Decentralized Freelancer Community. UberPro WHITE PAPER

Transcription

1 Decentralized Freelancer Community UberPro WHITE PAPER A decentralized P2P marketplace that deploys blockchain technology to disrupt the freelance industry. Powered by Ethereum. Decentralizing a Multi-Trillion Dollar Industry The First Truly Decentralized Marketplace for Freelancers V3.2 1

2 Contents 1. Abstract 2. Introduction 3. Opportunity 3.1 Blockchain in the Freelance Industry 3.2 Market & Industry 3.3 Problem 4. UberPro Platform 4.1 Userbase 4.2 User Interface 4.3 System Architecture 4.4 Benefits 5. The Token 6. Token Sale Details 6.1 Crowdsale Summary 6.2 Bonus Schedule 6.3 Distribution of Issued Tokens 6.4 How Token Sale Funds will be Used 7. Roadmap 8. Conclusion 2

3 1. ABSTRACT UberPro decentralizes the freelance industry by deploying blockchain technology to connect freelancers and clients in a new, exciting and positive way to eliminate the centralized powers and control of the middle man. By combining existing technologies of Ethereum smart contracts with distributed file storage and distributed databases, UberPro provides the first truly decentralized freelance marketplace to supports a global community of freelancers and customers. 2. INTRODUCTION UberPro is the first truly decentralized freelance platform, connecting a global community for freelancers, businesses and employers. Our team achieves this by merging technologies including blockchain, distributed file storage, distributed databases, and by executing our own custom solutions. The UberPro ecosystem is a composite of three main pillars: 1. Ethereum: Ethereum is a main pillar of UberPro. Smart contracts are executed on the Ethereum blockchain with the Solidity programming language. 2. Distributed File Storage: A decentralized and permanent way of storing and sharing files. It would be too expensive to store all data from the UberPro platform on the Ethereum blockchain, so we will utilize distributed data storage, such as IPFS, Storj, etc. 3. Distributed Database with Query Capabilities: We will implement the latest cuttingedge technologies for indexing and querying distributed databases with decentralized controls that are open source, scalable, and customizable to integrate seamlessly with the UberPro platform, and with rich permissioning capabilities. All transactions in the UberPro network are settled with UberPro token (UBER), a cryptocurrency token with limited release. UBER tokens can be transferred on the UberPro platform and stored in Ethereum wallets that are compatible with ERC20 tokens. UberPro is dedicated to: Creating a digitally-tradable crypto-token for buying and selling freelance services; Maximizing optimal use of blockchain technologies; Facilitating transparent transactions between freelancers and clients, based on smart contracts; Reducing costs by eliminating the role of the middle man. 3

4 3. OPPORTUNITY 3.1. BLOCKCHAIN IN THE FREELANCE INDUSTRY UberPro solves existing problems in the freelance industry. Our team members have been active as both sellers and buyers of freelance services for years. We have extensive knowledge and expertise in the IT market and global trends in the freelance economy; and we are keenly aware of the opportunities that can be realized with blockchain technology for the freelance industry. Millions of users buy and sell freelance services via online platforms. However, current centralized sites charge extremely high fees, up to 20%, from freelancers, and often from customers as well. UberPro provides a blockchain-based platform to connect freelancers and clients with significantly lower fees, among numerous other benefits. Critical differences that separate the UberPro decentralized platform from traditional, centralized sites include: blockchain technology empowers the freelancer and customer by eliminating high fees; eliminating the centralized powers and control of the middle man through distributed databases so there is no central authority; solves the issue of trust between buyer and seller by formalizing the rules of interaction in smart contracts; Traditional means of moving fiat currencies online from one account to another can cost in the range of 3-5% of the transaction amount. This is not even including the extra high fees that are charged by centralized sites, but refers to just the additional payment gateway fees such as Paypal, etc. Transferring money on the blockchain can be as low as 0.01%. This substantial difference in transaction fees between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies would amount to up to nearly $50,000 in savings for every $1,000,000 in revenue transferred on the blockchain. These amounts are charged to freelancers and clients, on top of the fees as high as 20% already charged from these centralized freelance sites. While other blockchain projects have made propositions to decentralize the freelance industry, only the design and system architecture of UberPro provides a truly decentralized freelance marketplace (see section 4 for more details). 3.2 MARKET & INDUSTRY While freelancing has been common in many professions for a long time, with the rise of digital marketplaces that offer new opportunities for generating income, the number of freelancers will likely grow dramatically in the next decade. Freelance workers are the fast-growing component of the U.S. economy; and the corporate world is employing more and more 4

5 freelancers and embracing the technology to work with freelancers as their extended workforce. 1 Throughout the world, technology is a driving force fueling the growth of the freelance economy. Proliferating technologies, devices and channels have empowered the freelance economy to new heights, and online hiring platforms have made finding work easier. Globally, the freelance gig economy surpassed $1.5 Trillion USD in 2014 alone, with approximately 77 million freelancers worldwide, 2 and continues to grow exponentially each year. If only 0.1% of the freelance economy was transacted on UberPro, the amount of capital in circulation on our decentralized platform would exceed $1,500,000,000. The freelance industry has continued to grow drastically: In 2015, nearly 54 million Americans did some freelancing work, representing more than 33% of the entire U.S. workforce, an increase of 700,000 freelancers each year. As of 2017, it is estimated that half of workers in the United States and United Kingdom will be participate in some form of independent work within the next 3-5 years. There was a 45% increase in the number of independent workers from 2012 to 2013 in the European Union, with the numbers of freelancers in Europe reaching 8.9 million. India s independent workforce is the second largest in the world at 15 million (approximately 40% of the world s freelance jobs). While workers of all ages are part of the freelance economy, millennials make up the largest portion, with over one-third of Millennials working as freelancers PROBLEM Currently, millions of user participate in online freelance platforms. Freelancers offer their services on these digital marketplaces to acquire more projects, market their services, use secure payment gateways and connect with potential clients. But these centralized sites have many disadvantages and shortcomings for the freelancers and the customers, including exorbitantly high fees, and way too much centralized power and control in the hands of the middleman, among others. UberPro solves this problem by providing the first truly decentralized freelance marketplace powered with blockchain technology. Two of the most popular but traditional centralized sites for freelancing services are Fiverr and Freelancer.com. Fiverr is ranked among the 200 most popular sites in the world, and among the 100 most popular sites in the U.S. 4 Freelance services are purchased every five seconds on this digital marketplace, with a total of over 25 million projects completed. 5 The demand for freelance platforms is evident by the popularity of this site. However, the problem with this existing centralized site is also evident: Fiverr charges 20% from freelancers for all transactions. It s a very high percentage to charge for their fees, but there charge more beyond this. Fiverr charges a 20% commission on all tips received by freelancers. 6 Fiverr makes freelancers wait for days to receive their payment. 7 5

6 Fiverr also requires users who withdraw their revenue to their Paypal account to pay for some of these transaction fees. (This does not include additional fees that users may have to pay to withdraw funds into their bank account from their Paypal account). 8 Beyond these excessive fees charged to freelancers, Fiverr also charges up to 20% from buyers. 9 Freelancer.com has more than 26 million users from 247 countries, regions and territories. To date, there have been over 13 million jobs posted on Freelancer.com. 10 But like other centralized sites, they also charge prohibitive fees from freelancers: As high as 10-20% in fees charged from project revenues 11 Freelancer.com also charges for membership plans on their site. There is a wide price range, up to as high as $59.95/ month. 12 There are many additional fees for highlighting bids, entries, and listing in directory fees. Up to $15 for exams to showcase qualifications. 5% or $5 (whichever is higher) for arbitration fees should disputes arise between the freelancer and client. There is a myriad of other fees that Freelancer.com charges to customers, including: Nearly $200 for a full-time posting $19 each for Private postings, Non-Disclosure Agreement, and/or IP Agreement $5 to post more than one project 13 $5 to delete a project $9 to extend a project $9 each for featuring a project, marking it as urgent, and/or sealing bids, The charges go even higher for buyers to do contests on this site, up to 50% for extending a contest. $50 for directory sponsorship $10 per month charge in maintenance fees for inactive user accounts. 14 As you can see, these fees range into extreme levels for many unnecessary charges. Then in addition, there are also the transaction and withdrawal fees, which go as high as $25 for international wires. Freelancer.com also takes $1 per transaction when freelancers withdraw funds to Paypal. 15 The site also imposes a minimum withdrawal (after fees) of $30 USD. These centralized sites clearly demonstrate the need for a decentralized freelance platform. UberPro solves these problems through cutting-edge blockchain technology to put the power into the hands of freelancers and customers by eliminating the middleman to drastically reduce costs and decentralize the market for freelancers. 6

7 4. UBERPRO PLATFORM UberPro is a global marketplace that connects freelancers and clients through a decentralized platform via smart contracts. Transactions on the UberPro platform are made with UberPro tokens (token symbol: UBER), an Ethereum-based token that implements the ERC20 standard. Since many consumers are not as familiar with cryptocurrencies or the blockchain, we plan to also accept fiat currencies in the future, for the purpose of maximizing and accommodating our user base. However, we will interest new users in using UBER tokens by offering incentives for transactions made with UBER versus traditional fiat currencies as the payment method USERBASE CLIENTS Registration for the UberPro platform is easy and user-friendly for new members to join. If the customer already has UBER tokens from their participation in the token sale, he or she can use their tokens right away to pay freelancers for their services. Other clients can buy UBER tokens on the UberPro platform as well as cryptocurrency exchanges in order to buy freelance services on our digital marketplace. Anyone who is seeking freelancers to hire for a project can post a job and connect with qualified candidates on the UberPro platform. FREELANCERS UberPro provides freelancers with the ideal platform to connect with potential clients and get hired and paid for their services in our easy-to-use workspace online ecosystem. Freelancers with a wide variety of skills can find work on the UberPro platform, whether they specialize in: blockchain technology, web, mobile and software development, programming & tech, IT & networking, graphics & design, video & animation, music & audio, writing, sales & marketing, legal, admin support, customer service, accounting, engineering, data science, consulting, and more. Freelancers are paid with UBER tokens, which they can trade on cryptocurrency exchanges for fiat currency. PARTNERS Partners are what make the UberPro ecosystem so unique and truly decentralized and different from other blockchain projects claiming to decentralize the freelance industry. Partners create and provide third-party applications and interfaces that work with the UberPro network. UberPro grants partners API access to the UberPro ecosystem via query-able, scalable distributed databases and distributed file storage and sharing. Open source enables everyone to connect to the UberPro network and build their own applications on top of it. With multiple partners connecting to the UberPro distributed databases, competition among partners will keep fees as a minimum competitive rate. And the Consortium of Partners decentralizes control through an alliance of voting nodes, making UberPro a powerful P2P network with no one central authority. 7

8 THE COMMITTEE OF REPRESENTATIVES A Committee of Representatives is comprised of individuals from the Freelancer userbase, Client userbase, and Partner userbase; and empowers all voices to be heard and represented fairly in the UberPro ecosystem. With the UberPro consensus model, decisions are made via an alliance of voting nodes, which means there is no one central authority, but a decentralized system in place for settling disputes between freelancers and clients USER INTERFACE The UberPro platform will have similar features across partner interfaces. Upon accessing a partner's UberPro application, users can join UberPro as a Freelancer or as a Client. Freelancers create profiles which can include: descriptions, services, skills, education, portfolio, work history, reviews and feedback, certifications, education, hourly rate, availability, languages, country and more. Freelancers can search for jobs, bid on projects, accept invitations, invoice clients, leave reviews and feedback on clients, and respond to feedback. Clients can create project postings, browse and search for freelancers, invite freelancers, review proposals, schedule interviews, accept bids, customize milestones for fixed price projects or set hourly rates, leave reviews and feedbacks on freelancers, and respond to feedback. Freelancers and clients interact through messages, chat, and sharing files. Clients can make escrow payments for fixed price projects, which are released at set milestones and/or upon project completion; and there is also an hourly rate option. All payments are transacted via UBER tokens, which users can exchange to or from fiat currency on cryptocurrency exchanges. Any disputes between freelancers and clients can be taken to the Committee of Representatives for review and moderation, which includes representatives from the freelancer userbase, client userbase, and partner userbase, so all users have a fair and equal voice in the UberPro ecosystem. 8

9 4.3. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE Freelancers and Clients connect on with the UberPro platform via partner applications. Partners interact with the UberPro distributed database via API access. Files and data stored on distributed database and P2P file storage and sharing. Rich permissioning capabilities ensure a clear separation of duties and enforce selective access. Payment transactions, project escrow and profile ratings are handled via smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. 9

10 USER INTERACTIONS IN THE UBERPRO ECOSYSTEM UberPro and Partners interact as follows: Partners can build applications that connect to the UberPro network as the database is distributed. The framework of the UberPro ecosystem is open and accessible to all. Rules of interaction between freelancers, clients and partners are set in the form of smart contracts. Partner applications can plugin information including freelancer profiles, project history via API access to the UberPro distributed database and P2P file sharing. Information on freelancers and clients profiles are synchronized with the UberPro network. Rich permissioning capabilities enable the setting of permissions to ensure a clear separation of duties and enforce selective access of user information. When clients pay for freelance services, a commission for the partner is added to the price of the project. The commission is set at the discretion of the partner, and a small fractional fee of this goes to the UberPro platform to support operations, maintenance and improvements. Payment transactions are handled via smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. Due to the benefits of using an automated blockchain-based platform, Partners can charge just a small percentage of fees seen on current centralized sites. And due to the distributed nature of the UberPro database, competition among Partners keeps fees low and competitive. While other blockchain projects declare that they will charge just a small fee to their users, they are still in fact the sole central authority in their proposed solutions for the freelance industry and there is nothing to stop them from changing the fees on a whim. But UberPro s decentralized nature and distributed design with multiple partners ensures against this ever occurring, as on the UberPro ecosystem there is no central authority. Freelancers and Clients interact as follows: Freelancers post information about their services for hire, using the partners applications (which could be a website, mobile app, or any interface for freelancers and clients that the partner chooses to develop). Clients can use partner applications to browse and buy freelance services. Payment transactions and project escrow are conducted via smart contract. 10

11 In addition to paying freelancers for the agreed-upon terms of their service, Clients also have the option to bonus freelancers for a job well done, without the high fees taken from freelancers (unlike Fiverr, which takes a 20% on all tips to freelancers). Written reviews and feedback on user profiles on one partner interface are reflected across other partner applications as they all connect to the UberPro network. Therefore, freelancers enjoy enhanced profiles throughout the entire UberPro ecosystem due to the UberPro design with distributed databases and partner API access. Profile ratings are recorded on the blockchain. Top-rated freelancers by monthly vote are awarded with a complimentary monthly spotlight for enhanced visibility to potential clients. Any potential disputes are taken to the Committee of Representatives, which ensures fair and equal representation to all parties involved BENEFITS In the freelance economy, there are leading companies whose databases have accumulated large amounts of data on both freelancers and clients. Their databases are closed and oftentimes they may not have any API. Even in the few cases where such centralized sites may provide an API, one would still be dependent on the database owner, who dictates the terms and can change the terms, fees and commissions on a whim. The UberPro decentralized freelance marketplace has distributed databases, which provides many benefits for freelancers, clients, and partners. The decentralized nature of our platform makes UberPro a powerful P2P network with no central authority as many partners can build applications and interfaces which connect via API access. Also, rich permissioning capabilities for selective access protects the user data. The UberPro distributed database stores information including user profiles, reviews, project details and history, while payment transactions, escrow and ratings are recorded on the blockchain. Benefits for Freelancers: Optimal Customer Flow: Freelancers can create their profiles on one partner site, and be visible to potential clients and receive invitations to bid from multiple partner channels. Ratings and reviews received on one partner interface are reflected across multiple partner channels, boosting profile and services to many sites. In a Spera survey, 63% of freelancers reported that marketing was their most significant expense in growing their business. 16 On the UberPro platform, freelancers instantly multiply their outreach to potential clients. 11

12 Low Fees: Competition among partners safeguards against high fees. Trust: rules are set in smart contracts via blockchain technology and cannot be broken by the client or partner. Freelancers are represented in the UberPro ecosystem through the Committee of Representatives, which is comprised of freelancers, clients and partners. Decisions are made via an alliance of voting nodes, which means all users are represented fairly. This provides a decentralized and fair system in place for settling disputes between freelancers and clients. Benefits for Clients: An extensive freelance marketplace at low, competitive prices made possible with blockchain technology. Wider selection of freelancers to choose best candidate for projects, with easy access to review potential freelancers and receive bids and proposals from freelancers on multiple partner channels. Optimal Project Bidding: Clients post their projects in one place, and receive bids from freelancers from multiple partner channels. Trust: rules are set in smart contracts with blockchain technology, and cannot be broken by the freelancer or the partner. Benefits for Partners: Easy-to-implement API Access to UberPro s distributed database of freelancers and clients. With this API access, there is no need for partners to grow their own database of freelancers to join their site which is costly and time-consuming. Instead, partners can plug in to the UberPro network right away and start generating revenue. UberPro Community Support to Partners with Guides and Tutorials to support development of partner applications and interfaces. Commission Earnings Partners earn revenues through their applications and interfaces connected to the UberPro network, with their commissions registered in the blockchain. They may provide a range of terms and services set at their preference, such as commissions, customer service and support, etc. Due to the benefits of using an automated blockchain-based platform, UberPro Partners 12

13 can charge just a small fraction of fees currently charged by other centralized sites. Partners also have the flexibility and option to earn additional revenue through the following business models: Sponsored Listings & Project Upgrades Freelancers and clients will have the option to feature and promote their projects, bids and profiles on selected partner applications. Sponsoring Listings can be bought with UBER tokens via smart contracts, where terms such as price and duration will be defined. Once paid, the smart contract will activate the sponsored listing with the agreed-upon terms. Advertising Revenue Third parties can purchase advertising with UBER tokens via smart contracts, where terms such as price and duration will be defined. Once paid, the smart contract will activate the advertising as defined in the smart contract. 5. THE TOKEN Token Symbol: UBER Tokens used on the UberPro platform are called UBER. The UBER is a utility token, used to settle transactions on the UberPro platform. As the official token of the UberPro platform, people can buy and receive payment for freelance services throughout the world. The UBER is an Ethereum-based token that implements the ERC20 token standard. Crowdsale participants can purchase UBER tokens with ETH during the VIP phase, Pre-Sale and Token Sale. The supply of UBER tokens is limited to the pool of tokens created during the crowdsale period. Maximum number of tokens created during crowdsale period: o Total: 135,000,000 (100%) o Crowdsale Participants: 114,750,000 (85%) o UberPro Team: 13,500,000 (10%) o Marketing & Media Bounty: 6,750,000 (5%) 13

14 6. TOKEN SALE DETAILS The token sale for UberPro and the corresponding UBER token creation are managed with smart contracts written on the Ethereum blockchain. People interested in supporting the development of the UberPro platform can do so by participating in the crowdsale. By participating in the crowdsale you will receive UberPro tokens (UBER). We accept Ether for the crowdsale. As UBER s are ERC20 Ethereum-based tokens, token issuance is set at a ratio of 1000 UBER s per 1 ETH (1 UBER = ETH). How many tokens you receive depends on the timing of your participation in the crowdsale as the UberPro token sale rewards early participants. The earlier you join, the larger the bonus that will be allotted to you. The Bonus schedule is shown on page 15. Crowdsale participants must send Ether to the account after the crowdsale period starts. UberPro tokens are sent automatically by smart contract functionality once the purchase transaction is verified. Crowdsale participants will be able to see immediately receive the UBER token they get for their contribution. They will not need to wait for an extended time period to receive their UBER tokens. Detailed instructions to participate in the crowdsale are provided on the UberPro website at CROWDSALE SUMMARY UberPro Tokens created per 1 ETHER 1,000 UBER Maximum Investment Goal for Token Sale 100,000 ETH % of tokens for Crowdsale 85% % of tokens to UberPro Team 10% % of tokens to Marketing & Media Bounty 5% Maximum Number of UBER generated For Crowdsale Participants Pre-Sale Token Sale For Team, Marketing & Media Bounty Team Marketing & Media Bounty 135,000,000 UBER 114,750,000 UBER 6,750,000 UBER 108,000,000 UBER 20,250,000 UBER 13,500,000 UBER 6,750,000 UBER The crowdsale address will be announced through the following channels: UberPro project website: UberPro Bitcointalk ANN Thread: UberPro Twitter: UberPro Facebook: 14

15 UberPro Telegram: UberPro Reddit: Please note these following important rules of the crowdsale contract: Before the crowdsale begins, no Ether can be sent to the crowdsale contract; After the crowdsale ends (either the maximum cap reached or the crowdsale deadline passed), no Ether can be sent to the crowdsale contract; During the crowdsale, participants send Ether to the crowdsale contract, and will automatically receive their UBER tokens immediately BONUS SCHEDULE The UberPro token sale rewards early participants. The earlier you join, the larger the bonus that will be allotted to you. The Bonus schedule is as follows: - VIP BONUS: 50% - PRE-SALE BONUS: 40% - TOKEN SALE BONUS RATE: o Week 1: 20% o Week 2: 10% o Week 3: 5% o Week 4: 0% 60% Crowdsale Bonus Rate 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% BONUS VIP (1 week) Pre-Sale (3 weeks) Token Sale: Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 At first, the value of one UBER is initially determined at the set rate of ETH (not including any bonuses available during the crowdsale), and will then be determined according to the 15

16 amount of funds raised through the token sale. After the token sale is completed, the UBER will also be available on cryptocurrency exchanges, and at this point the price will be determined according to market mechanisms DISTRIBUTION OF ISSUED TOKENS Total number of generated UBER tokens: 135,000,000 85% of tokens will be sold in the Pre-Sale and Token Sale to secure funds for development, operations, marketing, legal and reserves 10% of tokens will be held by the project team 5% of tokens will be allocated for marketing and media bounty There will be a two year vesting period for the Team tokens, with 25% of tokens unlocked every six months until the two year vesting period is complete. 10% 5% 135,000,000 UBER TOKENS 85% Crowdsale Team Marketing & Media Bounty 16

17 6.4. HOW TOKEN SALE FUNDS WILL BE USED The funds will be used for development, operations, marketing, legal and reserves for miscellaneous expenses. Funds will be allocated as follows: - 50% development - 15% operations - 20% marketing - 10% legal - 5% reserves Funds Distribution 20% 10% 15% 5% 50% Development Operations Marketing Legal Reserves 17

18 7. ROADMAP Q4 of 2016 Q2 of 2017 Concept Research Whitepaper & Website Q3 of 2017 Prototype Research (cont'd) Q4 of 2017 Prototype (cont'd) Smart Contracts VIP Q1 - Q2 of 2018 VIP (cont'd) Pre-Sale Token Sale Completion Demo Exchange Listings 18

19 Q3 Q4 of 2018 Pre-Alpha Stage Release of Alpha version for Partner Applications Beta Stage 2019 UberPro Development (cont'd) Extend Partner Userbase Extend Freelancer Userbase Extend Client Userbase 8. CONCLUSION UberPro is a global team with the skills, knowledge and expertise in IT, blockchain technology and the freelance industry. With blockchain technology advancing rapidly in virtually all industries, we recognize the great opportunity to be first in the freelance economy to create a truly decentralized community to connect clients and freelancers. Everyone will benefit from UberPro s truly decentralized platform. Our game-changing ideas on how to integrate blockchain technology into the freelance industry will improve services and increase benefits for both freelancers and clients. The funds we raise will enable us to develop and execute these breaking innovations and improvements for the freelance industry. 19

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