Shipped on the CHI blockchain.social.network
A protocol for decentralized autonomous organizations: self-sovereign identity, encrypted messaging and on-chain governance, shipped as iOS, Android and web apps on the CHI blockchain.
Shipped on iOS, Android, web and desktop, with the CHI blockchain underneath.
We built the chain, the apps and the governance model, and shipped all three. That is the part I would do again.
Why it mattered
The problem
Mainstream social platforms optimized for engagement and ad revenue. Identity, governance and the rules themselves stayed with the company running the network, and in 2018 nobody was moving them into the protocol.
The approach
Build the protocol on its own chain: CHI, with delegated staking, smart contracts, an integrated treasury, on-chain governance and W3C decentralized identifiers for self-sovereign identity. The governance model organized individuals into Societies and Society leaders into a Senate.
What held up
We shipped it: iOS and Android apps in both stores, a web and desktop collaboration platform, and the CHI blockchain testnet with seven-second finality and on-chain governance. The community grew to 114,900 followers on X, and the platform drew recognition from the United Nations and the Isha Foundation.
Looking back
Then
In 2018 I wanted the governance rules to live in the protocol, so we organized people into Societies, Societies toward Intentions, and Society leaders into a Senate.
Now
Self-sovereign identity and on-chain governance are still the parts I build on.
What stayed with me
We built the chain, the apps and the governance model, and shipped all three. That is the part I would do again.
