Series
The Dev Diaries
The Dev Diaries is a video series that follows real builders in web3, documenting their journey from idea to mainnet launch. No fluff, no hype, not selling a token, just the raw process of turning a weekend hackathon project into a real startup.
Episode 1
How a Hackathon Project Becomes a Web3 Startup
The first episode follows José Toscano and Joseph Anthony, who built a product called Freelii, raised over $70,000 in funding, and are now preparing for mainnet launch.
Episode 2
How the Team Secured Over $70,000 in Funding
In epsiode 2, we explore how the team pivoted from their initial idea into something with broader appeal to secure more hackathon wins. We also hear more about their experiences navigating the grant application process to secure funding from the Stellar Community Fund.
Episode 3
User Feedback & The Pivot That Saved the Project
Episode 3 is all about the pivot—and the power of listening.
After developing an early version of their chatbot-based remittance product, José and Joseph took it to the Philippines to test in one of the world’s largest remittance markets. The feedback was humbling. Users didn’t trust messaging apps for handling money. The team’s assumptions didn’t hold up, and it forced a tough but necessary shift in direction.
Coming Soon
Catch the Last Episode
Episode 4
August 29th
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