PolkaGate MetaMask Snap: Retroactive Funding Proposal (Oct 2024 - Jan 2025)
Proponent: 17VdcY2F3WvhSLFHBGZreubzQNQ3NZzLbQsugGzHmzzprSG (PolkaGate)
Date: 25.2.2025
Requested allocation: 53,600 USD
1. Proposal Overview
1.1 Introduction
This proposal seeks retroactive funding for the development and key feature implementations of the PolkaGate MetaMask Snap over the past four months. These updates significantly enhance MetaMask’s usability for Polkadot users by introducing support for staking, fund transfers, and UI improvements.
Product Page: https://snaps.metamask.io/snap/npm/polkagate/snap
Staking Feature Announcement Video: https://x.com/PolkaGate/status/1889391109610283166
2. Context of the Proposal
2.1 About PolkaGate
PolkaGate is a dedicated team of Polkadot enthusiasts focused on enhancing the user experience for interacting with Substrate-based chains like Polkadot and Kusama. Through our MetaMask Snap project, we aim to simplify complex processes such as asset management, staking, and governance participation. By integrating seamlessly with MetaMask, PolkaGate empowers users to manage their digital assets and actively engage with the Polkadot network. PolkaGate is committed to lowering entry barriers, making the Polkadot ecosystem more accessible to both newcomers and experienced users.
2.2 Overview of Product
PolkaGate MetaMask Snap enables Polkadot and Kusama users to manage assets and participate in staking and governance directly through MetaMask. This integration extends the Polkadot ecosystem’s accessibility to millions of MetaMask users. The Snap supports multiple tokens, including testnet assets like Westend and Paseo, and displays balances directly on the home page for easy tracking. Users can transfer tokens within MetaMask without relying on external dApps. By integrating directly with MetaMask, users benefit from a frictionless experience in managing assets and participating in staking and governance.
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3. Features**
PolkaGate Snap extends beyond basic transaction signing by integrating an interactive JSX-supported UI and advanced staking options. It aims to evolve into a full-featured Polkadot wallet within MetaMask.
3.1. Current Features:
Sign Transactions: Execute transactions on supported Polkadot networks.
Sign with Metadata: Support for signing transactions even when APIs are unavailable.
Fund Transfers: Send tokens (e.g., DOT, KSM) directly within MetaMask.
Staking Support: Configure solo and pooled staking, manage rewards, and unstake efficiently.
Enhanced UI: Interactive interface with JSX elements for improved usability.
Account Export: Securely export accounts as JSON files. Whitelisted dApp Support: Seamless integration with staking platforms, governance dApps, and PolkaGate apps.
(Details are in the full document)
4. Projected Allocation & Budget
4.1 Team Members and Roles
The PolkaGate team consists of the following key members who have contributed to the project’s success:
G. Kami Ekbatanifard, PhD — Founder/CEO & Engineering Team Lead
Morteza Chalaki, BA — CFO
Mehran Pourvahab, PhD — Blockchain researcher & TS Engineer
Martin Azarbad, BA — UI/UX specialist
Amir H. Ekbatani, PhD candidate — Test engineer
4.2 Payment Breakdown
5. Upcoming Features
These upcoming features will enhance the MetaMask Snap by introducing advanced functionalities such as token swapping and improved smart contract support. They align with our vision of continuously improving user experience and providing a comprehensive solution for Polkadot and Kusama users.
Smart Contract Support: Exploring integration with asset hubs.
Bridge Ethereum to Polkadot
Token Swapping: Researching seamless in-app swaps.
User-Requested Features: Prioritizing enhancements based on community feedback.
6. Links and References
In this section, we provide essential links to access our resources and stay connected with the PolkaGate community:
6.1 Official Website and Documentation
Product link: https://snaps.metamask.io/snap/npm/polkagate/snap
Website: polkagate.xyz
Documentation: docs.polkagate.xyz
X: x.com/@polkagate
YouTube: youtube.com/@polkagate
Element: matrix.to/#/#polkagate:matrix.org
GitHub: github.com/polkagate
6.2 Notable Announcements
Staking Feature Announcement Video: Watch on X
Comments (1)
Comments (1)
Dev (and engineering 'manager') time is a little pricey but, on the other hand, it's retrospective funding.
IMHO retrospective funding is a way more efficient use of treasury funds than asking up front on the basis of a technical proposal document which:
doesn't take into account new info during the dev process,
is no guarantee of a quality product even if rigidly adhered to,
most voting participants are not able to assess compliance with, and
can usually be edited on Google docs anyway.
But — the merits of retrospective funding are a digression.
Tthey've done the work for with no guarantee of payment and this is an incredibly important project.
I wish that more of the thought that goes into proposals was weighted the mechanics of attracting users over to Polkadot (rather than the unfortunate necessity of being weighted towards making shiny slide decks and keeping up with the latest whims of governance).
Important project, $54k is not a huge ask, so fair do's.
Dev (and engineering 'manager') time is a little pricey but, on the other hand, it's retrospective funding.
IMHO retrospective funding is a way more efficient use of treasury funds than asking up front on the basis of a technical proposal document which:
doesn't take into account new info during the dev process,
is no guarantee of a quality product even if rigidly adhered to,
most voting participants are not able to assess compliance with, and
can usually be edited on Google docs anyway.
But — the merits of retrospective funding are a digression.
Tthey've done the work for with no guarantee of payment and this is an incredibly important project.
I wish that more of the thought that goes into proposals was weighted the mechanics of attracting users over to Polkadot (rather than the unfortunate necessity of being weighted towards making shiny slide decks and keeping up with the latest whims of governance).
Important project, $54k is not a huge ask, so fair do's.