RFQ – Strategic Marketing & Communications Partner

Council Proposals TELIP
1

TELIP: Funding Approval for RFQ – Strategic Marketing & Communications Partner

Overview

This proposal seeks funding approval from the Platform and Treasury Councils to support the issuance and execution of RFQ: Strategic Marketing & Communications Partner, the first draft of which is attached below. This RFQ invites qualified marketing agencies to submit proposals for a campaign designed to increase visibility, grow participation, and amplify engagement across the Telcoin ecosystem.

The proposed engagement will support ecosystem-wide goals across governance, development, and adoption. Campaign activities will be informed by Telcoin’s values of decentralization, education, and user empowerment — and will be designed to complement ongoing technical progress and community-led initiatives.

Purpose

Despite steady progress across infrastructure, governance, and ecosystem tooling, public awareness of Telcoin remains relatively low — especially among crypto-native audiences and potential strategic partners.

This initiative seeks to close that gap by selecting a qualified agency to co-develop and execute a results-oriented marketing and communications strategy. The aim is to bring Telcoin’s story to the forefront — from real-world use cases and governance innovation to its mobile-first platform and developer opportunities — all with measurable outcomes tied to visibility, participation, and network value.

Funding Request

The maximum contract value under this RFQ is:

  • TBD - Roughly USD 40,000 per quarter

  • TBD - Roughly USD 160,000 total over 12 months

Funds will be drawn from the Telcoin Treasury and disbursed monthly in arrears, contingent on contract approval and onboarding. All payments will be made in USDC or TEL.

Proposal Structure

  • A full copy of the first draft of RFQ: Strategic Marketing & Communications Partner is attached to this proposal for reference and improvement.

  • The RFQ outlines suggested KPIs, eligibility criteria, evaluation methods, budget parameters, deliverables, and terms

  • The selection process will be managed by a Council-led evaluation panel, with results published publicly

  • The selected agency will be contracted via a Council-approved Master Services Agreement

  • Ongoing oversight will be provided by a joint liaison from the Platform and Treasury Councils

Next Steps

If approved:

  1. RFQ: Strategic Marketing & Communications Partner will be published and promoted through governance, industry and community channels

  2. Community members will be encouraged to share or nominate qualified agencies

  3. All agencies must present to the Global Councils at a recurring Platform and Treasury Council meeting

  4. A final Snapshot vote will authorize the contract before execution

  5. The Platform and Treasury Councils will review submissions and select a partner

Closing Notes

This proposal reflects the Telcoin Association’s ongoing commitment to sustainable ecosystem growth through transparent governance, legal accountability, and user ownership. By inviting expert partners to help tell Telcoin’s story, we aim to activate a new phase of visibility and participation — one aligned with the values and structure of our decentralized platform.

We welcome community feedback and discussion ahead of Snapshot voting. The RFQ draft is included below for review and amendment prior to Snapshot voting.

Request for Quotation (RFQ): Strategic Marketing & Communications Partner

Title: Strategic Marketing & Communications Partner
Issued by: The Telcoin Association – Platform & Treasury Councils
Issue Date: [1 May 2025]

1. Key Dates & Contacts

Milestone Date (17:00 UTC)
RFQ issued & initial agency presentations [1 May 2025]
Deadline for written questions [8 May 2025]
Consolidated answers released & agency presentations to Global Councils [15 May 2025]
Proposal submission deadline & final agency presentations to Global Councils [ 29 May 2025]
TELIP snapshot vote on all agencies; multiple choice; plurality [2 June 2025]
Evaluation complete [12 June 2025]
Award notification [13 June 2025]
Contract start (earliest) [19 June 2025]

All correspondence and submissions:

  1. All agencies must reply to this forum proposal introducing themselves
  2. All agencies must present to the Association at a Global Council Meet
  3. All presentations must be emailed to: platform-council@telcoin.org

2. Background

The Telcoin Association is a Swiss Verein domiciled in the Canton of Ticino (City of Lugano). It represents the interests of GSMA Mobile Network Operators and other stakeholders, providing legal standing and governance protection for the Telcoin ecosystem. More information on the Association can be found here

3. Outcome KPIs (12‑month targets)

Area KPI Baseline¹ Target
Visibility Tier‑1 media articles 0 ≥ 25 unique articles across ≥ 10 outlets
TELx TEL amount in TELx contracts Current TEL value of TVL +35 %
Governance Snapshot voter turnout (September elections) Sept 24 Election +50 %
TEL staked Current TE staked +40 %
TEL delegated to voting power Current LTEL delegated +30 %
Developer Activity Number of application developers on Telcoin platform 3 + 25

¹ Baselines will be frozen one month before contract start.

4 Target Audiences

Tier Segment Indicative effort share
Primary Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) 30 %
Retail users (remittance, mobile‑money, crypto‑curious) 30 %
Secondary Application developers 20 %
Liquidity miners & DeFi protocols 10 %
Tertiary Governance contributors 10 %

5. Scope of Work

Bidders should propose the mix of tactics and deliverables they consider most effective for achieving the KPIs. The examples below are indicative only.

Work‑stream Outcome KPI Illustrative tactics & outputs*
Brand Strategy Messaging architecture approved by Q1 Positioning workshop, narrative deck, tone‑of‑voice guide
Campaign Execution ≥ 25 tier‑1 media hits Integrated earned & paid plan, thought‑leadership placement
Content & Media Website, socials, targeted messaging, long form, short form, and other target market specific docs Explainer videos, infographics, AMAs, guest articles, podcasts
Community & Localization +50 % voter turnout, +40 % TEL staked Ambassador programme, micro‑grants, translations
Reporting & Analytics Quarterly reviews and presentations at Treasury and Platform Council Meetings On‑chain analytics, wallet attribution, QBR deck
  • Bidders may propose alternate or additional tactics. Please explain how your deliverables map to the KPIs and budget.

6. Budget & Payment

  • Maximum contract value: TBD; Estimates roughly USD 40 000 per quarter / USD 160 000 total.
  • Funding Source: TEL Treasury
  • The cap is all‑inclusive (strategy, production, media, incentives, fees).
  • Currency & method: USDC or TEL on Polygon; invoiced quarterly in arrears.
  • Agencies have full discretion to allocate the budget; the split must be shown in the Pricing Template.

7. Evaluation

Criterion Weight
Strategic vision & brand thinking 30 %
Relevant crypto/fintech/telecom experience 25 %
Execution plan & creative examples 20 %
Budget alignment & transparency 15 %
Team background & client references 10 %

Proposals scoring below 70/100 overall or 50 % in any criterion will not be considered. The evaluation committee comprises the Platform Council with oversight from the Compliance Council.

8. Submission Checklist

  1. Reply to this forum post
  2. Present to Global Councils at recurring meeting
  3. Proposal (PDF, ≤ 20 pages).
  4. Completed Pricing Template (Excel).
  5. Signed Letter of Authority
  6. Email all files to council-members@telcoin.org before the submission deadline.
  7. File naming: Telcoin‑‑RFQ.pdf and .xlsx.

9. Governance & Oversight

The selected agency will report to the Platform Council and present progress to the Global Council meeting once a month.

10. Terms (summary, rough, needs legal review)

  1. Confidentiality
  2. Joint intellectual‑property ownership (?)
  3. Agency responsible for all applicable taxes
  4. Either party may terminate with 30 days’ notice (pro‑rata payment)
  5. Swiss law; exclusive jurisdiction of Lugano courts (?)

The definitive legal terms will be set out in the Master Services Agreement issued to the selected agency from TAO on behalf of Telcoin Association.

11. Pricing Template

RFQ pricing Template

12. Next Steps & Call to Action

This proposal represents an exciting opportunity to elevate the Telcoin ecosystem’s visibility and engagement through professional marketing expertise. We invite all community members to provide feedback on this proposal through forum discussions and to share it with qualified marketing agencies who might be interested in this partnership.

If you know of agencies with relevant experience in blockchain, telecommunications, or fintech marketing, please encourage them to reply to this forum post and prepare for a presentation to the Global Councils.

Your active participation in this selection process will help ensure we find the ideal partner to tell Telcoin’s unique story and drive our collective growth. We look forward to your input as we advance through the TELIP voting process and ultimately select an agency that aligns with our values and objectives.

13 Likes
2

@parkerspann, this is awesome. Well written aid direct.

Shall I withdrawal mine since we will move towards agency management?

I spoke with Leo, I know we can run parallel marketing efforts within the TAN council, so I can redirect mine with added prudence back to the TAN council efforts if so.

Thanks!! Exciting!

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3

I believe this is a great, well-thought-out proposal and that there should be urgency for a vote to meet the timelines. To spark further discussion, in which specific industries, markets, or platforms, and on what media channels, and in which regions (e.g., North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, or globally), are the T1 media outlets expected to operate? Will they be divided among the 10 outlets to target specific regions and industries separately?

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4

Thanks for putting this together.

I’d like to ask if there could be consideration for transparency on the ROI data to the community, as well as transparency on some of the marketing initiatives. I would love to see one of the things in the proposal listed a quarterly newsletter or community update of sorts that can be subscribed to.

some other items to consider based on my time in hospitality marketing:

A target audience should be identified for these sections. A clear, concise outline of the type of B2B business that the marketing company should be targeting, with a company profile example. This helps hone in on reach to the proper companies, as well as has been proven to have a higher win rate

I have also seen having a measurable KPI for social media reach (% of organic growth in impressions, etc.) to be directly correlated to a positive ROI.

Thank you again for putting this together. I really enjoy looking at where the project is headed. As others have mentioned, having a timeline and sticking to it will be paramount with the speed in which other projects are moving at.

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5

very good point. Understanding the target demographic and reach is valuable.

Its also very important to remember that PR firms are a well-known commodity in the space a tthis point due to memecoins and the huge marketing funds that go towards them. I think this sometimes turns content creators away from looking at projects when asked. I would highly recommend identifying a company that is B2B-centric with proven results in that space will pay dividends.

telcoin needs exposure to get people to adopt the ecosystem - retail will follow.

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6

There’s a lot here- and we may be asking too much for one agency, but then again part of what these agencies may be able to help us do is narrow our focus for the best ROI.

Targeting MNOs AND app developers AND new Telcoin App users might be targeting too many different kinds of people- and since our services are heavily focused on remittances- marketing to non-english speakers has to be considered a target (at least for Tel App users for remittances).

This is probably a good budget if we are just looking at social media ads for new Tel App users for remittances.

7

Great post! This well-structured strategy reflects a high level of operational maturity and accountability, which instills confidence in the project’s ability to scale effectively.

However, I noted a few pain points and weaknesses, so here are my two cents on the current proposal:

  1. The proposal seeks an agency to co-develop a strategy, but a stronger internal foundation would help attract higher-quality partners. Without a unified strategic foundation, agencies may submit vastly different approaches, making it difficult for the TAO to compare proposals on equal footing. So I suggest the Council defines an initial brand narrative, key messaging pillars, and competitive positioning to guide submissions.

  2. Telcoin’s mobile-first approach is a core differentiator - it deserves more strategic emphasis in the proposal narrative and scope. Therefore, I would recommend looking for agencies with proven success in mobile-native fintech or telecom marketing, and consider dedicated UX/content improvements for mobile onboarding.

  3. As a digital asset bank operating globally, Telcoin is exposed to market volatility, potential regulatory scrutiny, and geopolitical risks. The current proposal includes no scope for risk comms planning, reputation management, or compliance-informed messaging. It might be a good idea to add a Crisis Communications Readiness component to the deliverables, including proactive narrative control and regulatory messaging strategies.

  4. 25 Tier-1 media hits in 12 months is relatively ambitious unless there’s a major product launch or narrative shift (which I’m guessing could very well be the case). Consider targeting Tier-2 & niche crypto media (crypto-native influencers, Substack writers, and LinkedIn thought leaders).

  5. This would probably be defined further down the line with the selected partner but it is important to emphasize localized communication efforts and activate regional community hubs with region-specific landing pages, regional ambassador funds, language-based content campaigns, etc.

  6. Partnership Ecosystem Marketing: Leveraging co-marketing opportunities with key partners, including MNOs and Layer 2s, offers a resource-efficient strategy to extend Telcoin’s reach and reinforce the project’s credibility.

As for potential agencies that could be up to the challenge, aligning with Telcoin’s mobile-first, DeFi-focused mission, I thought of three marketing agencies (NinjaPromo, Luna PR, and GuerrillaBuzz) that stand out for their strong track records in crypto, fintech, and Web3 brand-building.

These agencies are well-positioned to co-develop initiatives that reflect Telcoin’s values and objectives. To whom it may concern, please find their contact info here (as a new user I’m apparently limited to 5 links in my post so allow me to be creative in sharing their websites):

Exciting times ahead, I can feel it all coming together!

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I’ve researched and compiled a list of five top-tier marketing agencies with proven expertise in Web3, B2B campaigns, developer engagement, and marketing to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). These agencies align with Telcoin Association goals of driving developer adoption, crafting compelling narratives, and positioning blockchain-based financial products to global MNOs within the $100k-$150k budget. Below is my curated list, with brief insights into their fit for the proposals needs.

Selection Criteria

  • Web3 Expertise: Success in marketing blockchain/DeFi projects.
  • B2B Experience: Ability to target enterprises like MNOs.
  • Developer Engagement: Proven campaigns to onboard developers via APIs, hackathons, or technical content.
  • Global Reach: Capacity to execute multi-region campaigns.
  • Measurable ROI: Track record of delivering results.

Top 5 Marketing Agencies

  1. Luna PR

    • Why They Fit: Luna PR is a Web3 leader, having driven developer growth for Chainlink and Polygon through hackathons, technical content, and API-focused campaigns. Their B2B expertise includes fintech enterprises, ideal for targeting MNOs. They offer global PR, influencer engagement, and content strategies to amplify Telcoin’s mission.
    • Notable Projects: Chainlink (developer ecosystem), Copper (institutional DeFi).
    • Strengths: Web3 developer engagement, global PR network, technical B2B marketing.
    • Website: lunapr.io

  2. Wachsman

    • Why They Fit: Wachsman excels in blockchain PR, with campaigns for Avalanche and Hedera that boosted developer adoption via whitepapers and industry events. Their telecom and enterprise experience suits MNO outreach, and their regulatory expertise supports Telcoin’s global ambitions.
    • Notable Projects: Avalanche (developer growth), BitGo (enterprise blockchain).
    • Strengths: Web3 PR, B2B enterprise focus, regulated industry experience.
    • Website: wachsman.com

  3. MarketAcross

    • Why They Fit: MarketAcross specializes in Web3 content and PR, driving developer engagement for Solana and Binance with technical blogs and community initiatives. Their B2B fintech campaigns align with MNO targeting, offering SEO, social media, and event strategies.
    • Notable Projects: Solana (developer ecosystem), Binance (B2B marketing).
    • Strengths: Developer-focused content, B2B fintech expertise, global media reach.
    • Website: marketacross.com

  4. Serotonin

    • Why They Fit: Serotonin combines Web3 marketing with community building, driving developer adoption for Flow and NEAR Protocol via API campaigns and hackathons. Their B2B tech marketing expertise supports complex sales cycles for MNOs, with data-driven storytelling.
    • Notable Projects: Flow (developer onboarding), ConsenSys (enterprise blockchain).
    • Strengths: Web3-native strategies, developer community focus, B2B tech marketing.
    • Website: serotonin.co

  5. Coinbound

    • Why They Fit: Coinbound is a Web3 marketing expert, with developer campaigns for Cosmos and eToro using technical content and forums. Their B2B fintech experience and Web3 SEO make them a strong fit for MNO outreach and developer growth.
    • Notable Projects: Cosmos (developer ecosystem), MetaMask (user/developer growth).
    • Strengths: Web3 influencer networks, developer content, B2B fintech marketing.
    • Website: coinbound.io

Recommendations

  • For Developer Engagement: Luna PR and Serotonin shine in Web3 developer campaigns, leveraging technical content and community initiatives to drive API adoption.
  • For MNO Outreach: Wachsman and MarketAcross have strong B2B enterprise experience, with telecom and fintech campaigns suited for MNOs.
  • For Global Campaigns: Luna PR and Coinbound offer extensive PR and influencer networks for multi-region impact.
  • Contact Strategy: I recommend that council members use their official email addresses to contact these agencies. This adds authenticity to our outreach, signaling Telcoin’s serious commitment, which could lead to faster and more engaged responses from the agencies.
1 Like
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is there a standard response time for these type of initiatives to be sent to a vote?

The may 1st deadline is approaching quickly, and a 5 day voting period for approval means this has to be submitted for approval no later than 48 hours…

I looked in the rules for these proposals but there’s no specifics on when a proposal needs to be decided on to go to snapshot vote or not.

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10

Coming from my prior experience with hiring marketing firms, 160k would get you a lot more than just social media engagement unless massive amounts are being spent to push content via paid reach.

RFQ process also will determine if the budget is too tight for what it sets out to accomplish based on what kind of bids come in.

11

Is there any update available for how many companies are bidding?

12

Very pleased to see the discussion and engagement on this post. Just to clarify, the initial idea was to have some more discussion on the proposal and the RFQ at the next Platform and Treasury Councils meeting (May 1st) and ideally have some agencies even introduce themselves. I believe there has already been some outreach from community and council members, which is great! We do not need to be in a rush to vote on this - a vote is not required for us to proceed along the suggested timeline.

Regarding companies bidding, I am personally not aware of any so far.

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Hello All, just wanted to drop in, say hello, and express that we are truly looking forward to submitting our proposal.

Our team at STORM Partners will leverage internal experts in Strategy & Research, Growth & Marketing, and our vast network effects across crypto-native media outlets. We have started discussing the RFQ internally and have quite a solid understanding on what’s needed to drive Telcoin’s next phase of growth.

Looking forward to connecting and attending future meetings.

  • Ermias, Director Growth & Marketing @ STORM Partners
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14

Hi all – on behalf of the team at SCRIB3, I wanted to express our interest in presenting a proposal to the Council to be considered as the Agency of Record for the Telcoin Association – Platform & Treasury Councils.

SCRIB3 possesses a global team of 50+ industry experts across Brand, Social and Media Relations, and we’re excited by the opportunity to work alongside the Telcoin Association in this next chapter.

3 Likes