Decentralized Autonomous Organizations: A Conversation With MetaFactory’s Drew Harding

The following is an interview we recently had with Drew Harding, Co-Founder of MetaFactory.

What's your background? How did you get involved in crypto/blockchain?

DH: I have founded multiple software startups with the primary being two web & mobile application development agencies: neonroots.com and rootstrap.com. We built on-demand services, mobile games, eCommerce shops, content publishing platforms, augmented reality applications and more. I made the shift to blockchain full time in early 2017 and have been working across a variety of roles and projects in the Ethereum ecosystem including Pillar Wallet, Blocknative, MetaCartel, MetaFactory and more. 

What value does MetaFactory bring to users? 

DH: In terms of the value that MetaFactory provides, we believe that token permissioned merch drops and/or physical merch as a token distribution channel present exciting, tangible opportunities for building community and network effect. We have built the platform to enable that experience, but more importantly, we have streamlined a process to easily produce, sell and fulfill merchandise on behalf of projects/artists with no hassle or cost to the creator. Additionally, by operating as a DAO, we are re-inventing the relationship between brand and consumer, while blending digital and physical realities. 

Where do you see MetaFactory five years from now?

DH: It's hard to guess where MetaFactory will be in five years. That's the tricky thing about building new technology and even more so, when experimenting with new social structures and dynamics. It's important to remain flexible enough to adapt to changing trends and opportunities, while staying focused on the core mission. For MetaFactory, that mission is celebrating crypto culture, making fun realities, and pushing the needle on community-owned projects. Inevitably, the future is defined and shaped by the MetaFactory community and $ROBOT token holders. 

What are the most common misconceptions you hear about decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs)? 

DH: Many people believe that human coordination challenges can be solved by simply applying better technology. They see decentralized governance as a technology problem. However, human coordination is fundamentally a social challenge. New technology can provide us with better tools, but it's important to keep in mind the human/social/emotional dynamics of community building and organization. 

What’s next for decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) in 2021?

DH: 2020 saw tremendous growth in the social/community/personal token space and I believe that trend will see continued strength in 2021. Decentralized governance is an important element of cultivating a strong community that elevates involvement beyond passive participation. DAOs, tokens and smart contracts provide us with the tools to capture and distribute value based on ongoing, active contribution. In turn, I expect them to continue to revolutionize the relationship between company and worker / owner and consumer.