Hey there fellow creators! This post aims to be a resource for anyone who wants to set up any kind of organization using Aragon’s technology, which released its beta just a few days ago. It’s supposed to function as a workshop in which creators find the initial guidance necessary to start experimenting with the possibilities of DAOs, the new kind of digital organizations!

The style of the guidelines that follow is very basic: someone with pretty much no knowledge of cryptocurrencies or Ethereum should get a solid understanding of the mechanics on how to create a DAO on top of Aragon following 3 simple steps.

Aragon’s beta version is now live on the Rinkeby Testnet, and here we’ll talk about that version (Aragon 0.5 — The Architect). For future deploys, we’ll make additional posts.

The Basics

What is a DAO?

DAO stands for Decentralized Autonomous Organization. It is an organization built on top of the Ethereum blockchain, a set of smart contracts that allow for organizations to operate following new governance models that will make even Silicon Valley startups seem traditional. I wrote more deeply about Decentralized Autonomous Organizations' nature here.

Benefits of a DAO

Can’t be censored

Programmable governance modules for different organization models

Tokens easily and transparently distributed

Operates under a digital jurisdiction in our current digital era

No central power can be corrupted

Easier to attract talent around the globe to contribute to the organization’s mission

Various entities: people, other orgs, software…

Transparent transactions

… many more!

What does Aragon do?

Aragon does many useful things! First and foremost, Aragon provides simple software for the setup of any organization. Within a few clicks and very little cost, you can start running a digital organization. Sounds good huh? It also provides a digital jurisdiction for governance and dispute resolution: the Aragon Network.

To understand Aragon’s mission in the crypto & DAO space, you can check a little post I made about it, or watch an awesome video released by the team!

Getting Started

So, you’ve decided you’re creating an organization in 21st century fashion? Awesome! Let’s dive into the 3 simple steps you have to follow to get started using the software that will facilitate the organization’s operations from now on.

🍼 Step 1: basic Ethereum tools

We’ll take for granted you know a little bit about what a blockchain is and what Ethereum does (if not, there’s plenty of information online for you to dive into). Yet, some tools and terms might seem confusing, so we’ll outline some very easy to follow definitions about key tools that you must know to set up a DAO.

Ether: Ethereum’s currency/token. The fees to set up the organization, vote, etc. will be paid in ether.

(Rinkeby) Testnet: Ethereum network built for testing purposes where the ether transacted is virtual; doesn’t hold real value. Aragon 0.5 — The Architect is deployed on this testnet. To get faucet funds for the Rinkeby Testnet, follow this link.

MetaMask is a browser extension that allows you to interact with Ethereum Dapps (like Aragon) directly from Chrome, Firefox or Brave. More info and installation help can be found here.

Etherscan allows you to explore and search the Ethereum blockchain for transactions, addresses, tokens, prices and other activities taking place on Ethereum. Aragon 0.5 will point us to Etherscan when we want to check transaction history of the apps, and some other activities we’ll see now.

🐣 Step 2: create the DAO

Ready to create your DAO? Visit aragon.one and click on the blue button on the top right corner that says “Try Aragon Core 0.5”. That will open up a very intuitive initial menu where you must provide the basic infrastructure of your organization.