Build the Block Finale: Crowning zkPass as Our Competition Winners
Main Takeaways
Build the Block is the worldâs first Web3 entrepreneur reality show set entirely in the metaverse.Â
Episode 7, the finale, saw zkPass take the crown after successfully showcasing their projectâs potential.
zkPass has been offered an investment from Binance Labs along with Mind Network, Kryptoskatt, Bracket Labs, and dappOS.
After weeks of intense competition, the scores are finally in, with zkPass taking the Build the Block crown.
After seven episodes of tense competition, the results are finally in. Weâre incredibly proud to announce that zkPass has been crowned the first Build the Block winner. As the first reality show hosted entirely in the metaverse, itâs been a monumental point to remember. 12 Web3 projects took part, but only one could take home the title.
What Happened in the Finale?
Our final episode, hosted by Justin Bratton (former Asiaâs Got Talent presenter), saw all our founders return for the final results. Judging the finale were:Â
Yibo Ling, Chief Business Officer at Binance
Robby Yung, Chief Executive Officer of Animoca Brands
Azeem Khan, Fundraising and Partnership Lead at GitCoin
Guy Turner, Co-Founder of Coin Bureau
To kick off the show, Justin welcomed back all the founders that had pitched over the weeks. With tensions running high, Justin announced where each project had placed, from twelfth to third place.
Eventually, only two projects were left â zkPass and Bracket Labs. After tallying the scores, the results were finally in: zkPass with 540 points and Bracket Labs with 511.
âWe all know the quote, âPassion led us here.â We clearly see that in all of our 900 entrants. We truly appreciate them all. So not only have we based our final 12 companies on what is the current human need, but also the passion of the team we resonate with the most.âÂ
He Yi, Binanceâs CMO and Co-founder
What Is zkPass?
zkPass offers a privacy-preserving, decentralized identity verification solution for the Web3 world. Its solution leverages Multi-Party Computation (MPC) and Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology. It offers the following products:
zkPass Protocol â A decentralized identity verification solution based on MPC and ZKP. It enables users to verify their identity in a privacy-preserving way without the need for centralized verification authorities.
zkPass SBT â A smart biometric token that uses MPC and ZKP to authenticate users without revealing their identity.
zkPass Kit â A development kit for developers to build privacy-preserving identity verification solutions based on MPC and ZKP.
What Has zkPass won?
As the winner of Build the Block, zkPass has secured investment from Binance Labs. But theyâre not the only winners here. Four other contestants have also been offered investment from Binance Labs: Mind Network, Kryptoskatt, Bracket Labs, and dappOS.
A Huge Thank You to All Participants
Over the course of seven episodes, weâve seen 12 projects pitch their ideas to our panel of judges. It was a true Web3 experience, and the competition was tight with innovative concepts, new takes, and fresh approaches.Â
Mind Network â A secure platform that utilizes encrypted data ledgers to provide data intelligence to developers.
Kryptoskatt â A Web3 Fintech SaaS startup that provides simplified crypto tax compliance solutions to individuals, professionals, enterprises, and public institutions.
Sandbag Protocol â A platform that offers efficient and reliable security protection to help clients safeguard their assets from loss.
Wallet Guard â A web3 security browser extension that provides advanced multi-layered security features to protect online assets from scams.
Ontropy â A blockchain platform that utilizes heavy cryptography and Zero-Knowledge (ZK) protocols to eliminate the need for oracles and bridges.
Hana â A zkUTXO (Zero-Knowledge Unspent Transaction Output) solution designed for all blockchains.
PIP â A Web3 payment company that aims to accelerate the future of global micropayments.Â
Harvest â A Hero Shooter game that is focused on team-play, mobility, and abilities. The game features four teams of three heroes who compete to be the last team standing.Â
Notebook Labs â A platform that uses Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proofs to embed fully compliant Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) infrastructure into DeFi protocols at the smart contract level.
zkPass â A privacy-preserving decentralized identity verification solution for Web3 based on Multi-Party Computation (MPC) and Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology.
Bracket Labs â A range of products that enable the creation of leveraged structured products on-chain, using percentage-based pricing. Their primary DApp is BracketX.fi.
dappOS â A company focused on building an operating protocol to lower the barriers to entry for Web3 applications.Â
And a Warm Thanks to Our Judges Too
Overseeing each episode and announcing the winners were our five judges. We thank them for their time, advice, and guidance for the participants throughout the series.
He Yi, Co-Founder and CMO of Binance, Head of Binance Labs
He Yi leads business, marketing, and branding strategy at Binance. Yi led the business strategy behind Binanceâs growth to become the worldâs largest crypto exchange, having pivoted the company from a crypto trading platform to a global blockchain ecosystem.
Yibo Ling, Chief Business Officer at Binance
Yibo Ling is the Chief Business Officer at Binance, where he leads the development and implementation of the companyâs strategic plans to help progress the development of blockchain technologies. He oversees Binance Labs, M&A, JV, and strategic partnerships.
Robby Yung, CEO of Animoca Brands
Robby Yung is the Chief Executive Officer of Investments of Animoca Brands, the company advancing digital property rights for gaming and the open metaverse, and he is also a Partner at Animoca Capital.
Azeem Khan, Fundraising and Partnership Lead at Gitcoin
Azeem Khan is a New York-based entrepreneur whoâs worked in biotech, tech, entertainment, esports/gaming, and blockchain. Heâs currently the Fundraising & Partnerships Lead at Gitcoin, a DAO thatâs given out over $72 million in grants to open-source software developers since its inception.
Guy Turner, Co-Founder of Coin Bureau
Guy joined the Coin Bureau as a writer â his previous profession â and now heads up the content department as the face of its YouTube channel. It was his idea to start producing crypto-themed video content, which has helped guide the channel from zero to over two million subscribers in just a few short years.
Donât Forget to Watch the Show Back on Binance Live
Itâs been a fantastic experience for all involved in the first Web3 reality show. The journey has been thrilling, from over 900 applicants to one crowned winner. If you couldnât catch the live show, donât forget you can watch it back via Youtube and Binance Live.