(Though its ubiquitous, plenty of people still dont even know what blockchain is.

If youre one of them, stop and read an explainerhere.)

The latest tech trend is the formation of decentralized autonomous organizations, or DAOs.

Artists, charities, and businesses are forming DAOs, but anybody can.

Recently the Republic of the Marshall Islands evenpassed a lawgiving them the same legal standing as LLCs.

There are benefits to starting or joining one, and doing so may be easier than you think.

What is a DAO?

The organizations are accountable to members and shareholders and, in essence, managers and executives are unnecessary.

Members do still have jobs that are based on their skills and the organizations objectives overall.

Small, autonomous groups called guilds often form within each DAO and tackle specific goals and problems.

Very simply, a DAO is a collective.

Its tied to Big Green, an existing food justice charity that made over $9 million in 2019.

Theres a lot of money there, and the DAO members get to decide together how its used.

The thing that makes it a DAO is if the bylaws are incorporated on blockchain.

Thats the difference between a DAO and a normal company.

you could get together with a bunch of friends and vote on how youll spend your money.

You dont need to be a company.

How do you join a DAO?

you could join one DAO and ask questions, says Lurie.

Lets go back to Big Green DAO.

When you donate to the organization, you get an email with an invitation to join the Discord group.

Check out a list of other DAOs onDAOListorDeepDAOto find one that matches up with your personal passions.

They might have charters or other documents you might read before joining the Discord or otherwise engaging.

How do you form your own DAO?

We have a cryptocurrency glossaryhereand an explainer on how to create your own cryptocurrencyhere.

Should you form a DAO?

Just because you might form a DAO doesnt mean you should.

Each state carries different regulations, and its important to research different states to ensure the laws are clear.

At the moment, anyone can create one.

Be careful of the legalities depending where youre living.