TZ APAC Launches Fortify Labs Cohort 2, Empowering Tezos and Etherlink Ecosystem Entrepreneurs

TZ APAC, a prominent Asia-based blockchain adoption entity within the Tezos ecosystem, has introduced the second cohort of Fortify Labs.

TZ APAC, a leading Asia-based blockchain adoption entity focused on the Tezos ecosystem, has announced the second cohort of Fortify Labs. This startup studio is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs developing projects on Tezos or Etherlink with a highly personalized Web3 startup experience.

Known for small cohort sizes to ensure focused, hands-on mentorship and support, Fortify Labs brings together promising startups in a supportive environment. The latest batch of participants includes Bluwhale, Facial DN(A+I) Network IDRX, Lilypad, and Predictwise.

Building upon the success of the first cohort in 2024, which saw startups like Questflow expand their user base by 156-fold and OCV Labs transition from no revenue to a five-figure income, Fortify Labs continues to provide comprehensive mentorship.

Startup Progress Highlights

* Questflow: A 156-fold increase in monthly active users and over 500% growth in revenue.

* OCV Labs: Progressing from no revenue to a five-figure income and achieving peak on-chain daily active users of 1,300.

* akaSwap: Transitioning from a Web3 game platform to a creative Web3 activation agency and securing funding from the Tezos Foundation. Both OCV Labs and akaSwap demonstrated growth in revenue, user engagement, transaction volume, and community presence.

Second Cohort Program

The second cohort will undergo a seven-month hybrid program consisting of remote sessions and three in-person gatherings at TZ APAC’s Singapore headquarters. Each startup will benefit from the mentorship of experienced entrepreneurs, receiving tailored guidance in areas like go-to-market strategies, fundraising, and operational planning.

Fortify Labs will also provide robust marketing support to amplify the visibility of the participating startups within the blockchain community. Technical assistance will be available to help founders optimize their products for market readiness and wider user adoption.

Moreover, the startups will gain access to strategic partnerships, including introductions to venture capitalists and experienced advisors to support growth and fundraising efforts.

Financial Support and Growth Milestones

Each participating project will be granted $10,000 upon achieving key milestones. Additionally, depending on growth indicators such as revenue, user activity, transaction volume, and community engagement, startups may qualify for further investments of up to $200,000.

These financial incentives are designed to encourage sustained growth and long-term success. After seven months with Fortify Labs, the startups will have had ample opportunity to expand their user base, generate revenue streams, and build strong community presence.

Emerging Technologies and Startup Diversity

This year’s program saw applications from a broad range of sectors, including decentralized personalization protocols, esports platforms, AI rendering networks, and stablecoin solutions backed by full collateral.

After a stringent selection process, the most promising projects were chosen for Fortify Labs’ support. This year’s cohort will benefit from the experiences of mentors such as Charles Ng, previously with K3 Ventures, and Ben Asdell, co-founder of MATRIX PORTAL.

The startups will also engage with advisors like Guillaume Pellikaan, recognized for his contributions to the development of the Tezos blockchain.

TZ APAC’s broader ecosystem efforts include Quantix Capital’s recent $1 million investment partnership to support Tezos-based gaming projects. The community can also engage with the selected Fortify Labs startups through TZ Apex, a rewards initiative designed to encourage participation in projects within the Tezos and Etherlink ecosystems.