We are on a mission to bring Apes to new audiences via the growing opportunity in Social Commerce (particularly TikTok Shop)! If you’re not too familiar with TikTok Shop - no worries…. Read background below.

TikTok Shop Background:

Launched in Asia in 2022, TikTok Shop has grown rapidly, becoming a major force in e-commerce, especially in Southeast Asia. TikTok’s short-form videos and social commerce model have helped it capture a large share of the market, challenging traditional e-commerce giants.

TikTok Shop launched in the U.S. in late September 2023. With historically low cost-per-acquisition, It is now the fastest growing platform for small business in the U.S. In August 2024 - TikTok Shop did more than $600M in monthly sales. TikTok is taking significant market share from Amazon and Google on product searches, similar to the change from Google search to Amazon in 2012.

In 2024 - 74% of GenZ uses TikTok as their first and primary source for product searches.
Beyond attributable sales on TikTok Shop, product brands are seeing a significant ‘halo effect’ for sales that occur on Amazon and Shopify, but start through first search or exposure on TikTok Shop.
Many small businesses are reporting an increase in sales up to 30% using the TikTok Shop platform (attributable revenue) + unattributed "halo effect"increased sales on Amazon storefront and Shopify from brand visibility gained from TikTok.
There is a strong interest in health products on TikTok (#2 product category on TikTok Shop) and a strong overlap between the key demographics for TikTok users and Web3.

Proposal Objectives:

Proof of Concept Product: As a proof of concept - We will leverage the strong opportunity that exists in the Health and Wellness space on TikTok Shop for a new premium protein powder product: APE Fuel (Alpha + Protein + Energy)* A product brand inspired by the Ape Community. A clear protein + all natural adaptagen to boost energy. Product packaging will feature an Ape. And the Brand ethos will reflect the spirit of the Ape Community - bold, strong, high energy, and hell yes, Ape-like audaciousness.

Target demographic: males (and females too!) ages 20-45 (Web3 enthusiasts and normies), fitness-focused individuals (both beginners and gym rats) who are keen on improving their health, energy, and lean muscle mass. The target demographic values high-quality products that deliver actual results. They want a convenient protein powder product that helps them meet their protein needs, to fuel that (healthier, but non-stop) Ape lifestyle.

Launch on TikTok Shop: We will use TikTok and TikTok Shop as our primary sales, marketing, and distribution channel for this brand. For Marketing and Sales - we will leverage TikTok Shop’s incredibly strong creator (affiliate) program that allows for low cost; high reach product marketing and sales conversion. Trained Affiliates create content, but are paid only on actual sales conversion (as opposed to influencer marketing model).

For Fulfillment and Distribution - we will leverage TikTok Shop’s built-in fulfillment and distribution platform. Fulfillment and distribution is often a friction point for MBA businesses, but through TikTok’s platform, our product will ship within 3-5 days.

The TikTok Shop model is infinitely scalable through deeper marketing and building out adjacent product offerings in the health/wellness space. The model and our learnings could be leveraged to help numerous other MBA businesses get onto the TikTok Shop platform.

Estimated $50-$65 per unit, shipping only available within the United States.

Develop Affiliate Marketing Program for Apes to Earn $$: Leveraging relationships with top TikTok Shop creator trainers - we want to build a community-focused affiliate program that incentivize BAYC members (and non-member creators) to promote the APE Fuel Product (and other MBA products) to earn commissions and drive viral marketing and sales. This could create a nice ‘side hustle’ revenue stream for interested Apes while helping to expand Ape brands and the Ape ecosystem.

Thank you Program to drive traffic to Apechain: In addition to developing an MBA Creator Community, we would like to create a “Thank You” Rewards program to drive traffic to Apechain and Apecoin. Here is the idea: We will create a "thank you for supporting Ape Fuel messaging to include in each product package or to be delivered by email (post-sale). This messaging would include a small reward (Spotlight points) with instructions on how to participate in Apechain and claim the reward.

Rev Share to the ApeCoin DAO: To support the DAO, we would dedicate 50% of the gross revenue from TikTok Shop back to the DAO to create a strong revenue stream to help fund future AIP projects.

We are deeply passionate about creating and launching this new product that reflects the best (and healthiest) vibes of the Ape Community - and gives back to Apes and the ApeCoin DAO at the same time. #ApeFuel #ApeTogetherStrong

BENEFIT TO APECOIN ECOSYSTEM

New revenue stream for the DAO / 50% rev share.
Increases visibility for Apes, Apechain and Apecoin within the TikTok Shop/Web2 community – and with larger demographic reach (could help grow younger and different demographic onto Apechain).
Opens a new low risk, sales, marketing, and distribution channel for MBA businesses to leverage to expand their sales.
Creates Affiliate Marketing program for Apes. Apes can earn extra $$
Drives new traffic to Apechain through new rewards program codes.
Will introduce 3rd party TikTok creators/affiliates (average age 18-30) to the Ape ecosystem creating brand evangelists for Ape/MBA Brands.

OVERALL COST

Total amount requested from the Apecoin Ecosystem Fund = $248k

Breakdown of Funding and Timing:

Tranche 1 - Upon approval: $96,000

Product Development and Market Testing $34k
Market Testing and Product Final $16k
Packaging and Labeling Development $18k
TikTok creator community manager/trainer $22k
Create rewards program (Apechain) $3k
Contingency for misc. fees $3k

Tranche 2 - Upon completion of Milestone 1: $152,000

Product Manufacturing and Inventory $67k
Create Samples for affiliates. Shipping $19k
Content Creation. Affiliate Marketing
Promotions for Affiliates/Apes. Cross promotion $44k
3PL - Logistics and Distribution. Platform Fees $22k

PROPOSAL

Link to the full proposal: (https://forum.apecoin.com/t/aip-571-ape-2025-tiktok-shop-takeover/26981)

The AIP implementation is administered by the Ape Foundation. Implementation may be immaterially or materially altered to optimise for security, usability, to protect APE holders, and otherwise to effect the intent of the AIP. Any material deviations from an AIP, as initially approved, will be disclosed to the APE holder community.

Against

535,518 votes

8 days ago

AIP-557: APE Universe- Lhasa Villa base & APE Universe Forum in Lhasa

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

The establishment of an APE base in Lhasa is firstly due to the unique geographical location of Lhasa. Lhasa is in Tibet and known as the Roof of the World, and symbolizes the supreme status and glory of BAYC in the NFT circle. The Lhasa Villa, where the base is set up, is a rare architectural artifact hand-painted by a team specializing in historical monastic architecture in a Tibetan architectural complex invested by the base’s founders. It introduces Aman co-founders’ brand of hotels, which also matches APE’s prestigious status.

Secondly, Lhasa is a tourist city with a unique Tibetan culture and history that enjoys global recognition. Setting up a base here can expand the international reach of the APE community, and allow more people from different cultural backgrounds to be acquainted with and take part in the community.

In particular, APE has peculiar ties with Tibetan culture. The legend most widely spread and accepted by the public about the emergence of the Tibetan people is that the Tibetans are the offspring of a union between a divine monkey and a rock demoness. It is precisely because of this ancient Tibetan legend that the Tibetan people have cultivated a special affection for apes and monkeys. According to the Tibetan history book Clear Mirror on Royal Genealogy, which was compiled by Tibet’s fourteenth generation of Sakya Dharma King Sönam Gyaltsen and finalized in 1388, Avalokiteshvara deified the rhesus monkey and sent him to the Land of Snows. In order to protect the living beings, the monkey accepts Avalokiteshvara’s promise to marry a rock demoness as his wife. This legend is the only one about the origin of Tibetans that is recognized by the Tibetan people and widely spread.

Third, APE Universe- Lhasa Villa Base not only promotes cultural communication and economic development, but also enhances the global reach and membership diversity of the APE community. By attracting interaction among APE members from all over the world, the base serves as a platform for cross-cultural exchanges and sharing of the unique Tibetan culture.

The Significance and Value of Launching the Forum at Ape Universe-Lhasa Villa Base

Firstly, the forum will serve as a bridge connecting Tibetan culture with the modern digital culture of BAYC. It will provide an opportunity for APE in the digital world to visit this ancient divine monkey from the ape family who sired the Tibetans and engage in a dialogue with him across time and space through an art performance. We believe that the unique Tibetan culture of Lhasa and the modern digital culture of APE will collide, enriching the cultural essence of the APE community. This interaction will attract more members interested in cross-cultural communication to exchange ideas, offering participants an unprecedented mind-blowing experience.

Secondly, the goal of the forum is to strengthen the connection and cooperation among community members, enhancing the unity and sense of belonging within the community. During the forum, we will provide a platform for artists, designers, and creative workers to showcase their works, share creative inspiration, promote cross-border cooperation, and inspire new art forms and unique digital artworks. Through the forum, APE community members, local residents, and tourists can share knowledge about NFTs, blockchain technology, and digital art. This will improve public awareness and understanding of these emerging technologies, stimulating more people’s interest in technological innovation.

Thirdly, by organizing such a forum, Ape Universe-Lhasa Villa Base will invite many media reporters to participate. The Ape Universe-Lhasa Villa Base will not only elevate the image and influence of the APE community globally but also attract the attention and participation of more potential members and partners.

Some pictures of the first forum are shown:

The First APE Universe Forum held in Lhasa has brought together influential figures from various APE communities, including:

Vera (2023 ApecoinDao Special Council, Co-Founder of Bored Chill)
Vis (Founder of Chinese Ape Club)
Chenxu (MAYC5606)
Alfie (BAYC Legendary)
Alvis (BAYC1086)
Joyce (BAYC9285)
Zhihao (punk9910)
Amber (BAYC4677)
Jiahui (BAYC OG)
Wendy (BAYC2496, Honorary Adviser)
All City (Canada BAYC, Apecoin Gov Official)
Johnny (Hong Kong BAYC, Apecoin Web3 Development)

The expected capacity of the event is no more than 100 people; given the large scale of the community and the controlled number of participants for the event, we hope to set a basic threshold for attendance, which is holding at least 10,000 APE or owning one BAYC/MAYC or more.

We will be offering exquisite Tibetan Thangka for sale. Purchase is voluntary. Additionally, we are considering issuing digital Thangka on APECHAIN.

We require a registration deposit of 200 USDT. If the registration is canceled before June 1, 2025, we will refund the deposit. If canceled after this date, the deposit will not be refunded.

Participation in the forum will be free of charge. The 200 USDT registration deposit will be refunded after participating in the event.

We will provide a commemorative gift for each of the approximately 200 participants of the forum, including the staff and service personnel for this event. Each gift, which will be a Tibetan-themed artwork, will be valued at 100 USDT per person.

BENEFIT TO APECOIN ECOSYSTEM

This marks the first-ever official APE event in China. We firmly believe that the event will unite the Chinese APE community. With its unique blend of tourism, culture, and Buddhism, Lhasa is the perfect location to resonate with the APE community’s spirit. The goal of this event is to elevate APE’s presence and repution in China and attract individuals who are passionate about travel, outdoor adventures, Buddhism, and Tibetan culture.
Building Stronger Bonds Across APE Communities: Dozens of representatives from APE communities are set to join, with a translation crew on deck to ensure smooth communication. Past forums in Lhasa have demonstrated that extended, face-to-face discussions significantly deepen participants’ understanding of blockchain and crypto culture. This forum will also facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue, spanning philosophy, science, quantum computing, religion, culture, and history. While this forum isn’t set up with Zuzalu’s co-living and co-working vibes, insights from both Zuzalu and the first Lhasa event show how crucial offline connections are for building a tight-knit community.
Boosting Brand Visibility: With themed forums, exhibitions, and the Ape Universe-Lhasa Villa Base—all backed by a robust media push—this item is designed for maximum reach. By partnering with top-tier operations and marketing teams, we aim to make this forum a significant event that attracts more high-quality members to the APE community.
Fostering IP Growth and Cultural Diversity with Exclusive Community Benefits: Our team are establishing CLUB HOUSES dedicated to the APE community, including platforms like Otherside, BAYC, and Mocaverse. The forum and these hubs will provide creators and developers with a space to connect, collaborate, and elevate their creative projects and Intellectual Properties to the next level.

OVERALL COST

Total amount requested from the ApeCoin Ecosystem Fund = 151,000 APE

Breakdown:

APE-themed event (including celebrity invitations): 40,000 APE
Establishing APE CLUB HOUSE: 30,000 APE
Materials, decoration, and transport: 20,000 APE
APE community-themed exhibition: 8,000 APE
Documentary filming: 5,000 APE
Staff expenses: 10,000 APE
Souvenirs: 20,000 APE
Shuttle services: 5,000 APE
Media promotion: 3,000 APE
Miscellaneous and contingency costs: 5,000 APE
ApeKin Mascot: 5,000 APE

Additional Requests to APE Foundation:

Assistance with event marketing on ApeCoin official channels

PROPOSAL

Link to the full proposal: (https://forum.apecoin.com/t/aip-557-ape-universe-lhasa-villa-base-ape-universe-forum-in-lhasa/26992)

For

533,996 votes

15 days ago

AIP-550: ApeSites - A Tool for BAYC Communities to Create Customized Websites

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

ApeSites aims to provide the BAYC community with an easy-to-use tool to create personalized websites for their groups, similar to Linktree or Bento. This tool will offer BAYC holders a way to assemble various components to showcase their brand and activities outside of traditional social media channels. ApeSites would be completely free to use.

Currently, BAYC communities rely on volunteer-built websites, which often lack design cohesion. With ApeSites, these communities will be empowered to create a web presence that reflects their identity and values in a more professional and visually appealing way.

App features :

Simple visual editor to assemble and customize components.
Ready-made components to add sections like profiles, links, events, galleries, etc.
Customization options (themes, colors, fonts).
Responsive design for compatibility on both mobile and desktop.
Tools like Tokenproof would be used to connect with wallets and offer a secure connection.

Prototype example for BAYC: Figma Preview

BENEFIT TO APECOIN ECOSYSTEM

ApeSites will allow BAYC community members to amplify their impact by establishing high-quality, cohesive web presences. By making it easier for communities to build websites that look professional and reflect their unique culture, ApeSites will enhance the overall brand experience of BAYC and ApeCoin.

Additionally, as ApeSites grows, the tool has potential to attract interest from other Web3 communities, who could join the ApeChain ecosystem in the future, helping to expand ApeCoin’s reach.

OVERALL COST

Total amount requested from the ApeCoin Ecosystem Fund = $25,000

This budget includes design, development, ongoing maintenance, and hosting costs, estimated to be approximately $200 per year, with a minimum service commitment of 10 years.

Initial Payment & Setup ($10,000):
- Duration: 1 month
- Activities:
  - Initial project setup, including infrastructure configuration.
  - Development of the initial design framework and backend setup with Vercel hosting.
  - Establishing the foundation for a scalable and reliable system.
- Budget Details:
  - Backend development and setup: $4,000
  - Preliminary UI/UX design: $5,500
  - Hosting infrastructure and initial technical expenses: $500
Beta Release ($10,000):
- Duration: 2 months
- Activities:
  - Development of the main website creation interface.
  - Addition of customizable components and initial feature implementation.
  - Launch of the beta version for early user testing and feedback collection.
- Budget Details:
  - Front-end development and feature integration: $7,000
  - Quality assurance (QA) and testing: $2,000
  - Technical maintenance during the beta phase: $1,000
Full Launch ($5,000):
- Duration: 1 month
- Activities:
  - Integration of beta feedback and adjustments to finalize features for the public release.
  - Final testing and stability checks.
  - Ensuring readiness for the full launch
- Budget Details:
  - Enhancements based on beta feedback: $2,500
  - Final testing and performance audits: $500
  - Hosting fees covering 10 years ($200/year for 10 years): $2,000

Proposed Funding Tranches:

Initial Payment & Setup: $10,000 (upon project approval)
Beta Release: $10,000 (provided one month after first disbursement)
Full Launch: $5,000 (provided one month after second disbursement)

PROPOSAL

Link to the full proposal: (https://forum.apecoin.com/t/aip-550-apesites-a-tool-for-bayc-communities-to-create-customized-websites/26735)

Abstain

533,995 votes

15 days ago

AIP-582: ApeChain, On-chain – ApeCoin DAO Governance Revamp

Disclaimer: Due to the recent approval of AIP-436, all AIPs requesting an allocation denominated over US$250,000 will require a super majority approval of 69% of the total number of votes cast. The Foundation has already begun coordinating to develop our new Snapshot strategy to automate these new decision making guidelines, however, we will ensure compliance with this guideline manually in the interim.

This AIP falls above that threshold and will require 69% of votes to be approved.

PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION

This AIP proposes replacing AIP-1 and AIP-2 and guiding the ApeCoin DAO to a drastically more effective governance process by removing administrative layers and moving more decision-making on-chain. This proposal would place more autonomy and power into the hands of the ApeCoin DAO, while focusing the DAO’s efforts on growing ApeChain.

Key Points:

DAO Treasury:

On-chain DAO treasury using Governor Bravo contracts
75/25 split
75% of total treasury placed on-chain for the ApeCoin DAO
25% of total treasury provided to Ape Foundation for its Administrative Budget
Power directly in hands of ApeCoin DAO

ApeChain Protocol Upgrades:

On-chain protocol upgrades and updates using Governor Bravo contracts, governed by the ApeCoin DAO

Creating the Executive Director role and clarifying the role of Special Council:

Establishing an Executive Director of the APE Foundation, responsible for driving ApeChain’s growth and enhancing ApeCoin’s value.
Creating an Audit Committee, to provide oversight over the Executive Director and the APE Foundation budgeting and finances.
Clarifying that Special Council members are no longer involved in the AIP process, and current Special Council terms will be extended by 6 months to provide continuity and guidance in light of this governance revamp.

Replacing AIP-1 and AIP-2, and adopting the ApeCoin DAO Constitution (see below in the “Benefit to ApeCoin Ecosystem” section).

BENEFIT TO APECOIN ECOSYSTEM

1. On-Chain DAO Treasury:

a. Splitting the treasury (and locked APE streams) in a 75/25 split: i. 75% of the treasury and unlocking APE will be directed to an on-chain DAO treasury contract, which will be controlled directly by the ApeCoin DAO. ii. 25% of the treasury and unlocking APE will be directed to the Ape Foundation for its Administrative Budget, which will be utilized to build and maintain ApeChain, and to support the administrative needs of the ApeCoin DAO.

b. DAO-Controlled Drip Contract: In order to keep in line with transparency, decentralization and accountability to the ApeCoin DAO, the 25% treasury split for the Administrative Budget will be held in a multi-sig, over which the ApeCoin DAO will hold an admin key and be able to “clawback” such funds and send them to the DAO treasury contract.

c. Of the funds in the DAO-Controlled Drip Contract, 2,500,000 APE will immediately be claimable by the Ape Foundation, while the remainder will “drip” along a monthly scheduled rate of 18 months, which will be able to be claimed by the Ape Foundation.

d. The timer on the 18 month DAO-Controlled Drip Contract starts when the treasury moves on-chain.

e. The monthly unlocks of $APE which accrue to the DAO each month according to the ApeCoin tokenomics will also be allocated at a 75/25 split between the DAO treasury and the Ape Foundation Administrative Budget. These unlocks will also be sent to a DAO-Controlled Drip Contract, and will “drip” over 18 months, with the timer starting when the treasury moves on-chain.

2. On-Chain Protocol Upgrades and Updates:

a. The ApeCoin DAO, and the Security Council (as introduced below), will be given “chain owner” privileges over ApeChain, having the power to directly propose, vote on and implement ApeChain upgrades and updates.

3. Introduction of the Security Council:

a. With the mainnet launch of ApeChain, security should be the utmost priority for the ApeCoin DAO. Given that the governance process is subject to a timeline unfit for quickly addressing emergency situations, it is critical that there be a fail-safe to quickly and immediately react to potential security threats to ApeChain.

b. To address this issue, a democratically elected Security Council will be empowered to implement certain Emergency and Non-Emergency Actions, as described further in the Constitution of the ApeCoin DAO.

4. Introduction of the Executive Director and Audit Committee, and clarifying the) role of Special Council:

a. Establishing an Executive Director of the APE Foundation, responsible for driving ApeChain and ApeCoin ecosystem growth.

b. The Executive Director will be hired via a transparent process overseen by Special Council, Foundation Directors and the Audit Committee.

c. Establishing an Audit Committee, composed of holders of at least 10,000,000 ApeCoin, which will be responsible for providing oversight of the Executive Director. This Audit Committee will have the authority to perform a quarterly audit of the budget and finances of the APE Foundation. The Audit Committee will also have the authority to remove an Executive Director.

d. Rather than serving as the last filter before an AIP is put up for vote by the ApeCoin DAO, the Special Council’s Administrative Review will no longer be a prerequisite for an AIP to go to vote by the ApeCoin DAO, and the Special Council will instead act purely as ambassadors of the ApeCoin DAO once on-chain governance has been implemented. This would include advocating for the ApeCoin DAO and the ApeCoin ecosystem, educating others outside of the DAO and providing advice and guidance to members of the DAO and Foundation. Upon the passage of this AIP, for the sake of continuity and in light of a monumental change to the ApeCoin DAO governance system, the current Special Council members’ terms will each be extended for 6 months

e. Once on-chain voting has begun and the Executive Director is hired, Special Council compensation will be changed from the current $125,000 per year, to 100,000 $APE per year. Responsibility for the selection, appointment and compensation of the Executive Director would be left to the Special Council, Directors, and Audit Committee.

f. Responsibilities previously assigned to the Special Council will be reassigned to the Executive Director. With the passage of this AIP, AIP-454 will be amended to remove references to the Special Council and instead replace their final oversight role with the directors and administrators of the Ape Foundation.

By adopting the below proposed Constitution, inspired directly by the ArbitrumDAO Constitution, the ApeCoin DAO will be empowered to have a stronger voice and on-chain authorities and powers to shape the future of the ApeCoin ecosystem and ApeChain.

OVERALL COST

Total amount requested from the ApeCoin Ecosystem Fund = $100,000 one-time cost + $275,000 per year.

Estimated cost of building DAO governor contract, audits, and on-chain voting UI: $100,000

Each Security Council member shall receive $25,000 per year. There are 11 Security Council members proposed. The total cost of which would be $275,000.

Breakdown of Treasury Allocations:

Total APE unlocked & available: 19,342,665.34

Total APE locked: 110,156,250

Unlocked allocations if treasury split occurred today:

Administrative Budget: 4,835,666 $APE
DAO Treasury: 14,506,999 $APE

Locked allocations if treasury split occurred today:

Administrative Budget: 27,539,062 $APE
DAO Treasury: 82,617,187 $APE

All figures current as of January 15, 2025. Note that the Administration Budget allocations are subject to an 18 month drip contract, with the timer starting from when the treasury moves on-chain. *Available means not currently allocated to a grant via an approved AIP. **Locked refers to the $APE which is still locked and which unlocks monthly according to the ApeCoin tokenomics unlock schedule.

PROPOSAL

Link to the full proposal: (https://forum.apecoin.com/t/aip-582-apechain-on-chain-apecoin-dao-governance-revamp/26936)

This AIP falls above that threshold and will require 69% of votes to be approved.

For

519,614 votes

2 months ago