Introduction to DAOs and the Metaverse

This unit introduces students to the business and governance concepts underpinning the metaverse, web3, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), framed through expert perspectives and case conversations. Students will separate hype from utility, examine membership and governance models, and prepare practical steps and career implications for building and leading in this new internet ecosystem.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze expert narratives and background materials (e.g., Cathy Hackl, Matt Gould) to identify at least three business opportunities and three risks associated with the metaverse and web3
• Evaluate the practical utility versus hype of web3 models by comparing and scoring at least three real-world or hypothetical use cases for DAOs and membership-based organizations
• Apply governance and product design concepts by producing a step-by-step plan for a hypothetical DAO that includes purpose, membership criteria, governance mechanisms, token/utility considerations, and a launch roadmap
• Demonstrate alignment of leadership and career development by mapping at least three relevant professional roles in the new internet (e.g., community manager, DAO facilitator, domain entrepreneur) to required skills and next-step learning activities