Web3 Founders Get $500K + 10 Weeks to Build the Future of Blockchain

BNB Chain has announced the launch of the 11th season of its "Most Valuable Builder" (MVB) program, in partnership with YZi Labs and CMC Labs. This season marks a significant evolution of the initiative, expanding from a four-week incubation period to a ten-week global residency program, offering selected startups more time and resources to develop innovative Web3 projects [1]. The initiative aims to foster the next wave of blockchain-based startups by providing funding, mentorship, and global visibility [2].

Selected projects in Season 11 will have the opportunity to receive up to $500,000 in investment, structured as $150,000 for 5% equity and an additional $350,000 through an uncapped SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) [2]. Founders will also benefit from mentorship provided by industry leaders, investors, and operators who have successfully scaled companies in the Web3 space [2]. The program includes dedicated building time, technical support, and access to BNB Chain and YZi Labs’ extensive networks [2].

The residency will be hosted in Builder Bunkers located in Dubai, San Francisco, Singapore, and New York City, connecting global Web3 innovation hubs into a unified ecosystem. This expansion reflects BNB Chain’s commitment to creating a more immersive and supportive environment for founders, allowing them to leverage the strengths of different markets [2]. The program is set to culminate in a Demo Day during Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai, one of the most important events in the Web3 calendar [2].

The previous season, MVB10, saw over 500 applications and incubated 15 projects spanning AI, DeFi, DePIN, DeSci, payments, and RWA. These projects participated in an intensive two-day incubation in New York, followed by a Demo Day at the New York Stock Exchange, where they presented to potential investors and industry leaders [1]. The success of MVB10 highlights a growing demand for ambitious Web3 projects, and Season 11 is designed to build on that momentum with enhanced global reach and funding opportunities.

Applications for MVB 11 are open until September 6, 2025, with the offline residency program scheduled to run from October 6 to December 5. Rolling applications were introduced earlier in the year, streamlining the process for prospective founders [2]. The program emphasizes quality over quantity, with limited spots and a competitive selection process to ensure only the most promising projects are included [2].

By expanding the residency period and increasing capital support, MVB 11 reflects BNB Chain’s strategy to empower Web3 founders and foster innovation across the blockchain ecosystem. The initiative aligns with BNB Chain’s broader efforts to support the development of decentralized infrastructure and applications, positioning it as a leading platform for blockchain innovation [1].

Source:

[1] PANews (https://www.panewslab.com/en/articles/25f5e767-44bd-4a49-aafe-0d0ba6fedda0)

[2] BNB Chain Blog (https://www.bnbchain.org/en/blog/mvb-11-where-founders-break-through)