TAIKAI Labs
TAIKAI Labs operates an all-in-one hackathon management platform serving enterprises, governments, and Web3 organizations with built-in registration, judging, and AI-agent capabilities via its native MCP connector. Founded in 2018 in Porto, Portugal, it hosts events for Microsoft, Pfizer, Mercedes-Benz, and 100+ partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersOporto, Portugal
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What TAIKAI Labs does
TAIKAI Labs is a hackathon management platform operated by LayerX, a Portuguese technology company headquartered in Porto. Founded in 2018, the platform serves a two-sided market: enterprise and Web3 organizations that host hackathons (Microsoft, Pfizer, Mercedes-Benz, TikTok, European Commission, ETH Foundation, Solana, and 100+ other partners) and individual builders/developers who participate in them (a community exceeding 100,000). The platform consolidates registration, team matchmaking, project submissions, voting, livestreaming, leaderboards, and Proof-of-Participation NFTs into a single workflow, replacing the disconnected tool stacks (Google Forms, Slack, spreadsheets) that organizers historically stitched together. TAIKAI also operates TAIKAI Garden for token launches and offers a Workshop & AI Program for enterprise AI upskilling.
Technically, the platform is built on a Web3 architecture supporting multiple sign-in methods (Ethereum wallet, GitHub, Gmail, LinkedIn, SSO) and blockchain-based credentials. Its defining 2026 capability is the native MCP (Model Context Protocol) connector, which exposes approximately 30 tools that allow AI agents to autonomously discover hackathons, register, submit projects, vote, and manage communications — positioning TAIKAI as the first agentic hackathon platform. The platform integrates with Discord, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and webhook systems, and was validated with a 10/10 Web Application Security Assessment by Hacken in August 2023.
TAIKAI generates revenue through three streams: platform subscriptions for organizers (custom enterprise pricing), end-to-end consultancy services for full-service hackathon execution, and AI workshop/training engagements for HR and innovation teams. Go-to-market combines enterprise field sales (Request a Demo CTAs targeting large organizations), self-service platform access, community-led growth via a 100,000+ builder Discord community, and event-driven marketing through hosted and sponsored hackathons. The company is privately held, has raised approximately $2.83M across funding rounds from 2018-2021 (FinLab EOS VC, Portugal Ventures, Bright Pixel Capital, Block.one), and discloses no revenue figures. As of available data, 300+ hackathons have been hosted on the platform.
TAIKAI Labs firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TAIKAI Labs
- Legal name
- LayerX
- Website
- https://taikai.network
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- TAIKAI Labs operates an all-in-one hackathon management platform serving enterprises, governments, and Web3 organizations with built-in registration, judging, and AI-agent capabilities via its native MCP connector. Founded in 2018 in Porto, Portugal, it hosts events for Microsoft, Pfizer, Mercedes-Benz, and 100+ partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TAIKAI Labs industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Hackathon Management Platform
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Other Computer Related Services (541519)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cross-Chain Developer Tooling (messaging SDKs, relayers, interoperability APIs) (FSAPABAF)
Keywords
Where TAIKAI Labs is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oporto
- HQ country
- Portugal
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
TAIKAI Labs business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Platform/Subscription: Platform licensing for hackathon hosting with customizable features including landing pages, judging systems, and participant management. Pricing likely enterprise-level based on 'Request a Demo' motion.
- Consultancy Services: End-to-end hackathon consultancy including design, management, promotion, mentor/judge coordination, workshop support, and live event support. Premium full-service offering.
- AI Workshop & Training Programs: Structured AI adoption programs combining workshops on vibe coding with internal hackathon sprints. Revenue from enterprise training engagements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Enterprise Platform - Custom pricing |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Consultancy Plan - Full-service hackathon management |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
TAIKAI Labs product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TAIKAI is an all-in-one hackathon management platform that enables organizations to host, manage, and evaluate online, in-person, and hybrid hackathons. The platform consolidates participant registration, team matchmaking, project submissions, voting and judging, leaderboards, livestreaming, and on-chain Proof-of-Participation NFTs into a single product. It further differentiates as the first agentic hackathon platform via a native MCP connector that exposes ~30 tools for AI agents to autonomously discover, register, submit, and vote on hackathons.
Product overview
TAIKAI is an all-in-one hackathon platform with native AI agent capabilities through its MCP (Model Context Protocol) connector, positioning itself as the first agentic hackathon platform. The core TAIKAI Platform provides end-to-end hackathon management including registration, matchmaking, submissions, voting, and NFTs. Adjacent offerings include The Garden for Web3 builder token launch support, Workshop & AI Program for enterprise upskilling, and Consultancy Plan for full-service hackathon execution. The TAIKAI MCP enables autonomous AI agents to discover, register, and submit to hackathons on behalf of users. The platform integrates with Discord, Slack, Teams for community chat, and offers multiple authentication methods including Ethereum, GitHub, LinkedIn, Gmail, and SSO.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- TAIKAI Garden: A platform for builders to launch tokens with fair sales, smart vesting, and deep liquidity. Features the Garden Genesis sprint program and Token Factory.
- Bepro Network
Products and services
- TAIKAI Platform All-in-one SaaS hackathon management platform for organizations to host online, in-person, and hybrid hackathons. Provides participant registration, team matchmaking, project submissions, voting, leaderboards, livestreaming, and Proof-of-Participation NFTs, used by enterprises such as Microsoft, Pfizer, and Mercedes-Benz and by Web3 foundations such as the Ethereum Foundation.
- The Garden Builder-focused sub-product for launching tokens through a new model for ICOs and TGEs, featuring fair sales, smart vesting, deep liquidity, and AI Mentors that guide founders through decisions. Targets Web3 builders growing projects after hackathons.
- Workshop & AI Program End-to-end enterprise AI adoption program combining expert-led workshops on vibe coding, structured internal hackathon sprints, and the TAIKAI platform to manage, track, and evaluate outcomes. Designed for HR, L&D, and innovation teams running internal AI upskilling.
- Consultancy Plan Full-service consultancy covering hackathon design, management, promotion, participant/mentor/judge coordination, custom materials, workshop/webinar support, customer support, and co-marketing campaigns for organizations needing white-glove hackathon execution.
- TAIKAI MCP (Model Context Protocol) Native Model Context Protocol server exposing approximately 30 tools for AI agents to autonomously interact with the TAIKAI platform — covering discovery, registration, project creation/update/deletion, team building, voting, and communications. Targeted at AI developers and agent builders.
Quantifiable outcome
- 390 participants and 66 projects submitted for Starkware Starknet Winter Hackathon
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use TAIKAI Labs
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
TAIKAI Labs technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
AI capability7 records
Feature7 records
TAIKAI Labs partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MicrosoftcoreMajor enterprise customer hosting hackathons on TAIKAI platform. Microsoft is listed as a key partner in the 'Join over 100 partners' section. TAIKAI has run hackathons for Microsoft's ecosystem engagement programs.
- TikTokcoreListed as a key partner organization hosting hackathon challenges. TikTok uses TAIKAI for developer engagement hackathons.
- PfizercorePharmaceutical giant hosting innovation hackathons on TAIKAI. Featured partner in the organizations page showcasing enterprise adoption.
- Mercedes-BenzcorePremium automotive brand hosting hackathons on TAIKAI for talent discovery and innovation programs. Listed as key partner with multiple hackathons hosted.
- European CommissioncoreGovernment body using TAIKAI for innovation and policy development hackathons. High-profile government partner on the platform.
- ETH FoundationcoreEthereum ecosystem organization hosting hackathons for blockchain developers. Key Web3 partner for ecosystem growth initiatives.
- SolanacoreCo-host for Hackanation 2026 blockchain hackathon. Provides ecosystem sponsorship and support for builders on Solana blockchain.
- Chainlink LabscoreCo-host for Hackanation 2026, providing workshop support and ecosystem engagement for the hackathon event.
- StarkwarecoreBlockchain company partnered with TAIKAI for the Starknet Winter Hackathon, achieving 390 participants and 66 projects submitted. Case study available showcasing partnership results.
- Protocol LabscoreListed as a key partner organization hosting hackathon challenges on the TAIKAI platform.
- HiltiminorConstruction company using TAIKAI for hiring hackathons to attract specialized talent.
- OutSystemsminorLow-code platform running multiple hackathons on TAIKAI for developer ecosystem engagement.
- BasecoreCo-host for Vibe Coding for Creatives Porto 2025. Base is a blockchain ecosystem partner providing support for AI and Web3 hackathons.
- DeHouseminorWorkspace community ecosystem partner co-hosting creative hackathons in Porto, Portugal.
- Talent ProtocolcoreOrganizer partner for Vibe Coding for Creatives event. Talent Protocol specializes in creator economy and works with TAIKAI on hackathon programs.
- HarmonyminorBlockchain organization hosting hackathons on TAIKAI for ecosystem growth.
- HackencoreLeading blockchain security auditor that performed TAIKAI's security assessment, scoring 10/10. Provides ongoing security validation for the platform.
- LayerXcoreParent company powering TAIKAI. LayerX builds next-generation Web3 products and operates TAIKAI as its hackathon platform subsidiary. Also offers Ardaven AI agents platform.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
TAIKAI Labs competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Eventbrite: General-purpose event registration and ticketing platform. Broader events focus but sometimes used for hackathon registration; represents potential horizontal expansion threat.
- Hopin: Virtual and hybrid event platform serving enterprise events including hackathons. Comparable in livestreaming and virtual event infrastructure but not specialized for hackathon workflows.
- HackerOne: Bug bounty and security hackathon platform serving large enterprises. Broader security-focused scope but operates in adjacent hackathon/competition infrastructure for technical talent.
Emerging players
- Hack Club: Nonprofit community of high school hackers running hackathons globally. Comparable community-led hackathon approach but nonprofit and youth-focused rather than enterprise.
- Devfolio: India-based hackathon platform popular with university and developer community events. Emerging regional player with similar builder-community and submission-platform model.
Direct peers
- Immunefi: Web3 bug bounty and security competition platform. Competes for the same Web3 ecosystem budgets as TAIKAI when protocols run security-focused hackathons.
- Devpost: Long-standing hackathon hosting platform serving enterprise customers (Microsoft, Amazon, etc.) with similar submission, judging, and team-formation workflows. Closest direct competitor to TAIKAI's core offering, though with less Web3/AI agent focus.
- DoraHacks: Web3-native hackathon platform and bounty network serving protocols like Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana. Competes directly with TAIKAI for blockchain ecosystem hackathons and developer grants.
- Topcoder: Competitive programming and crowdsourced innovation platform running challenges and hackathons for enterprise talent discovery. Comparable in enterprise talent-acquisition use case.
- HackerEarth: Enterprise hackathon and innovation management platform serving large corporates for hiring and internal innovation events. Overlapping enterprise GTM motion with TAIKAI's consultancy/subscription model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
TAIKAI Labs social profiles
Digital presenceTAIKAI Labs compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
TAIKAI Labs financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TAIKAI Labs leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
TAIKAI Labs funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors5 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TAIKAI Labs M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TAIKAI Labs
What does TAIKAI Labs do?
TAIKAI is an all-in-one hackathon management platform that enables organizations to host, manage, and evaluate online, in-person, and hybrid hackathons. The platform consolidates participant registration, team matchmaking, project submissions, voting and judging, leaderboards, livestreaming, and on-chain Proof-of-Participation NFTs into a single product. It further differentiates as the first agentic hackathon platform via a native MCP connector that exposes ~30 tools for AI agents to autonomously discover, register, submit, and vote on hackathons.
Is TAIKAI Labs a public or private company?
TAIKAI Labs is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was TAIKAI Labs founded?
TAIKAI Labs was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is TAIKAI Labs based?
TAIKAI Labs is headquartered in Oporto, Portugal, in the Europe region.
How does TAIKAI Labs make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Platform/Subscription is the primary driver. The others are consultancy Services and AI Workshop & Training Programs.
Who are TAIKAI Labs's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Eventbrite, Hopin and HackerOne. Emerging players are Hack Club and Devfolio. Direct peers are Immunefi, Devpost, DoraHacks, Topcoder and HackerEarth.
Does TAIKAI Labs have an API?
Yes. TAIKAI MCP (Model Context Protocol) server providing approximately 30 tools for AI agents to interact with the platform. The MCP exposes the full hackathon lifecycle including discovery (list challenges, get challenge details, timeline, categories, updates), participation (registration, form submission), projects (create, update, delete, upload files), team building (invite, create positions, accept/reject applicants), voting (list carts, add/clear/checkout votes), and profile/comms (get/update profile, read mail threads). Available at mcp.taikai.network/mcp. Access managed from settings → applications. Developer documentation is at mcp.taikai.network/mcp.
What industry is TAIKAI Labs in?
TAIKAI Labs's product category is Hackathon Management Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAPABAF, Cross-Chain Developer Tooling (messaging SDKs, relayers, interoperability APIs). Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 8600.