Gemma Dobbs of SDF outlines what makes SCF teams succeed: solving clear, regional problems with the right team and the best solution. 200 projects funded in 2026 with 137 now live on mainnet. SCF serves as an onramp from hackathons through customer development to foundation funding and partnership.
At Meridian 2026, SDF's Gemma Dobbs outlined the Stellar Community Fund's trajectory: 200 projects funded in 2026, with 137 now shipping on mainnet. She identified three traits of fundable teams: a clearly defined problem they can pitch in 30 seconds, proof that they are the right team to solve it, and evidence their solution is better than alternatives. Regional focus matters; teams should solve problems specific to their geography and existing financial infrastructure. SCF functions as an onramp: teams discover Stellar at hackathons, develop initial users and products, then approach SDF for funding to build new features. Successful teams like Lobster and Maru have gone on to become benchmark partners. SDF is expanding in APAC and looking for teams connecting on-ramps, off-ramps, and anchors into existing financial systems. 2027 builder support announcements are coming.
