyond the ideation stage and are building a product with our support, with ambitions to scale the business and/or achieve profitability soon after. 

Startups with financial sustainability, strong proof of concept, initial traction and an MVP ready for early adopters in 3 months will be prioritized.

5.

 

Who are the mentors or advisors participating in Fortify Labs by TZ APAC?

Startups who join Fortify Labs will have access to various mentors, investors, leaders and founders who are participating in Fortify Labs as advisors. 

Founders will work closely with Edmund Ng (Portfolio Manager, Pavilion Capital), via fortnightly mentorship sessions, to scale their projects into the next phase of growth. Edmund is a web3 native, and has advised various leading projects at various stages in their business life cycle. In addition, he has over a decade of experience in investment banking, capital markets, M&A, restructuring and venture capital / private equity. 

In addition to Edmund, founders will be able to access the expertise of advisors such as Joy Song (Partner at ABCDE Capital), Jielun Ong (Senior Director at Plug & Play), Takashi Hayashida (Managing Partner at Taisu Ventures), Alan Ang (Investment Director at Woori Ventures), Ricky Chan (Partner at Arcane Group), Simon (Partner at Chain Capital), Shawn Tan (General partner at Trive Digital) and Elaine Yang (Partner at Waterdrip Capital)

More industry leaders will be confirmed as advisors soon.

6.

 

What is the duration of the program?

The Build phase of the program will take place across 4 months from March to June 2025 where we will work with you to develop your MVP. The Growth phase of the program will happen across another 4 months from July to October 2025 where we fortify your go-to-market strategy and work towards your product launch.

7.

 

Is Fortify Labs by TZ APAC remote? Are participants required to travel?

Most of the program is remote, but participants are expected to attend 3 offsites a year with at least 1 key decision maker in attendance. Here is a breakdown on the three offsites:

  • The first offsite will be held at the start to meet the cohort, set goals, attend workshops and benefit from 1:1 mentor sessions.
  • The second offsite will be held in July during the growth sprint, and will focus on investment pitches, a VC dinner, progress reviews and more.
  • The last and final offsite will be a showcase of your product and offerings at Tezos Realm, held during TOKEN2049 week.

Each team will be given a stipend for each trip. 

8.

 

If I am not able to register by the deadline, will there be another cohort coming up soon?

This is the one and only cohort we are running for 2025. Reach out on #tz-apac on the Tezos Blockchain Discord if you have registration-related questions. Stay tuned for an AMA session in January 2025!

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A Web3 startup studio tailored to foster startups built on Tezos and Etherlink

Register for the March 2025 intake