Written by For the past few years, we’ve been building Channels.biz with a vision to revolutionize how people create, share, and monetize their own digital spaces. Our platform integrates AI, blockchain, WebRTC, and smart monetization strategies to give users more control over their content and revenue streams. However, like any ambitious tech venture, sustaining and scaling our infrastructure requires significant resources—resources that we had hoped to secure through Google’s support programs.
Unfortunately, after years of navigating the complex and often overwhelming process of applying for the Google for Startups Cloud Program, we recently received the final word: Channels.biz does not qualify because they do not consider us a Web3 platform.
The Google Cloud Challenge
We initially chose Google Cloud because of its powerful infrastructure, scalability, and AI integration. Our platform needed a robust cloud solution to handle:
- High-volume traffic for live streaming, WebRTC, and video-on-demand services.
- Blockchain-powered transactions through our MCC token ($MCC).
- AI-driven tools for business automation, analytics, and content creation.
Given these demands, we sought financial support through Google for Startups, a grant that provides cloud credits to early-stage companies. We believed Channels.biz was a strong candidate because we combine Web3 principles—blockchain, decentralization, and tokenized incentives—with AI and WebRTC technology.
But after years of back-and-forth, documentation submissions, and compliance reviews, the final rejection came down to one reason:
“Your platform is not Web3.”
Go Figure… What Defines Web3?
This response left us puzzled. Our platform integrates blockchain, tokenized incentives, and decentralized content ownership—all core Web3 principles. However, big tech’s definition of Web3 often leans toward fully decentralized, non-custodial solutions (like DeFi protocols or fully on-chain applications). Since Channels.biz also leverages AI, cloud storage, and WebRTC (which are not purely decentralized technologies), it seems we didn’t fit their narrow criteria.
Regardless, this decision forced us to make a difficult but necessary move: scaling down our server infrastructure until we receive the financial support needed to continue expanding.
What This Means for Channels.biz Users
Since Google Cloud was a significant expense, we are limiting platform content while we restructure and optimize costs. Here’s what to expect:
- Temporary content limitations: We will be reducing bandwidth-heavy features such as high-resolution video streaming.
- Selective onboarding: Instead of onboarding businesses and creators at full scale, we will focus on quality over quantity until we secure the necessary funding.
- New funding strategies: We are exploring alternative grants, crowdfunding, and partnerships to keep the platform growing.
How You Can Support Us
If you believe in the vision of Channels.biz, here’s how you can help:
- Subscribe to a channel – Your subscription directly funds the platform’s growth.
- Purchase ad space – If you own a business, you can advertise and support the ecosystem.
- Engage with MCC tokens – Our MCC token is still live on PancakeSwap, and utilizing it within the platform helps strengthen our ecosystem.
- Spread the word – Share this story and let others know about our journey.
The Road Ahead
Despite this setback, Channels.biz is here to stay. We’ve always built this platform to be independent, creator-driven, and sustainable beyond big tech’s approval. While we may have to take a step back today, our vision for a global, monetizable network of channels remains strong.
We appreciate everyone who has supported us through this journey, and we look forward to the next phase of growth—with or without Google’s help.
Stay tuned. Keep building. We’re not done yet.
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