Launch Aragon OS DAOs on Optimism

Commons Stack
Commons Stack
Published in
5 min readSep 25, 2023

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Own DAO on Optimism Using the Aragon OS Framework

Aragon OS now on Optimism!

We’re thrilled to announce that Commons Stack and Blossom Labs have brought Aragon OS to the Optimism network! This makes the robust and tried-and-tested AragonDAO formation and management tooling available on Optimism for the first time!

Aragon OS is a widely acclaimed open-source DAO framework. It has been used to deploy DAOs since 2018 and has secured over $6 billion across more than 5,000 DAOs. Using the Aragon OS, you can easily create and vote on proposals, manage funds, change smart contract permissions, and set up novel governance structures in a truly decentralized manner.

Many DAOs use a multisig, which is not truly decentralized. Decisions are usually made on tools like Snapshot or Tally and are executed by a multisig. This structure requires a lot of trust in the multisig signers and has a larger attack layer compared to an Aragon DAO where token holders are directly connected to the treasury (i.e., multisig signers could abstain from executing the community decision). With Aragon OS, no one can stop the DAO from executing the will of the token holders. Moreover, the DAO allows for creative governance design mechanisms including reputation voting, thanks to its capacity to interact with two tokens.

Additionally, DAOs will soon be able to effortlessly deploy an Augmented Bonding Curve on Optimism! We are actively working on the development of the ABC Launchpad, a tool that will empower any DAO to easily establish regenerative economies and govern their mission. Learn more about ABC here.

Why Launch an Aragon OS DAO on Optimism?

Choosing the right platform for your DAO is crucial. It determines the efficiency of your operations and the overall experience for your members. The deployment of the Aragon OS on the Optimism chain offers several advantages:

  • True decentralization: Most DAOs are actually centralized, relying on a trusted multisig to execute the token holders’ votes. Aragon OS DAOs are uncensorable. When the token holders vote to take action, no one can stop the execution.
  • Tried and tested DAO codebase: The Aragon OS codebase has been around for nearly 5 years, has secured $6 billion across more than 5,000 DAOs, and has never been hacked.
  • No-coding required: With a user-friendly interface, non-technical users can launch their own DAO on Optimism without the need for a developer.
  • Upgradeability: Aragon OS was designed to be extensible, allowing for seamless governance and economic upgrades, such as adding a second token or a bonding curve.

Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need:

✅ Wallet with Optimism network
✅ Small amount of ETH on Optimism
✅ Basic understanding of DAO mechanics

Step-by-Step Guide to Launching an Aragon OS DAO on Optimism

1. Create an organization.

First, go to https://optimism.aragon.blossom.software/#/.

Connect your wallet. Make sure it is on the Optimism network.

2. Choose your DAO template.

There are three pre-configured templates available: Company, Membership, and Reputation. Select the one that aligns with your organization’s plan for token distribution.

3. Claim a name for your DAO.

Use a unique name and check its availability. Remember, once the DAO is launched, the name cannot be changed.

4. Configure your DAO settings.

The configuration process entails two main parts: voting parameters and token parameters.

  • Voting Parameters: Define how decisions are made, including support and minimum approval thresholds and the vote duration.
  • Token Parameters: Set up details such as the token name and token symbol. Add initial members to define the initial distribution of the token. If you use the Company and Reputation templates, you will specify the balance to be distributed to each member.

5. Review all your DAO information before launch.

Thoroughly check all the information and configurations to ensure accuracy. Confirm that all members have been added with the correct balances.

6. Launch your DAO.

Once all configurations are set and reviewed, proceed to launch your DAO. A small gas fee will be required to complete the transaction. Ensure you have sufficient ETH on Optimism in your connected wallet to cover this fee. It may take 10–20 minutes before your DAO’s user interface is ready to be used.

7. Congratulations, your DAO is now live on the Optimism chain!

Engage with your community, drive your mission forward, and make the most of the decentralized governance model.

The journey of creating a DAO can be intricate, but with the right tools and guidance, it becomes a rewarding endeavor. By launching a DAO using the Aragon OS on Optimism, you’re not only truly decentralizing your community, but you’re also giving your community a safe and upgradable foundation that can evolve with your needs.

There’s more in store: We’re preparing to roll out the ABC Launchpad on Optimism! This will enable Aragon OS DAOs to deploy an Augmented Bonding Curve (ABC) and further enhance the flexibility and financial dynamics of DAOs, making resource allocation more efficient and adaptive. Stay tuned!

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Commons Stack
Commons Stack

We provide blueprints and tools for impact communities to realize economic sustainability and shared resource governance.