- Solana DEX Jupiter has suspended its DAO for the remaining part of this year
- Jupiter said the DAO’s structure “isn’t working as intended”
- The move comes a few days after the DAO members complained about the DEX’s core team having a huge JUP stash
Solana-based DEX Jupiter has suspended the operations of its DAO for the remaining part of this year, claiming that it’s not “working as intended.” Jupiter COO Kash Dhanda said the exchange is at a growth junction that requires “laser-focused” maneuvers to define the future of DeFi. Dhanda noted that there are currently “more opportunities and competition than ever before,” adding that the DAO isn’t properly aligned to handle the competition, explore new opportunities, and get Jupiter where it needs “to go next.”
Current DAO Structure Isn’t Future Ready
In an X post, Dhanda said that the DAO has been “essential to bootstrapping the community, activating hundreds of contributors, and shaping the direction of the Jupiter ecosystem” over the last 16 months.
Pausing DAO Voting to Focus on Jupiter & Jupiverse@JupiterExchange stands at the edge of an inflection point. The window to define the future of DeFi is open, but it won’t stay open for long.
Right now, we have the best product suite (Jup dot ag), the best community…
— Kash (🐱, 🐐) (@kashdhanda) June 19, 2025
He, however, noted that the exchange is at an inflection point that requires more than what the DAO has been offering. The COO disclosed that the DAO and core team have been slowly growing apart, leading to “the breakdown in trust,” lack of cohesion, and “a negative feedback loop.”
According to Dhanda, suspending DAO voting will enable the exchange to focus on enhancing its speed, growth, and execution. He added that the break will also allow it to rethink “how the DAO could best operate.”
DAO Plans to Return in 2026
Dhanda noted that pausing the DAO is not “an end to governance,” adding that it plans to return to DAO governance in 2026, but with a new model that focuses on unifying the Jupiter community. Actions that require DAO voting, such as those involving the Community Reserve and the Litterbox Trust, will also be suspended until the DAO resumes.
He added that the pause won’t affect previous decisions made by the DAO, such as the operations of existing Work Groups. The move comes barely a week after Jupiter DAO members complained about the DEX’s core team for using their huge JUP stash to influence DAO decisions.
With Jupiter pausing its DAO, it’s be seen whether the decision will divide or unite the community.
