Key Points
- Realms is spinning off from Solana Labs into Realms Today Trust, launching a forked version of SPL-Governance with a $200K grants program called R.E.D. (Realms Ecosystem DAO) to support Solana DAOs.
- The platform is expanding its services to include DAO banking services, credit cards, and a dedicated accelerator program, with 21 major protocols already participating as member DAOs.
In a significant move for Solana’s DAO infrastructure, Realms is separating from Solana Labs to form Realms Today Trust, marking another step in Solana’s ecosystem decentralization efforts. The announcement comes with the launch of an ambitious new grants program and expanded services for DAO development.
New Leadership and Strategic Direction
The newly formed entity brings together industry veterans, including Dean from DeansList, Sebastian (formerly at Solana Labs), Jose from BCB, and Adrian from Mango. Under this leadership, Realms is pivoting from its one-size-fits-all approach to developing purpose-built, composable interfaces tailored to specific DAO use cases.
R.E.D. Launch: A $200K Commitment to DAO Development
The Realms Ecosystem DAO (R.E.D.) launches with an initial $200,000 allocation for Solana-based DAOs. This initiative aims to decentralize public goods funding and create a collaborative space for ecosystem development. The program has already attracted 21 prominent member DAOs, including Mango, Jito, Marinade, and BONK, selected based on their previous contributions to the SPL-Governance codebase and active ecosystem participation.
Comprehensive Service Expansion
Realms is significantly broadening its service offerings beyond governance infrastructure. New services include DAO trust and banking services, addressing the crucial need for streamlined incorporation processes. The platform is also introducing DAO credit cards backed by treasury funds, making fiat payment interactions more efficient for decentralized organizations.
The expansion includes an accelerator program, which has already launched with two projects, FoSho and Marshmallow. Additionally, Realms will provide advisory services through a network of DAO professionals, helping organizations navigate the complex landscape of decentralized governance.
“The goal is to pioneer a sustainable model for public goods funding while providing new projects with resources for funding, mentorship, and support,” said Dean Pappas, one of the platform’s leaders. This vision builds on an idea first discussed at AthensDAO in 2022 by Emon Motamedi, Head of the Solana Incubator at Solana Labs.
The platform will continue developing its no-code DAO builder while offering customization options for organizations seeking tailored solutions, as demonstrated by their recent collaboration with BONK on a custom voter UI.
