BrainStarter — A Launchpad With Quality, Not Hype

BrainStarter is a platform that helps startups transition from traditional web to blockchain-based models. They focus on projects solving real problems, not just chasing trends. We joined in 2022 as security auditors, then took over full development when we discovered the existing code didn't meet standards.

The Challenge

When BrainStarter approached us, the platform had been in development since 2021, but progress was slow. The smart contracts delivered by the previous vendor didn't align with the actual business requirements.

We entered as security auditors. What we found went beyond security gaps — the contracts weren't structured to support the business model at all.

The stakes were high: investors had already committed, promises had been made, and trust was eroding. The question wasn't whether to fix things — it was how to fix them without breaking what existed.

What We Delivered

Token launch platform: A system for running initial token sales with transparent participation and fair distribution.

NFT bundling system: A way to package $BRAINS tokens (ERC-20) into NFTs (ERC-721). NFTs are priced based on their token value, payable in USDC or USDT. Holders can exchange NFTs for tokens — 5% immediately, 95% vested over time. This created additional value for early supporters.

Multi-tier staking: Rewards based on how much you stake and how long you commit. Early unstaking carries penalties, encouraging long-term holding.

Vesting for early investors: Time-locked token releases that protect long-term stability and ensure fair distribution.

DEX integration: $BRAINS listed on Uniswap with direct trading from the launchpad interface.

Admin panel: A content management system where the BrainStarter team can manage projects, configure sales, and run the platform independently.

How We Built It

We didn't rebuild everything from scratch. Instead, we evaluated what could be salvaged and enhanced it, while replacing the parts that failed.

This was a live platform with active users. We couldn't afford extended downtime. So we made changes incrementally — feature flags, staged rollouts, rollback capabilities.

Before launching, we completed an external security audit with Blaize.Security (full report). They found 3 critical, 1 high, 1 medium, and 4 low severity issues. All were fixed before production.

Key Decisions

Incremental over revolution: Patient, step-by-step improvements let us maintain platform stability while delivering fixes. Breaking a live platform with paying users wasn't an option.

Audit before launch: External security validation isn't optional when handling investor funds. It builds trust and catches issues internal reviews miss.

Transparent communication: When taking over a struggling project, honest updates to stakeholders mattered as much as technical fixes. We set realistic timelines and delivered on them.

Results

• Security audit completed: Blaize.Security, all issues resolved
• Token sale platform operational
• Staking and NFT systems running
• $BRAINS trading on Uniswap
• Stable infrastructure on AWS

What's Next

• Platform optimization based on usage patterns
• Additional features based on community feedback
• Potential expansion to other blockchain networks