Orange DAO isn’t your typical accelerator. Born from a collective of Y Combinator alumni, it’s taking a decentralized approach to venture funding, where builders fund builders and the startup support model itself evolves alongside the very technologies it backs. In an industry defined by rapid disruption, Orange DAO aims to be just as agile as the Web3 founders it supports.
By bringing together experienced entrepreneurs, crypto-native tools, and a mission rooted in community governance, Orange DAO offers something few accelerators can: a fully founder-led structure that’s also decentralized in how decisions are made, investments are sourced, and mentorship is delivered. Its portfolio already includes standout projects, and its recent acquisition of Launchcaster only strengthens its commitment to empowering builders from idea to execution.
We caught up with the Orange DAO team to unpack what sets this organization apart, how it’s structured, and why the DAO model could represent a new blueprint for supporting innovation in blockchain and beyond.
What inspired the creation of Orange DAO, and what is its core mission?
Orange DAO was founded by a group of Y Combinator alumni who wanted to create a decentralized community to support and fund Web3 startups. The inspiration came from the belief that a DAO structure could provide a more collaborative and scalable way for founders to invest in and support other founders in the Web3 ecosystem.
Its core mission is to empower entrepreneurs building in Web3 by providing funding, mentorship, and a strong network of YC alumni and other contributors. It aims to leverage decentralized governance and collective expertise to drive innovation in blockchain, crypto, and decentralized technologies.
How does Orange DAO envision transforming the landscape of blockchain innovation and collaboration?
Orange DAO aims to reshape blockchain innovation by funding and supporting Web3 startups through a decentralized community of experienced founders. By leveraging its network of its own portfolio companies, A16Z crypto founders, and Y Combinator alumni, it connects entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and resources. The DAO’s collaborative approach encourages knowledge sharing and collective decision-making, helping startups grow faster and make a bigger impact in the Web3 space.
Orange DAO is a program by founders for founders. How does your background and the background of the other founders contribute to the organization’s vision?
Orange DAO is built by venture-backed alumni from the best accelerator programs in the world, founders who have successfully built and scaled startups. Their firsthand experience in fundraising, product development, and growth helps shape the DAO’s vision of supporting Web3 entrepreneurs. Because they’ve been through the challenges of building companies, they can offer valuable mentorship, funding, and connections. Their backgrounds also ensure that the DAO remains founder-friendly, focusing on practical support and real-world impact rather than just financial investment.
How is Orange DAO structured?
Orange DAO is structured as a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). It operates through governance mechanisms where members can propose and vote on initiatives, investments, and partnerships. It also has members who focus on different areas like deal sourcing, community engagement, and ecosystem growth. This decentralized structure allows Orange DAO to be agile, founder-driven, and aligned with its mission of supporting Web3 innovation.
What sets Orange DAO apart from other accelerator models?
It’s decentralized and founder-led. So, unlike traditional accelerators with centralized leadership, Orange DAO is run by venture-backed founders, ensuring that founders support other founders directly.
There’s also a focus on Web3 and DAOs. While traditional accelerators focus on startups broadly, Orange DAO is dedicated to frontier technologies like blockchain and decentralized technologies, leveraging its own DAO structure as a model.
Finally, there’s long-term ecosystem support. That means, beyond funding, Orange DAO provides ongoing mentorship, networking, and collaboration opportunities within a community of experienced entrepreneurs.
What is the application process, and what should applicants consider before applying?
The Orange DAO application process begins with founders submitting details about their Web3 startup. DAO members review applications, evaluating innovation and alignment with Web3. Shortlisted applicants may go through a community-based screening and interview process before a final decision is made. Accepted startups receive funding, mentorship, and access to the DAO’s network. Before applying, founders should ensure they have a strong focus on Web3, are open to collaboration and mentorship, understand the DAO’s community-driven governance model, and seek long-term support beyond just funding.
How does Orange DAO foster an active and engaged community, and what role do members play in the organization’s evolution?
Orange DAO fosters an active and engaged community by encouraging members to participate in decision-making, mentorship, and funding initiatives. Members contribute by reviewing applications, mentoring founders, sourcing deals, and voting on key proposals. The DAO also hosts events, discussions, and working groups to keep engagement high. Since governance is decentralized, members play a direct role in shaping the DAO’s direction, ensuring it evolves to meet the needs of Web3 founders and stays aligned with its mission of supporting innovation.
What are some of the standout projects or initiatives that Orange DAO is currently working on?
Aside from the Fellowship, Orange DAO has acquired Launchcaster, a platform that has facilitated thousands of project launches and attracted over 15,000 crypto builders. This acquisition aligns with Orange DAO’s mission to empower builders and accelerate their journey from idea to execution, maintaining Launchcaster as a public good for all founders.
Can you share a recent success story or milestone that demonstrates Orange DAO’s impact on the digital asset space?
Orange DAO has recently achieved significant milestones that underscore its impact on the digital asset space. Notably, it has made substantial investments in innovative companies like Lantern Finance, Acre (Financial Services), and Wintermute, reflecting its commitment to advancing financial software solutions within the crypto industry.
As the crypto landscape continues to evolve and with the U.S. government’s creation of the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and the White House hosting a Crypto Summit, what are your thoughts on how the government may impact crypto innovation, legitimization, and adoption?
Government actions like the creation of a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and the White House Crypto Summit signal a shift toward greater legitimacy and institutional involvement in crypto. This could have both positive and challenging effects on innovation and adoption.
On the positive side, increased government recognition could drive institutional investment, mainstream adoption, and regulatory clarity, reducing uncertainty for startups and investors. Clearer frameworks could also encourage responsible innovation and integration with traditional finance.
However, regulatory risks remain. Overly restrictive policies or unclear regulations could slow down innovation, particularly in DeFi, privacy-focused technologies, and decentralized governance models. Striking the right balance between regulation and innovation will be crucial.
For Web3 founders and organizations like Orange DAO, staying adaptable and engaged with policymakers will be key to shaping a crypto-friendly regulatory environment that fosters growth while maintaining the decentralized ethos of blockchain.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.