Who created the DAO?

Could you elaborate on the origins of the Decentralized Autonomous Organization, or DAO, and who was the driving force behind its creation? Given the significance of this concept in the crypto world, I'm curious to understand the backstory. Was it a collaboration of multiple individuals or a singular genius who conceptualized this decentralized entity? What were the initial motivations and aspirations behind the DAO's development? Your insights into this matter would greatly enrich my understanding of the crypto landscape.