Decentralization has moved from buzzword to blueprint - reshaping how we connect, collaborate, and create value online. Today, many startups and organizations are trying to shift their focus to a decentralized ecosystem from a traditional setup, typically governed by centralized authorities. This transition has led to the rise of decentralized autonomous organizations or DAOs.
DAOs in Web3 space are built using blockchain tech. These communities are reshaping how NFT projects, DeFi protocols, and even businesses are run - openly and by those who genuinely care about them.
The numbers back it up. The DAO-as-a-service market is showing decent growth globally. It is expected to grow from a valuation of $174 million in 2025 to around $680+ million by 2033, with a CAGR of 18.6%.
In 2024, the total value of the DAO treasury crossed $30 billion, clearly indicating the growing trust in decentralized governance and the growth of the Web3 industry. As the technologies blend and evolve, we’ll see more innovation in the coming years.
In this post, I’ll discuss what is DAO in Web3, how it works, and its perks. I’ll also mention how to launch a DAO from scratch and potential challenges you might face.
Key Takeaways
Decentralized autonomous organizations or DAOs in Web3 were created to let communities coordinate and make decisions without relying on intermediaries.
It is built using blockchain to keep all transactions transparent, secure, and automated.
Uniswap DAO, MakerDAO, and Arbitrum DAO are among the most popular and active examples.
Though DAOs offer benefits like transparency and shared control, they’re still prone to risks like smart contract code errors, hacks, and exploitation.
What is DAO in Web3 and Why does it Matter?
A decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), is a new kind of structure where a CEO or boardroom doesn’t make decisions - they’re made by the community. Think of it as an online group with a shared wallet, set of rules written in code, and no central authority calling the shots. Instead, members (usually the token holders) vote on how funds are used, what gets built, and how the project moves forward. Every transaction is safely recorded on the blockchain, ensuring full transparency and a tamper-proof crypto ledger.
Many believe that Bitcoin was the first DAO in Web3, but as far as we know, DAOs began as smart contracts on the Ethereum network. Today, DAOs are also built on other open-source blockchains. They are important because they allow people to collaborate, fund ideas, and govern shared resources without needing to trust intermediaries.
Whether for building software, managing investments, or running a social collective, DAOs offer an open and community-led alternative to traditional organizations. But with great control also comes a huge responsibility for security. It can be compromised if governance or code isn’t handled carefully.
How do DAOs in Web3 Work?
Now that you know what is DAO in Web3, let’s understand how it operates.
Smart contract code sets the rules and executes actions automatically when pre-set conditions are met, such as releasing funds or approving proposals.
Proposals can be submitted by any member, usually suggesting changes, funding requests, or new ideas for the community.
Token holders carry out voting. Each vote is transparent and recorded on the blockchain.
Token-based governance gives voting power to members, often based on how many tokens they hold.
Once a decentralized autonomous organization is live, its rules are encoded on the blockchain and cannot be changed without group consensus. This entire process reflects how DAO governance models enable decentralized decision-making, balancing automation with community consensus.
The main decision-makers in the ecosystem
In most DAOs, token holders steer the project in their desired direction. Each vote is tied to the number of governance tokens a member holds - the more tokens, the more voting power.
For perspective, let’s say a certain DAO manages a crypto project. Some members want to change how the tokenomics work - maybe by increasing the number of tokens in circulation or burning some reserve tokens. One of the members submits a proposal to make this change, which is shared with all the token holders with voting power.
Once the voting period ends, the DAO’s smart contract automatically counts the votes. The smart contract triggers the necessary tokenomics change if the proposal gets enough support (based on pre-set rules). If the proposal is rejected, the smart contract doesn’t execute any action, and the system stays as it is.
Benefits of DAOs in Web3
DAOs in Web3 offer a range of advantages that make them attractive for collaboration and governance.
Decentralized decision-making: The power is not concentrated in the hands of a few. Instead, they are made collectively by the community through a transparent, blockchain-based voting system.
Open participation: Anyone with a governance token and internet access can contribute, making DAOs globally accessible and inclusive.
Transparency: Voting and past proposals are always recorded on-chain, promoting accountability, security, and reducing manipulation.
Strong community alignment: Decentralized autonomous organizations encourage a sense of shared purpose, allowing like-minded individuals to collaborate directly on DeFi protocol changes, blockchain network policies, funding decisions, new products, or community initiatives.
- Encourages innovation: Anyone can propose changes or projects, helping DAOs stay agile and open to new ideas.
How to Launch a DAO in Web3: Key Steps
You can successfully launch a DAO provided you keep these steps in mind:
1. Set a clear purpose
First, you can identify why your decentralized autonomous organization needs to exist in today’s market. Ask and answer important questions - What problem will it solve? What’s its bigger mission? How will it help the community?
Write down your goals, values, and vision clearly. This will help you attract supporters, partners, and anyone who is willing to invest in your idea.
2. Design the tokenomics
Figure out how your DAO’s token will work – how it will be distributed and used and what financial incentives are involved. Whether it’s crypto staking, rewards, or liquidity pools, the math behind your model must make sense to investors and active contributors.
3. Build a strong community
A decentralized autonomous organization doesn’t work without an active community. Social media platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Twitter are used to gather early supporters. Share regular updates, arrange giveaways, discuss the market, and involve your audience in shaping important decisions. The stronger your early network, the more support you’ll get when you launch a DAO.
4. Decide on governance models
Have a clear vision on decision-making, whether it’ll it be a one token = one vote approach and whether users can delegate votes. These rules will shape how people participate in key decisions. Keep it simple but flexible enough to adjust as your community grows and expectations shift.
5. Choose the type of DAO
All decentralized autonomous organizations are not the same. Some are investment-focused, others work like cooperatives, and a few are protocol-driven. Pick a structure that suits your goals. It’ll define how members interact and what kind of proposals to prioritize.
6. Build the DAO
Work with blockchain developers to build smart contract code, choose the right blockchain network (like Ethereum or Polygon), and integrate crypto wallets. Your tech stack needs to support your governance, treasury, and voting setup smoothly without any glitches or delays.
7. Test everything
Before you launch a DAO, run all the necessary tests. Look out for errors in the code, security gaps, or interface issues. Get feedback from users and iterate accordingly. Even a small bug in a smart contract code can cause huge problems later - so, better to be safe than sorry.
8. Launch a DAO
Once everything’s ready, launch your decentralized autonomous organization on the mainnet. Stay active in your community spaces, track all the feedback, and update based on real-world use. Run quality tests regularly to ensure the platform runs smoothly without any lag.
Disadvantages of DAOs
Even though DAOs offer many upsides, they’re still built on evolving technology with unclear legal structures and regulations, and have their drawbacks.
Slow decision-making: Since proposals require community-wide voting, finalizing decisions can take longer. This can be challenging when quick responses or crisis management are needed.
Lower participation: Even though everyone has a say, not all members participate actively. This can affect voting results and sometimes lead to decisions being made by a minority instead of the broader community.
Knowledge gaps: All participants have voting rights, but not all may fully understand a proposal's technical, financial, or strategic implications. This creates a risk of uninformed decisions being made.
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Security risks**: DAOs in Web3 rely heavily on smart contracts. If these contracts have bugs or vulnerabilities, hackers can exploit them. For example, in October 2024, Tapioca DAO suffered a security breach. The attacker(s) stole $4.4+ million by taking over the token vesting contract. The breach extended to its stablecoin contract, allowing malicious minting and further loss.
Operational costs: Every action in decentralized autonomous organizations requires crypto transactions that come with gas fees. These costs can fluctuate significantly, especially on blockchain networks like Ethereum, where fees can increase during high activity.
Final Thoughts on Decentralized Autonomous Organizations
Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) represent a shift in how communities and businesses collaborate, blending technology with collective decision-making. With the increasing blend of AI in blockchain, we’re already seeing the emergence of AI-driven governance and automation.
New trends like environmental impact tracking and transparent funding models for sustainability projects are also growing. Given the rate of innovation, DAOs in Web3 may become even more adaptive and efficient in the coming years. The future invites us to rethink authority, trust, and participation in a digitally connected world, opening exciting opportunities to watch.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Are DAOs legal?**
The Web3 and blockchain landscapes are complex and continuously evolving. Some regions in the US like Wyoming, Vermont, and Tennessee, and UAE recognize DAOs as legal entities. However, many countries still lack clear regulatory frameworks.
What is the difference between DAO and blockchain?
A blockchain is the underlying technology used by the decentralized autonomous organization to record transactions transparently without any centralized control.
*Which is the largest DAO in Web3? *
As of May 23, 2025, CoinMarketCap listed Uniswap as the largest DAOs in Web3, with a market cap of $4+ billion and a treasury of over $3 billion.