Recap: AMA with AllianceBlock’s Co-Founder Matthijs de Vries and dua’s Founder Valon Asani and Chief Payment Officer Ardit Trikshiqi
With the recent announcement that dua will be the first project to participate in our participatory capital-raising platform, Fundrs, our Co-Founder and CTO Matthijs De Vries spent some time with the leadership team at dua and our community to chat about the upcoming partnership and how our community can participate.
It has been a busy month for AllianceBlock, we have introduced a partnership with Onramper, which you can read more about here, we have been included in INATBAs advisory ecosystem which will place us in a key position to shape regulation in blockchain, you can read more here, and we have hinted at some very exciting solutions, namely Data Tunnel and TIDV, that will be added to our suite of products in the near future.
But the biggest milestone has been the announcement that dua has become the first project to take advantage of Fundrs’ unique participatory capital-raising platform. On Tuesday, the 1st of November, our Co-Founder, and CTO Matthijs de Vries jumped onto our Telegram and moderated an AMA with dua’s Founder Valon Asani and Chief Payments Officer Ardit Trikshiqi and our community.
The focus of the AMA was to introduce dua, give some background on their story, and why their project is the solution to connecting diaspora communities around the world. It then discusses the tokenomics of dua, the process of participating in Fundrs with rALBT, and answers some questions from our community members. Let’s get into it!
Note: The following transcript is curated for clarity, but you can also follow the discussion on Telegram here.
Matthijs: Hope you all are ready #NoMercy community 😎 Today we’re having Co-AMA with dua’s team, Valon Asani, Founder & CEO, and Ardit Trikshiqi, Chief Payments Officer at dua.com!
So, today, we’re finally being honored with their presence 🔥
And they’re here today to share many exciting updates and releases with us.
There will be 2 parts, the first muted part will be us talking about dua.com, the upcoming $DUA token, their vision and plans, as well as the latest news and updates about their capital raise on Fundrs! After that, we’ll unmute the chat and have you, the community, ask questions 🙂
So @duaARDIT @duaVALON — without further ado, can you please briefly tell us who you are and what your role is at dua?
Valon, DUA: Hello everyone! I am Valon, a Swiss-Albanian Serial Entrepreneur, the Founder and CEO of dua.com, the Founder of MIK Group (SEO, Google Partner Agency), and for a few months also the CEO of Spotted.
It’s great to be here!
I’ve been a passionate entrepreneur for 10+ years.
In 2009 — at 21 years old, while doing my apprenticeship in IT — I started my first side business called pooq.ch with several friends. It was a web design and marketing agency.
Later in 2011, I gave it another try, — and MIK Agency was born. The company was a success and is well-known today in Switzerland’s SEO & SEA industry — working for over 100 Swiss and international brands.
In 2019, I also finally founded dua AG, a Swiss company that now runs the apps dua and Spotted.
With $5M+ raised in Seed and Series A rounds from Swiss and international investors, 8M+ installs, and 5M+ users, dua AG is one of the most successful matchmaking companies embarking on the web3 journey.
Ardit, DUA: Hi. I’m Ardit, and I think some of you already know me from discussions here in the group.
I’m leading the crypto and payment department at dua and also am a member of the Stichting dua Foundation, the issuer of the DUA token.
Coming from a management consulting and banking background in Vienna and having worked for large multinational projects in the banking space, it became clear to me that our financial infrastructure is inefficient and basically failing us. During that time, I created a passion for disruptive tech that can impact the financial lives of billions of people. I fell down the rabbit hole in 2016, when a friend introduced me to Bitcoin and since then I have been hooked by the space.
I joined dua 1.5 years ago and since then it has been an amazing journey. We strongly believe that we are building a new economic system for globally fragmented communities and with AllianceBlock at our side, we surely will make an impact in this industry.
Matthijs: Thanks guys!
And I can tell you guys, I have been working closely with both Valon and Ardit, and when we ask ourselves, what is the definition of “#NoMercy”? These guys are absolutely it 🔥
So, @duaVALON what exactly is dua?
Valon: Dua means “To love” (verb, Albanian) and it is a matchmaking app focused on building meaningful relationships.
From hyper-local to super-global.
For any life situation.
For any relationship.
Anywhere.
Anytime.
That’s dua.
The apps launched in the Summer of 2020 with the initial goal of connecting a single native community with its diaspora: Albanians.
The first community grew to over 400’000 members. After this successful test and proof of concept, we’re now going into international communities with large diasporas — 300M people worldwide — to reconnect people based on shared values, culture, and language.
Problem: International Migrant Communities are fragmented & disconnected.
Solution: Reconnecting people with their communities.
Matthijs: Diasporas, are still a largely overlooked gap in the market, many opportunities out there 🙏
And great parallels with decentralization, but then as a community
So, @duaVALON — what was the inspiration that led to dua?
Valon: I grew up as an Albanian in Switzerland, I always felt a strong connection between the diaspora where I lived and my homeland. But there was no platform to reconnect with people who had the same need as I did.
While the matchmaking/dating space was quickly developing and expanding, no one focused on connecting communities/diasporas who share the same values, language, or culture — both locally and globally.
In 2013, therefore I started another side project called ‘AlbanianFriends.com’ to connect Albanians around the globe. In 2019, that side project became a real company with the name ‘dua.com’. And now we are growing globally.
Matthijs: This is important guys — as a founder it’s hugely important that you solve an actual problem, and not just that, also if you have felt the problem, you will be probably much better equipped by designing the solution.
When we met with Rachid, we faced the same problems in crypto, and we aimed to solve them with AllianceBlock.
We strongly believe that this is what is part of the key to success, so great inspiration @duaVALON 👏
So @duaARDIT, how does dua differ from other competitors?
Ardit: Dua is a community-first and diaspora-first platform. Unlike other competitors in the dating industry, dua’s user base fosters meaningful and fulfilling relationships and reconnects fragmented communities — those who live outside of their country of origin. On top of that, we will expand our ecosystem with dua Biz — to connect businesses with professionals and dua Friends — to spark new friendships.
Valon: This example with simple math explains where we differ and why DUA is much needed.
It’s a matter of probability.
Matthijs: Exactly, it’s connecting on so many levels. I love the opportunities here
Thanks for sharing this 🔥
So, @duaVALON we heard some buzz going on about “Spotted” — what exactly is it?
Valon: Spotted is a german-based dating app that provides users a space to socialize and make new connections based on real-life interactions.
It has a so-called “Cross-Path Feature”. It is one of the biggest dating platforms in German-speaking countries, with over 7 million installs and 4,5 million registered users.
What makes it really amazing:
Once it hits a market, it has a great ability for viral growth (like seen here for Morocco!).
We have recently completed the acquisition of Spotted, and it’s now part of the dua ecosystem.
Matthijs: 4.5 million registered users 😲 that’s a great opportunity for adoption
So @duaARDIT, what is the vision of dua and where does AllianceBlock come into play?
Ardit: Dua’s vision is to build a global matchmaking ecosystem that provides meaningful connections between people, whether intimate, professional, or merely social. On top of that, we are developing a system for communities that lack access to financial identity and services — bringing them together to an inclusive Web3 economy through $DUA.
AllianceBlock has been with us since the conception of $DUA, advising us for effective execution all the way to Fundrs Private Sale and our partnership will continue to flourish with future integrations. 👀
Matthijs: It’s striking how similar our values are, that’s why I believe it’s great that we are able to be on this journey together in the things that overlap 😎
Ardit: We are ALL IN and #NOMERCY
Matthijs: But, @duaARDIT, in order to achieve this vision — what problem are you solving?
Ardit: The current financial system poses many problems for people living outside their country of origin. The lack of access to proper banking and financial instruments affects 281 million migrants worldwide.
Outdated and intransparent systems charge high fees and take long periods to transfer money from migrants overseas back to their families. Another major problem we identify among fragmented communities globally is their lack of identification, making it impossible for them to access the global financial system.
$DUA will tackle these problems by bringing DeFi and a self-sovereign identity solution to their users, along with an enriching matchmaking experience.
Valon: The Problems:
- No access to financial services
- No incentives/rewards
- No Lack of identities
Matthijs: I truly believe that the world becomes a better place when we work together on financial inclusion and equal opportunity while doing so.
@duaARDIT then, what is the solution to that problem?
Ardit: We tackle these problems with a solution that combines matchmaking with web3, by providing an inclusive and rewarding ecosystem powered by $DUA via an in-app wallet (embedded into our apps)
The token will grant access to a rewarding in-app economy, DeFi instruments (swaps, lending, borrowing, transfer) completely on-chain, and an identity solution for individuals and businesses.
Matthijs: and that starting with a huge existing user base, is very promising, to say the least
@duaVALON can we get to know your team better?
Valon: Our team (dua.com/spotted.de) is made of 50+ engineers and marketers.
We are advised by industry experts. That also includes Rachid & Matthijs. Thank you!
We have raised $5M in Series A funding — backed by international investors. We are confident that the dua ecosystem will change how international communities develop, connect and transact for the better.
Matthijs: 50+ is quite a big team… well-done guys
So what kind of partnerships have you formed so far, and what kind of partnerships are you looking for?
Ardit: We have announced partnerships with FLUUS — a crypto aggregator with a network covering emerging markets like MENA, that will provide seamless on and off-ramps for our users.
We have also partnered with Blocksquare — a platform that tokenizes real estate. Through this partnership, our 5 million users will soon be able to access tokenized real estate deals and own pieces of on-chain properties.
Matthijs: FLUUS and Blocksquare 👀
FLUUS is interesting because they also focus on an overlooked market: emerging markets. Sounds like a great partnership
Ardit: And finally, our strong partnership with AllianceBlock will continue to grow in the future. We will use the DeFi Terminal to create liquidity and reward campaigns for our community. We are also happy to have become a validator for the AB Bridge — further strengthening the platform’s security.
Matthijs: For those that don’t know, the AllianceBlock Bridge works because of a network of validators, in order to have a decentralization operation of the bridge. Having dua part of this is a logical step because of both our values and further adds to the strength of our bridge 🔥
@duaARDIT what will bring utility to the $DUA token?
Ardit: $DUA will have different utilities across the ecosystem.
Tokenized matchmaking:
Users will earn $DUA from various in-app activities that will further improve and maintain the community. $DUA will be used for in-app purchases like the Premium subscription and advertising purposes.
Defi Gateway
dua’s in-app wallet will provide all the DeFi features that power an inclusive economy for the unbanked (on/off ramps, Lending, Borrowing, Swaps)
Self-Sovereign Identity
dua ID will provide users and new businesses with a sovereign identity, verified and owned by them, eliminating fake/spam users and enabling effective user targeting for advertisers.
Only to mention some. For more info, you can also visit our whitepaper: whitepaper.duatoken.io
Matthijs: DeFi inclusion ❤️
Maybe Elon Musk can work with you guys to help eliminate fake/spam users on Twitter 👀
Ardit: We love DeFi. We truly believe it will bring financial inclusion to millions of people.
Matthijs: @duaVALON how will dua and Spotted differ from other matchmaking apps with $DUA?
Valon: Network effects are essential for growing our web3 community.
That’s why incentives/rewards for the community are a core part of the $DUA Utility token and allow us to organically expand our reach and onboard new users faster while making the platform safer and better for all.
By integrating $DUA, we are creating a social matchmaking economy, and while more users join the app ecosystem it becomes more valuable for every existing user.
Users will start building their reputations by completing specific actions in the apps.
For example: Reporting Fake accounts or inviting more users to the platform.
The most engaged users and those with the highest reputation scores will be able to earn $DUA through weekly and monthly campaigns.
$DUA can then be used to purchase premium in-app packages or for DeFi purposes.
Matthijs: Thanks @duaVALON that makes complete sense
So @duaARDIT can you explain $DUA’s tokenomics?
Rachid Ajaja, AllianceBlock CEO: For example: Reporting Fake accounts or inviting more users to the platform.
Do I see a connection with TIDV here? 👀
Ardit: Of course. Before jumping into that. We believe that stakeholders involved in this ecosystem should be aligned toward one single goal: the future growth of the DUA ecosystem.
$DUA has a total supply of 1B tokens. 20M or 2% of the TS is allocated to the fundraising event on Fundrs.
Please also refer to this page for the detailed version of the Tokenomics: https://whitepaper.duatoken.io/docs/token-economics/tokenomics
Matthijs: Great to read through this 👆- also, absolutely worth it to read through their white paper too
@duaARDIT, when does the official fundraising round start? And I think a really important question from the community — how much will a ticket cost? 👀
Ardit: Yes. The official fundraising round starts on November 23rd at 5 PM CET. Users will require 1,000 rALBT to access 1 ticket and a ticket will cost 500 USDC or (FIAT: USD 500)
Valon: We’re super excited 💥!
Matthijs: Just a bit of more context on Fundrs for the ones that don’t know, you need rALBT in order to be able to buy a ticket. rALBT in itself is not the currency to buy a ticket, it’s the reputation that you can use in order to buy a ticket (with a stablecoin).
rALBT can be used with staking ALBT on Fundrs — you are also able to earn rALBT by being active on Fundrs
It’s 1000 rALBT now, but for future listings for sure, this will go up!
Please note also that dua’s token sale is on the Avalanche network — have you been collecting rALBT on ETH — not a problem you can easily bridge rALBT from ETH to Avalanche, so please do so if you haven’t already 🙂
Also, make sure to participate in the discussion around dua on the Fundrs platform: https://www.fundrs.app/project/43114/7 💡
We are currently working with a selection committee for future Fundrs’ listings, we will look to add ambassadors from the community in the near future as well, as our transition to the Fundrs DAO
if you find any bugs in Fundrs or run into any issues, please use the user back widget you can find on the right of the screen in Fundrs 🙂
Finally, more than 10% of the circulating supply is being staked on Fundrs currently, huge up to all of you ♥️
Ardit: Check this out 👀
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/swiss-startup-dua-com-5m-160000458.html?guccounter=1
Community Questions:
Matthijs: Alright guys, the chat will be unmuted now. If you have any questions (around dua or dua listing), now is the time to ask 😎
ps. TIDV verification will be required to participate in the Fundrs fundraising round for dua, it will be opened up early enough for the first round, make sure you do your KYC in time then 😉
Question: When does the private sale start? Is it too late for me to join?
Ardit, DUA: Hi Benino. The token sale opens on Nov 23, 2022, at 17:00 hr and closes on Dec 14, 2022, at 17:00 hr
Question: What date can you LP?
Ardit: Our focus, for now, is 100% the private sale. As soon as that is completed, we will announce when and how in regard to LP.
Question: Is any KYC or credentials put on chain?
Matthijs: No personal information will be available on chain, it would be very unsafe to do so.
Question: Thx having this AMA in here and good luck with the token sale. Maybe I missed it but what percentage of the 5 million registered users are active at the moment? @duaVALON
Valon: Thanks for the question. Different numbers for different apps.
While Spotted is 9 years old, they gathered 4.6M registered accounts. Of course, not all users are monthly active users. But they come back in intervals. Last 90 days Spotted had around 500k of those users actually using the app.
For dua, which is only 2 years young, we have around 100k Monthly Active Users (25% of the 400k).
We’re currently working on a huge campaign to reactivate the large user base of spotted, which we can target via emails and bring them back to monthly active users.
Question: Where can those numbers be verified? How many total tickets are available?
Ardit: There are 700 tickets available. This is the listing of DUA on Fundrs: https://www.fundrs.app/project/43114/7
Question: So you are launching with a valuation of $17.5 million?
Ardit: Given our large user base and traction (stealth mode), our calculations are more at the lower end. We went for Fundrs because we are a 100% community-funded project. We did not do any seed from strategic investors, even though we had many requests. We wanted to embrace the ideas of the community first.
Rachid: This is totally in line with Fundrs DNA which is to bring the best opportunities exactly what VC has, and with DUA this is possible given their track record, their successful series A, their user base, and their team,
Question: What does 1 ticket give you exactly? And you keep the 1000 rALBT, right? Just a minimum you need to have?
Ardit: So 1 ticket is only accessible if you have 1,000 rALBT. 1 ticket gives the buyer: 28,571.43
Question: Can we expect to see DUA on the AllianceDEX?, perhaps using the SSLP once this is live?
Matthijs: One thing is for sure, dua integration with AllianceBlock is not limited to the DeFi Terminal or a Fundrs listing 😉
Question: 1 ticker per person? Is there a maximum?
Ardit: Yes. The limit is 20 tickets per person.
Question: To clarify, does the dua app plan to target other diaspora communities other than the Albanian community?
Valon, DUA: Yes
Question: To confirm the 28,571.43 is in Dua?
Ardit: Yes. 1 ticket = 28,571.43 $DUA
Question: Will U.S. residents be eligible to participate
Ardit, DUA: We are still looking into it. We will update you soon.
Question: So it's first come first serve? With 2% fixed of the total supply
Ardit: Correct.
Question: Would be great if I could earn rALBT but don’t have a computer and it isn’t allowed on mobile.
Matthijs de Vries: Mobile support is following December — one thing worth trying is to put your phone in desktop/landscape mode
Question: How are you funding the projects? How much Albt is taken off wallets?
Matthijs: No ALBT is removed from wallets, just rALBT, 1000 per ticket
Question: Ah, so you ‘pay’ rALBT as well, you cant stack them while using the platform
Matthijs: rALBT is reputation, so you can only earn it (by staking ALBT or performing actions on Fundrs)
Ardit: You basically burn rALBT at the moment, you buy the tickets.
Question: So if I understand it correctly, is $DUA going to be integrated into the apps that have 5M+ users?
Ardit: That’s huge, right 👀
Question: To clarify, does the dua app plan to target other diaspora communities other than the Albanian community?
Valon: More in-depth answer:
Very soon the app will get an update (Nov), and we will be able to onboard users from any community “Choose your Community”-Feature.
We will be focused first on Eastern Europe (Home Countries) and Western Europe (Diaspora).
The app will focus first on those languages and communities:
- Albanians (400'000 reg. Users)
- 2nd to onboard very soon: Romanians
- English for International Growth
- DACH: Germans/Swiss/Austrian
- French, Italian, Swedish, Spanish Communities, …
- Balkan: Croats, Bosnians, Slovenians, & …
We’re planning to grow very fast and strong in 2023 by connecting East & Western European Communities.
Question: Amazing work with the whitepaper. I read that you are launching a wallet. What for?
Ardit: User experience is extremely crucial in web3. We want to enable all DeFi features incl. buying DUA or other ERC20 tokens within an embedded wallet.
Our plan is to bring the next 100M people into web3.
Question: When will TIDV go live so we can buy tickets?
Matthijs: There will be ample time before the token sale, keep an eye on the announcement channel
Matthijs: Alright guys, we will have to end this AMA, I loved speaking to @duaVALON and @duaARDIT — really thank you guys for being here and taking the time to explain everything
Also huge thanks to everyone here for the great questions and support 🔥
Don’t forget to join dua’s TG: https://t.me/duacomchat 👀
About AllianceBlock
AllianceBlock is building seamless gateways between TradFi and DeFi by remedying issues in both spheres and linking them more closely. They see the future of finance as an integrated system in which the best of both worlds can work together to increase capital flows and technological innovation.
They are building this future by bridging traditional finance with compliant, data-driven access to new decentralized markets, DeFi projects, and ecosystem-scaling tools such as funding and interoperability. As such, they are building a next-generation financial infrastructure that aims to provide regulated financial entities worldwide with the tools they need to access the DeFi space seamlessly.
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