💰Excalibur Grant Program
The Excalibur Grant Program is Project Merlin DAO’s most exclusive and high-value funding track, designed for startups that are strategically important for the ecosystem and have the potential for large-scale impact.
Unlike the monthly Camelot grants, the Excalibur Grant is not open to every startup—only to those that meet stricter criteria, demonstrate exceptional readiness, and align closely with the DAO’s long-term vision.
🎯 Purpose
To provide exclusive, high-value support to standout startups that can significantly grow the Project Merlin ecosystem and create sustainable value for the community.
🔹 Key Benefits for Startups
Access to the Merlin Grant Pool
Funding comes directly from the Merlin Grant Pool, separate from the regular Camelot budget.
This allows for larger funding amounts and more flexible use of resources.
Exclusive for Selected Startups
Only startups that pass Core Team strategic review and gain community approval are admitted.
This exclusivity increases credibility and visibility across the Web3 space.
Deeper Community Engagement
Winning projects get priority exposure to the Project Merlin DAO community.
Special AMA sessions, dedicated promotion campaigns, and cross-platform visibility.
Airdrop & Presale Whitelists
DAO members who vote for the winning Excalibur Grant project may get whitelisted for the project’s token presale or receive airdrops from that project.
High-Value Investment Opportunities
Funding packages can exceed $500,000 USD in combined grants, sponsorships, and investment commitments.
Access to early-stage private investment rounds facilitated through Funddex.
Corporate Sponsorships & Credits
Partnerships with leading tech companies enable winning projects to receive:
Google Cloud Credits
AWS Activate Program Credits
MongoDB Atlas Credits
Other ecosystem partner benefits
These credits can save startups tens of thousands of dollars in infrastructure costs.
🔹 Key Benefits for the Community
Direct Influence: Members decide which startups deserve high-value strategic funding.
Special Access: Voters for winning projects may receive presale allocations, airdrops, or early-access privileges.
Reward Boost: Participation earns Vote2Earn points, contributing to quarterly MRLN rewards.
Exclusive Opportunities: Be part of early investment rounds alongside institutional backers.
📅 Frequency & Selection
Maximum of one Excalibur Grant per quarter
Selection process:
Application via Excalibur Grant Submission Form
Core Team Review for strategic alignment
Community Voting by NFT holders
Funding Award from the Merlin Grant Pool and potential sponsor contributions
💡 In short: The Excalibur Grant Program is the elite tier of Project Merlin’s funding ecosystem—designed to give exceptional startups the resources, visibility, and partnerships they need to scale globally while keeping the DAO community deeply involved in their journey.
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