> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.charterfnd.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.charterfnd.com/the-charter-process/phase-1-apply.md). # Phase 1: Apply In this phase, the Builder Labs Company applies to the Charter Foundation to be admitted. Because multiple token launches occurring in close proximity can dilute market attention and liquidity, Charter takes a selective approach to onboarding. Each project is evaluated based on its readiness, quality, and timing, with the goal of ensuring that every builder entering the framework has the best possible conditions for a successful launch. Builders are selected by Charter’s Facilitating Partner, the Ink Foundation, based on a combination of: * **Project readiness**: as defined by the product, team, and roadmap to launch, * **Token thesis**: a clear rationale for the token and its role within the ecosystem, * **Excution capability**: the ability to carry a project through preparation, launch, and post-launch operation, * **Timing and co-ordination**: alignment with Charter's launch pipeline to ensure proper market spacing and support, * **Long-term orientation**: a focus on building sustainable, credible networks rather than short-term or speculative launches, * **Compliance**. Builders will need to undergo and satisfy Know-Your-Customer (KYC), anti-money laundering (AML), and other necessary screening and verification requirements. Screening extends beyond the entity level. Counterparties generally expect to identify not only ultimate beneficial owners but also controlling persons and authorized users of the structure. Charter therefore applies a consistent onboarding framework from the outset, under which founders and controlling persons are screened from day one, and the set of individuals subject to verification is defined clearly rather than resolved later. Defining this scope early avoids friction when engaging partners and as governance transitions away from the Charter Foundation at Release. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.charterfnd.com/the-charter-process/phase-1-apply.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.