Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO) are transforming the way businesses, communities, and financial projects are organized globally.
DAOs are revolutionizing governance by enabling collective decisions without traditional hierarchies.
In 2024, more than 20,000 DAOs manage treasuries exceeding $30 billion, consolidating their global impact.
Latin America sees in DAOs an opportunity to strengthen self-management and trust in emerging economies.
Based on blockchain technology and managed by smart contracts, these entities allow for collective decision-making without traditional hierarchies.
In 2024, more than 20,000 DAOs are actively operating, and their treasuries exceed $30 billion, reflecting their growing relevance in the digital economy.
A Model for the New Economy
The concept of DAO goes beyond decentralization: it represents a structural change in the way value is generated and distributed. "The DAO is not just a disruptive organizational structure, but the bridge to a new era of transparency and collective participation. It represents a paradigm shift, where the economy adapts to a logic more coherent with technological advancement," says Pablo Rutigliano, CEO of Atómico 3.
Tokenization plays a key role in this ecosystem, allowing physical assets to be transferred to the digital world with tangible backing.
This mechanism not only redefines ownership but also optimizes resource distribution in a more open and secure environment.
Main Uses of DAOs in Latin America
DAOs in Latin America are predominantly used in the following areas:
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): They provide access to financial services without traditional intermediaries, which is especially valuable in economies with high inflation levels or limited access to traditional banking.
Crowdfunding and Fundraising: They facilitate collective financing of projects, allowing participants to contribute and decide on the destination of funds transparently.
Governance of Digital Projects and Communities: They enable collective decision-making in online communities, ensuring that every member has a voice in the development and direction of the project.
Leading Countries in DAO Adoption
Several Latin American countries stand out for their rapid adoption of DAO-related technologies:
Brazil: Ranks seventh worldwide in cryptocurrency adoption, with transactions reaching $91.1 billion, indicating a favorable environment for the growth of DAOs.
Argentina: With transactions close to $85.4 billion, the country shows significant interest in decentralized solutions, driven by internal economic challenges.
Colombia: Ranks 15th globally in cryptocurrency adoption, reflecting an emerging ecosystem for DAOs.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the growth of DAOs is undeniable, their consolidation faces regulatory and governance challenges. For María Fernanda Juppet, CEO of CryptoMKT, "we are witnessing the birth of a new form of organization that redefines decision-making and value generation. Just as cryptocurrencies reinvented money, DAOs are revolutionizing governance and global collaboration."
This model also offers a viable alternative for regions with high institutional distrust, such as Latin America, where it could strengthen self-management and citizen participation. However, its expansion requires updated regulatory frameworks that promote its development without stifling innovation.
DAOs are no longer an experiment, but a structure with the potential to become the preferred option for business and community organization in the digital age.
Their evolution will depend on the ability to balance decentralization, security, and regulatory compliance, consolidating their role as the architecture upon which the global economic future is built.
