Based on Comparative Analysis of 9 DAOs (Aragon, DAOstack, Colony, Moloch, Abridged, Kleros, Horizen, Optimism, Nouns)
Project Catalyst is one of the largest decentralized funding mechanisms in blockchain, with hundreds of millions of ADA distributed across thousands of proposals. However, the nine DAOs analyzed reveal recurring patterns that Catalyst can adopt to solve its most persistent challenges: voter fatigue, variable proposal quality, sybil risks, plutocratic tendencies, low long-term alignment, and coordination overhead.Below are eight high-impact, actionable recommendations, prioritized by feasibility and expected ROI. Each is directly grounded in lessons from the studied DAOs.
1 . Introduce a Bicameral or Hybrid Review Layer (Optimism + Horizen Model)
Recommendation: Create a second chamber — an Impact / Review House (reputation-based or expert-curated) alongside the existing stake-weighted Token House. The Review House would evaluate proposals for feasibility, impact, and alignment before they reach full voting.Why it works: Optimism’s Citizens’ House dramatically improves public-goods focus and proposal quality. Horizen’s Special Council provides security and compliance checks without centralizing power.
Implementation: Start with a pilot “Impact Review Council” of 7–11 elected members (based on past contributions or reputation). Apply it first to proposals above a certain size threshold.
2 . Adopt Ragequit / Exit Rights for Major Decisions (Moloch Model)
Recommendation: Introduce a ragequit mechanism for high-stakes treasury or constitutional proposals, allowing dissenting ADA holders to exit with a proportional share of the treasury before execution.Why it works: Moloch’s ragequit is the gold standard for minority protection and high alignment. It eliminates tyranny-of-the-majority risks and forces proposers to build genuine consensus.
Implementation: Apply it initially to proposals that allocate >5% of the treasury or involve constitutional changes.
3 . Shift Toward Continuous or Rolling Funding Streams (Nouns + Optimism Model)
Recommendation: Move from fixed large funding rounds to continuous or rolling funding streams (e.g., “Catalyst Streams” inspired by Nouns’ Flows.wtf and Optimism’s RetroPGF evolution).Why it works: Nouns proved perpetual/continuous funding dramatically improves capital efficiency and builder sustainability. Optimism’s RetroPGF rewards proven impact rather than promises.
Implementation: Pilot smaller, ongoing funding pools with expert curators and real-time impact tracking.
4 . Integrate Meritocratic Reputation Mechanisms (Colony + DAOstack Model)
Recommendation: Introduce a reputation layer alongside stake-weighted voting. Reputation earned through contributions (task completion, successful proposals, community service) would grant boosted voting power or eligibility for review roles.Why it works: Colony’s reputation-based voting (with decay to encourage ongoing participation) reduces plutocracy and promotes meritocracy. DAOstack’s Holographic Consensus shows how reputation + prediction markets can filter low-quality proposals even with low turnout.
Implementation: Start with a non-transferable reputation score that decays over time and is earned only from value-adding activities.
5 . Add Privacy and Anti-Collusion Tools (Aragon + Kleros Model)
Recommendation: Integrate privacy-enhancing technologies such as MACI (Minimum Anti-Collusion Infrastructure) or coherent voting incentives in selected funding rounds.Why it works: Aragon’s MACI and Enclave ballots prevent coercion and vote-selling. Kleros’ coherent voting with slashing rewards truthful consensus and reduces low-effort participation.
Implementation: Pilot MACI in one Catalyst round and experiment with coherent voting mechanics for proposal evaluation.
6 . Enhance Usability with No-Code and Chat-Native Interfaces (Abridged Model)
Recommendation: Integrate no-code proposal creation and messenger-native tools (Telegram/Discord bots) for submission, discussion, voting notifications, and status updates.Why it works: Abridged demonstrated that chat-native interfaces can increase participation up to 11× compared to traditional dashboards.
Implementation: Partner with or integrate tools similar to Collab.Land for Catalyst-specific bots and no-code proposal builders.
7 . Strengthen Constitutional Safeguards and Institutional Clarity (Horizen Model)
Recommendation: Ratify a lightweight Catalyst Constitution with clear values, differentiated voting thresholds (technical vs. non-technical), and limited expert oversight mechanisms.Why it works: Horizen’s Constitution + Special Council provides accountability and security without sacrificing decentralization.
Implementation: Define mission alignment, legal compliance checks, and a rotating stewardship council with narrowly scoped review powers.
8 . Tie Funding More Directly to Measurable Impact and Ecosystem Revenue (Optimism + Nouns Model)
Recommendation: Link a portion of treasury inflows or protocol revenue to RetroPGF-style impact funding and explore revenue-sharing with funded projects.Why it works: Optimism’s sequencer revenue → buyback/public-goods flywheel and Nouns’ perpetual auction model create powerful self-reinforcing alignment.
Implementation: Allocate 10–20% of future treasury growth or protocol fees to proven-impact RetroPGF rounds.
Quick-Win Priority Combination
For the highest immediate impact, implement the following three together:
Bicameral / Hybrid Review Layer
Ragequit mechanism for major decisions
Continuous funding streams + reputation layer
These changes would significantly reduce voter fatigue, improve proposal quality, strengthen alignment, and make Catalyst more resilient while preserving its core democratic strengths.
Project Catalyst’s greatest strength has always been its vibrant, passionate, and globally distributed community. As we learn from other leading DAOs, we must preserve the openness, inclusivity, and collective spirit that define us. By staying strong and united, Catalyst can evolve thoughtfully while remaining true to its core identity and becoming an even more effective decentralized funding system.
