The Sandbox, a decentralized gaming metaverse and subsidiary of Animoca Brands, has partnered with global venture accelerator Brinc to launch The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program. The program will invest in, mentor, and support 30 to 40 blockchain startups annually over a three-year period, contributing up to $250,000 to each start-up, with top performers receiving additional grants of SAND tokens and LAND grants. Supported by high-profile mentors from various sectors, the program aims to fuel the growth and expansion of The Sandbox ecosystem by fostering startups that can deliver unique experiences and contribute fresh, creative content. Applications for the first cohort are now open, with the program set to commence in Q2 2022.
The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program
- The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program will invest in 30 to 40 blockchain startups a year, helping to develop the open metaverse
- The program will invest up to US$250,000 in each startup. Top performers will also receive SAND and LAND grants, along with follow-on investment
- Accepted startups will have access to and support from high-profile mentors, including Cathy Hackl (Futures Intelligence Group), Holly Atkinson (The Sandbox), Holly Liu (Kabam), Janine Yorio (Republic Realm), Leah Callon-Butler (Emfarsis), Manav Gupta (Brinc), Sebastien Borget (The Sandbox), Serena Tabacchi(Museum of Contemporary Digital Art), Susan Cummings(Petaverse), Yam Karkai (World of Women), Yat Siu (Animoca Brands), Yingzi Yuan (Metaverse Summit); plus others (read below).
Introduction to The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program
Program Details
The Sandbox, a leading decentralized gaming metaverse and a subsidiary of Animoca Brands, has committed US$50M to Brinc, a leading global venture accelerator, for The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program.
Application and Investment
With applications now open and the first cohort scheduled to start in Q2 2022, The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program is a dedicated track within Launchpad Luna, the accelerator launched in mid-2021 as a partnership between Brinc and Animoca Brands. The new program aims to accelerate 30 to 40 startups a year over a three-year period. The program will invest in, mentor, educate, and support the development of promising startups and projects while also providing access to potential partnerships and business development opportunities across the growing networks of The Sandbox, Animoca Brands, and Brinc.
Startup Criteria and Support
The new program is looking for startups that can enhance the open metaverse, who will be evaluated on their traction, technical expertise, and ability to deliver unique experiences. Startups accepted into the program will receive an initial investment of up to US$250,000 each. The Sandbox will also provide further grants of up to US$150,000 in SAND tokens to the best performers, as well as LAND grants. Startups that demonstrate meaningful traction post-program can also apply for follow-on investment from The Sandbox, Animoca Brands, and Brinc.
Mentorship and Partnerships
High-profile mentors supporting the program include industry leaders from various sectors, providing valuable guidance and support to the startups accepted into the program.
Program Goals
The core directive of The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program is to support the launch of new startups that can contribute to the growth and expansion of The Sandbox ecosystem by building unique experiences and populating the platform with fresh creativity and new content.
Partnership Commentary
Statements from key figures involved in The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program.
About The Sandbox
Information about The Sandbox, its role in the metaverse, and its partnerships.
About Brinc
Details about Brinc, its focus areas, and its support for startups in the open metaverse.
About Launchpad Luna
An overview of Launchpad Luna and its collaboration with Brinc and Animoca Brands.
About Animoca Brands
Background information on Animoca Brands, its products, subsidiaries, and investments.
Additional Resources
Links for further information on the program and related topics.
Question & Answer
What is The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program?
The Sandbox Metaverse Accelerator Program is a partnership between The Sandbox, a decentralized gaming metaverse, and Brinc, a global venture accelerator, aimed at investing in, mentoring, and supporting blockchain startups to fuel the growth of The Sandbox ecosystem.
How many startups will the program invest in annually?
The program will invest in 30 to 40 blockchain startups annually over a three-year period.
What is the maximum investment a startup can receive from the program?
Each startup accepted into the program can receive up to $250,000. Top performers may also receive additional grants of SAND tokens and LAND grants.
Who are some of the high-profile mentors supporting the program?
High-profile mentors supporting the program include Cathy Hackl, Holly Atkinson, Holly Liu, Janine Yorio, Leah Callon-Butler, Manav Gupta, Sebastien Borget, Serena Tabacchi, Susan Cummings, Yam Karkai, Yat Siu, Yingzi Yuan, and others.
