The role of DAOs in Venture Capital and funding

Karolina

19 May 2023
The role of DAOs in Venture Capital and funding

The ever-evolving finance and investment landscapes have been significantly impacted by decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). DAOs are causing a paradigm shift in the traditional venture capital sector. Blockchain technology enables the growth of these disruptive organizations, which are redefining venture funding and management. DAOs showcase decentralized governance, transparent decision-making, and unique funding approaches. These aspects revolutionize access to capital for entrepreneurs and early-stage investor participation. In this article, we delve into DAOs in venture capital, focusing on their potential to transform the industry, their benefits, challenges, and real-world use cases in shaping funding innovation and entrepreneurship.

Evolution of Venture Capital

Understanding DAOs in venture capital impact requires grasping traditional investment models' evolution. Traditional venture capital features centralization, with few investors controlling funding decisions. This creates entry barriers for entrepreneurs and limits opportunities for a few favored people. Decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain technology birthed a more inclusive, accessible option. DAOs use smart contracts and consensus-driven governance, disrupting the venture capital scene. Decentralization principles position DAOs as a new venture capital frontier, enabling a democratic, transparent funding process for innovative projects.

DAOs in Venture Capital and Funding

DAOs represent a paradigm shift in how companies raise capital and manage their operations. They open up new possibilities for venture capital and funding by bringing the following features to the table:

  • Decentralization: DAOs distribute the decision-making authority among its members, eliminating the need for intermediaries or centralized authorities. This makes the funding process more efficient and transparent.
  • Tokenization: DAOs use cryptographic tokens to represent ownership or voting rights. This enables investors to have a direct say in the operation and governance of their investments. (Interested in DAO tokenomics? Check out our article!
  • Smart Contracts: DAOs utilize smart contracts, self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. These contracts automate many processes, reducing the need for manual intervention and potential for human error.
  • Global Access: Given their decentralized nature, DAOs enable anyone, anywhere, to participate in venture capital funding. This widens the pool of potential investors and fosters global collaboration.

Investment DAO

DAO is transforming the VC industry. Investment DAOs are crucial for sourcing, evaluating, and managing investments. They use blockchain and smart contracts for a democratic, transparent process. DAOs in venture capital pool funds from contributors. This allows for collective decision-making and capital allocation to projects.

A wider range of investors can join early-stage investments. Investment DAOs offer platforms for knowledge sharing and due diligence. This leads to more informed decision-making. Decentralized governance replaces traditional middlemen in these organizations. Investment DAOs have the potential to change the VC industry significantly, promoting innovation and growth for startups inclusively and cooperatively.

More about this topic

Traditional Venture Capital vs Investment DAO

Traditional vs VC Investment DAO (DAOs in Venture Capital)

Success Stories

DAOs in venture capital have made a mark through various success stories, showcasing DAOs' transformative potential in venture capital for innovative projects funding.

MetaCartel Ventures, a pioneering investment DAO, invested in multiple blockchain startups. Their group approach evaluates opportunities, offers guidance, and utilizes networks to fast-track portfolio companies' growth.

Syndicate DAO is known for decentralized finance investments. With group decision-making and thorough research, they've backed Aave, Uniswap, and Compound projects, advancing the DeFi ecosystem.

OrangeDAO is a venture fund of past, present, and future Y Combinator founders who specialize in crypto. Orange DAO also helps startups apply to, and be accepted into Y Combinator, while helping mentor their leadership and recruit talent, and acquire customers.

The LAO, one of the first legal decentralized venture funds, has invested in numerous projects like NFT platforms, decentralized social networks, and blockchain infrastructure projects.

DAO.vc is a decentralized autonomous entity that acts as a service for a pool governed by shared voting on investment projects chosen using a predefined algorithm. 

SeedClub is a DAO that builds and invests in communities. The mission of Seed Club is to assist web3 community builders. They are creating a future in which the value created by online communities is captured by people rather than platforms. 

These achievements underline how investment DAOs disrupted traditional models by offering a more inclusive and decentralized platform. Investment DAOs have proven their capability to detect and support groundbreaking startups, redefining the future of venture capital.

Potential for Future Growth and Expansion of DAO-driven Venture Capital

The future of DAOs in venture capital and funding looks promising. As blockchain technology continues to mature, DAOs are likely to become more robust, secure, and user-friendly, attracting more participation from both investors and entrepreneurs. Furthermore, regulatory clarity around DAOs could also propel their growth in venture capital.

In the future, we may see more venture capital firms incorporating DAO structures to give their investors more direct control over their investments. We may also see more startups choosing to raise funds through DAOs instead of traditional venture capital, due to the transparency, global access, and democratized decision-making that DAOs offer.

Another potential area of growth is the integration of DAOs with DeFi (Decentralized Finance) platforms. This could open up even more avenues for decentralized funding and provide investors with new ways to earn returns on their investments.

Conclusion

In summary, DAOs are transforming the venture capital sector. They employ blockchain technology and decentralized governance for a new approach. This shift from traditional centralized models results in transparent decisions, inclusive capital access, and creative funding strategies.

Significantly, investment DAOs like MetaCartel Ventures, Syndicate DAO, and The LAO demonstrate the potential of DAOs in venture capital. They have successfully backed various projects, spotlighting their skill in discovering and fostering groundbreaking startups. Their accomplishments highlight the inclusive, transparent, and democratized decision-making offered by DAO-driven venture capital.

As we look forward, the prospects of DAOs in venture capital are bright. With blockchain advancements and changing regulations, DAOs will become more secure and accessible to a broader audience. Increased adoption of DAO structures by venture capital firms and startups is expected, as well as integration with decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. The transformative power of DAOs is creating a decentralized, inclusive, and transparent system that benefits both entrepreneurs and investors.

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Nextrope as Sponsor at ETH Warsaw 2024: Highlights

Miłosz

04 Oct 2024
Nextrope as Sponsor at ETH Warsaw 2024: Highlights

ETH Warsaw has established itself as a significant event in the Web3 space, gathering developers, entrepreneurs, and investors in the heart of Poland’s capital each year. The 2024 edition was filled with builders and leaders united in advancing decentralized technologies.

Leading Event of Warsaw Blockchain Week

As a blend of conference and hackathon, ETH Warsaw aims to push the boundaries of innovation. For companies and individuals eager to shape the future of tech, the premier summit during Warsaw Blockchain Week offers a unique platform to connect and collaborate.

Major Milestones in Previous Editions

  • Over 1,000 participants attended the forum
  • 222 hackers competed, showcasing groundbreaking technical skills
  • $119,920 in bounties was awarded to boost promising solution development

Key Themes at ETH Warsaw 2024

This year’s discussions were centered around shaping the adoption of blockchain. To emphasize that future implementation requires a wide range of voices, perspectives, and understanding, ETH Warsaw 2024 encouraged participation from individuals of all backgrounds. As the industry stands on the cusp of a potential bull market, building resilient products brings substantial impact. Participants mutually raised an inhibitor posed by poor architecture or suspicious practices.

Infrastructure and Scalability

  • Layer 2 (L2) solutions
  • Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs)
  • Future of Account Abstraction in Decentralized Applications (DApps)
  • Advancements in Blockchain Interoperability
  • Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning Models (MLMs) with on-chain data

Responsibility

With the premise of robust blockchain systems, we delved into topics such as privacy, advanced security protocols, and white-hacking as essential tools for maintaining trust. Discussions also included consensus mechanisms and their role in the entire infrastructure, beginning with transparent Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs).

Legal Policies

The track on financial freedom led to the transformative potential of decentralized finance (DeFi). We tackled the challenges and opportunities of blockchain products within a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Mass Adoption

Conversations surrounding accessible platforms underscored the need to simplify onboarding for new users, ultimately crafting solutions that appeal to mainstream audiences. Contributors explored ways to improve user experience (UX), enhance community management, and support Web3 startups.

ETH Legal, co-organized with PKO BP and several leading law firms, studied the implementation of the MiCA guidelines starting next year and affecting the market. It aimed to dissect the complex policies that govern digital assets.

Currently, founders navigate a patchwork of regulations that vary by jurisdiction. There is a clear need for structured protocols that ensure consumer protection and market integrity while attracting more users. Legal experts broke down the implications of existing and anticipated changes on decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), business logic, and other emerging technologies.

The importance of ETH Legal extended beyond theoretical discussions. It served as a vital forum for stakeholders to connect and share insights. Thanks to input from renowned experts in the field, attendees left with a deeper understanding of the challenges ahead.

Warsaw Blockchain Week: Nextrope’s Engagement

The Warsaw Blockchain Week 2024 ensured a wide range of activities, with a packed schedule of conferences, hackathons, and networking opportunities. Nextrope actively engaged in several side events throughout the week and recognized the immense potential to foster connections.

Side Events Attended by Nextrope

  • Elympics on TON
  • Aleph Zero Opening Party
  • Cookie3 x NOKS x TON Syndicate
  • Solana House

Nextrope’s Contribution to ETH Warsaw 2024

At ETH Warsaw 2024, Nextrope proudly positioned itself as a Pond Sponsor of the conference and hackathon, reflecting the event's mission. Following a strong track record of partnerships with large financial institutions and startups, we seized the opportunity to share our reflections with the community.

Together, we continue to innovate toward a more decentralized and inclusive future. By actively participating in open conversations about regulatory and technological advancements, Nextrope solidifies its role as an exemplar of dedication, forward-thinking, and technological resources.

Nextrope on Economic Forum 2024: Insights from the Event

Kajetan Olas

14 Sep 2024
Nextrope on Economic Forum 2024: Insights from the Event

The 33rd Economic Forum 2024, held in Karpacz, Poland, gathered leaders from across the globe to discuss the pressing economic and technological challenges. This year, the forum had a special focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI and Cybersecurity, bringing together leading experts and policymakers.

Nextrope was proud to participate in the Forum where we showcased our expertise and networked with leading minds in the AI and blockchain fields.

Economic Forum 2024: A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

The Economic Forum in Karpacz is an annual event often referred to as the "Polish Davos," attracting over 6,000 participants, including heads of state, business leaders, academics, and experts. This year’s edition was held from September 3rd to 5th, 2024.

Key Highlights of the AI Forum and Cybersecurity Forum

The AI Forum and the VI Cybersecurity Forum were integral parts of the event, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Affairs and leading Polish universities, including:

  • Cracow University of Technology
  • University of Warsaw
  • Wrocław University of Technology
  • AGH University of Science and Technology
  • Poznań University of Technology

Objectives of the AI Forum

  • Promoting Education and Innovation: The forum aimed to foster education and spread knowledge about AI and solutions to enhance digital transformation in Poland and CEE..
  • Strengthening Digital Administration: The event supported the Ministry of Digital Affairs' mission to build and strengthen the digital administration of the Polish State, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue on decentralized architecture.
  • High-Level Meetings: The forum featured closed meetings of digital ministers from across Europe, including a confirmed appearance by Volker Wissing, the German Minister for Digital Affairs.

Nextrope's Active Participation in the AI Forum

Nextrope's presence at the AI Forum was marked by our active engagement in various activities in the Cracow University of Technology and University of Warsaw zone. One of the discussion panels we enjoyed the most was "AI in education - threats and opportunities".

Our Key Activities

Networking with Leading AI and Cryptography Researchers.

Nextrope presented its contributions in the field of behavioral profilling in DeFi and established relationships with Cryptography Researchers from Cracow University of Technology and the brightest minds on Polish AI scene, coming from institutions such as Wroclaw University of Technology, but also from startups.

Panel Discussions and Workshops

Our team participated in several panel discussions, covering a variety of topics. Here are some of them

  • Polish Startup Scene.
  • State in the Blockchain Network
  • Artificial Intelligence - Threat or Opportunity for Healthcare?
  • Silicon Valley in Poland – Is it Possible?
  • Quantum Computing - How Is It Changing Our Lives?

Broadening Horizons

Besides tuning in to topics that strictly overlap with our professional expertise we decided to broaden our horizons and participated in panels about national security and cross-border cooperation.

Meeting with clients:

We had a pleasure to deepen relationships with our institutional clients and discuss plans for the future.

Networking with Experts in AI and Blockchain

A major highlight of the Economic Forum in Karpacz was the opportunity to network with experts from academia, industry, and government.

Collaborations with Academia:

We engaged with scholars from leading universities such as the Cracow University of Technology and the University of Warsaw. These interactions laid the groundwork for potential research collaborations and joint projects.

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Our team connected with industry leaders, exploring opportunities for partnerships in regard to building the future of education. We met many extremely smart, yet humble people interested in joining advisory board of one of our projects - HackZ.

Exchanging Knowledge with VCs and Policymakers:

We had fruitful discussions with policymakers and very knowledgable representatives of Venture Capital. The discussions revolved around blockchain and AI regulation, futuristic education methods and dillemas regarding digital transformation in companies. These exchanges provided us with very interesting insights as well as new friendships.

Looking Ahead: Nextrope's Future in AI and Blockchain

Nextrope's participation in the Economic Forum Karpacz 2024 has solidified our position as one of the leading, deep-tech software houses in CEE. By fostering connections with academia, industry experts, and policymakers, we are well-positioned to consult our clients on trends and regulatory needs as well as implementing cutting edge DeFi software.

What's Next for Nextrope?

Continuing Innovation:

We remain committed to developing cutting-edge software solutions and designing token economies that leverage the power of incentives and advanced cryptography.

Deepening Academic Collaborations:

The partnerships formed at the forum will help us stay at the forefront of technological advancements, particularly in AI and blockchain.

Expanding Our Global Reach:

The international connections made at the forum enable us to expand our influence both in CEE and outside of Europe. This reinforces Nextrope's status as a global leader in technology innovation.

If you're looking to create a robust blockchain system and go through institutional-grade testing please reach out to contact@nextrope.com. Our team is ready to help you with the token engineering process and ensure your project’s resilience in the long term.