What is Maricoin (MCOIN)?

Maricoin is the cryptocurrency for and by the LGTBIQ+ collective, a currency that embodies the value and struggle of the collective. A social, ethical, transparent and transversal means of payment.

It is a token that initially runs on the Algorand blockchain which, as previously mentioned, was born with two missions:

Referenced asset for all those businesses and people who sympathize with the LGTBIQ+ cause and want to contribute to the fight for its claims.
Source of financing for initiatives and projects of associations and groups around the world.

MariCoin was one of 10 projects selected by the Algorand Miami Accelerator in 2021-22. The Algorand Foundation aims to encourage and drive the development of projects to build, grow and nurture financial innovations throughout the Algorand ecosystem.

In addition to Algorand, as a native blockchain for Maricoin, and with additional scalability in mind, the project is cross-chaining to also run on Ethereum's L2 (Layer 2) blockchain, Polygon.

What was the reason why you decided to carry out this idea?

The discrimination suffered by people due to their sexual orientation or gender identity manifests itself as the unjustified distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference that has as its object or result, to annul or impair the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, in conditions of equality, of their rights and freedoms.

This impairment is deeply rooted and has been fueled throughout history by prejudices, social and cultural stereotypes and by distorted or imprecise information, to which is added the existence of sociological doctrines or areas such as medicine, law or policies that have originated or justified said discrimination.

Unfortunately, this discrimination has not ended, and millions of people around the world are still insulted, mistreated, assaulted, tortured, arrested, imprisoned and even killed because of their sexual condition. And there are millions of people who, by freely showing how they feel, are deprived of some of the most basic fundamental rights, such as the right of assembly, expression, information or the basic right to access a decent job.

The latter has generated unequal access for members of the LGTBIQ+ community to the economic and financial system, generating, once again, an imbalance. Therefore, it is not surprising that, according to an article by 'Insider', 59% of the LGTBIQ+ community does not feel represented by traditional financial institutions and 39% mistrust banks and institutions.

In this sense, we believe that cryptocurrencies, given their decentralized and transparent nature, are a magnificent vehicle to become a means of payment accepted by the LGTBIQ+ community. And the data supports us: according to a study published by 'USA Today' in 2021, people belonging to the LGTBIQ+ community are twice as likely to use cryptocurrencies.

That is why Maricoin (MCOIN) was born, a Social, Ethical, Transparent and Transversal currency (SETT) with an international vocation, which pursues a double objective:

Become the means of payment (real, useful and used) of the LGTBIQ+ community.
Contribute financially to value the work that associations and organizations around the world have been doing.

In short, we want to generate a non-speculative means of payment, but a widely used one that allows, through the actual use of the token and the redistribution of the economic wealth generated by its use, to support the work of the collective associations. In addition, and also thanks to the use of the currency in establishments and businesses around the world, we want to value those businessmen who advocate the basic principles of equality and non-discrimination, whether or not they belong to the group.

A coin in search of community?

Not, a community in search of coin

Unlike other cryptocurrencies, Maricoin is not a coin that is looking for a community, rather it is the community itself that clamors for a coin, and it has found it in Maricoin.

There is enormous potential in the so-called ”Pink Economy”. In developed countries, the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and intersex community is demonstrating, in addition to a high purchasing power, as well as consumption patterns related to the initiatives that arise in favor of the collective. In this way, it is estimated that between 7 and 8% of the world population identifies with the acronym LGTBIQ+ and that practically between 39 and 42% declare themselves sympathetic to the demands of the community.

'LGBT Capital' calculates that the global purchasing power of this segment of consumers (LGBT GDP) is about 3.9 trillion dollars a year (measured as nominal GDP), out of an LGTBIQ+ population over 15 years of about 371 million of people all over the world. A more comprehensive list of LGBT GDP and population estimates (by selected countries and regions and globally) can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here.

With the irruption of Blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies and similar initiatives have appeared over time, however, a large part of them have been developed with their backs to the community itself. Many others had a mere speculative nature in such a way that they tried to take advantage precisely of the solidarity “insights” of the community, but without reverting tangibly to it.

With the support of associations

Throughout the world, and to respond to the situations of discrimination that we have named above, there is an important and active associative fabric (organizations, communities and different groups) that fights for the recognition of the fundamental rights of the LGTBIQ+ community.

This associative fabric is a fundamental part of the Maricoin project, since we firmly believe that the economic development of the community can contribute to helping other members of the collective in a situation of exclusion or risk. In this sense, 20% of the tokens, 1 in 4 coins, will be in the hands of LGTBIQ+ associations around the world.

As? Very easy.

The associations do not have to buy currency, they only have to sign the Maricoin Manifesto and communicate the existence of the cryptocurrency among their associates. In addition to a welcome bonus of 10,000 Maricoin, each association will receive for free the same amount of coins that its associates buy.

To avoid the devaluation of the currency assets managed by the associations, the coins distributed to the associations of the collective will remain in 'staking' (passive management of cryptocurrency via blocked deposit), a system that allows the owners of the coins to obtain rewards, being able to make use of the interests (of a minimum of 6%). In this way, Maricoin aspires to contribute to the financial independence of the associative fabric of the LGTBIQ+ community.

In addition, 2% of the tokens convertible to FIAT money are reserved, which will be available to the associations of the collective for specific situations and projects, of special need or urgency, that require immediate liquidity to finance themselves.

The national and international federal structure with which the associations of the collective have been endowed will allow, first, to prove their nature and purposes, and secondly, to generate a scaled value by endowing Maricoin to the national associations with 10% of everything they generate the local associations that federate, and the international ones with 10% of everything generated by the national ones.

Said projects will be proposed and chosen by the community itself, through a transparent and secure voting system, and published by Maricoin in its dissemination channels.

To promote aid in a standardized way and help the better execution of these projects, Maricoin will launch an International Accelerator for collective support projects in the second half of 2023, with the support of one of its main partners, the company builder Rokk3r in the United States, and from the associations that are members of its ecosystem.

With the support of businesses

The establishments and shops are another of the fundamental legs of the project, since, as previously stated, Maricoin was born with the desire to become the community's currency, a real means of payment. Or, as one of the brand's mottos says: “Never in the closet, always in value”.

In this way, in establishments of the group, promoted by people from the group or related to its principles (LGTBIQ+ friendly) you can pay in maricoins through the digital wallets that Algorand supports and through its own wallet, MariWallet, which is already in the Alpha and that it was launched in its first version in June 2022 and will be constantly updated. In addition, the establishments will be given the Maricoin Pride Kit, a set of stickers, other merchandising materials and posters that will announce the acceptance of Maricoin at the premises, as well as tutorials for downloading, using and accounting management of the collection application. that are carried out in their establishments or businesses. For this, those responsible for the business must sign the Maricoin Manifesto and be extremely respectful in respecting the rights of the collective.

On the web www.maricoin.org you can already consult the MariMap, a layer provided with all the navigation and geolocation functionalities of Google Maps with the premises and businesses that accept payments with cryptocurrency around the world. The MariMap, launched in February 2022, identifies the physical and digital businesses adhered to the project as they join it through the signing of the Manifesto and the adhesion contracts to the Maricoin ecosystem. As of New Year's Eve 2021, controlled usability and instant payment pilots have been carried out in several of the establishments already attached to Maricoin, using both the Algorand wallet (MyAlgo / PeraWallet) and MariWallet itself, which allows paying in seconds from maricoin to maricoin through a unique and encrypted QR code that is generated by the establishment's wallet at the time of payment and the customer photographs using theirs.

As of Q2 2023, businesses will have the option to change directly and with a click on their MariWallet the amount they want from the maricoins received to FIAT money. As the currency is an altcoin whose value fluctuates, maricoiners will be able to see in their MariWallet the cost of their purchases in Maricoin, and businesses will be able to see the income in fiat money and change what they want at the moment. In this way, both the exchange rate risk and the fluctuation risk are reduced.

Likewise, throughout Q2 the network of POS terminals and free Maricoin collection applications will be deployed, which will allow two types of payment: payment by QR or payment via NFC (Near Field Communication) with Maricoin cards, bracelets or rings. The POS terminals allow the generation of tickets and balance of cash to adhered businesses, as well as the commercialization of pre-paid instruments.

Why Algorand and why Polygon?

At the beginning of the project we did a research on what blockchain platforms and technologies we could build our project.

We decided to use Algorand for the following reasons :

Open Source Blockchain: Open source blockchain technology is revolutionizing industries worldwide. By leveraging transparency, security, and decentralization, it has paved the way for new possibilities in finance, supply chain management, healthcare, and more. The collaborative nature of open source development allows for continuous innovation and the collective improvement of blockchain solutions. Together, we can unlock the full potential of this transformative technology and shape a decentralized future.
High capacity: Notably, Algorand blockchain technologies can handle more than 500,000 transactions per day, which is higher compared to other alternatives like Cardano's blockchain, which handles around 150,000 transactions per day.
Costs: We believe that it is one of the fastest and most cost efficient platforms currently, so Maricoin would run fast on this network.
Permissions: Algorand is designed using a permissionless blockchain protocol that can finalize transactions instantly without any uncertainty.
Origins: Algorand was founded by Silvio Micali, a professor of computer science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Silvio received the 2012 Turing Award for his innovative contributions in cryptography, blockchain and cryptocurrency protocols, and electronic money, making him a leading mind in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry.
Consensus Multi-Signature Pixel: The Pixel is a peer-based multi-signature consensus protocol designed to secure signatures on blockchains. You can reduce bandwidth consumption, storage usage, and also the processing power needed by the nodes. Making ALGORAND the most energy efficient blockchain.
Pixel signatures: Are forward-safe, so new keys cannot be generated for use in old blocks.
Vault: Vault is a security mechanism in the blockchain ecosystem that prevents instant withdrawal of cryptocurrency.

Vault on Algorand reduces storage usage and costs for participants. Thus, users do not have to download, store, and verify large volumes of data before participating in consensus protocols.

Immediate transaction purpose: The Algorand blockchain only verifies the block with the required threshold of signatures; therefore, all transactions on the Algorand blockchain are final (final).
Self-Selection: Algorand does not have dedicated nodes or users to determine the next block, instead participants are continually secretly and randomly selected to participate in Algorand's consensus protocol. Therefore, each block in the Algorand blockchain reveals the next set of participants, making it extremely difficult to predict the participants in the blockchain's confirmation.
Scalability: Algorand has an efficient Byzantine protocol that can reach consensus on the next block at high speed. Therefore, the Algorand blockchain can support billions of users. Algorand can sustain a high transaction rate while keeping transaction costs low, since computational power is not lost in solving cryptographic puzzles.

Polygon

The Polygon blockchain, formerly known as the Matic Network, is a second layer network built on top of Ethereum, provides scalability and low fees for decentralized applications (dApps). By using parallel processing techniques, Polygon allows the execution of thousands of transactions per second, making it suitable for technology projects that require high performance and scalability. Furthermore, being built on top of Ethereum, Polygon also inherits its security and stability.

The Polygon blockchain is suitable for a variety of technological services that Maricoin will offer, some of which are:

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Applications: Polygon is a suitable platform for DeFi projects that require scalability and low fees, such as Maricoin.
Decentralized Exchanges (DEX): Polygon is a suitable platform for DEX projects that require high performance and scalability, also an objective of our project.
Decentralized Identity Applications: Polygon is a suitable platform for decentralized identity projects that require fast transactions and low fees, where in the future, we will have things to say.
Decentralized Security Applications: Polygon is a suitable platform for decentralized security projects that require fast transactions and low fees, so security for Maricoin is vital.
Decentralized Voting Applications: Polygon is a suitable platform for decentralized voting projects that require fast transactions and low fees. When Maricoin becomes a DAO in the future, it will therefore require a fast, reliable, secure application as offered through Polygon.
High Scalability: Polygon uses parallel processing techniques to enable thousands of transactions per second to be executed, making it suitable for technology projects that require high performance and scalability.
Low Fees: Being built on top of Ethereum, Polygon allows for cheaper and more efficient transactions, which is beneficial for decentralized finance (DeFi) projects and other projects that require frequent transactions.

Other points to highlight

Growing Community: Polygon has a growing and active community, allowing for greater collaboration and support for projects built on its platform.
Interoperability: Polygon has an interoperability with Ethereum, allowing greater flexibility in the projects and services that can be developed on the platform.

Technical description of the developments that support the project

Technically speaking, the project presents the following components in its short-term roadmap:

Token over Algorand with the aforementioned characteristics. Token on Polygon Network, similarly commented, after the cross chain carried out safely.

Management and control application of said token composed of:

API Token Management Layer: A Backend layer has been created on Layer 1 of Algorand that has made it possible to reinforce the services offered by Layer 1.

Our API is designed so that in the future third-parties can connect to the governance of our token in order to enable automation for basic operations such as Deploy, Mint, Seize, Transfer, delegate, generic token information, check supply, check transactions , modify account roles, etc.

Admin app: Basic application that serves as an interface for monitoring the token and its governance.
Mobile Wallet (MariWallet): Currently deployed on Android and IOS, work is being done on the development of a specific MariWallet 2.0 that already allows generating MCOIN transactions between individuals and individuals with businesses, and that will allow both the acquisition of maricoins with fiat and the exchange of maricoins for fiat .

This App is already available on the main mobile platforms and is used to generate QR codes that enable immediate payment options. The first version, for Android and for Apple, is already available and can be downloaded for free.

Web for Waiting List conversion from FIAT to MCOIN: You have enabled the purchase of MCOIN in a crowdfunding described above.
Smart Contracts : In view of the distribution of Tokens for Associations and LGTBIQ+ groups, smart contracts generated in DEAL are being prepared that support the following characteristics:
Issuance of freeze Tokens (generation of transaction limitations for certain accounts).

-Generation of Escrow Accounts.

Integrations with the Staking platform:

Negotiation with platforms that provide staking services for cryptocurrencies and their integration with the Token management back-end are planned. The first agreement reached in this sense is with Yieldly. Likewise, its own farming has been launched where more than 100 million maricoins have remained self-blocked, who have not lost custody of their wallets.

Security and monitoring: The platform created has anti-fraud systems and cybersecurity services that anticipate any possible technical risk of fraud, hacking, etc.

TEAM

The project team is structured horizontally and fluidly, without hierarchies, but functions in the organization, so that six roles considered necessary can be covered:

Expansion and loyalty of the community (particularly associations, establishments, Maricoin ambassadors and users of the currency) Operational management of the needs of the ecosystem (including the functions of Council of Mentors, CEO, CIO, CCO, CMO and Financials)

Below are the members of the team, their role in the company and their Linkedin profile is linked:

Juan Belmonte (President). In 2001 Juan, por Dios! in Chueca. And later, another in Malasaña. A new concept of a multi-space salon that brings together hairdressing and beauty with exhibitions, a shop and a café. All this in a space with a decoration and staff of professionals not usual up to now. He has done parades, shorts, events, fashion editorials, theater, floats at Pride, TV programs on Cuatro and has worked or collaborated with brands such as Beefeter, Chivas, Heineken, Vespa, Mini, Mixta, Swuat, and many more. In 2007 he opened EVARISTO CLUB in Malasaña, a small temple of electronic music in the center of Madrid. For 7 years. At the beginning of 2020, he patented an innovative device for catering and events to carry drinks and food with one hand. Giving more freedom to the guests to interact with each other. In 2021 he creates Maricoin, the first blockchain social currency for payments in the LGTBIQ+ community.

Francisco Alvarez (CEO). Francisco Álvarez (he/his/him) is Master in Finance from Deusto, DEA in Marketing and Journalist from Complutense, and Expert in Social Networks, (ESIC) , Communication (EFB), and Management of Virtual Spaces (ESERP). A serial entrepreneur, he is the co-founder of 5 startups (the insurtech Sharenjoy and DIfense, the proptech AdministracionDefincaslowcost, the CSR market BolsaRSE and the social currency Maricoin). CEO of Global Pride Chain and Startify, Academic Director of the Advanced International Master in Innovation Models at UCM, the Master in Digital Transformation and the Master in e-Commerce and Internationalization at ISDE. Promoter and Editor of the first corporate social network in Spain (Melania, aimed at executives of 45 financial institutions), former head of communication for CECA and Cecabank and former product and content director of the founding team of Monster in Spain, he has worked in the last six years in innovation and digital transformation models for more than 50 companies from different sectors, including Banco Santander (intrapreneurship, startups, fintech, competitive intelligence and technological innovation), ADIF-Ministry of Public Works (augmented reality strategy and immersive communication in Fitur and digital communication from the AVE to León), and the Spainsif Socially Responsible Investment Forum.

Ivan Becerro Abajo (CIO). Degree in Software Engineering, Degree in Computing, and Expert in the use of ICT in the Company, expert in Blockchain and Web3 technologies, During the year 2018 under my direction the R+D+i area was created in Accuro Technology, Altim Group company managing to position the company as a highly innovative SME according to the Ministry of Science and Innovation and Universities, obtaining the Innovative SME seal that same year.

Patricia Magaña (CCO). Patricia Magaña is a journalist and expert in the creation and dissemination of multichannel content. After working as a writer, editor and producer in various media outlets (El Mundo, Metrópoli, La Gaceta de los Negocios), she was responsible for communication and content at Telefónica Media (now Telefónica Soluciones). He has managed the contents addressed to internal and external clients of the corporate publications of entities such as Caser Seguros, Sánchez Romero Carvajal, COVAP, Willis, AIG, Pelayo or Renta 4, among others, and led the communication of the PGIs Ternera Gallega and Ternasco de Aragón (in the communication plan endorsed by the EU "Carnes con Estilo") or the Italian DOP Parmigiano Reggiano, among others. She has been able to give free rein to her most creative facet as a copy in startups like Animalvitae or Startify Food or as an editor in gastronomic media such as Comida's Magazine and ORIGEN.

Malasya Serrano (Chief Community Officer). She has been linked to the world of marketing since 1996, founding my own company INTERFACTORY, which is still active today. Later, I joined HIBOOBOO as marketing director, becoming a partner since 2019. In parallel to marketing strategies, I have extensive experience in the events sector. Marketing Director Hibooboo - Management of the agency's online Marketing campaigns in Spain and Latin America. - Management of Social Networks, SEM, FB Ads, Display, etc. - Measurement, Analysis and Optimization - Professor of face-to-face course (Government of Peru). Clients: Finetwork, Avoris, W2M Travel, Ron Santa Teresa, Iberocruceros, BBVA, PayPal, El Escorial City Hall, Unidental, American Express Spain, Anaya, Miguelañez, Renfe, FastFitness, Federated with Sports, Kilarny, Adidas, Sportium, Flamingo.

Community Adoption Service (team 3 people and 7 ambassadors)

Gabriela Sánchez Silva (CMO). CEO of ALLURE Marketing, CIBO of Startify International. Former Franchise Operations Manager at the FED. She has a degree in Marketing from Austin Community College and a BBA from Nova Southeastern University.

Remo Domingo (CFO). He broadens his career in financial, accounting and tax management of companies. Good communicator with extensive experience in the management of economic and business content on the Internet. Ability to organize and lead work teams. Founder and senior advisor at Invoicy, Director of Operations at Meneame and Director of iAsesoria.com

Council of Mentors

Lorenzo di Leo (International Mentor), CEO of Rokk3r (company builder that has developed more than 700 startups on the American east coast).

Fernando Alberca (Mentor of markets and alliances). Editor and Head of section in Consenso de Mercados. I am a dynamic person who enjoys his work. All my personal and professional career has been intentionally linked to the world of associations, volunteering and development cooperation. Likewise, given my vocation for journalism, I have participated as a collaborator in magazines with a great vocation for topics of human interest and social content.

Jesús Pérez Sánchez (Defense of Currency and Liquidity Management). Director of the Digital Assets Institute. Founder of Crypto Plaza and currently running Roble Venture Capital, a VC specialized in Financial Innovation and Crypto Digital Assets at ICONOMI. Digital asset valuation specialist.

Jesús Sánchez Bermejo (Mentor Exchange). He is an entrepreneur of new technologies and Web3. He consultant & advisor to carry out the onboarding of companies to the metaverse and to the blockchain. Expert in European crypto legality (MiCA). Co-founder of 3 startups. COO Maricoin. CEO of Cryptoro. Lecturer, collaborator in the media (television such as NEGOCIOS TV, Hola TV Miami, TV Castilla La Mancha, radios such as Radio DUNA Chile, Intereconomía Radio, Capital Radio, Gestiona Radio, Libertad FM, Radio Aragón, Radio Daimiel and online and offline press such as El Economista, Rankia, Investment Strategies, Valencia Plaza, Blockchain Territory, Bitcoin Territory, BeinCrypto, Lanza, etc.). He has been deputy director of two brokerage agencies.