Hypha DAO

DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) incorporated as LVC (Liechtenstein Venture Cooperative)

Hypha DAO targets the core challenges of economic disparity and environmental degradation by fostering sustainable development and symbiotic growth. Current economic models often neglect the social and ecological consequences of their activities, leading to a wide range of issues from climate change to inequality. To address this, Hypha DAO proposes a platform where technology serves both the planet and the people equitably.

Since its inception, Hypha has gathered hundreds of use cases in five different categories, including socio-economic, socio-ecological, socio-cultural, socio-educational and socio-political, covering a wide range of initiatives and projects in areas such as political collapse and pro-democracy movements (Myanmar and US), biodiversity, land and ecosystems (Guatemala and Costa Rica), circular economies and regenerative currencies (New England, US and Bali, Indonesia), artisanal mining (Kenya and Nigeria), or renewable energy (Netherlands and Liechtenstein). Hypha’s platform targets these systemic issues by integrating economic activities with sustainable practices, thereby influencing the well-being of countless individuals.

Systems, organizations and people around the world are under enormous pressure to change. We are reaching our ecological and economic breaking points: climate change is accelerating at an alarming rate, biodiversity, land and ecosystems face threats globally. This breaking point is exacerbated by multiple crises and conflicts, stemming from the “root cause” of our degenerative and collapsing economic models. It’s now the time to deploy new regenerative economic frameworks to empower individuals and safeguard our planet.

Hypha’s solution is a Decentralized Human Organization (DHO) platform that is at the intersection of a triple Venn diagram of economic transformation, tokenomic innovation and governance redesign. Our platform utilizes blockchain technology to enable "tokenomics" and "daonomics", reinforcing behaviors and decisions that are aligned with long-term ecological balance and economic inclusivity.

Hypha's approach can shift the current trajectory by embedding regeneration (looking beyond sustainability) at the heart of economic transactions. By incentivizing environmentally and socially responsible behaviors through tokenomics and enabling governance structures that prioritize collective well-being through daonomics, we provide a comprehensive model that addresses the failings of traditional economic system.

The platform operates on several layers: it facilitates the issuance of various types of tokens that incentivize sustainable practices, ranging from carbon credit tokens to community currencies. These tokens represent a new economy that values social and environmental impact alongside financial returns.

On the governance side, our daonomics framework ensures that decisions are made transparently and democratically, with a focus on consensus and community benefit. This includes tools for collective decision-making and resource allocation, which are crucial for addressing the challenges identified by the Global Economic Prosperity Challenge.

The DHO platform is not merely theoretical; it is operational, with tools and frameworks that have been piloted and proven in various contexts. From regenerative agriculture projects to sustainable infrastructure initiatives, the platform’s technology has facilitated impactful and scalable solutions.

Hypha's solution is designed to serve a diverse group of stakeholders, primarily focusing on those at the grassroots of the economy – the local artisans, smallholder farmers, and entrepreneurs. These individuals and communities are often the most affected by economic and environmental challenges, yet their potential for positive impact is immense. They are currently underserved by traditional economic systems that typically prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability and equity. 

The Hypha DHO platform offers a revolutionary shift, providing these communities with the means to access decentralized financial services, transparent and equitable governance, and the ability to participate in markets that value regeneration. It empowers the underserved by recognizing and financially rewarding practices that contribute to environmental protection and social development. By leveraging blockchain technology, the platform also enables a transparent, trustless economy, thus removing barriers that have historically prevented marginalized groups from accessing vital economic resources and decision-making processes. This fosters a more inclusive economic landscape where prosperity is not at odds with the health of the planet and its inhabitants. 

Artisans can trace and verify the sustainability of their supply chains, enhancing their marketability and allowing them to receive fair compensation for their work. Farmers benefit from direct access to markets and financial instruments tailored to sustainable agriculture, while small businesses gain from an economic ecosystem that promotes and incentivizes responsible business practices. For the consumers and investors, Hypha's platform offers an assurance that their economic choices have a tangible, positive impact, enabling them to support a system that aligns with their values. It promises a circular economy where spending and investment foster a regenerative loop, benefiting the environment and the community.

Lastly, the DHO platform is not just about creating economic opportunities; it's about changing the narrative of what an economy should look like. It's about shaping an economy that is responsive to the needs of its participants and the environment that sustains them. It's about creating a culture of participation, where every member has a voice and a stake in the future direction of their community. It’s about turning beneficiaries into partners and participants in a shared vision, creating a ripple effect ("autopoiesis") that goes beyond immediate economic benefits to forge a path towards a resilient, anti-fragile and non-rivalrous global economy.

Hypha has been actively using the DAO platforms since 2019 when we started the venture by building the first truly global regenerative currency called SEEDS. Since then, we have created and voted on over a thousand proposals that shaped how we do business, what roles we chose to move our vision forward and what polices we creat to align our incentives with our actions. The platform has launched into Beta last October and has attracted over 300 organizations worldwide. Each DAO is different and we are beginning to write blueprints for selected clients to share the patterns, templates and structurs with many other organizations out there. The blockchain technology allows for immutability and transparency of the underlying ledger and our open-source philosophy allows for broad sharing of our technology and knowledge with key stakeholders in the field. 

In addition, Hypha is actively working to bring several socio-ecological frameworks to our platform and has worked with authors and activists in the field, including but not limited to Doughnut Economics (Dr. Kate Raworth), the Regenerative Enterprise (Niels de Fraguier), Costa Rica Regenerativa (Dr. Eduard Muller), the Ecological Civilization (Jeremy Lent), Leading By Nature (Giles Hutchins), the Design Pathway for Regenerating Earth (Joe Brewer), Future Humans (Anneloes Smitsman), Sacred Economics (Charles Eisenstein), How Soon Is Now (Daniel Pinchbeck), the Regenerative Life (Carol Sanford), Reinventing Organizations (Frederic Laloux), the Commons Manifesto (Michel Bauwens), the Gig Mindset Advantage (Jane McConnell), and Designing Regenerative Cultures (Daniel Christian Wahl). 

Hypha has established and deployed the DAO platform (now in Beta since October 2023), serving a user base of 300 organizations with proven case studies in fostering economic sustainability and inclusivity. We have active pilot opportunities from diverse areas such as renewable energy communities in Europe, artisanal mining operations in Africa, regenerative burials in Australia or political movement building in Myanmar.

Hypha DAO is applying to MIT Solve because we recognize the strong alignment between Solve’s mission to address global challenges through partnership and innovation, and our own commitment to advancing decentralized human organizations (DHOs) that prioritize transparent, participatory governance using blockchain technology. Solve’s commitment to fostering innovative solutions through a supportive network aligns perfectly with our strategic objectives to scale and enhance our technological offerings, engage with a broader global audience, and refine our operational and governance models.

Barriers We Hope to Overcome with MIT Solve's Support:

1. Technical Enhancement and Scalability: While Hypha DAO has successfully implemented blockchain-based governance systems, further technical enhancements are necessary to scale our solutions to accommodate larger communities and more complex organizational structures. We seek Solve's assistance in connecting with technology experts and partners who can provide insights and resources to improve the scalability, security, and user-friendliness of our platforms.
2. Legal and Regulatory Navigation: As a pioneering entity in the realm of DHOs operating on blockchain technology, Hypha faces significant legal and regulatory uncertainties in various jurisdictions. These challenges range from the classification of digital assets to compliance with international standards of operation. Solve’s network of legal experts and policy advisors can help us navigate these complex legal landscapes, ensuring our solutions comply with global regulations while continuing to innovate.
3. Market Penetration and Cultural Adaptation: Hypha DAO aims to expand its reach beyond its current user base, targeting organizations and communities unfamiliar with decentralized technologies or skeptical of their benefits. Cultural resistance to new technological paradigms, especially in governance, is a significant barrier. Through Solve, we hope to engage with cultural leaders and organizations that can aid in culturally adapting our offerings to diverse global markets, enhancing acceptance and usability.
4. Sustainable Business Model Development: While Hypha DAO has established a primary revenue model, the evolving nature of blockchain technology and its applications necessitates continuous adaptation and development of new business strategies. Solve’s ecosystem of entrepreneurs and business leaders can provide mentorship in refining our business model to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

How MIT Solve’s Support Aligns with Our Goals:

Solve’s emphasis on creating partnerships and providing strategic support resonates deeply with Hypha’s collaborative ethos. By joining the Solve community, we anticipate gaining access to a global network of partners who are equally committed to innovative solutions for pressing global challenges. This network will not only help Hypha overcome the aforementioned barriers but will also amplify our impact, drive adoption across new sectors, and foster collaborations that could lead to next-generation governance models.

Hypha DAO, also known as Decentralized Human Organization (DHO), stands out through its innovative mix of blockchain technology and a strong emphasis on human-centric governance. Traditional DAOs often focus primarily on decentralized decision-making and automated processes ("trustless environments"). In contrast, Hypha DHO integrates these with a focus on community, transparency, and sustainability, aiming to harmonize technological advances with natural and social ecosystems.

Our approach is innovative because it facilitates a more inclusive and equitable model of participation and governance. By using the EOS Mainnet, known for its scalable blockchain solutions and low energy consumption, Hypha DHO enables faster transactions and greater accessibility, which are crucial for effective decentralized governance. This model not only encourages broader participation but also ensures that decisions reflect the collective will and benefit of the community.

The potential for catalyzing broader positive impacts is significant. As organizations observe the success of Hypha DHO in harmonizing technology with human-centric governance, it could inspire a shift towards more sustainable and community-focused approaches within the blockchain space. This shift could change the landscape of how technology and ecology intersect, promoting more sustainable practices across industries.

Hypha DHO operates on a theory of change that connects the use of blockchain technology to enhanced democratic governance and community engagement. The sequence is straightforward:

• Activities: Implementing blockchain-based tools for voting, project management, and resource allocation.
• Outputs: Increased participation in governance, transparent decision-making, and equitable resource distribution.
• Outcomes: Stronger community engagement, improved trust in decentralized systems, and more sustainable organizational practices.

Evidence supporting this model includes data from our own operations, showing increased participation rates in decision-making processes and more equitable project funding. Third-party research on blockchain’s impact on governance also bolsters our approach, highlighting improved transparency and accountability as key benefits.

Hypha DHO’s impact goals are centered on creating a sustainable, inclusive, and transparent model for decentralized governance. Our objectives are:

• Enhance Community Engagement: Measuring active participants in governance processes.
• Promote Sustainability: Tracking initiatives focused on ecological and social sustainability.
• Increase Transparency: Assessing the clarity and accessibility of information regarding governance and operations.

We measure these goals through both qualitative and quantitative indicators, including participation rates, satisfaction surveys, and the number of sustainability projects initiated. We also align our indicators with relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Hypha DAO represents a 3rd generation blockchain application, which is fundamentally designed to enhance human collaboration and organizational governance. This technology solution stands at the intersection of advanced digital platforms and the deeply human need for transparent, equitable, and participatory systems of governance and decision-making. 

Core Technology Framework

At its technological heart, Hypha DHO utilizes the EOS blockchain to run its decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and to facilitate real-time voting and decision-making processes. 

1. Blockchain and Smart Contracts: 
The EOS blockchain provides a decentralized platform where all transactions and interactions are recorded in an immutable ledger. This promotes transparency and accountability, as every action is traceable and cannot be altered once recorded. Smart contracts automate the execution of these agreements based on predefined rules and criteria, further reducing the need for intermediaries.

2. Decentralized Applications (dApps):
Hypha develops and utilizes dApps that are tailored to support various organizational functions such as project management, resource allocation, and member engagement. These applications are user-friendly and integrated directly with the EOS blockchain, ensuring that all interactions are secure and governed by the collective rules set by the DHO community.

3. Voting Systems:
One of the most crucial aspects of the DHO is its voting system, which is designed to be both secure and accessible. Utilizing blockchain technology, the voting app ensures that each member's vote is anonymously and securely cast and tallied, with results automatically recorded on the blockchain for transparency.

Leveraging Modern and Ancestral Technologies

In addition to leveraging modern blockchain technology, Hypha DHO is also deeply inspired by traditional governance systems which emphasize community, consensus, and shared responsibility. This combination of modern and ancestral technologies creates a robust framework that is not only technologically advanced but also deeply rooted in human-centric values.

The use of technology in Hypha DHO is not just about adopting new tools, but about rethinking how these tools can serve to enhance human interaction, community building, and governance. It is about creating a technology-driven ecosystem that respects and promotes human values, enabling members to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the global ecosystem.

Impact of Technology on Community and Global Challenges

The application of such technology by Hypha DHO aims to solve several critical challenges facing communities and organizations today, including issues of trust, engagement, and effective resource management. By democratizing access to governance and ensuring a transparent operational model, Hypha DHO helps build trust among members and stakeholders. Furthermore, by enabling broader participation and engagement, it empowers individuals, giving them a voice and a stake in organizational outcomes, thus fostering a sense of ownership and community.

The core technology that powers Hypha DAO is designed not only to support the practical needs of a decentralized organization but to drive a paradigm shift in how technology is used to enhance human collaboration, community governance, and sustainable development. This approach has the potential to influence broader sectors, promoting more democratic, transparent, and effective models of governance across various platforms and communities worldwide.

The effectiveness of Hypha DAO's technology is demonstrated through various forms of evidence, including operational data, user feedback, and comparative analyses with traditional and blockchain-based governance models. These indicators not only show that the technology works but also highlight its impacts on enhancing governance, transparency, and community engagement.

Evidence from Operational Data

Hypha DAO utilizes the EOS Mainnet, a platform known for its high transaction throughput, low latency, and flexibility in handling complex operations on the blockchain. Performance metrics from the EOS network support the efficacy of this technology in managing decentralized operations efficiently. The mainnet's ability to process transactions swiftly and at lower costs compared to competitors like Ethereum has been well-documented in various technical analyses and blockchain performance reports. This technological capability is critical for enabling real-time voting and decision-making processes within Hypha DAO, ensuring that governance is both dynamic and responsive.

User Feedback and Engagement Metrics

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence of our technology's effectiveness comes from the users themselves. Hypha DAO regularly collects and analyzes feedback from its community members, who report high levels of satisfaction with the platform's ease of use and the transparency of its processes. Engagement metrics also show a significant level of active participation in voting and other governance activities, suggesting that the technology not only works but is also effectively engaging its user base.

Feedback from community members often highlights the trust they place in the system, largely due to the immutable recording of votes and decisions on the EOS blockchain, which provides a transparent audit trail. This transparency is a fundamental improvement over traditional systems where decision-making processes can be opaque and records may be alterable.

Comparative Studies and Academic Research

While specific academic research directly focusing on Hypha DAO may still be developing, there is a wealth of scholarly work on blockchain applications in governance that supports the principles underlying our technology. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals such as the "Journal of Business Venturing" and "Electronic Commerce Research and Applications" have explored the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize organizational governance through enhanced transparency, security, and participation.

These studies provide a theoretical and empirical basis for the benefits observed with Hypha DAO's technology, offering insights into how decentralized technologies can lead to more robust and democratic governance structures.

Ronnie Potel

Relationships, Ethics, Risk & FinFlows

Franz Allmayer

Relationships, Whole Systems Integration

Alexandre Prate

Relationships, DAO Protocols & Daonomics 

Joachim Stroh

Knowledge, DAO Adoption, Storytelling & InfoFlows

Rob Hurwich

Storytelling & Info Flows, Marketing

Nikolaus Heger

Technology, Mobile Experience & EOS Smart Contracts

Arsenije Savic

Technology, Web Experience & Tools, Architecture

Luigi Carlini

Technology, Mobile, Website & Graphics Design

Massimo Bergero

Technology, Web & Graphics Design

Gerardo Hernandez

Technology, DAO Document Graph & Contracts

Aleksandar Đokić

Technology, GraphDB, GraphQL

5 years, since 2019

As a DAO, we don't adhere to nation state boundaries. Our team is global and we have members from the U.S., Mexico, Netherlands, Italy, Liechtenstein, and Bali. 

Hypha DAO operates on a decentralized business model that focuses on providing governance and collaborative solutions through blockchain technology. Our model emphasizes creating value for a wide range of stakeholders within the decentralized space, including individual participants, decentralized organizations, and partners interested in adopting decentralized and transparent operational models. 

Products and Services

The core offerings of Hypha DAO include:

1. Decentralized Governance Solutions: We provide platforms and tools that enable decentralized organizations to conduct governance in a transparent, secure, and efficient manner using blockchain technology.
2. Consultancy Services: For organizations looking to transition to a decentralized operational model, Hypha offers consultancy services that cover the planning, implementation, and management of decentralized systems.
3. Educational Resources: Hypha produces educational content and workshops to help individuals and organizations understand and leverage decentralized technologies and practices effectively.

These products and services are designed to meet the needs of our customers and beneficiaries who are looking for more democratic, transparent, and efficient ways to manage their operations and governance structures. They want or need these services because they align with the growing global shift towards decentralization in various sectors, including business, non-profits, and social enterprises.

Target Customers

Hypha DAO primarily serves three types of customers:

• Individual consumers or stakeholders (B2C): These are individuals participating directly in decentralized projects or who are interested in learning about decentralized governance.
• Organizations (B2B): Includes other decentralized autonomous organizations, startups, and existing enterprises looking to incorporate decentralized elements into their governance or operations.
• Educational and research institutions: These partners are interested in the academic and practical implications of decentralized human organizations.

Financial Sustainability Plan

Hypha DAO's approach to achieving financial sustainability is multifaceted, involving:

1. Membership Fees and Service Charges: For users and organizations utilizing the DHO platform, Hypha charges fees for access to advanced features and additional services.
2. Consulting Revenue: Income generated from consultancy services provided to organizations transitioning to decentralized models.
3. Grants and Donations: As a DAO that contributes to the public good, Hypha actively seeks grants and donations from foundations and entities interested in promoting decentralization and open governance.
4. Educational Programs and Workshops: Revenue from workshops and educational programs tailored to universities, think tanks, and other institutions.

Evidence of Success

The financial model has demonstrated success through various channels:

• Grants Received: Hypha has been awarded several grants from blockchain foundations and tech-focused philanthropic organizations, recognizing its innovation in the DAO space.
• Service Contracts ("MoUs"): We have secured multiple contracts with organizations for both the implementation of DHO platforms and consulting services, showing a strong market demand for decentralized solutions.
• Membership Growth: There has been a steady increase in paid memberships, indicating a growing community and user base finding value in Hypha’s offerings.

These elements not only showcase Hypha DAO's potential for long-term sustainability but also validate its effectiveness and demand in the market, aligning with the overall mission to revolutionize how organizations operate and govern in a decentralized world.