dotmoovs has taken the sports world by storm, combining technology and competition in innovative ways. For this article, we sat down with Francisco Varela (Executive Chairman and co-founder), Salomé Azevedo (COO and co-founder), and Guilherme Viveiros (CTO) to explore our journey from concept to success.
What inspired the creation of dotmoovs, and how did the initial idea take shape?
dotmoovs was born from a shared passion for sports, and a desire to create more opportunities for non-professional athletes to compete and showcase their skills. We noticed how difficult it was for people to compare their talents, particularly when it came to showing off tricks and moves in sports. Many of us were already sharing videos of ourselves playing, leading to friendly debates about who was better. That’s when we realized that if we had an AI referee, these debates could be settled fairly and easily.
Some team members had expertise in biomechanics and AI-powered human motion detection, so we started brainstorming solutions that could address these challenges. This eventually led to the creation of dotmoovs. With our internal knowledge of the crypto world, we decided to launch our own token to serve as a digital asset for players to participate in challenges and earn rewards, integrating blockchain and sports competition seamlessly.
What were the key milestones that marked the growth of dotmoovs, from inception to now?
MVP Launch: The release of our first MVP on the web was a major turning point. It demonstrated our serious commitment to the project and reassured crypto investors that dotmoovs was here to stay.
Token Launch: The launch of our token brought in top-tier investors as well as a growing community of smaller investors who frequently used the app. This was crucial in expanding our user base and ecosystem.
Grant from the Portuguese Government and EU Commission: Receiving a grant from both the Portuguese government and the EU Commission was a major milestone. It allowed us to set up a sister company in Portugal and become a leading example of AI and blockchain applications in sports and beyond.
What were the biggest challenges the team faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
One of our biggest challenges was consolidating all of our ideas into a coherent and actionable roadmap once the MVP was live. Additionally, the volatile crypto market made it difficult to navigate and build long-term trust. Unlike many other crypto projects, our focus was on developing strong technology and products that everyone could use, which posed another challenge: the complexity of crypto mechanisms deterred many Web 2 users from fully understanding how to engage with the dotmoovs ecosystem.
To overcome this, we began building abstract layers that made it easier for Web 2 users to join dotmoovs without needing to fully understand the intricacies of crypto. By earning their trust and gradually introducing them to Web 3 concepts, we created a smoother onboarding process for a wider audience.
How has the dotmoovs platform evolved over time, and what are the key features or partnerships that shaped its development?
The introduction of different sports to the app came as a result of strategic partnerships, such as with the World Freestyle Football Association, dance clubs, and fitness trainers. These collaborations helped us better understand the sports landscape and address the unmet needs of our target market.
On the Web 3 front, we realized the importance of focusing on user experience, which led us to explore blockchain networks that prioritized usability. This shift helped us redefine our game economy and align it more with user expectations.
What is your vision for the future of dotmoovs, and how do you see the platform impacting the world of sports and digital competition in the years ahead?
Our vision is for dotmoovs to become a global digital platform that offers both competition and training opportunities. We want to break down geographical and economic barriers, making it possible for anyone, anywhere, to showcase their skills and compete on an equal footing. For those who are more focused on self-improvement, dotmoovs will provide access to tailored training programs, validated by experts, that include progress reports and tips on how to improve without risking injury. By integrating both competitive and training elements, we hope to foster a more inclusive and engaging environment in the world of sports and digital competition.
Our journey, from idea to reality, is a testament to the power of innovation, passion, and perseverance. With eyes towards the future, our platform is poised to redefine the world of sports competition, creating new opportunities for athletes and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a professional athlete or just someone looking to test your skills, dotmoovs offers a glimpse into the future of digital sports, where the playing field is truly global.
