The DAO Delegation Handbook V1
  • Introduction
  • Part 1: Structuring and Growing DAO Delegates
    • Summary
    • Understanding Delegation
    • The Strategic Value of Professional Delegates
    • Case Studies & Industry Benchmarks
      • 1inch
      • Uniswap
      • Push DAO
      • Optimism
      • Sky
      • Lido DAO
      • Gnosis DAO
      • Arbitrum
      • Aave
      • Rari DAO
      • Paraswap DAO
      • Polygon
      • Key Takeaways from Delegate Programs
    • Reframing Compensation
    • Effective Delegate Program Design
      • Delegation Infrastructure
      • Community Engagement & Visibility
      • Accountability & Performance Standards
      • Transparency & Reporting
      • Diversity & Governance Balance
    • Sustaining & Evolving Delegate Programs
    • Ready, Set, Delegate!
    • Appendices
      • Legal Considerations
      • FAQs
      • Glossary
      • Resources
      • Templates
      • Tutorials
  • Part 2: The Delegate´s Roadmap
    • Summary
    • Becoming a DAO Delegate
    • Getting Started: Laying the Foundation
    • Establishing Your Delegate Profile
    • Core Responsibilities of a Delegate
    • Essential Tools for DAO Delegates
    • Exemplary Delegate Practices and Case Studies
    • Scaling Your Impact as a Delegate
    • The Future of DAO Delegation
    • Appendices
      • Legal Considerations
      • FAQs
      • Glossary
      • Resources
      • Templates
      • Tutorials
  • About StableLab
Powered by GitBook
On this page
  • Overview
  • Compensation Structure & Eligibility
  • Governance & Oversight
  • Implementation Plan & Timeline
  • Key Takeaways
  • Further Resources
  1. Part 1: Structuring and Growing DAO Delegates
  2. Case Studies & Industry Benchmarks

1inch

Overview

In May 2023, 1inch DAO launched the Recognized Delegates Program (RDP) to improve governance, attract top delegates, and cut costs. Co-authored by StableLab and DAOplomats, it introduced structured incentives to retain delegates and encourage new participants.

After a successful pilot, it was renewed in March 2024 with a tiered rewards model to boost participation and decentralization.

Compensation Structure & Eligibility

Initial Pilot (May 2023 – Nov 2023)

  • Budget: $50,000 USDC for 6 months.

  • Compensation: $4,000 USDC/month per delegate.

  • Eligibility:

    • Minimum 500,000 1INCH voting weight required.

    • Minimum 80% voting participation.

    • Delegates must publicly communicate their governance decisions and rationales.

Renewed Program (March 2024 – March 2025)

  • Budget: $100,000 USDC for 12 months.

  • Tiered Compensation Model:

    • Tier 3: $4,000/month – Highly active, top-tier governance delegates (StableLab, DAOplomats).

    • Tier 2: $500/month – Active mid-sized delegates.

    • Tier 1: $100/month – New and smaller delegates.

  • Expanded eligibility:

    • Introduced lower delegation thresholds to allow smaller delegates to participate.

    • Michigan Blockchain, FranklinDAO, and Curia were included in the program with a path to promotion upon reaching the required delegation weight.

Governance & Oversight

  • DAOplomats and StableLab continue as Tier 3 Recognized Delegates, setting governance standards.

  • The tiered model ensures fairer distribution of incentives and prevents concentration of power.

  • The DAO has committed to reviewing governance speed and delegate retention to maintain engagement.

Implementation Plan & Timeline

  • Q2 2023 – 1IP #29: Recognized Delegates Program passed a Snapshot vote.

  • Q2 – Q4 2023 – Pilot phase with StableLab and DAOplomats compensated for governance contributions.

  • Q1 2024 – 1IP #54: Renewal Proposal approved, extending the program for 12 months with a $100,000 USDC budget.

  • Q1 2024 – Q1 2025 – Ongoing monthly evaluations, tiered delegate structure, and program refinements.

Key Takeaways

  • 1inch DAO successfully implemented structured delegate incentives, aligning with DAOs like Aave & Compound.

  • The program expanded in 2024, introducing a tiered system to encourage broader participation.

  • By enforcing voting and communication standards, 1inch DAO significantly increased governance efficiency and participation.

  • The Recognized Delegates Program has strengthened decentralization, setting a model for future governance incentives.

Further Resources

  • Guide: How to delegate or revoke your voting power for 1inch governance

PreviousCase Studies & Industry BenchmarksNextUniswap

Last updated 26 days ago

Page cover image