
The Most Valuable Builder (MVB) IV represents the fourth season of an innovation initiative focused on identifying and supporting advanced projects within the decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible token (NFT), and gaming sectors. This season specifically targets DeFi 2.0 infrastructure projects, innovative NFT and GameFi platforms, and protocols that introduce novel approaches to financial systems.
Throughout the MVB IV season, the program has demonstrated substantial growth and community engagement. The initiative received approximately 500 applications from projects spanning various categories including advanced DeFi applications, NFT and GameFi platforms, and development tooling. From these submissions, 40 or more projects were selected for participation in the MVB Incubation Program, representing the most promising ventures in the ecosystem.
The program has delivered comprehensive support through educational initiatives and networking events. MVB IV conducted numerous events such as fireside chats and community meetups, complemented by an extensive curriculum consisting of 8 or more specialized sessions. These sessions covered critical topics including Web3 economic frameworks, blockchain infrastructure and node architecture, NFT marketing and community strategy, data analysis methodologies, and operational security protocols including bug bounty programs.
The Monthly Stars awards recognize outstanding projects demonstrating exceptional innovation and infrastructure development within the MVB IV ecosystem. These awards do not constitute investment advice but rather highlight projects selected for their technical merit and potential impact on the industry.
Among the recognized Monthly Stars projects are Cosmic Guild, a community-driven platform that connects NFT capital with skilled cryptocurrency gamers, enabling play-to-earn opportunities and empowering gaming communities globally. The organization focuses on maximizing member potential through blockchain-based gaming and NFT integration.
Star Sharks represents another notable Monthly Stars recipient, functioning as a community-driven game platform that facilitates organic value discovery for NFTs through interaction between players, developers, and investors. The platform emphasizes sustainable ecosystem development and genuine stakeholder participation in NFT valuation dynamics.
GAT Network was also recognized for its innovative approach to multichain NFT infrastructure, providing a comprehensive toolbox for NFT trading and gaming projects across multiple blockchain networks. The network operates as an interconnected ecosystem centered around multi-use tokenomics and multichain marketplace functionality.
Following extensive analysis of the MVB program's effectiveness and community feedback, significant structural changes are being implemented for the upcoming fifth season. The existing MVB format, while previously successful, was identified as having limitations in delivering fully tailored support to individual projects according to their specific needs and development stages.
The program has undergone multiple iterations over its operational history to optimize the balance between supporting numerous developers building on the BNB Chain and maintaining program sustainability. While previous iterations achieved meaningful impact, the program leadership recognized that the current framework does not adequately address the diverse requirements of different project types and development phases.
MVB V will introduce substantial enhancements including a new benefit structure, revised project selection methodology, and an expanded curriculum of specialized masterclasses through the MVB Incubation Program. These changes aim to provide participating projects with increasingly personalized support mechanisms and access to enhanced funding opportunities. The MVB V program will be formally announced in the coming months, with public registration opening thereafter.
As MVB IV approaches its conclusion, the program has implemented a significant change to its traditional project recognition process. Rather than selecting a limited number of "Top Players" to advance to subsequent seasons, all shortlisted MVB IV projects will automatically progress into MVB V, allowing them to compete within the new program format and access improved benefits.
This decision reflects exceptional performance levels demonstrated by numerous MVB IV participants. After consultation with BNB Chain Fund and leading ecosystem partners, leadership unanimously concluded that the current evaluation framework does not provide sufficient mechanisms to objectively identify the best projects, particularly given the high caliber of many participating teams. Selecting only a few winners would create unfair outcomes that do not reflect the genuine achievements and potential of the broader cohort.
Despite this change to the formal selection process, BNB Chain Fund and ecosystem partners have identified certain projects demonstrating exceptional promise and have initiated direct outreach for customized funding and support arrangements. Details regarding these individually-selected projects will be announced upon completion of negotiation and formalization of support terms.
MVB IV represents a significant milestone in the evolution of blockchain ecosystem development support. The program successfully attracted hundreds of innovative projects and provided comprehensive educational and networking infrastructure to advance their development. While traditional Top Players selection has been replaced with automatic progression for all shortlisted projects into MVB V, this decision reflects the program's commitment to providing genuinely beneficial support tailored to individual project needs rather than pursuing arbitrary selection criteria. The transition to MVB V promises enhanced benefits and more sophisticated support mechanisms, positioning the program to more effectively serve the growing diversity and sophistication of blockchain projects building on the BNB Chain ecosystem.
Josh Neuroth is a product management leader at Chainlink Labs with over 13 years of experience. He transitioned from engineering to product management and graduated from the University of Toledo.
Josh Neuroth is renowned as Vice President of Product at Ankr, a leading Web3 developer hub. His key achievement is spearheading product development across multiple technology companies with nearly a decade of industry experience, driving innovation in blockchain infrastructure and Web3 solutions.
Follow Josh Neuroth on LinkedIn and visit Quicknode's official website for his latest insights. He also shares updates at major blockchain conferences and professional forums in the Web3 industry.











