Which year did Dash launch?

As a keen observer of the cryptocurrency landscape, I'm particularly fascinated by the emergence and evolution of various digital currencies. Among them, Dash stands out as a notable contender in the race for mainstream adoption. But I'm curious to know, which year did Dash launch? Was it a response to the rise of Bitcoin or was it a separate initiative from the very beginning? Understanding the timeline of Dash's launch could help me gauge its impact and potential for future growth in the crypto space. So, if you could enlighten me on this matter, I would greatly appreciate it.