A DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) is a digital organizational model that operates on blockchain technology, governed by smart contracts, and is not controlled by a central authority.

Unlike traditional companies, DAOs are managed through voting by their members or token holders, with decisions automatically executed via smart contracts. DAOs can be used for investment funds, community management, DeFi protocols, and even decentralizing the governance processes of traditional corporations.

Since DAOs have a decentralized structure, decisions are made by the community rather than a single authority, making governance processes more transparent and reliable. As they operate through smart contracts, management processes become automated, reducing human errors and the risk of manipulation. DAOs eliminate geographical barriers, enabling global participation and allowing everyone to be involved in governance processes. All transactions are recorded on the blockchain, ensuring transparency and auditability, thereby maximizing accountability. Additionally, DAOs can be flexibly applied in various areas, including investment funds, community projects, and corporate governance.

The legal framework for DAOs is a complex issue for regulators, as they are based on a decentralized structure, unlike traditional corporate entities. Currently, the legal status of DAOs remains unclear in many countries, although some jurisdictions have started recognizing them as legal entities. From a legal perspective, since DAOs are typically governed by smart contracts, the rights and responsibilities of members are defined within these contracts. However, issues such as regulatory compliance, taxation, and liability for investors and managers remain uncertain. Therefore, understanding and properly structuring the legal framework of DAOs is a crucial aspect of risk management for participants and projects.

The formation of a DAO begins with defining governance tokens, writing smart contracts, and structuring governance processes. During the establishment phase, clear rules must be set for community participation and decision-making, determining the rights of members. Governance is typically carried out through voting mechanisms, where members use their tokens to make decisions and influence projects. To ensure the sustainability of a DAO, aspects such as token distribution, financial management, and legal compliance must be carefully considered. Finally, continuous improvement and adaptation of the DAO require active community participation and regular audits.

DAOs can be applied in various fields, from financial services to community management. In DeFi (Decentralized Finance) projects, users make financial decisions through voting, and transaction processes are automated via smart contracts. Fan token projects introduce a new governance model for sports clubs by allowing fans to participate in club management through DAO structures. In areas like investment funds and crowdfunding, DAOs enable participants to make collective decisions regarding project funding. Additionally, DAOs have the potential to transform traditional corporate structures by introducing more transparent and democratic governance models.

DAOs stand out as a model with the potential to transform traditional business and organizational structures in the future. Thanks to their decentralized nature, transparency and participation in decision-making processes will increase, distributing power to a wider audience. As blockchain technology advances, DAOs will become more scalable, secure, and accessible. In fields such as finance, law, and corporate governance, DAOs will find more applications and challenge traditional management approaches. Ultimately, DAOs have the potential to reshape not only financial systems but also the way global business is conducted.