Introducing Cardano Builder DAO

A purpose-built, Smart Contract DAO-governed funding mechanism for projects advancing Cardano's 2030 Vision KPIs.

Our Members

Our Mission & Scope

The Cardano Builder DAO's mission is to grow on-chain activity and adoption of Cardano in alignment with Cardano's 2030 Vision. This emphasis on tangible metrics and established projects distinguishes us from other funding structures.


Funding High-Impact Initiatives

Through semi-annual budget proposals, the DAO distributes resources to projects that can demonstrate KPI growth that aligns with Cardano's objectives.

Community Collaboration & Accountability

By openly sharing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), funded projects remain accountable to both the DAO and the broader Cardano community.

Empowerment Through Decentralization

Governance decisions, including funding requests to treasury withdrawals, go through transparent voting processes enforced by on-chain smart contracts, ensuring that no single group can unilaterally control funds.

Goals & Key Performance Indicators

KPIs

All funded projects must commit to tracking one standardized Cardano 2030 KPI. These include TVL, MAU, and transactions. In addition, projects can elect to track additional KPIs that are relevant to their specific project (downloads, etc.).

Project Growth

Provide funding for development, and growth for proven projects building on Cardano. The goal of all funded projects is to become profitable and self-sustaining, so future projects can achieve the same through Cardano Builder DAO.

Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

Cultivate a community where expertise, accountability, and feedback flow among Cardano builders. Leverage each other's success to create a growth flywheel for Cardano.

Governance Structure

1 Member, 1 Vote

Each member (project) has one vote, ensuring that no single group has an outsized impact on deciding which projects receive funding.

Funding Requests

Proposals for funding undergo a rigorous review process and are directly compared with each other, then voted on by the builders themselves. Only the projects that demonstrate the strongest potential for success and impact will receive funding.

Treasury Withdrawals

Every 6 months, on-chain treasury withdrawal proposals are submitted as roll-ups of the approved funding requests. 51% of all DAO members must approve before smart contracts release the funds. To date, CB DAO treasuries have distributed over 11M ADA directly on-chain.

2025-2026 Roadmap

We are set to support and sustain Cardano's evolving dApp ecosystem. Here's a brief look at our yearly operating cycle:

Initial Membership Cohort Approval (July 2025)

Governance Actions #7-19

Semi-Annual Funding Polls (August 2025)

Governance Actions #24-50

Treasury Withdrawal & Funding Distribution 1 (September 2025)

Governance Action
On-chain Distribution

Additional Membership Cohort Approval (January 2026)

Governance Actions #3-10

Semi-Annual Funding Polls (February 2026)

Governance Actions #12-40

Treasury Withdrawal & Funding Distribution 2 (March 2026)

Governance Action
On-chain Distribution

Sunset DAO (July 2026)

This rhythm ensures that critical governance actions—from membership approvals to distributing funds—are conducted in a predictable, transparent manner.

Building the Future Together

If you're Building on Cardano, the CB DAO invites you to:


  • Join as a Member: If you have a functional dApp that needs funding to grow, expertise, or both.
  • Participate in Governance: Any entity with an approved Catalyst proposal can vote on DAO governance actions, including funding requests.
  • Champion Ecosystem Adoption: Support the next generation of dApps working to bring real users, higher TVL, and vibrant on-chain activity to Cardano.

By working together under a clear, rational, and forward-thinking framework, the CB DAO aims to grow on-chain activity and adoption of Cardano.