Fund Your Dreams in the Open Metaverse

Introducing the Mona Match Fund to reshape our digital destiny and support the builders of an Open Metaverse.

👋 Hi there. I’m Nene, co-founder of the Artizen Fund for Human Creativity. Subscribe, follow us, or join our community to help raise money for your next big idea.

As the lines between reality and the digital realm blur, we stand on the precipice of a vast, new world—the Metaverse.

We dream of an open Metaverse that will transform how we live, work, and play. But with this power comes the weight of responsibility. Do we build a democratic space of limitless innovation or a digital dystopia governed by monopolistic giants? Enter the Mona Match Fund, a new initiative to support the builders of an Open Metaverse. We’re funding immersive art, games, apps, and experiences built with Mona that light the way toward a future that is bound only by our imagination.

What is the Metaverse?

First coined by Neal Stephenson in his 1992 science fiction novel, Snow Crash, the term Metaverse is a portmanteau of "meta-" (meaning beyond or transcending) and "universe." It paints a vision of an expansive virtual realm, constrained only by our imagination, where the digital and physical aren't just interconnected—they're interwoven. Accessible through VR/AR headsets or even traditional 2D screens, the Metaverse represents an evolution of the internet and promises to transform how humans interact, create, and even conceive of reality.

More than hype

Yet, skeptics abound, casting the Metaverse as a fleeting fad. This skepticism, while rooted in the many overblown predictions of the past, overlooks a crucial reality: the Metaverse is already here, it’s just low fidelity. Every day, hundreds of millions of people work, play, and create online. As technology accelerates, the shift from flat screens to fully immersive experiences is inevitable. But what forces will shape this brave new world, and who will control its vast landscapes?

Building an open future

Two paths lie before us: the Closed Metaverse, a walled garden overseen by powerful corporations and governments, and the Open Metaverse, a wild expanse created and owned by its very users. The Closed Metaverse promises streamlined experiences and polished content, but at the cost of innovation and freedom. In contrast, the Open Metaverse operates as a permissionless ecosystem, where creativity flourishes unhindered, and people enjoy privacy, self-sovereign ownership, and an endless horizon for innovation.

Blockchain is the foundation

Blockchain is the bedrock upon which the Open Metaverse stands, safeguarding its economy, governance, and social dynamics. With cryptography, individuals gain privacy, autonomy, and unassailable rights to their digital assets. Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) offer creators novel means to showcase and monetize their work. However, it's the unfettered, permissionless nature of the blockchain that truly heralds a revolution. This liberating architecture empowers creators of every kind to explore, invent, and expand the edges of the Open Metaverse.

Boundless creativity

As the digital frontier expands, the choice between a closed or open metaverse becomes pivotal. An Open Metaverse not only promises a more vibrant, free digital realm but also minimizes the risks associated with central control, such as privacy intrusions and unwarranted censorship. In essence, it’s a space where human ingenuity can thrive without shackles, ensuring the Metaverse remains a beacon of limitless potential rather than a controlled simulation.

Introducing the Mona Match Fund

The Mona Match Fund is a pioneering initiative designed to champion visionary creators shaping the Open Metaverse. Harnessing the power of blockchain technology, we're committed to fostering a diverse, interconnected network of immersive virtual worlds. Our aim? To elevate high-quality experiences, games, and events that redefine the digital frontier.

What are we looking for?

We're on the hunt for creators who dare to dream big and challenge the norms. Whether you're an architect designing the metropolis of tomorrow, a game designer crafting new narratives, a 3D artist sculpting with generative AI, or a traditional artist painting tales of the digital age—Mona wants you.

Our ideal projects are not just innovative but are also aimed at pushing the boundaries of the Open Metaverse. In essence, if you're driven by passion, innovation, and a desire to shape the ever-evolving tapestry of the virtual realm, then the Mona Match Fund is your stage. Let's redefine the metaverse, together.

Building our Digital Destiny

Ever since its inception, the internet has deeply impacted the fabric of our culture. Platforms like YouTube democratized content creation and the spread of knowledge, but also amplified disinformation and its reactionary counterpart, censorship. Social media platforms bridged global divides and fostered unprecedented connections, yet they also gave rise to echo chambers and polarized communities.

The Metaverse stands as the next frontier, poised to reshape the way we live, work, and play. To secure our digital destiny, we must cultivate creativity, champion innovation, and prioritize openness, while, at the same time, safeguarding against the pitfalls of monopoly and centralization. This is more than the next phase of our online evolution—it's an opportunity to redefine it. Only by placing creators and communities at the helm can we ensure an Open Metaverse that truly reflects our shared humanity.