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Initial consultation:
We analyse your project goals and community setup, define the purpose of your DAO or DeFi protocol and determine the suitable legal structure (association or foundation). -
Structuring and documentation:
We structure and document your DAO or DeFi project, draft all required governance and corporate documents and ensure that your setup complies with Swiss law. -
Incorporation:
We incorporate your chosen legal entity, manage the submission process and provide guidance throughout the formation procedure. -
Legal protection:
We ensure your DAO or DeFi legal wrapper protects founders, contributors and token holders through clear liability allocation and compliant governance documentation. -
Feedback round:
We review and discuss all drafts with you, incorporate feedback and finalise the legal framework for launch. -
Additional services:
On request, we can support you in governance token design, DAO voting frameworks or coordination with technical teams and regulators (not included in the fixed price).
Are you looking to start a DAO or set up a legally compliant structure for your DeFi project?
We help you create a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) and design a decentralized structure that fits your project’s governance, treasury and community goals. Whether you want to launch a DAO on the blockchain, build a business around DeFi or simply learn how to create a DAO, our experts provide the legal, technical and operational foundation you need.
What is a DAO?
A DAO (short for Decentralized Autonomous Organization) is a new type of organization built on the blockchain. Unlike a traditional organization such as a company, which depends on a central management team (f.ex. board, CEO, management), a DAO is governed collectively by its members through a governance token and a blockchain-based voting process.
A decentralized autonomous organization is a structure that runs transparently, automatically and without centralized control. Members of a DAO can create a proposal, vote on it and directly shape decisions within the DAO.
Some DAO systems work with on-chain smart contracts that execute decisions automatically, while others rely on hybrid models combining a centralized interface with decentralized decision-making. This means that members of a DAO always have a clear influence on what your DAO deems important.
Typical real-world use cases for DAOs include:
- Investment DAO: pooling capital to invest in startups or NFTs.
- Collective ownership DAO: Owning digital or real assets together.
- Service DAO: Groups of freelancers, such as development teams, working together.
- Grants DAO: Funding developers or public goods.
Our service packages
Service package 1:
Set up of DAO / DeFi legal wrapper
A fixed price starting at CHF 4,000 (plus VAT)
Usually 3 to 5 weeks, depending on complexity and chosen legal form.
For blockchain teams, protocol founders, and DeFi project leaders seeking to establish a compliant and scalable legal foundation for their DAO or DeFi initiative in Switzerland.
- Legal clarity: You receive a compliant legal wrapper that gives your DAO or DeFi project formal legal status.
- Risk reduction: Clearly defined rights and liabilities minimise exposure for founders and contributors.
- Governance security: Legally sound DAO governance structures ensure transparent and effective decision-making.
- Investor readiness: A compliant structure builds credibility with investors, partners and exchanges.
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Legal certainty
Service package 2:
Post-incorporation support
Hourly rates or custom pricing
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Token and governance documentation:
We prepare or review your token terms, DAO participation agreements and privacy policies to ensure full legal coverage. -
Compliance and regulatory alignment:
We support you in regulatory filings and preparing a FINMA no-action letter if required. -
Operational setup:
We assist with service agreements, contribution contracts and other operational documents to help you manage your DAO or DeFi entity effectively. -
Ongoing legal support:
We remain available post-launch to advise on governance updates, treasury management and protocol evolution.
Usually 2 to 4 weeks, depending on project complexity and scope of documentation.
For existing DAOs, DeFi protocols and Web3 companies seeking continuous legal protection and compliance after incorporation.
- Full compliance: Your DAO or DeFi project operates under clear, regulator-approved documentation.
- Long-term stability: Ongoing legal oversight helps maintain a solid governance and compliance framework.
- Growth readiness: You gain a sustainable legal base to expand your DAO or DeFi protocol globally.
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Avoidance of legal disputes
How can Vectra Advisors help?
Vectra Advisors are your first choice for advice on questions about DAO and DeFi setup. Our LAWYERS+ will provide you with uncomplicated and pragmatic support for every issue. Get in touch with us to get started!
Your contact for this topic:
Book a non-binding and free call with us:
FAQ: DAO & DeFi Setup
A DAO is a community-led organization that operates transparently on the blockchain, without central leadership. It is a system where members of a DAO can vote on decisions for the DAO using a token.
To start a DAO, you first need to decide the type of DAO you want to build, set up your DAO governance and deploy code that executes votes automatically.
A DAO and a traditional organization differ because the former is decentralized, transparent and community-driven. DAO and the DeFi ecosystem together give you a popular alternative to make decisions collectively.
Yes — how your DAO will generate revenue depends on what your DAO deems important, but many DAO systems work with on-chain revenue models, fees or community tokens.
Absolutely. To set up a DAO properly, you’ll need a clear legal and technical framework that defines the responsibilities of DAO governance, treasury rules and token management.
