DAO Revenue Streams: How Protocols Pay Community Members

·

DAOs are redefining how value flows to stakeholders. Unlike traditional companies, DAOs have multiple ways to reward token holders and contributors.

DAO revenue distribution models
Multiple paths to earning from protocol ownership

Key Takeaways

  • DAOs distribute revenue via fees, buybacks, or treasury distributions
  • Real revenue protocols (GMX, Curve) offer sustainable yields
  • Lock-ups often required for revenue sharing (veCRV, veBAL)
  • Contributors can earn through grants, bounties, and ongoing work
  • Evaluate revenue sustainability before buying governance tokens